Author's note- be sure to read chapter 15 as well! Because, I know you can sometimes skip the first chapter when two are submitted in one day, hehe…

Chapter 16

The Winter Gala

"Well, have fun!" Jen said, grinning. Gabby smiled. "I will." She assured her friend. "Have no doubts about it."

"I may join you later." Jen told her as the cellist rushed out the door. Once she was gone, the percussionist shut it once more and smiled at the pile of items they had to surprise Erik with later. In the meantime, however, she was going to go visit her favorite phantom. She changed first however, smiling as she hoped her plan would work. Her simple black dress was just that- simple, yet it had a formalness to it that she thought would be suitable for the gala in the foyer. The percussionist undid the latch that held the mirror-door shut, and went inside, following the familiar path into the darkness. Soon she heard the soft lapping of the lake on the shore, and a faint golden glow lit the hallway. "Erik?" she asked softly, her voice echoing off the stone walls. There was a faint response, and she smiled. As soon as she was in the lair, she saw him, standing and looking down at her from the platform where his organ was.

"Shouldn't you be enjoying yourself at the party?" he asked her coolly. Jen smiled. "I would rather keep you company. No one should have to spend Christmas eve alone. Or Christmas for that matter." Erik sighed sadly. He had almost always spent Christmas alone. Even when Christine was younger she hadn't been there on Christmas for him, though when she returned to her angel she would tell him of all the wonderful things she got at night when he would listen. Erik had never experienced a holiday worth remembering, and Jen knew it.

"Would you like to go to the gala?" she asked him. Erik gave her a strange look, and she smiled, making her way up to him. "I don't want to go alone, and you need something to do."

"I don't know…"

"Please Erik? We can stay away from Christine and her fop." The Phantom thought about it for a moment. "I suppose I could go for a few minutes. I have never really been to a holiday gala."

"Me neither! But, it will be fun!" Erik smiled, unsure if he should believe her, and she grinned, her look one that he couldn't turn down. She was so happy, so eager. So…unlike herself. Erik found his suit that he usually wore to the Opera and went to change. While she waited, Jen tapped out Jingle Bells on the marimba that rested in the lair. She smiled, the new instrument above was lovely, but she liked this one best. Her memory told her that she had been playing on it since she arrived in the Opera House, and it was in a sense, her keyboard. Soon Erik emerged from his room, looking splendid in Jen's opinion, and she smiled. "Ready?"

"Oui, monsieur, that I am." Jen said, and he lead her to the gondola. Jen grinned and got into the small boat, and he rowed her across, then lead her to a tunnel that lead to a trap door Jen was unfamiliar with. She found herself in the chapel with him, and from their they headed to the main foyer, where the gala was taking place. Jen smiled, and Erik seemed nervous, though she didn't know why. Soon she saw the lights of the tree and the party and gasped in aw. It was even more splendid than it had been. "May I ask you for this dance, mademoiselle?" Erik asked, holding his gloved hand out to her. Jen grinned. "It would be my pleasure, mon cher fantome." She said, "If I knew how to dance." Erik frowned a bit. "Just do what I do." He said.

"You dance?"

"I may have picked something up at one time period or another." He said simply. Jen accepted that and followed his lead, finding that she was decent as a dancer, though not great. Erik seemed to find her good enough though- at least she didn't step on his feet. Jen soon found herself falling into the rhythm of the music, and let herself dance as if she actually knew how to. When they finished, she grinned, out of breath, and Erik lead her to a table with refreshments. Jen grabbed some punch for both of them, and a cookie from a tray. "Want some?"

"I am fine." He replied simply. Jen shrugged. "Whatever." She told him, sinking her teeth into the sugary goodness. "More for me." Erik smiled and sipped some of the punch, and examined his surroundings. He could see why the two had liked it so much, it was indeed a beautiful sight. The lights danced about the room, and there was an air of festivity to the people. They were all there tonight to enjoy themselves, and Christmas was tomorrow. Erik wondered what he would do for his closest friends. He figured he should do something nice to them for the holiday, but didn't know what. It seemed too late, but he was sure he could do something. Jen smiled. "Dance again?" she asked. He looked back to her and smiled slightly, then noticed something from the corner of his eye. He went rigid, and Jen gave him a strange look. "Is everything alright?" she asked. Erik didn't hear her. "Erik?" Still nothing.

"Erik!" Jen spun him around. "We must leave." He hissed softly, and Jen gave him a strange look. "Come with me." With that he grabbed her arm and pulled her into the main theater, which was empty. It seemed strange seeing the room with no people in it for once. "Erik…what happened?" Jen asked once he had calmed down slightly. "Christine…" He said, tears entering his eyes. "Oh."

"Let's go somewhere else." Erik suggested, hiding the fact that he had nearly cried over his fallen angel. "Alright, where?" Erik smiled slightly. "Follow me." Jen nodded and did as told, and soon they were walking down to the stage, then up the winding stairs that lead to the catwalks and beyond. "Close your eyes."

"Alright." Jen said, squeezing them shut. Erik smiled, and opened the door. Jen shivered as an icy blast greeted her. Erik took her arm and lead her out, and the cold air pricked at her skin. The percussionist pulled closer to him, and Erik sighed. "Now look." Jen opened her eyes and gasped. She was looking down at the streets of Paris, the snow falling around them. "It's beautiful." She said softly, actually studying it. The last time she had been up there she hadn't had a chance to actually see her surroundings. She looked around in aw, smiling at the beauty around her. Without thinking about it, the percussionist began to dance in circles on the roof, looking up at the stars. "Thank you Erik."

"For what?"

"Everything." She stopped her twirling to give him a kiss on the cheek, then smiled. "Would you like to dance?"

"We have no music." He pointed out. "We don't need music. You can just sing something." She said, smiling. Erik sighed. "Alright, if you wish." He said, taking her extended arm. Jen began to dance, not needing any music, and Erik followed. Around them there was a rush, people hurrying to get home for the holidays, people doing their hasty last minute shopping, but for Jen, time seemed to stop. Erik noticed a glint in her eye, unlike any he had seen before. He wasn't sure if he liked it, but it seemed to be one of pure happiness. Their dance ended with Jen in his arms, and he smiled down at her. "Thank you Erik, for having that dance with me."

"You are quite welcome, mademoiselle, you are very welcome indeed." Time stopped once again, and Jen shivered, realizing the cold at last. "Come, let's get you inside." Erik said. "You wouldn't want to catch a cold on Christmas." Jen chuckled, and let him lead her inside, back to the warmth of the party.

Authors note- well, there is an extra long second chapter…hope you enjoyed. I will try to fill you in on Gabby's time at the party tomorrow, and until then, adieu!