The soft sound of bells and a familiar tune filled the room thinning the thick tension within the air.

"Where had I heard that melody before?"

Memories suddenly began turning in my mind. It had been New Years Eve. I had been watching from a dark corner in awe of all the color and movement. People of all shapes and sizes had come dressed in the most expensive gowns and suits hiding their faces behind masks. Though I did find the idea of masquerade enticing, I had been one of many that hadn't gained enough courage to dress up. The thought of being able to wear a mask for a day and be someone else was an attractive idea, but I wasn't bold enough to pretend I was in an equal position as so many wealthy prudes that paraded around the theater. I was only in scraps so I had been careful to watch from a distance. The women that night were covered in jewelry. They had worn such tight corsets and low cut bodices they looked as if they would fall out of their dresses. The men came wearing the most ridiculous outfits that one could only pull off at such an event. The one outfit that caught my eye the most that night was a rather peculiar one. A man was dressed in a fuzzy black and white striped outfit that made him appear as if he was a rather obese animal. It had been entertaining just watching the people flying across the room so gracefully. I had made sure to not wonder beyond the main halls and risk being seen. Among the stairways and halls of the rooms there were crowds of drunken people doing God knows what. I had managed to fall asleep early regardless of the noise

The next day was full of gossip and rumors. There wasn't a ballerina in the opera house that wasn't willing to describe what I had missed in detail. One girl that was very young, only about 14 told me her version of the story. "That evening a very handsome man had asked me to dance. I had worn a very revealing outfit that night." With that she received a shove and a few rolling eyes from her fellow ballerinas. "Well, as I was saying. That night, once everyone was dancing and having a good time, a man appeared at the top of the staircase. Well I have to admit he was a rather handsome man. No, handsome isn't as strong of a word."

"He was gorgeous!" another young ballerina shouted. With that everyone that was listening burst into a fit of giggles.

The young ballerina continued. "He was both frightening and attractive at the same time. I don't know how to explain it. He had very dark black hair and large green eyes." She said widening her own eyes to give us a visual image. "He was wearing a rather tight red outfit and a white mask with black makeup around his eyes to make his head look like a skull. I nearly had a heart attack when he pulled out his sword," She said fanning herself and sighing to add to the drama. "He walked around ridiculing people and threatening the new owners to perform his opera. Oh and Christine looked so drawn to him, As if she were in a trance."

"Do you truly believe he's a spirit?" I asked almost mockingly.

"Of course!" she answered.

"Perhaps you had too much to drink that night." I said sarcastically.

My thoughts were ended with the familiar sound of the mysterious man's voice.

"Good. You're awake," he said tossing something at my feet. "If you wish, you can change into this. I'm sure you would rather wear this then what you are in now."

I hugged my knees to cover the only clothing I bore and explored the material that lay at my feet. It was a dress. I backed away from it stubbornly as if it were poisoned.

"I could help you put it on." He threatened.

I grabbed the dress hastily to reassure him. With that he let out a low dark laugh that caused me to shiver. As he walked away I noticed the laces of my corset were undone. He had loosened them in my sleep. I could feel my cheeks turn hot in a mix of embarrassment and fury.

"Did he have a peak show last night?" I wondered. It took me a few moments but I soon realized if he wished to do such a thing he could have done so before. There was no one to stop him. I could already tell this man was clever. He would have tied the laces back properly if he had done such a thing. He had loosened them last night for my comfort. This odd man continues to dodge from anger to kindness. Who knows when he will lash out at me again?

It had taken me at least a half an hour to slip into the dress. The man's constant offers to help only infuriated me more. At first I had trouble with distinguishing between the head hole and arm holes. After what seemed like years of concentration, I had finally buttoned the dress nearly to the top. I decided to let my hair cover the last few buttons that I couldn't reach. What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

"Are you finished yet?" he asked impatiently.

"Yes," I said proudly. "I didn't even need your help." I slowly stood up to parade my work

He stepped inside the room. I could hear him slowly circle me. After he had journeyed around me twice the room grew silent.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Nothing," he replied coughing.

"What is it?" I asked again with a hint of desperation cracking in my voice.

"Oh it's only a minor detail. You seem to have placed every single button in the wrong hole." He commented dryly.

"What?" I nearly shouted. It couldn't be! I had worked so hard for nothing.

"If you will allow me, I could reverse it very quickly. You won't even notice.

I softly growled in my throat. I had worked so hard on it. I growled again and pushed my hair to the side so it wouldn't be in his way .Then I stubbornly crossed my arms.

He slowly began working his hands down my dress propping the buttons from their holes. The cold air came rushing back to my frail body. I felt rather uncomfortable as his thumb accidentally brushed an area that my corset didn't cover my skin. The room seemed to get warmer. I bit my lip as the buttons grew lower. He moved his hands carefully as if I were a rose he was delicately cherishing in fear of crushing my soft pedals. Once he had finished I turned around. My heart was thriving in my chest uncomfortably. Neither of us said a word. I nervously racked my hair over the right side of my face covering my bruises. I slowly swallowed and bit my lip again. As if he had regained his senses, he cleared his throat and walked away leaving my mind to spin uncontrollably.