Chapter 9
A Pleasant Surprise

Corrine found her parents in the crowded room. Her mother had been cold to her ever since her outburst three weeks earlier. It didn't bother Corrine in the least. On the contrary, she was rather pleased that her mother leaves her and Alec alone. Corrine would've preferred to ignore her all together, but she wanted to leave the masked ball early. She wanted to make sure her parents saw her, and to know she made an appearance. She figured that when she left, they would think she found a young man to talk to, and not bother looking for her.

"Corrine dear, you look beautiful. So grown up," her father said proudly.
"Thank you father, but if you would excuse me, I think I'll see if there's anyone I know," Corrine said as her eyes glanced around the room.
"Of course dear, have fun"
"Yeah great fun," Corrine thought to herself as the music started.
All the ladies were checking their cards, and pairing up for the first dance. Corrine found a chair in the corner and sat down. Then she saw him. A man walking toward her.

"Oh great. He must be my first dance. Might as well get this over with," Corrine thought to herself.
"Good evening Corrine," the man said with a smile.
"ERIK? Is it really you?" Corrine said surprised and pleased at the same time.
"Yes, it's me, and I do believe my name is down for the first dance," Erik said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"That's impossible. I am positive that my mother didn't put your name on my dance card."
"Perhaps you should look and see," Erik said as his smile brightened.
Corrine looked at her card, and laughed out loud. There inside her card, beside every dance was only one name written in her brother's handwriting... ERIK.

"That explains why Alec was laughing. Did you know about this?"
"But of course. Who do you think snuck into your parents' room and grabbed a blank card?"
"Monsieur Erik, I do believe you saved my sanity. Remind me to save yours' someday"
"Actually, it was Alec's idea. He's the one that told me that you didn't want to go. I just thought you could use a friend at this boring party."
"Yes, I could use a friend. I don't know anyone here. Except you of course."
Erik bowed to Corrine, "May I have this dance?"
"Yes, you may. If you don't mind, I'd prefer only one dance. I don't care to much for it, and I'd rather just talk. If that's all right with you. Besides it might be easier to leave this party if my mother sees us talking. She might think we left to get some air or something. There would be less questions later."
"As you wish mademoiselle."

Once the song was over, Corrine gave a little curtsy.
"It was an honor dancing with such a distinguished gentleman as yourself monsieur," Corrine said politely.
Erik chuckled lightly, "You don't have to be so polite around me."They walked over to a bench and sat down.
"Erik, have you ever heard of a woman named Carlotta?"
"Ah, yes, the toad. Why do you ask?"
"I heard my father talking about hiring her for the lead in the new opera."
"Have you ever considered auditioning yourself?"
"Of course not. I can't sing," Corrine answered flustered.
"Don't be so sure about that. I've heard you sing to your brother, and I believe you can do it. Of course you'd have to start out small and work your way up. A small part at first..."
"Erik, I can't," Corrine interrupted.
"Why not?"
"How would it look? My father is the manager. He's the one that picks the cast. IF I auditioned and got the part what would the rest of the cast say? Half the cast would think I got the part because my father gave it to me, and how would I know for sure that I earned it myself? Then there would be resentment and jealousy. Besides, I don't want my father to feel obligated to put me in the cast."
"Yes, I do see your point," Erik said as he leaned back against the wall.
"Not to change the subject, but did you hear that the Ballet mistress quit? My father is rehiring Madame Giry. I remember my father bringing me here for the first time on my 13th birthday. The ballet dancers were breathtaking. I went home dreaming of becoming a graceful dancer. However, I have two left feet, and I'm not talented at all," Corrine sighed.
"You don't give yourself enough credit."
Erik could tell that she never heard him. She was looking past him, and smiling.
"Erik, would you excuse me? I see we have a mouse. Maybe I should ask it to dance," Corrine laughed."Yes, of course," Erik said smiling.

Corrine stood up and walked to the entrance of the room. As she walked she saw a little face peek around the doorframe several times.

"What are you doing out of bed young man?" Corrine asked trying to sound stern, but failing miserably.
"The music is too loud, and I can't sleep," Alec said hoping that his sister wouldn't be too upset with him.
"Well then, would you find me extremely bold if I asked you to dance?"
Alec laughed, "No."

The two of them danced in the darkened corridor away from the entrances. If their mother saw them, they'd both be in trouble. Erik walked to the entrance and watched the two for some time. The two of them really did make a sight. Corrine all dressed up, and Alec in his nightclothes. Corrine picked up her brother and swung him around to the delight of her brother. His shrieks and laughter made Erik smile. Erik's breathe caught in his throat.

"Why didn't I see it before now? She has been right in front of me all these months, and I never noticed it before. How did I miss how beautiful she is?"