XIX

"Angel?" Christine asked.

"Yes child?"

"Did you know that the theatre is having a big party tonight?"

"I did know that child."

"Oh, well Madame is going and she gets to wear a fancy dress and a mask," she said, "its called a masquerade and everyone wears masks and costumes."

"I know child."

"Meg and I wanted to go but Madame said that we couldn't, but maybe when we're older."

"I see…is that all child?"

"Yes Angel, I have to go now or Madame will scold me for being late for supper again. Good bye Angel."

"Good bye child."

Erik waited until the pitter-patter of her feet had faded completely before leaving. The Bal Masque was once again upon them, which meant another year had passed. He considered going for a moment but decided against it. Going meant socializing and since he did not speak with Madame anymore he would have no one to talk to. Besides, it would involve climbing all those stairs again. Twice a day was quite enough.

"Masquerade, paper faces on parade, masquerade. Hide your face so the world will never find you…" he sang softly and then began to hum.

Christine's voice was improving and she had begun to take comfort in talking with him. Erik listened, though he didn't entirely hear what she was saying. The concerns of a young child hardly bothered him, besides if she asked a question a yes or no would generally suffice.

Looking around the lair he sighed heavily, he had been composing for the greater part of the week, composing music that no one would ever hear. He could go up to the masquerade and cause some trouble; it would at least be amusing. But then again it would take some effort and he had no plans to corrupt that night's events.

"It would seem I am stuck down here," he sighed, sitting down in front of the organ, "for yet another night."

By the next morning Erik was thoroughly exhausted and had no will to travel to the surface for Christine's lessons. With a small amount of effort he took two novels and began to ascent to the chapel. She wouldn't arrive until later, but if he waited he was bound to either fall asleep or forget.

"Angel are you there?"

Erik started awake at the sound of her voice and barely suppressed a groan, "I am here child. Start your warm-ups, just like I taught you."

Christine ran through her scales and a few simple songs, mostly lullaby, that Erik had taught her. Then it was his turn to sing, a small part of an operatic aria that she was to repeat. He only used the simplest ones now, but would slowly add more verses and songs.

"Don't reach for the notes," he scolded gently, "keep your chin level…very good child."

"Was I good?" she asked eagerly.

"Very good," he replied, "do your scales again and then you may go."

"Alright Angel."


Christine left the chapel and skipped back to the dormitory where Meg and the other dancers were. Antoinette was in the room as well and frowned when Christine entered.

"Where have you been?"

"The chapel Madame," she said apologetically, "I'm sorry."

"That is fine."

Christine hurried over to her bed and sat down on it, Meg quickly joined her, "Maman was scolding Alexis," she whispered, "because she tripped Rosa and hurt her foot."

"Oh…that's mean."

"Uh-huh, so now she's in trouble and won't be able to dance for a whole week 'cause of it."

"Poor Rosa," Christine said, "is she hurt bad?"

"Not really, but she says it hurts and now she can't dance either and she says she hates Alexis."

After supper they all changed into their nightgowns and climbed into bed. They whispered and giggled until Antoinette came and chided them for it, then they turned out the lights and went to sleep.

That night Christine dreamt of her Angel of Music singing to her. When she woke up she could have sworn it was real for the remnants of the melody seemed to linger in the air. With a small yawn she pulled the covers back up to her chin and went back to sleep, allowing the song to fill her dreams.


InuLvr7, glad you like my choice of operas and its not sad, we all have our hobbies and yes Erik is training Christine and it is quite exciting. Lotte Rose 37, I always love the feedback you give me, I'm glad that I am doing a good job with their feeling. As for conversations with Christine, there are more details in a chapter or two...I can't remember, but they are coming. Uh other then that I haven't been getting many reviews on these last chapters. If you are out there reading, start reviewing! Love you all.