A/N: I assure you readers that this story is far from over. I hope that you enjoyed the last chapter. I know you want Angelina and Erik together but doesn't the chase seem better than for it just to happen? I hope you enjoy this chapter. Read and review as always.

Chapter 31 – R.S.V.P.

The Opera Garnier was all abuzz with the latest rumors. Arnaud and Meg had a large surprise in store for everyone. Speculation had begun before the sun had risen that morning. Too many rumors were spreading and Angelina was hesitant to believe any of them.

Just one of many – the company was to begin a world tour beginning in New York. Even though it would be an honor and a thrill to be a part of it, Angelina failed to believe that was what they had to reveal. They had made it seem as though it was for everyone – the ballet company, the actors, and even the stage hands.

Rene poked her and she smiled at him. "What do you think they are going to tell us?"

"I wish I knew. The rumors have been spreading since early this morning."

"I hear it is because of the retirement of Madam Raineau."

Angelina looked at Rene with bewilderment. "She is retiring?"

"Her husband is ill back home. That is why she left so abruptly."

Angelina did not even know Brigitte was married. How someone could love someone as ill-tempered as Brigitte was beyond Angelina's comprehension. But she felt sorry for her, somewhere in her soul. Anyone suffering had made her feel bad – even if it was Brigitte.

Meg and Arnaud had seemed to come from the shadows. They faced the large crowd gathered on the stage.

Arnaud smiled and took Meg's hand. "Ladies and gentlemen…"

The crowd grew silent and focused their attention on Arnaud and Meg.

"As I have heard throughout the morning, it seems as though my wife and I have some news to speak of."

Rene and Angelina laughed. It was quite foolish how everyone was acting. But whatever was going to be said, it was exhilarating.

"One week from tonight, in the main hall, there will be a masked ball given."

The excitement could not be contained. Before Arnaud could finish his statement, the crowd grew in intensity. The reveal of a masked ball was something to look forward to. The crowd silenced themselves as Arnaud held up a hand.

"Anyone without a mask will not attend." Everyone laughed. "This will not deter from our normal everyday activities. I expect everyone to continue on with their duties as they normally would. Any spare time will be dedicated to getting ready. If there are any questions, please address them to myself or my beautiful wife."

Arnaud kissed Meg on the cheek before leaving her side. She turned back to the dissipating crowd. Rene and Angelina looked at one another.

"A masked ball?"

"This could not be any better."

Rene looked at her curiously. "And why is that?"

Angelina was at a loss for words. She had nearly told Rene about Erik without even speaking his name.

"Angelina?"

"I have never been to a masked ball."

Rene smiled and took her hand. "You will have a grand time. Women in elegant ball gowns and men dressed in fine tailored suits. It is the most spectacular sight on earth."

Her stomach began to fill with an unusual sensation. Quickly standing, Angelina looked down at Rene.

"I do not have rehearsals today. I think I will use my spare time to begin to get ready for the ball."

"I suggest, Angelina, that you pick the most beautiful gown you can find. It will pale in comparison to your beauty. Whoever will escort you will be the luckiest man in the world."

Angelina blushed as she moved from the stage. Rene had never spoken to her in that manner and it was something she was unaccustomed to. Although it was a sweet gesture, she knew that there would never be anything between them. She loved Erik and there was nothing that could sway her feelings on the subject.

The opportunity of a masked ball could not be overlooked. It was an amble opportunity for Erik to move into the public eye and not be seen. It was a perfect time for him to escort her to one of the most important events of her life.

I only hope that he sees it the same way I do.

She descended the staircase as fast as her legs and feet would allow her. It did not seem to be fast enough. The torches seemed to mock her as she watched them flicker and dance around her.

Finally reaching the water's edge, she began to step into the boat…

"I thought I should meet you this time."

Being startled, Angelina began to fall toward the water. Erik quickly grabbed her by the waist, drawing her near. Not only did her breath catch, her eyes did as well. Erik's eyes looked upon her as if they were staring right through her.

"I have startled you again. I must refrain from doing that."

"Yes, you should."

He did not let go as he usually had during previous times. His hands lingered on her tiny frame, taking in every bit of her.

"You have come to see me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I had something to tell you."

"Such as?"

"A ball."

"A ball?"

She was being distracted by Erik's touch. Although he probably did not know it, everything she came to tell him was leaving her thoughts.

"Yes, a ball."

"As in something a child plays with?"

"No." She laughed. "No, not that sort of ball. A dancing ball."

"A very interesting concept."

"A masked ball, Erik."

His hands slowly moved from her waist to his sides. A masked ball. Erik remembered the last one he had attended. It did not fair well.

"And your purpose for telling me?"

"I wished for you to escort me."

Angelina watched as Erik's face tensed. He was growing angry and sorrowful at the same time.

"Erik?"

"You must find someone else to escort you."

"Why?"

"Because I cannot."

Erik turned from Angelina, hoping she would not see what was in his eyes or his heart. He longed to escort her to every ball to every museum and to every opera. He longed to be with her for all time…

"Erik, that is not an answer."

"Tell Rene to escort you."

Her heart stopped cold. He believes I love Rene. Find some way to tell him, to show him…

"Rene is not the man I want to be on the arm of."

"You will not be on mine."

He turned and looked into her tear filled eyes. Erik had broken her heart but he had little choice. He could not walk amongst them – free as she was.

"Please, I am asking you to escort me. No one will see you."

"Angelina, accept my answer. I will not be changing my mind."

Angelina slowly nodded her head not willing to accept it but having to. "Then I will accept it."

Looking at the looming staircase in front of her, she began up it. Erik watched her take each step.

"Angelina…"

She stopped but did not turn to face him. His heart broke.

"I am sorry that I cannot attend."

"As am I."

Angelina continued up the stairs – leaving Erik to his solitude.

Erik sat his organ – all inspiration fleeing from him. Rene stood behind him and watched his master sit at the organ. The once powerful man seemed smaller.

"You will escort Angelina to the ball."

The words pierced Rene's heart. He wanted to ask as to why but Erik stopped him.

"She requires someone I can trust. Since I will not be in attendance, I trust you to be with her."

"If I may inquire…"

Erik patiently waited for his protégé's question.

"Why do you wish for me to escort Angelina? She must have someone else she wishes…"

Erik's hands pounded on the organ. Rene jumped and slowly began to back away. Erik's angry eyes turned to Rene.

"Is she not worth your time?"

"That is not what I meant by the question."

"Is her stature not to your liking?"

"Erik, I am merely curious as to why…"

Erik stood, knocking over his bench. He began to slowly walk toward Rene. His anger was slowly beginning to rise.

"Angelina needs to be escorted by a gentleman. I thought that it was you. Am I to be mistaken?"

"No."

"You will escort her?"

"Yes."

"Good."

He stepped in front of Rene. The height difference was not much but enough that Rene felt small and insignificant.

"If you hurt her in anyway, you cannot understand pain until it is unleashed."

Rene swallowed hard – his breath caught in his throat.

"I understand."

"Now leave my sight."

Rene slowly left as Erik continued to fume. Once Rene left the confines of his lair, every emotion Erik had bottled inside was let out by a fierce scream. It rattled the rock walls and nearly shattered every pipe on his organ.

The pain in his knees could not be enough to feel what Angelina was feeling. His heart was slowly breaking piece by piece. He had wronged the one woman who had treated him with kindness and respect. All she had wanted was to be on the arm of the one man that she cared for.

Erik could not face the people who would be at the ball. Most would be noblemen who were there the night everything became hell to him. It was not something he wished to relive and to put Angelina through.

Rene would be a good substitute. But his mind kept going back to the sadness in her eyes and the pain in her heart. A single tear rolled down the unmarred side of his cheek.

I cannot go, my love. Know that I am with you.