Rebecca

Woo hoo, a new chapter. Really sorry that they've been coming slower lately, but school started and I've been busy, and my computer has been really stupid lately. Speaking of stupid…nothing. But guess what? I got my drivers licence on Thursday! I'm so excited, and that's one of the things I've been busy with….driving around….alone…with James Bond music blasting out the speakers. Boo ya! Anyways, this has the masquerade, and then boring filler stuff, so yeah. The end is a small teensy cliffie, (I'm not being sarcastic), so I'll try to update sooner but please don't kill me if I don't because then I would be dead and totally and utterly unable to update ever. R&R!

Chapter 11: Masquerade

Erik woke up on the frosty morning of the masquerade. He smiled to himself; somewhat cynically as he dressed in his fine clothing and put on his mask. Today I shall present my opera and once more gain full control of the Opera Populaire…and Christine. He though to himself as he went to put the finishing touches on his costume of Red Death. He bit off a stray thread, and then stood back to admire his work. He could not wait to arrive at the bal masque.

Rebecca woke that morning equally excited for the masquerade, though, for different reasons. Alistair and her had arranged to meet and dance together at the grand party, so she had to find the perfect costume. In the end, she made her own which was to be an angel of death. Apparently, like her father, she had a certain morbidity to her as well. Her costume was a deep red, almost black, that shimmered ever so slightly. The top was corseted and had black lacings weaved in a complicated pattern all over the basque. The skirt of the dress hung in torn pieces down to the floor, with black and red ribbons intertwined within the folds. She curled her hair so that it cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and placed in it a single red rose. For a mask she decided to make something skull-like and similar to Erik's. She couldn't wait to get into that costume, and see Alistair.

Finally the time arrived for father and daughter to begin making their way to the outside world. When they reached the pillar with the secret entrance that led to the grand stairs, the two parted ways; Erik to prepare for his little surprise, and Rebecca to find her beau. It didn't take her long to find him. He was dressed quite handsomely, like a royal soldier and he wore a big smile for her.

"You look beautiful tonight Becca," he said, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.

She blushed, "Thank you, and you look very handsome." Alistair took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor where they began to waltz.

Meanwhile, beneath the dance floor, Erik prepared the trap door so that it would fall when he wanted it to. Then, he adjusted his mask and spied on the dancers through a crack in his entrance. Curse that insolent boy, stealing my precious angel from me. He thought as he saw Raoul and Christine spinning amongst the people. He gritted his teeth and contained his fury, knowing that in a short time she would once more be his. He swished his cape, and made his way to another entrance at the top of the stairs to make his appearance.

"You dance wonderfully Ally," Rebecca complimented as the dashing young man dipped her low. "Did you take lessons?"

"Yes, and I see now that they weren't a waste of my time," he said with a smile, lifting the blushing girl as they spun around. Then, just as he was about to kiss her, the lights dimmed and the room fell silent.

Rebecca sighed, and looked to the stairs, where her father had begun his descent. He looked rather frightening, and could now understand why someone might fear the man. He through down the score of his opera, and began to tell the managers, Carlotta, and Piangi off for their poor skills in their respected occupations. She groaned slightly, and began to leave the room when he came to Christine.

"What's the matter Becca?" asked Alistair, who followed her out of the room.

"I'm going to tell you something which you must promise never to repeat to anyone," she said.

"Of course."

"That man in there is my father," she said, not hesitating.

"Really? Your father is the Phantom of the Opera?" He tried to contain the look of shock upon his face, but Rebecca could read it in his deep brown eyes.

"Yes, please don't tell anyone," she said again, taking his hands in her own. And then, very quickly, she gave him the condensed version of hers and her father's lives.

Meanwhile, Erik had just gotten rid of Raoul, and was down in his lair getting out of his costume. He then donned his velvety black robe and sat down at his organ to think. My opera shall be a success and Christine will once more be mine. Finally, I shall be truly happy when she is here with me as my wife. He scratched his chin and pondered this concept. My wife. Penelope was to be my wife and I betrayed her and my daughter. True, she looked upon my disfigured face in terror, but I still should have given her a second chance. I wonder what my life would have been like if I had stayed and married her. Erik stared off into space for several moments, picturing his life had he chosen a different path. As he pictured being there for Rebecca's milestones in life, and being happy in a little house with his beloved Penelope, he began to feel a queer feeling in the pit of his stomach. He was in the middle of wondering what could be causing him to feel so strange, when he heard Rebecca arrive at the lair, and she wasn't alone; Alistair was with her.