Thanks for my readers for being so patient with me and I apologise for keeping you guys waiting. I had lost my motivation to write because last week just as I was leaving work for the day, my boss told me there and then, that day was my last. I was shocked I had no warning and I kinda felt betrayed and upset. I really enjoyed my work and my co-workers and it made me depressed about how I wont see them for another year till next summer comes around. I wasnt meant to finish for another month and a half but she got rid of me early and it made me angry and sad. But after a week of being a depressed recluse, I got out of the house and started to look for work elsewhere. So now Im jobless but I'm ready to get back into writing again. So here is another chapter and its the chapter where Raoul and Christine are secretly engaged and attend the masquerade ball/party whatever you call it. Incase for those who are confused Erik snuck out after the last chapter and saw Christine and Raoul singing together like in the movie so he knows about them. NOW onto the chapter, thanks for reading and reviewing. :D

Chapter 12: He's just not that into you

"We're past the point of no

return"

"BOOOOO!" A heard of hecklers rush toward the stage and throw tomatoes at me as I clutch the nearest person next to me.

"Bring back Christine!" one person shouts. I cover my face into my human shield to prevent the tomato hitting me in the chops.

"HELP ME!" I shout, peering up at my protector, who happens to be Erik, with no mask on?

"You are not her, you never will be!" He pulls me to him and we suddenly plummet down through the floor, my skirts flailing around us.

"Erik!" I land into a pool of freezing water, its so deep, I don't feel the bottom. Its so dark, I see nobody. Nothing is here with me, I struggle to stay afloat and the water engulfs me as I sink deeper and deeper.

GASP!

I shoot up from the piano, gasping and panting for air. What kind of dream was that? They are getting worse and worse each day that passes. I feel like I am going to mess up in front of everyone at the masquerade. I was informed by Christine that everyone was going to sing and dance and everyone has to guess who is who based off of the singing. I could tell that it was going to be a very eventful night. I had spent hours with Christie finding the perfect dress. I have chosen a beautiful deep turquoise coloured ball gown. I would feel like a princess on the night. But I was taking dancing lessons with Meg too to make sure that I would not look like a fool in front of the entire Opera House.

Erik and I have grown very close, I dare say that we are courting, but he has not said if we are or not, so I am hesitant to ask him. Truthfully, I am afraid of what he would say and how we would react to my proposal of more than just friendship. I feel so much more connected to him after that night where we told each other our life stories.

However a few days after the preparations for the masquerade were due to start, I noticed a change in him, he completely changed and , I fear him slightly. He marches across the grounds, fists clenched, eyes darkened. I can feel the anger from him. I do not know what I have done to make him feel this way. Is it I am here with him too often? Has he grown tired of my presence?

I decide it is time for me to leave and prepare for the masquerade. I have to leave him to his thoughts and keep my mind on myself tonight. Christine had asked to have a word with me, implying it is very urgent. I hope that she does not know about Erik and I.

"Erik, I must go and dress for the masquerade, I shall see you again tonight?" I stand and fix my dress, glancing over at him slouched over the organ. He is not moving, barely breathing...

"Erik?" Picking up my skirts I trapse over to him and hesitantly place my hand on his shoulder, causing him to immediatly flinch and turn to look at me.

"Yes, Katia! Leave! Get out of here! I do not care!"

His bellow shocks me so much I stumble back almost falling over. What on earth has gotten into him? We were getting on great and enjoying each others company and now he does not care?

"But Erik, I thought you would walk me out?"

He scoffs at me and returns to his music, slamming his hands on the keys so as to drown out my voice.

What have I done now? I gather my skirts once again and rush out onto the boat, I am not going to show him that he made me upset, I shant let him see he affects me so.

I row myself out as fast as I can, sneaking one last glance back. He still proceeds to play the piercingly loud organ music.

When I reach the mirror and return to the dressing room, I find it lit but empty. I compose myself and brush down my dress and fix my hair. All of a sudden, a waterfall of tears flood out from my eyes as I sink to the floor.

What has become of me? What has become of him? Why has he been so cold these past few days? What happened to the gentle, kind man that presented me with a splendid picnic of treats? What happened to the man who taught me to play piano almost to perfection? Why am I so affected by his actions? Do I feel more betrayed that he treats me like he hates me, or that he does not treat me as more than a dear friend?

Then I have an epiphany... I have feelings for Erik...

I think... I love the Phantom of the Opera...

3 days later at the masquerade

I enter the hall filled with hundreds of glittering ball gowns and various faces of different shapes and sizes. Who's idea was it to throw a masquerade ball? It seems like the most scariest party ever known. You know everyone and no one at the same time.

Weaving through the crowd, I peer across the hall hoping to bump into Christine. She is supposed to be a fairy if I can remember. She and Raoul are arriving together, she wants to inform everyone of her engagement. I suppose that Erik shant mind that she is betrothed to Raoul anymore, he has me now. Why should he be interested?

I eventually come across Christine and she looks magnificent, Raoul beaming by her side as a Prince from a fairytale.

"Christine!" I rush to her and we embrace, careful so to not ruin her attire.

"You look captivating, Miss Katia." Raoul kisses my hand politely as I curtsey back at him. Christine is a very lucky girl!

"Raoul, please would you fetch us some wine?" Christine glances up at him and then at me with a knowing look. She is finally going to tell me what she intended for this past week.

"Sure my dear, one moment," he saunters away into the sea of people. As soon as he is out of eyesight, Christine pulls me to the side of the room.

"What is it you wish to tell me?" I urge, I must know what she deems to important to tell me in public.

"Well, you know that the Phantom of the Opera has left me things before? Roses, scrolls and such?" I do not like were this conversation was going one bit.

"OK, It seems as though he knows that I am betrothed to Raoul and now I am in danger." Christine's eyes are wide and crazed. Erik is surely not interested in Christine still? He has barely spent much time with her, he has been with me most of his days!

"Why would you think you are in danger?" I ask with a pleading look. "Tell me what's going on Christine?"

She is about to tell me more, when screams erupt from beside us and smoke englufs the air. People rush into us from every direction in desperation to retreat from the souce of the madness. I cling to Christine and she to me. We stare in horror as Erik rises from seemingly no where dressed in red with a skull on his face.

"It's him, The Phantom of the Opera,"

Sorry it is so short but I wanted to finally update this bloody story. Its been too long. Yes, I am back now looking for another job, the folk who make you look for work are pressuring me to get one and when you live in a small town, theres not much choice! ANYWAYS! I have finally done it and gave you guys another chapter! My teen wolf chapter should be coming up soon as well when I get the chance to put it out there. Thank you and I hope you stick around to see what happens next with Katia.

AS x