Chapter 3: Hidden Feelings Under the Mask

2 weeks later

Erik stood in the snow with no cloak on just his usual attire. He closed his eyes and stood with a staggered stance as, he shifted his weight to the opposite leg after a period of time standing on each.

" What made him do this?" asked Madame Doux

" He came back from Madame Giry's and he's been acting strange," Madame Amical stated

Erik knelt down and picked up a fine black cane and walked with it. His limp on his right side was noticeable, which made him feel worse than he already did. He made his way back to the apartment house and tapped the snow off his boots.

" Erik are you alright?" both old women asked

Erik nodded and made his way upstairs using the black cane, his wounds still tender and fresh made him struggle as he did anything normal. Perle looked at him as he stared at himself in the mirror.

" Erik," she said

He turned around and looked at Perle and she walked over to him. He knelt down with the cane at hand.

" What is wrong?" he asked

" I had a bad dream," she said, " I didn't hear you singing so I thought you ran away."

" I would never do that," Erik said, " I would take you with me."

A smile kissed the young girl's lips, and Erik gently lifted her into his arms.

" Your ok Erik, you can pick me up," she said

" I am," he said, " Now, will you help me do something?"

" This late?" she asked

" Yes," Erik said, " I have to pick out something to wear to the masquerade."

" Is that tomorrow?" she asked

" Yes," he replied

She nodded and touched his disfigured half and smiled.

" What mask will you wear?" she asked

" The only one I have," Erik said, " The only one I'm known for."

Perle nodded and kissed his cheek and they walked together in the room stepping over the other children. Erik pulled out several styles of clothing and Perle pulled out the finest one he had. The black attire, his infamous black attire.

" Erik, this one," she said

Erik smiled and lifted the black dinner attire, he had found also the long black cloak he had worn in the opera house. The gold silk lining and the soft fabric brought memories back.

" Yes, this is it," he whispered

That night he slept leaned against the wall as Perle laid her head in his lap. She nestled close to Erik and fell asleep to his lullaby.

The next morning there was only endless rustling of 6 kids. Madame Doux and Madame Amical took turns making breakfast and going daily shopping. Erik woke up and saw Perle was still asleep, he gently laid her down. He got up using the cane and walked downstairs, he stepped down carefully, then walked to the table.

" Erik is awake," the children chirped

" Good morning Erik, I trust you slept well?" Madame Doux said

" Very much so," he said

" The Masquerade is tonight are you going?" she asked

" Yes, I was prepared to go," he said

" You will take a carriage won't you?" she asked

"It's all arranged," Erik said

He said grace and ate and the children looked at him as he picked at his food. Madame Doux sighed and went on with cleaning. Madame Amical came in just as Erik walked out. Erik looked around and notice someone coming into the ghetto.

" Erik," a voice said

He looked at the young woman unsure of who she was, but she called him by his name. She removed her hood of her cloak and Erik realized it was Meg.

" Here, mother wished for me to bring these to you," Meg said

Erik looked at the basket that Meg was holding, he took it.

" It's a little something for your healing," Meg said

Erik nodded and Meg looked at him. She pulled something from her cloak and grabbed his hand.

" If you decide to come, here is a second invitation," Meg said

Erik looked at the small envelope and saw the seal of the de Chagny, that shut it. He nodded and looked up at Meg.

" Do consider," Meg said

" Why is it that you wish for me to go so badly Mademoiselle?" he asked

" It would be a great opportunity to see Christine," Meg replied

Erik nodded and said, " I almost thought it was because you needed an escort."

" I know how you feel about Christine, it's in your eyes Erik," Meg said

She said her good-byes and went off and Erik took a deep breath. He looked in the basket and saw some fresh, hot bread nestled in the basket. Madame Amical and Madame Doux peeked outside seeing Erik.

" I wonder," Madame Amical said

" There you go wondering again," Madame Doux remarked

Madame Amical chuckled and said, " I don't think there's much interest in the young woman he loved before. There enters another."

" Here he comes," Madame Amical said pulling Madame Doux off the foot stool

Erik walked in and walked into the kitchen and the two old women stood there.

" What do you have there Erik?" they asked

" Madame Giry sent some fresh bread," he said

" I see and what is that envelope?" Madame Doux asked

" An invitation to a masquerade, for tonight," Erik said, " The one I will already be attending."

Madame Amical looked at Erik as he turned the envelope around several times. He slipped the invitation in his coat pocket.

" What are you wearing?" Madame Amical asked

" A black attire and my white mask to cover flaws," he replied

As the morning wore down Erik stood watching the children, playing with the others that were in the ghetto. Erik stood straight not using the cane, he was trying to present himself as strong as he was three months ago. He did not wish for anyone to ask him other wise, especially Christine. Perle ran over to him and he smiled at her, then picked her up.

" Erik, when do you have to go?" she asked

" I will be leaving later and return late, do not wait for me just sleep," he said

" How can I? Your going to a masquerade. I want to know everything, the dinning, the decorations, the music. You must tell me everything when you get back," Perle said

" When the morning comes I will tell you," he said

She smiled and hugged him tight and he put her down, she went of and played. Erik watched her and could only imagine to himself, what this masquerade held for him.

That evening Erik dressed and looked at himself in the mirror and nodded. He slipped the white mask on and fixed his hair. He walked down carefully without his cane and Madame Amical looked at him, slipping the invitation around his wrist.

" Don't worry about a thing, have a good time Erik," Madame Amical said

" Make plenty of young ladies cry Erik," a little boy said

" Never let a woman cry," Madame Doux said

He wrapped his black cloak around him and walked out, there he met the carriage outside the ghetto.

" Have a good time," they called

Erik climbed into the carriage and they were off to the masquerade. Erik watched as the scenery changed and he became nervous, finding that this was going to be the first time away from where he stayed.

When he arrived Erik got down and walked towards the door. He heard the music coming from the large estate and he took a deep breath. He walked in and looked at the elaborate decorations in the ballroom of the estate. It was a sight he could only compare to the opera house's masquerade. Erik ventured into the ballroom, he watched those who danced and looked around for the hostess and host of the party. Erik walked around and watched as people stared at him and whispered. His alertness dimmed and he felt himself relax a little. He enjoyed the company of the many that came to speak to him. Erik danced many times with the young women that accepted his proposal.

Madame Giry and Meg arrived a hour after and entered the ballroom.

" Oh, there's Christine," Meg said

Meg walked over and tapped Christine's shoulder.

" It's good to see you Meg," Christine said

" Your looking rather well Christine," Meg said

The two young women walked around catching up and looked about the honored guest. Roul came down from speaking with several business men, he kissed Christine's cheek.

" Roul, you remember Meg," Christine said

" I believe so," Roul said

Meg smiled and gave curtsy, then went off and walked about. She heard many of the young women standing on the side watching someone. Meg became interested and slightly wedged herself into the circle.

" Who is he?" one said

" I don't know," another said

Someone got in front of her as she was trying to see who they were talking about. Meg walked around to see and then everyone started clapping. She stood up on her toes to see over the crowd. She could only see the tail of a man's black coat, and when she got a look, he turned around.

" Meg," Christine called

Meg looked over at Christine and walked over to her.

" You seem to have a very popular guest this evening," Meg remarked

" So, I have heard," Christine said with a smile

" Excuse me ladies," Roul said, " I promised several dances with my beautiful wife."

Meg smiled and said, " Of course, go right ahead."

Christine walked with Roul and joined the other's in the waltz. Meg smiled as she watched the host and hostess dance, they just seemed to shine brightly. More so now then in the past, they were happy together.

" A dance Mademoiselle?" a deep voice from behind asked

Meg turned around and looked at who stood before her. His hand was extended and Meg nodded. She took his hand and he led her to the dance floor.

" You came," Meg said

" I had already made plans to come," Erik said

They joined into the flow of those who danced and Meg looked up at Erik.

" Your shaking," he said

" I'm cold," she replied

Erik looked down at her and Meg had a chill run down her spine. It was not because she was scared, she felt nervous. Erik gently pulled her a little close, closing the gap between them. Meg blushed a little and looked at those around and saw the same chattering young women.

" Those young women are admiring you from afar," Meg said

" They do not appeal to me," Erik said

" But you'll break their hearts if you don't dance with them," Meg said

Erik looked over Meg's shoulder and saw Christine. She glistened as she danced and he had almost forgotten who he was dancing with. A hand rested on his face and he glanced down at his companion. The music stopped and Meg curtsied and Erik led her off the dance floor. Madame Giry looked at Meg as she wrapped her arm around Erik's, she gave a sigh.

There were several invites to dance, but Erik did not take them. He was amused by the others that danced. Erik watched the young couples dance and he walked around holding a glass of the finest glass of Champagne. He took every smell, every site in so he could tell the young children about his experience.

As evening became late, Erik had danced with 6 different young women, but when they spoke of seeing him again, he turned their invite away. He knew they would disapprove of him if they knew what laid under the half mask.

" Erik," Madame Giry called

Erik turned around and gave a polite bow, then kissed her hand.

" Have you spoken to Christine since you've came?" Madame Giry asked

" No, I haven't seen her," Erik replied

" She's right behind you," Madame Giry said

Christine was talking to one of the young women he had danced with, he walked over and looked at Christine.

" Christine," he said softly

Christine turned around and stared at Erik. A small smile touched her lips and Erik lifted her hand, then kissed it.

" I see you did get the invitation," Christine said, " I'm glad Erik."

" Thank you," he said, " You have helped me so much."

" I haven't stopped thinking about you since I saw you at the cemetery," she said

Erik looked at her and said, " As have I."

" Can I have one dance Erik, this time?" she asked

Erik looked at Christine and put out his hand and she placed her hand into his. His hand clasped over hers and he led her to the middle where everyone watched. She curtsied and he bowed, the music began and Erik and Christine stepped by stepped. There was no loss of eye contact from them.

Once the music stopped Erik kissed her hand and Christine looked at him.

" I will be taking my leave," Erik said, " Thank you."

" Erik…you are welcome to come by anytime," Christine said

Erik nodded and said, " Someday Madame."

Erik walked off and Christine smiled and shook her head. Madame Giry and Meg watched him leave, so abruptly. Erik got into the carriage and was brought back, he walked the rest of the way. He opened the door and hung his cloak and looked around at the fire in the fireplace. He walked towards it and heard a soft moan.

" Erik," a soft voice said

Erik turned around and saw Perle sleeping on the floor curled up in her blankets. He walked over and knelt down to the girl. She opened her eyes and smiled seeing him still wearing the mask. She wrapped her arms around him and he lifted her up. He slowly walked upstairs feeling a large amount of pain running through his body. He got her upstairs and tucked her under the blankets. He looked at the other 5 and gently pulled the blankets over them.

" Sleep well my Petite Bijou," he whispered

Erik changed into something different. He then went to sleep laying down on the far side of the wall. He sighed and looked up as he drifted to sleep.

The following morning Erik was awaken, by soft hands. He looked up and saw Perle staring down at him.

" What is it?" he asked

" You slept late Erik," Perle said, " Madame Amical sent me up to make sure you were still alive."

" I live," he said

Erik slowly got up and used the wall to get up. He looked at Perle and gave her a smile. He grabbed the cane as he walked out and stepped down slowly and Perle followed him. He came down and saw everyone waiting on him and Perle, he stood by his chair and Madame Amical said grace. They all sat down and Erik looked down at his plate, he gave off a sad aura, but yet very tiered.

" Are you well Erik?" Madame Amical asked

" Fine," Erik said, " I'm just tiered."

He lifted the glass to his lips and sighed as he thought about the ball. He did not want to forget about it, but then he did.

" Erik did you have a good time?" one of the little boys asked

" It was magnificent," Erik replied

" A dream?" Perle asked

He gave a small smile and said, " Everything you could picture."

Erik told them everything about it, he described the ball in detail letting the 6 children picture each thing. Perle smiled and Erik looked at them, as they day dream about it.

Later Erik dressed his wounds and rested downstairs with a good book. Perle came to sit by him and read with him as he read in silence. He looked at the girl and then began to read out loud to her. He read to her until she fell asleep in his lap, he looked at her and leaned over and kissed her head. She stirred and muttered in her sleep for him to read on. He read a little out loud and then found himself drifting away again.

" What was I thinking?" he thought

He leaned back and closed his eyes letting the book slip from his hands. Madame Amical laid a blanket over the two and smiled.

When Erik woke up, it was nearly dark, he looked down at Perle as she slept.

" She stayed up all night waiting for you to come home Erik," Madame Amical said, " She told me that you probably danced with almost every woman there, even the hostess."

" I danced with Christine, and many, but not all," Erik replied

" She has high hopes for you Erik," Madame Amical said, " Talking about marriage too, for you."

" I see you are not the only," Erik replied

" She's actually picked a young woman out for you," Madame Amical said

" I'm not interested," Erik said, " No woman will want a monster like me."

" I think she thinks other wise my dear boy," Madame Amical said, " Perhaps the young woman she speaks of is the one that brought you the invitation."

" She's too young to know what love is," he said

" Perhaps," Madame Amical answered, " But again maybe she knows and you do not, hiding under a mask doesn't exactly help you make that choice."

Madame Amical walked off and started to make dinner and Erik looked at Perle.

" Could she know?" he thought, " Could she see through me…no, I don't love any and no one will love me."