For days I would think of nothing else except Angel I remember Will had noticed I was acting different, but I would always make excuses for my strange behavior. The masquerade ball was coming closer and closer. Will had insisted on Alla and me to go and buy the prettiest dress we could find. Alla's costume was a white kitten with a white mask with little whiskers. I dressed up as a princess wearing a tiara and beautiful jewels that were used in many operas.
"Oh Emily you look absolutely beautiful!" exclaimed Alla. I had just finished putting on my white gloves.
"You look like an angel," Christine squealed.
"Emily you are so lucky," cried Meg.
"You look wonderful, my dear," Madame Giry said.
I could only smile. My dress was beautiful. Will had out done himself with buying it. It was a white, sleeveless dress that was embroidered with gold. My mask was gold with white painted around the eyes. Alla, Christine, Meg, Madame Giry and I were all going to the ball and had been getting ready for hours in Christine's dressing room. Alla and Meg looked so beautiful in her white dress, Madame Giry in hers, and Christine in her pink.
"I can't believe you are going with James," I teased.
"Oh shut up Emily. You know he was begging on his knees for me to say, 'yes' how could I refuse?
There was a knock on the door. All of us turn are heads instantly.
"Are you ready yet?" Raoul asked impatiently.
"We're coming," cried Christine. Christine came running towards the door swinging it open. I could here Raoul gasped at how beautiful she looked. Everyone rushed out to show off their dresses to the men. I just stood there looking at the mirror, wondering if a certain angel was watching me from the other side.
"Come, my dear, it is time we depart. You will see him later, I know it," Madame Giry said standing at the threshold. I nodded my hand, took a deep breath and began to walk towards the door. Madame Giry took my hand as I glanced one last time at the mirror to see Angel dressed as Red Death. He smiled at me, which I returned.
"Darling there you are," Will said, pressing a kiss on my lips. His lips felt so foreign compared to Angel's.
"Well let's not waste another minute and get going," Meg cheerfully said. We all nodded in agreement and were on our way. As we were coming closer to the ball we could here singing:
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade!
Masquerade!
Hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade!
Every face a different shade
Masquerade!
Look around, there's another mask behind you
We had all gasped at the sea of masks. Every one was smiling and laughing. I squeezed Will's hand and smiled. This was amazing. Christine and Raoul said that they were going to go meet some friends and Alla and James were going to go get some punch. Meg went to talk to some of her ballet friends, while Madame Giry went to yell and some gentlemen about climbing onto the statues.
"Thank you, Will," I whispered.
"You're very welcome, my love." He kissed my forehead softly. I closed my eyes enjoying each and every minute of it.
"Think of it" I sang. "A maid actually here at a masquerade ball. In secret too. Just think of it.
"But why is it a secret? What have we to hide? You promised me," Will said trying to pull of my mask.
I pulled away, "Will please don't they'll will see."
"Well then let them see. You're a maid, it's not a crime."
(Sung)
Emily, what are you afraid of?
Me (and Will in parenthesis):
Let's not argue (Let's not argue)
Please pretend (I can only hope)
You will understand in time (I'll understand in time)
Will took me into his arms and twirled me around in a circle. The singing began again:
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade
Masquerade!
Hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade!
Every different shade
Masquerade!
Look around there's another mask behind you
As we were descending down the steps, all the candles went out. People began gasping and whispering. Will and I turned around to see Angel standing at the top of the staircase. He began to sing coldly and sarcastically:
Why so silent good Messieurs?
Did you think that I had left you for good?
Have you missed me, good Messieurs?
I have written you an opera.
Here I bring the finished score
Don Juan Triumphant!
(He winked at me)
Fondest greetings to you all
A few instructions just before rehearsal starts
Carlotta must be taught to act
Not her normal trick of strutting around the stage
I wanted to laugh, but I knew I mustn't. He pulled out his sword with a skull as it's' handle and pointed it at Piangi.
Our Don Juan must lose some weight
It's not healthy in a man of Piangi's age
And my managers must learn that their place is in office
Not the arts
He then noticed Christine at the bottom of the staircase.
As for our star, Miss Christine Daae…
(Raoul had disappeared. I couldn't believe him! Angel began to circle her. She was trembling. She looked up at me giving me the most pleading eyes)
No doubt she'll do her best
It's true, her voice is good
She knows, though
Should she wish to excel
She has much still to learn
If pride will let her return to me, her teacher,
Her teacher…
He stopped. Both of them just staring at the other for the longest time. Angel looked down at her chest to find a ring held on by a chain. I held my breath. Will squeezed my hand thinking that I was scared of the infamous Opera Ghost. Angel slowly took the ring into his hands.
Your chains are still mind
(He pulled the ring off of the chain)
You belong to me!
Raoul came dashing out of no where with a sword in his hand. I gasped. Before Raoul could reach Angel, Angel disappeared into flames that magically appeared. Raoul must have seen the trap door for he jumped in not knowing what horrors wait for him.