Authors Note- well, I hope you all had a good Christmas, or holiday if you don't celebrate Christmas…and Happy New Year! I know it has been a while, but here is my update!

Erik- About time.

Jen- Aw, you just shut up…it isn't MY fault that I haven't had inspiration is it?

Erik- yes it is.

Jen- You are my muse you know…

Erik- Oh…yeah…

ErikandChristine- Glad you liked the last chap, and the show now shall begin!

Tallacus- Thanks for reviewing, as always, and hmmm…intresting ideas.

Chapter 23

The Bal Masque

Jen walked around the room, scanning its occupants for those she knew. As of yet, there were no familiar faces in the colorful crowd. Jen straightened her simple mask and hoped for the hundredth time that no one would recognize her. She knew that a girl in a black outfit with no cape, a simple mask, and her hair tied back wouldn't resemble another in a black cape and dragon mask with loose hair, but she was still on edge. She just wanted to get it over with. As the party became more enjoyable for most, it became more frightening for her. More people arriving meant more that might recognize her. Jen went to get herself a drink- maybe it would calm her nerves. With a sigh, the percussionist decided to make the best of what was happening around her. She smiled at others in masks, their faces hidden from the world. 'What a great idea for a party,' Jen thought, 'When the man you are trying to catch has an invitation to appear.' It was stupid really. Granted, Andre and Firmin didn't know that Erik wore a mask, but the whole concept of not being recognized was enough of a reason for their favorite Phantom to appear. With a shake of her head, the percussionist went to look for Gabby.

Her friend was sitting with her boyfriend, laughing about something. Jen decided to approach them and enjoy some company until Erik arrived. "'Ello." She said, trying to sound more cheerful than she was.

"Wha? Oh, Jen. Hey." Gabby said, taking a short pause to figure out who was talking to her. Jen smiled, that meant her costume would keep her safe. With a sigh of relief, the percussionist took a seat at their table. "Jen." Joseph said, smiling and nodding to her. Jen nodded in response then looked around for a clock. She couldn't find one, and hoped that someone would have a watch. "Hey, uh, do either of you know what time it is?" Joseph smiled and pulled out a watch. "8 O'clock."

"Thanks."

"You are welcome. Are you waiting for anyone?" he asked her. Jen smiled secretively. "You might say that."

"May I have this dance?" a familiar voice asked out of nowhere. Jen looked up and smiled when she saw Edward, his hand extended. "I don't know, should I let you?"

"I would say you should." He replied, then gave her a pleading look. "I don't know any other girls." He told her sadly. Jen gave him a funny look. "What about Gabby?"

"She has a boyfriend. You on the other hand, are just sitting there, escort less, a prime target to ask." He grinned, and Jen sighed, shook her head, then laughed slightly. "Alright. I will warn you however- I don't dance well."

"What a coincidence! Neither do I." he told her as he lead her to the large dance floor. Gabby laughed at them, and Jen gave her a look as if to say 'oh please.' The cellist just grinned.

While on the dance floor, Jen smiled at her companion. Edward was defiantly one of her closest friends, but, she could never tell if he wanted to be more than friends or not. At times he seemed more brotherly, and at others, more like an unofficial boyfriend. It confused her. He was smiling as they danced neither really knowing the steps. Jen had her foot stepped on at one point, but she knew she was worse than him. He would just smile and keep dancing. When the song ended the two percussionists returned to the table. Just then the familiar sounds of 'Masquerade' began, and she stood and watched for a short while, then excused herself to mingle some more. Once out of their sight, Jen sprinted to her dorm where her costume was waiting. Smiling, Jen pulled off her simple mask and untied her hair, shaking it so that it hung down around her shoulders, then placed the draconic mask on her face. For a final touch she added the black cape that Erik had let her borrow, then hurried to where they were going to meet.

XxXxXxXxX

Erik paced around slowly, hoping that Jen hadn't lost track of the time. He turned and walked back again, and again, and again. The Phantom had been waiting for what seemed like hours. He adjusted the skull mask he was wearing, and checked for what must have been the tenth time for his Don Juan score. It seemed like he was giving up his life for Christine, he thought, thumbing through the large volume. In a sense, he was. Don Juan Triumphant was his life's work, and he was giving it away; a final attempt to win his angel back.

"Erik! Sorry I am late." Jen said, running up behind him. He turned and gave her a severe look. "Yes you are." He told her harshly. The percussionist rolled her eyes. "I had to make my escape unseen. Be nice." He knew she probably hadn't meant to be late and sighed. "Alright, I am sorry. Forgive me."

"You know I will. Shall we go?" Jen asked, swishing her cape back slightly. He smiled tightly. "Yes."

As they grew closer, the singing of the joyous people became louder, and Erik's mood fouler. Jen wondered why. "Nervous?"

"No." he said. "I am." Was her simple reply. Erik turned and looked at her, his green eyes glowing even in the dim light. "What if we are caught?" Jen asked softly. "What if Christine recognizes you and turns you in? There are so many things that could go wrong for us both. What if people see me, people that know me? I dread to think what may happen." She shivered, and Erik's look softened. He knew how she felt. He had felt the same way when he had first begun haunting the Opera. "It will be alright."

"I know."

"How?"

"You are here." Jen told him. The trust in her eyes told him that she was not lying. They fell silent, and he looked up. "Here we are." He told her, opening a trap door and climbing up. Jen looked at him, and he offered her his hand for help. Jen took it, and he hauled her up. "Ready?"

"As I'm ever gonna be." Erik nodded, and took her arm, and they walked through the nearly-empty hall. Jen saw few people, then a doorway, and through it, the grand entrance where people were happily dancing about and singing. She took a deep breath, and waited for Erik to step forward. He did, and the singing died away as people turned, shocked looks on their faces, as they beheld the Red Death. Jen shut her eyes, then stepped forward. She opened them, and found a new courage in her. She snarled at the bystanders, and they watched her almost as intently as the man in the skull mask. One man leaned closer to get a better look at her, and she hissed at him. Like a shadow, she followed Erik, three steps behind. Erik jabbed at Piangi and Carlotta, and when he moved on to the managers, she snarled and hissed at the Opera singers. Just then, as she was turning to Andre and Firmin, something else caught her eye. Edward. He was watching her, and she was sure he could see through her simple disguise. It frightened her. She barely noticed Erik trying to seduce Christine. Suddenly, she saw a red flash, and noticed Erik at the top of the steps, waiting for her. Jen glared at all the bystanders, then ran to his side, and they dropped into darkness in a flash of fire.

Author's Note- Well, there you have it…cliffy? I guess…hehe. Did Edward recognize Jen? Will Erik's plan go right for once? We shall see…tune in next time…and REVIEW! Please! I seem to be getting less each chappy…sniffle