Here is the next installment! Beware, as there will be quite a bit of drama in this as I already warned. It is only going to get worst too but I hope you enjoy it! :)

Grapejuice101: Thanks for the review! Yeah, a little sweet moment before the drama starts. :) Hope you enjoy the chapter! :)

Judgmental

Rehearsals began like normal though there was no sign of Christine or Erik yet. I could tell something was going on though. Madame Giry all but refused to answer anybody's questions over the matter. She quickly demanded that we get back to rehearsals and stop asking unnecessary questions every time, which definitely seemed strange.

Everyone seemed to be looking forward to the ball at the end of the week though.

Meg had gone back to acting strangely and avoiding me again after the arrival of my dress but I hadn't gotten the chance to ask her why yet.

I was excited to finally spend the evening with Raoul though, as I hadn't seen much of him over the week. It seemed that he had been as busy as me, though we did manage to head over to the café together for some lunch during a short break from rehearsals one day.

As the night drew closer, I began to feel more nervous than when I was on our first outing together. Because I knew that this would be different. It would be our first public outing and everyone at the opera would see us together. The very thought made me feel a little queasy.

As the evening came though, Meg helped me change into my dress, allowing me a glance in the mirror before she styled my hair. I could not think of any words that would properly sum-up just how beautiful this dress was!

It fit my waist securely, the green tie breaking up the dress with its spring color. The sleeves slipped to my shoulders, making them appear daintier. The skirt made it feel like a proper gown because it flowed outwards gracefully. It was like a sea of mesmerizing gold silk with twinkling diamonds scattered here and there.

Meg truly looked just as lovely though! She was wearing a jasmine shaded dress with a hint of grey at the bottom of the long train and her hair cascaded down one shoulder beautifully.

Meg sat me down at the dressing table to sort my hair, leaving me sat as she went to retrieve something after she settled my curls to fall gracefully down both shoulders.

"I was instructed to give you this as a final touch to your outfit." She insisted, gaining my attention instantly.

I watched in curiosity as she headed back over with something in her hand, refusing to let me see it. I sighed as she stood beside me, pinning a small section of hair on my right side up and holding it in place with a small decorative red rose.

I gasped as I stared at my hair and my outfit. The red rose broke up the gold and cream of my dress just right. I smiled. "He really has thought of everything, hasn't he?"

"Charlotte…I was wondering if I could talk to you before you depart to meet with the Vicomte."

I instantly turned to gaze at her upon hearing her hesitation to see that she was staring down at her hands, playing with them nervously.

"Yes of course you can. What is wrong?"

"Oh well, it is just that…well Marcel Bonneville asked me to the ball and I did say yes but…I wanted to make certain that you were okay with it first given your acquaintance."

"Is that really all?" I asked in surprise, seeing her become more flustered. I rolled my eyes. "Meg is that why you have been acting so strangely this week?"

She instantly nodded, appearing even more embarrassed than before as she peeked at me from underneath her eyelashes.

"I am pleased for you, silly! I would never hold a grudge against the two of you going together. I think it's wonderful that you shall have a date too!"

She finally grinned, the panic quickly departing from her features as she moved to hug me. "Oh thank you so much!"

Both of us seemed a little resistant in departing from the dormitories. Perhaps we were both feeling nervous. I had agreed to meet Raoul a little earlier than the beginning of the ball though, so I reluctantly began to leave before Meg.

I opened the door to the dormitories to find Caroline Godwin stood in the doorway though, a sneer upon her lips. She was one of the new chorus members with sickly pale skin. She had painted an extravagant amount of rouge on her cheeks tonight, making the rest of her features appear even paler than usual. She had sky blue eyes and golden blonde hair.

For tonight, she was wearing a silk spring green gown, trimmed with black lace. Her skirt appeared as wide as Meg and mine's dress put together. I could already tell that she thought herself as the new Carlotta. She had arrived from London, having been the rising prima donna there.

"Heading downstairs to meet with the Vicomte, are we?" She mocked before her eyes roamed downwards. "Yes, I heard all about the excitement of him buying you a gown. I imagine that he shall expect to be repaid generously tonight with a dress like that."

I rolled my eyes, knowing she was simply trying to cause an argument. She had been glaring at me throughout rehearsals all week, complaining that my steps had all been wrong and that I was somehow distracting her, despite the fact that she wasn't even a dancer! It was too much effort to say something, especially to anyone else.

"Do not talk to her in such a disgraceful manner. You may have been allowed to prance around like the prima donna that you certainly are not back in London, but here, it seems that you have been demoted."

I smiled across at Meg for her quick witted reply.

Caroline shrugged as she pushed past us in the doorway. I watched her as she took a seat on her bed and faced us again, arms crossed and her eyes narrowed.

"Well it is better than what she is doing."

"What, dancing? At least she does not have the arrogance of a buffoon!"

I snickered at that, making Meg laugh along with me. Meg always seemed to think up the greatest of insults when somebody really aggravated her.

"Yeah well…" Caroline trailed off, her eyes flickering towards the ceiling for a long moment as she thought of another insult to throw back at us.

"Well at least I didn't have to lay with the patron of the opera house just to be rewarded with a place in the ballet." She griped, a smirk replacing her anger.

I felt my skin at her sordid accusation. Is that what people really thought when they saw the two of us together? When I had first gotten into the ballet, I weren't even speaking to the Vicomte. I was also certain out of him, the managers and Madame Giry that he was probably the one to have advised not to give me a place in the ballet, given his distaste of me at the time.

"Given that you have only been here for a matter of a week, I do not understand how you could make such an indecent accusation!" Meg exclaimed angrily.

"Oh please, everyone has seen them together. Sneaking about as though nobody would notice and then he gifts her with an expensive dress." She smirked. "It is not difficult to imagine what she is gifting him with-"

"It sounds as though you have excellent knowledge about that. And they are not sneaking around, in actual fact she is going to the ball-"

Meg stopped mid-sentence as I turned to leave. I felt so utterly humiliated because if she truly believed that, then I couldn't help but wonder who else thought such a thing. I didn't often care about what others thought of me but this was different. It wasn't just about me anymore, it was about Raoul too. I didn't like being thought of in such a vulgar way and I certainly disliked anyone thinking of him in such a way too.

"Charlotte, where are you going?" Meg called from behind me.

I ignored her question, not knowing myself yet. I just wanted to get away from the dormitories and away from anymore of Caroline's cruel accusations.

I gasped; jolting to a stop as Meg suddenly ran in front of me. I reluctantly met her worried, wide eyes as she pressed both hands to my arms.

"You cannot listen to people like her. She is probably only judging you based on what she has done before."

"You are probably right but what if other people believe that that is the only reason I am with Raoul. It is bad enough that I have to deal with such accusations. I'd hate for him to have to too. It is not fair."

"It doesn't matter what they think. They are just a small selection of chorus girls who would do exactly what they are accusing you of, just to be able to progress in their own career. Caroline Godwin is only jealous of your relationship with the Vicomte, knowing that you would not sink to her level for the sake of your career."

"Yes but what if it isn't just members of the chorus or the ballet who begin thinking it? I am sure Christine probably faced the same criticism when she was engaged to Raoul."

"Yes, I certainly overhead people talk about them but he remained loyal to her, did he not? And given the certainty of his feelings, I am more than certain that he will remain loyal to you too."

I frowned. "Yeah, maybe."

"There's no maybe about it. Now I demand that you walk downstairs with pride in your beautiful new dress, meet with the Vicomte who will be patiently awaiting your arrival and enjoy the rest of this wonderful evening without both of you unnecessary feeling guilty or worried."

"Okay, okay," I agreed with a laugh when it was obvious that Meg wouldn't give in. She took my arm to lead me back to the grand staircase, making it obvious that I had no choice.

I turned to Meg as she excused herself so she could finish getting ready.

"You look absolutely beautiful by the way Meg." I smiled. "Marcel Bonneville is very fortunate to be sharing in your company tonight."

She smiled at that, her cheeks shading pink as she quickly hurried back to the dormitories, mumbling a nervous thank you.

I was not quite prepared as I rounded the grand staircase to see Raoul stood waiting, just as he always was. My foot stumbled as I thought about how handsome he looked again tonight and I clung to the rail with my free hand. My other was clinging to my skirt as I lifted it from trailing against the floor, stepping carefully down the stairs as I made my approach.

He seemed deep in thought about something, not paying attention to my attempt at walking as gracefully down the stairs as possible. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking about though.

He was wearing something different again; a black trouser suit, with a black and grey waistcoat. Underneath that was a purple tie which was visible above a white shirt. I noticed that from underneath the bright lights, his bronzed hair seemed to be more of a sandy brown shade. He literally managed to take my breath away.

Finally, as I managed the last few steps, his steel blue eyes found mine. I couldn't keep the smile that showed itself as Raoul openly gaped, his eyes roaming over my face and downwards slowly.

"I don't believe there are any words which are sufficient enough to define how beautiful you look tonight." He declared softly as his eyes finally found mine again.

I shivered under his stormy gaze as I took my place beside him. "Well I assure you, you are just as handsome tonight. See, I can manage a sincere compliment when I wish to." I added teasingly.

He smiled at that, holding out his arm for me to take.

I blinked for a moment. Oh, so he really would be accompanying me tonight then. His gesture was different too. Before now, we had kept touches between us to a mere minimum.

I linked my arm with his, knowing that my face was probably bright red as we waltzed through the small crowds beginning to gather in the foyer.

At first, I felt okay in his presence. With his arm to hold onto, I felt almost protected. But then I began to notice people openly staring as though it was acceptable and I picked up on a few muffled whispers of surprise too.

Oh god, this was so not what I wanted to happen! I knew how much Raoul's reputation meant to him and I was frightened about what other people might begin to say.

I sighed as we finally reached the gallery which was being used for the celebrations when everyone else began to arrive. We moved to the side of the room and I felt glad that there weren't too many people in here compared to with the foyer. Still, I retrieved my arm back from Raoul quickly, despite how much I had enjoyed his touch.

Raoul shot me a confused stare. "Are you alright?"

I forced a nod but he continued to watch me. I sighed. "I'm fine really, it is just…well I should have realized how difficult our first outing would be, I suppose."

"I do not understand why you would think in such a way."

"Surely you noticed the amount of people staring at us in the foyer? I cannot really blame them. I suppose people must perceive me as a downgraded version of Christine."

"I would have thought that you of all people would not concern yourself about what others may or may not think of you."

I shrugged. "Yeah, but it's different with you."

"Why?" He asked, a confused frown pulling at his lips.

"Because I am merely a ballet rat, ironically enough the Phantom said the same when I first met him." I huffed. "But he was right, I am. Meg has potential to become prima ballerina but I barely make it through rehearsals. Christine will definitely become the new prima donna too."

"I still do not understand how that matters. You gained your place in the ballet from your audition, did you not? That must tell you something. And as for the Phantom, he is another person whose opinion does not matter."

"Yes but I expect that you was ridiculed because of your relationship with Christine. Imagine the ridicule you shall face with me, a mere ballet rat!"

"So what are you saying? That you are more concerned about what others were to say?"

"I just worry that some might find it a little scandalous. I feel as though I do not have anything to be ashamed of but…well, certain people have already begun to gossip."

"Who?"

"It doesn't matter-"

"It matters to me," he interrupted, still trying to keep his voice low enough so that nobody else heard us.

I glanced around the room to see a couple of people staring before I turned back to Raoul to find that he was still watching me closely, waiting for my answer.

"Caroline Godwin," I sighed.

"Who- oh that new chorus girl with the blonde hair? Yes, I have noticed her in rehearsals, constantly attempting to sing the loudest as though everyone is lesser than herself," he griped. "Well she is the last person you should be worrying about. I cannot imagine that she mentioned anything intelligent enough to cause any concern." He attempted at a joke, a slight smile lifting his lips.

I chewed on my bottom lip as I stared down at the floor, wanting more than ever for it to swallow me whole now. If only he knew the embarrassing accusations she had slung my way earlier tonight! It would surely be the first of many.

"Charlotte?" Raoul asked with concern.

"We should just forget about it. You are right; I shouldn't be spending my time worrying about what she has to say."

"What did she say to you?"

I sighed, knowing I had dug myself into a hole. "Well…nothing really, it's just…she…basically insinuated that…I had only made it into the ballet because…well because I lay with you." I finally gasped out.

"That vindictive wench!"

"Meg and I did put her right, of course we did but I just worry that this will be the sort of thing that we might have to deal with now. I just don't think it's very fair on you."

I heard him sigh as I kept my gaze on the floor, chewing harder on my bottom lip. I felt certain he would agree with me and perhaps put an end to things now before anyone else queried our involvement.

"Did you not receive my note that I had placed with the dress?"

"Well yes, but-"

His hand reached out to catch my chin within his hold before I had time to react. I gasped at the pleasing touch as he lifted my chin back so he could gaze properly into my eyes. I shivered automatically. This felt so intimate, as though we were literally the only two people in the room.

"I wish to continue courting you and only you. I no longer care if our relationship displeases others or not because it is certainly no concern of theirs, particularly not to Mademoiselle Godwin. She is probably only judging you based on her own behavior."

I shrugged. "Ironically, Meg said the same thing."

"Well there we go then. Clearly, she is the last person you should be accepting advice from." He insisted.

I nodded, forcing a smile. They were probably right. It just infuriated me, to accuse me and Raoul in such a sordid way.

Finally though, he took a breather, closing his eyes for the briefest of moments before he gazed back at me again. "Also, I have to say that I am still in awe at how beautiful that dress looks on you."

I shared his smile, feeling my skin growing hotter under his warm gaze and the soft touch of his fingers and I couldn't hold back another of my shivers as he finally released me.

Once I took a shaky breath and was able to think clearer for myself, I replied. "Thank you; it is the most incredible dress I have ever seen."

"I am glad that you like it, I hoped that you would."

"There is nothing to dislike. It is as though you designed it just for me."

He chuckled teasingly at that. "Well that was the general notion."

I dropped my gaze as another smile lifted my lips at his words.

"I feel I need to confess something." Raoul declared, instantly catching my attention once more. He was watching me closely, imitating my smile.

"Now I'm worried," I teased.

His smile lifted into his charming boyish grin and my breath caught at the beautiful sight. It seemed too fortunate for him to wish to be with me and I still couldn't help but wonder if and when it would go wrong.

"When you auditioned, Madame Giry was impressed but she felt a little worried about your performance. She said that she believed you possessed the potential to progress but held back a little too much. The managers unwisely thought you were not ready for the ballet yet."

I smiled. "And let me guess, you agreed with them."

I couldn't hold back my surprise as he shook his head. "No actually, I agreed with Madame Giry. There was something…fascinating about you, especially in the way you performed. And even when I was attempting to convince myself that I did not have these feelings for you, you were mesmerizing to watch. You still are."

"Really?" I asked, too surprised not to sound bewildered.

"I know that you believe that you are not a very worthy dancer but you are. You seem to lose yourself in the music. It is as though you forget about the audience or anyone else for that matter and simply perform as you are meant to."

I flushed at his confession, though I couldn't hide my smile. "Well I suppose I have become used to performing after all these months."

Still, it was nice to hear he thought so fondly, given how much I loved performing.