HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hey friends, I hope you all are having a Wonderful holiday and a great new year! I thought since its New Year's Eve this would be a perfect time to post this chapter! We finally have a masquerade upon us, so this shall be very exciting!
Okay so I really hope you all enjoy this chapter, please read and review! I would love to hear what you all think! Thanks so much!
Chapter 27:
The few days leading up to the New Year's masquerade flew by quickly. May had not seen Erik since Christmas bust was not too concerned because she knew he was busy doing something she was unaware of and she herself was very busy preparing for the ball.
It took her a while to find a gown but with the help of Meg Giry, the girls were able to find a beautiful gown in one of the old costume closets. Meg swore that no one would be needing it, nor would it be much missed and so May graciously borrowed it.
Back on the evening of Christmas day while Erik and May adorned one another's companionship May had asked a simple request of Erik, and made him promise to do so.
May twirled around gleefully in her new pointe shoes as Erik sat and observed her closely. She simply adored her new gift; the shoes fit perfectly and she was more that ambitious to break them in. Twirling in circles, gliding gracefully across the stage, May imagined herself to be dancing the lead in any ballet she chose.
Her mind strayed to the up and coming Masquerade Ball and she froze her movements for a moment as a thought dawned on her.
"Erik?" She called out.
"Yes."
"Will you be attending the Ball on New Year's Eve?" she questioned with an excited smile.
Erik thought for a moment. "I might make an appearance at some point in the evening. Why?"
"If you do come, would you dance with me?"
"Dance with you?" he questioned in shock.
"Yes!
Erik didn't want to agree right away so he decided to beat around the bush for a moment. "How would I even find you?"
"Well I will be wearing a black laced mask and a sapphire necklace that should help. I have yet to find a gown but when I do I will inform you what it looks like."
Erik decided to please the girl. "Alright May,"
"So you will dance with me?" she asked with excited anticipation.
"Yes I will dance with you."
"Do you promise, Erik?"
"Yes Maygen I promise."
The both intended to keep that promise.
Tonight was the night; New Year's Eve. Jack had insisted for May to get ready at his apartment so that he would be able to escort her to the ball; and so she did. Standing in front of the large mirror in Jack's bedroom May examined her appearance with trepid eyes. Her dress was scandalously without straps but yet covered what needed to be kept modest; the sequenced bodice was a creamy ivory that clung to the curve of her bust. The skirt started high at the tip of her waist and cascaded widely in a swooping pattern of curved layers all blending from the lovely ivory into a deep sapphire along the edges, speckled with gems of deep black, as dark as the night itself. Her long locks were pinned loosely on top of her head with a few stray curls falling about here and there. Her lips were a deep red and the lids of her eyes were sparkling silver.
With necklace in hand she stared at herself adjusting her dress and putting on some last minute details, such as a lovely pair of earrings Meg let her borrow and white gloves found in the costume closet. Without warning there was a knock on the door that made May jump.
"You may come in." she announced.
Slowly opening the door Jack crept into the room freezing the moment he saw the beautiful woman before him. Jack himself was in costume and looking stunningly handsome. His attire resembled one of a prince with a dark tail coat with golden buttons, matching dark pants, high riding boots, a golden sash strung from one shoulder, and gold shoulder paddings, along with princely looking broaches and pins.
"Why my darling you look absolutely breath taking!" he exclaimed as he quickly approached May with a beaming smile.
"You as well Jack." May replied quietly grinning. She was slightly shocked when Jack placed a delicate kiss to her red lips, but yet she accepted it gratefully. "Will you help me," she asked indicating the necklace she was holding up to him.
Jack took the shining piece of jewelry in his hands and slowly turned May around facing the mirror as he clasped it around her neck securely. "Beautiful," he sighed as he stared at her reflection; May glanced to her feet blushing. "Are you excited my dear?"
"Yes." She replied shortly.
"That doesn't sound excited to me."
"No, I am I promise." She responded quickly.
Jack pressed a warm kiss to her forehead. "Shall we be on our way then?" May nodded in response, graciously taking his arm.
The ball was beautiful, held in the large lobby of the opera house, tons of people in all in disguises danced, laughed, and roamed around telling stories and good tales. All the men were dressed to the 'T' and every woman dawned her most gorgeous gowns. Gold's and silvers stuck out loudly among the array of colors given off by the crowd as the room glittered in the glow of the heated candles. Beautiful music was heard over the bustling sound of laughter as a small orchestra played from the upper level of the lobby atop the grand staircase. Everything and everyone was happy, it seemed as if nothing could bring down the excitement.
As they entered the ball with masks now fastened, May clutched tighter to Jack's strong arm feeling a sudden fear of some unknown disaster impending upon the night. Jack could sense May's trepidation and glanced down at her with worried eyes.
"Maygen, is everything alright?" he inquired with concern
"Yes, just uh- a lot of people." She lied. With a short chuckle Jack pulled May along into the crowds of people attempting to loosen her nerves,
Time passed quickly; the night was going very well, and May was enjoying herself immensely. Jack had introduced her to some people he knew and May had introduced him to her friends from the opera including Meg who was over the top thrilled to be meeting May's dashing courter. Together the two of them danced for quite a while, spinning in circles around the dance floor forgetting about all the people watching the lovely couple as they laughed and swayed.
After a while May and Jack reluctantly removed themselves from the dance floor. "You must be parched love," Jack spoke with a smile "Why don't I go get you something to drink."
"Thank you Jack." May replied
"You wait rite here," and with that he disappeared in the crowed.
With her back to a large marble pillar May contentedly scanned over the mass of happy patrons. Everyone was having a wonderful time, and May couldn't help but laugh at a few party goers who seemed to be having a little too much fun with the wine.
Suddenly the excited calling of her name snapped her out of her roaming gaze. She knew the voice which called her and gave an excited girly shriek as she embraced her friend who shrieked as well.
"Christine!" she exclaimed.
"Oh May how have you been?" she questioned with enthusiasm written in her voice as she stood before her friend. Christine was dressed beautifully in a gorgeous pale pink gown with flowers scattered about and layers of bustle fanning down the back.
"I have been very well, how are you?" May inquired.
"I too am well. Oh your gown is lovely, it must have cost a fortune!" Christine exclaimed
May gave a quick laugh, "Actually thanks to Meg, it cost nothing. I borrowed it from the costume closet."
The two laughed merrily. "Well I would have never guessed, you look lovely!"
Suddenly a rather handsome man appeared behind Christine glancing at her with a concerned look, "Christine, why did you run off so suddenly?"
Christine ignored his question which made May giggle. "Oh Raoul I want you to meet a dear friend of mine," she spoke as she gripped his arm. "This is Maygen Daily, the greatest ballerina in our corps and a prima donna in the making!"
"Oh stop it Christine," she laughed.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Mademoiselle Daily," Raoul grasped her gloved hand lightly and brought it to his lips pressing a delicate kiss onto the fabric. "I remember seeing you perform in Ill Muto, you are quite the little dancer."
May could not help but become stiff at the Vicomte's daring action; Erik's strong disliking of this man had rubbed off on May without her even realizing and now meeting him in person for the first time she knew that the Vicomte de Chagny wasn't going to be her favorite person.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well Monsieur le Vicomte."
"Here you are May," Jack was suddenly beside her handing a glass of what appeared to be champagne. May cringed at the thought of the taste yet graciously took the glass.
"Oh Jack what perfect timing," May announced. "I was just catching up with my dear friend Christine, you do remember her from the opera, right?" she inquired.
"Of course I do, it is a pleasure to finally be meeting you Miss. Daae." Jack addressed to Christine, who gave a polite curtesy in response.
"You as well monsieur." Christine replied.
"And this is Raoul Vicomte de Chagny," May introduced.
"Ah, Monsieur Vicomte I was hoping I would get the chance to meet you this evening." Holding out a hand Jack spoke aloud. "Jack Oliver."
The Vicomte took his hand and shook "Oliver, that's a familiar name, how do you do?"
The men quickly spiraled into small talk over business and other manly accouterments. Christine and May giggled at their maleness.
"Jack is very charming May, are you two courting?" Christine questioned excitedly.
"Why yes we are, how is your relationship with the Vicomte?" May already knew the answer and cringed at the memory of Erik's anger over their relationship. She watched in confusion as Christine's face suddenly darkened.
"Um actually there is something I wanted to discuss with you." She responded in a whisper. Christine shot a quick glance to the men behind them and May knew that her glance indicated it was a topic to discuss in private. Grasping Christine's hand May quickly led her to a quite hallway away from the crowds of people and away from Jack and the Vicomte.
"What is the matter Christine is everything alright?" May questioned. She could tell that something was weighing heavily on her mind by the way that she would not stand still and how she kept twisting her hands in the delicate fabric of her gown.
"Yes, everything is alright… I mean no, well actually…" she paused for a moment. "I am just going to come out and say it." May was suddenly frightened by what she was going to say. "You know him." She stated.
At first she was confused. "Know who?"
Christine glanced around looking for any indication of lingering people or hidden shadows. "The phantom." She whispered. May's face paled as she struggled to find words. "Oh May I am sorry but I know you know him, I knew it the night of the chandelier incident and I have just been thinking about him so much recently."
May wouldn't answer, she couldn't answer she didn't know what to say; Nobody besides Mr. Khan knew that she knows Erik. Should she lie, should she tell the truth, she didn't know what to do.
"Well is it true?" Christine inquired.
After a moment of hesitation she finally replied. "Y-yes, yes it's true."
"Oh thank goodness." She sighed. "Maygen please tell me, how mad is he about the engagement, is that why he did such horrible things the night of the opera?"
May was at a loss for words. "Uh, Christine I-I can't…"
"Oh God May he frightens me. He is so powerful I fear what he can do."
"Don't!" she quickly blurted out. Christine jumped at her sudden response.
"Don't?" she inquired.
"Yes do not fear him, he may have done some bad things but you should not fear him." Christine was confused by his words.
"Oh May, please tell me how angry he is about the engagement." She practically begged.
"Christine I can't." she couldn't, she wouldn't. Erik was too good to her she could not reveal his true feelings even if it was to the woman he loved. She simply couldn't do that to him. "I am terribly sorry but I cannot go against him by telling you."
"Will he harm you if you do?" Christine suddenly asked with fear laced in her voice.
"No- oh no don't ever think that. I simply cannot go against our friendship by telling you what he feels." Christine looked down solemnly. "Oh but Christine do know that he would never harm you, I know for a fact that he would never lay a hurtful finger on you, please believe me."
"I believe you May." She responded after moments of hesitation. "Would you be able to answer one question for me though?" May nodded. "W-what is his name?"
May's face lit up with joy. The idea of her being the one to know his name and not the woman he is madly in love with made her heart skip a beat; a gentle blush painted her cheeks without her wanting it too.
"Erik." She spoke. "His name is Erik."
"Erik?" she inquired, testing the letters out on her lips. "I would have never guessed!" she exclaimed with a grin stretching from ear to ear.
After Christine embraced May one last time she quickly ran off to find the Vicomte. May stood in the now abandoned hallway going over what just occurred. Her mind was spinning with questions and confusion. She wanted to know where Jack was yet she did not want to rejoin the crowd. With a huff May leaned back against the wall staring down the dim-lighted hallway. Something quickly caught her eye; a flash of red and a pair of golden eyes. Erik. With eyes wide and excitement toying in her chest May slowly began down the hall searching for him desperately.
'He has come for me!' she thought 'He has kept his promise!'
She didn't know why but she felt as if she was being pulled toward Erik, as if there were an unstated force tugging her towards his presence, promising safety and answers in his company. Her eyes searched and searched but he was nowhere to be seen.
"There you are Maygen!" Jack announced from the end of the hall. May gave a yelp of shock as he exclaimed his presence. She turned to great him with a lazy grin on her lips. "I was worried. I didn't know where you had run off to."
"No need to worry, I am here." She quietly replied as he came to stand before her.
"I can see that," Jack replied smirking as he leaned one shoulder up against the wall, crossing his arms. "And what brings you here?"
"I needed to get away from the crowd." She sighed coming closer to him. For some reason May longed for the warmth of being held in Jack's arms and as he wrapped her in an embrace she couldn't be happier.
"I don't blame you; they are quite a rowdy bunch." He smiled into her hair. "Would you like to leave? I can take you back to my flat?"
"No," she replied against his chest, "I am happy here." Glancing up at Jack, he glanced back down at her with his sparkling blue eyes.
"Me too," he replied leaning closer to her face. Their lips were about to meet when suddenly screams of terror were heard coming from the lobby.
Pulling away from one another and glancing worriedly down the hall, Jack quickly grabbed May's hand as the two of them raced with worry written in their eyes, to the lobby where the horror awaited. As they pushed their way through the frightened crowd May tripped on the hem of her dress and collided into Jack as he came to an abrupt stop staring at the sight before them.
The music had ceased, the merriment was gone, no one dared to speak let alone let out a breath; all eyes were casted on one and one alone. The figure of death stood tall and menacing at the top of the grand staircase as he dragged his golden gaze across the horror filled faces of his victims.
His skeletal mask showed only his cat like eyes and tight mouth that was drawn in a menacing smirk, casting fear into his awaited audience. Blood red was the color this figure of death adorned.
May's gasp was loud and her frantic cry of 'No!' was even louder, she knew those eyes and that cocky yet all-knowing leer. She was drawn to him; the ruby richness of his attire made her breath catch in her throat and as the figure of death snapped his attention directly to her, May couldn't stop herself from attempting approach on his almighty being. Someone was holding her back though; she was being grabbed around the waist and held against a strong chest. Slightly agitated she turned her attention to her advancer and met the clear blue gaze of Jack. That's right, in that short moment locked in the spell of the Red Death, she had completely forgotten about everyone including him. Pulling herself out of her daze, she let him hold her as she turned her attention back to the scene before her.
"What a lovely party." The Phantasmal creature boomed with a jeer as he threateningly descended the staircase. "I must say this is a fantastic way to bring in the New Year." He came to stop in front of Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre who stood upon the steps attempting to show any ounce of bravery they possibly could.
The Red Death continued, he had no intentions of wasting any amount of time. "Of course with every new year, there must be new performances. Tell me monsieur's, what operas have you chosen for the upcoming season. I am dying to know and I can only imagine the anticipation of everyone else attending as well." He spoke with such sarcastic arrogance.
The managers were beyond words, they were both utterly terrified and had no idea how to respond, the creature of death could sense this and so he continued. "Just as I imagined." He mocked. "Lucky for your sorry hides, I have taken this matter well into my ghastly hands." He turned to confront his awaiting audience and with the simple swish of a hand materialized an ominous leather bound score book.
"Don Juan Triumphant." He announced with such pleasure in his deep voice it caused May to tremble in her courters grasp. "This ladies and gentlemen shall be the next opera performed here in my Opera House. Now since I have written this fine production its comes with very crucial instructions that must be followed exactly as written." He slowly turned to the managers again. "We do not want another disaster beyond imagination to occur now do we?" they both shook their heads 'no'. "Good, so unless these rules are disobeyed, your lives and everyone else's shall be spared… is that clear?" A quick nod in understanding was his response. "Perfect." He cooed with a deathly grin.
May watched with trepidation as he turned glancing over his tentative audience. His eyes heavy gaze caught on something, someone, and for a brief moment May swore she saw his entire persona soften. He began to stalk down the steps briskly approaching his prey. May analyzed his walk; this was Erik. It was as if he had left one façade at the top of the stairs and now quickly slipped into his normal self. May knew his movement, this was nothing for show, this was Erik. He glided with urgency yet held himself tall and immaculately.
Watching in fear, his prey slowly stepped forward, trapped in his beautiful trance. Christine and Erik did not stop until they were directly before one another gazing deeply into trepid eyes. May was stunned by this action. It was the first time she had ever seen Erik and Christine together and it was something that confused her. The way they approached each other was as if there was a force greater than no other dragging them closer and closer and now as they stood staring their eyes were unreadable, lost, gone from reality. There were only them, in that moment.
Erik made a mistake though. A simple glance down and he caught sight of something he wished he hadn't. A beautiful ring was dangling from a simple chain strung around Christine's neck. An engagement ring. Fury boiled inside of him like no other, he wanted to scream, throw something, break anything, and pound at his organ until the sound harmed his hearing.
Erik suddenly reached forward and grasped the ring tightly in his long fingers. "Your chains are still mine Christine. You will sing for me!" And with a mighty roar he tore the ring from her neck breaking the chain.
It happened so suddenly, he was gone with in a split second, nowhere to be seen and no trace of where he could have gone. Everyone broke into action screaming in horror, fleeing the building, Raoul grabbed ahold of Christine and Jack tugged May away from the frantic crowd.
"May, come on we must go!" Jack urged as he pulled her by the waist away from the staircase. She wouldn't budge her eyes were glued to where the Red Death had just disappeared. "Maygen, darling what is the matter?"
Her mind was going crazy; she had to see Erik she just had too. She wasn't angry at him and she did not want to pick a fight but seeing him made her realize that he had made her a promise that she was not willing to let him break. It was strange how such a 'horror' filled moment could make her think of such a thing but it did and she couldn't let it go.
"No, Jack!" She pulled on his arm so he could meet her glance. "We can't go."
"Well why not?" he asked flustered.
She had to make up a lie again. Oh how she hated herself for lying to Jack. "I um- I have to find Christine and see if she's okay." Before she could give him a chance to respond, she was off.
"Maygen!" she heard him yell as she ran from the lobby into the empty auditorium racing backstage and through the hidden door to the catacombs.
Holding the front of her gown high as she ran May found herself smiling for some odd reason as she approached the door to Erik's lair with excitement. She stopped with abruptness as a horrid yet beautiful sound filled her ears. Erik was playing the organ, banging out marvelously loud soulful tunes that melted May's soul. She could hear the pain and despair laced into the melody and instantly knew that he was hurting.
Inching the door open a crack, she saw him. He sat hunched over the instrument as his fingers flew over the keys. He was still clothed in his red attire; for some reason May found herself adoring such a deep color on him compared to his usual black or white. Erik was completely submerged in his music and May could tell. Creeping the rest of the way into the lair and shutting the door behind her, May decided it was her turn to play ghost.
She moved with quiet nimble feet, holding her gown up and close making sure it would make no sound against the rock floor. She was behind him in a matter of moments. Erik seemed completely oblivious to the young girl behind him as he continued smashing out gorgeous tunes.
Reaching her hand out with a smile May was ready to 'attack' when suddenly the music completely stopped and Erik slumped forward.
"If you have come here to berate me again, I advise you to avoid the lake this time." He knew May was behind him, he could sense her presence the moment she entered the lair.
May was shocked by his reaction and the defeated way he spoke. She had never witnessed him quite like this and she was not finding it enjoyable.
Picking up the many layers of skirts she wore May placed herself beside Erik upon his organ bench facing the opposite direction. She stared at him with saddened eyes as he sat with his head in his hands.
"No yelling?" Erik questioned sarcastically as he sat up to meet May's gaze. "That is quite the shock seeing as I have just ruined your evening and once again threatened your beloved cast mates."
May smiled at his remark, she was rather delighted to see that he was not wearing his mask. "No yelling." She replied quietly giving him a nudge on the shoulder.
Erik gave a gentle smile; glancing over her slowly Erik was stunned by how beautiful May truly looked. Her hair was slightly messy from her trek down to the lair, leaving a few haphazard curls framing her face, her eyes seemed to sparkle in the candle light, and an adorable pink blush painted her freckled cheeks. For some reason he swore she appeared older, more mature almost.
"Why are you here Maygen?" Erik questioned softly, gazing into her delighted eyes.
"You've made a promise." She stated with a grin.
"Really, have I now?"
"Yes you have,"
"And what promise would this be?" Erik questioned, he loved bantering May.
"You promised to dance with me. At the ball." She clarified. "I waited for you anxiously all night but you never came. I see why now; you were obviously too busy with this… Don Juan Triumphant."
Erik glanced down with heavy eyes. "Oh yes… that."
May quickly bent to catch his gaze again. "Is that the music I was forbidden to look at when I was sick?" she questioned.
Erik gave a soft chuckle. "Yes, yes that's the music."
"It's beautiful." Their eyes met for a long moment. "Well the New Year is almost upon us; we are quickly running out of time for our dance!" May announced as she bounced to her feet, dropping her gown. "Shall we?" she inquired throwing forward her hand for him to take.
With her standing before him now Erik could finally take in May's appearance. He was stunned beyond words, her gown fit her perfectly and looked absolutely marvelous on her, she seemed to be shining from head to toe. Erik could not take his eyes off of her, she looked gorgeous. In that moment he thought of Christine; oh how precious she looked in her light pink gown, almost like a porcelain doll capable of being broken. That was the difference between Christine and May. Christine was capable of being broken, while May was built to stay strong. The two were worlds apart from being similar yet there was something in the both of them that attracted Erik more than he could say.
Christine is mild and meek, while Maygen is buoyant and outgoing. Christine is short and shrill, while May is tall and willowy. Christine basked in the sunlight while May accepted the darkness. Maybe that was what Erik was so drawn to in the girl, her desire to know what was held in the dark. Never once did she fear away from the catacombs, never once had she turned her back to the shadowed person that Erik was, she always wanted to know and always accepted the knowledge to know more.
Erik found himself in a trance as he stared, but quickly pulled out of it. "Well isn't that a pretty gown." He teased, not wanting her to know his thoughts.
"Why thank you Erik. Now come on, dance with me!" she whined with a blush.
Never once had Erik danced with a woman in his entire life, he had absolutely no idea how and was not willing to humiliate himself in front of May.
"You don't want me to dance with you." He stated with a playful grin.
"Yes I do, and you promised so come." She was being stubborn but it worked Erik reluctantly rose to stand before her. May quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him to a clear center in middle of the lair. She was determined to get him to dance with her.
Erik was rather uncomfortable with the situation. "May I have never danced before, I don't know how-,"
"Well I do, so stop being difficult and let me teach you!" she exclaimed with a giggle.
"You are so stubborn." Erik sighed
"And you are so grumpy!" May quickly grasped both of his hands, ignoring his brief instinct to pull away. "Now first things first, I will show you where to place your hands." Erik was shaking out of slight nervousness and natural instinct to such a tender touch. May decided to push that fact out of her mind.
Dropping his right hand May held his left up in her grasp. "Now this hand stays here with mine, just like this, while your left hand…" She reached for his free hand. "Holds my waist… just like that." She placed his left hand upon her waist, oh how his hands shook; Erik prayed that she wouldn't notice. "Now your hand stays there while mine rests upon your shoulder, just like this." She did so.
Erik felt ridiculous, he was horribly nervous being this close to May, especially touching her upon her waist as he was. Never in his wildest imaginations had he ever dreamed of being able to dance with a woman; he was thrilled that he could share his first dance with May, but he was still extremely nervous and hated himself for being in such a way.
"A-am I doing this right?" He asked timidly.
May glanced up at him and giggled, he looked so scared and she found it adorable. "Yes Erik, you are doing perfectly!"
He gave an anxious smile. "Am I really?"
"Yes, now just try to loosen up a little, and my goodness you're standing too far away we must fix that." Deciding to tease him a bit May quickly pulled him close to her giggling at his gasp in shock. Their eyes met for a moment; Erik's were filled with trepidation and May's with delight.
"Are you ready to begin?" she questioned
"But there's no music."
Giving a sarcastic scoff May replied quickly. "Erik! You of all people should know that you do not need music to dance."
"You don't?" he questioned innocently.
"No, your movement is what brings the music. You can set the tempo as fast or as slow as you please. You are in charge of your own melody." May enjoyed being in the position of 'teacher'. Normally it was Erik providing new knowledge but now that the tables were turned May was taking much delight in the moment.
"Let's start. Okay so when I step forward with my right, you…" She stepped forward and was shocked to see Erik step his left foot back, the proper way. "Step back on your left." She sighed happily. "That was perfect; okay so then your other foot meets." Erik did exactly that. "You did it!"
"I did?" He questioned excitedly as he accidentally tightened his grip on May. He was still shaking but not as badly, he was beginning to calm himself.
"Yes! Now try to follow me." Slowly but surely May led Erik in a simple box step. The entire time she watched with satisfaction as his head was bent while he stared at their feet learning what to do. He followed her perfectly, May was shocked.
"Erik that was perfect!" Erik met her gaze excitedly. May adored seeing him so happy. She was able to get his mind off of everything troubling him and for that she was thrilled and Erik was as well. "Let's keep trying."
They began again, Erik was a surprisingly quick learner, and was doing very well. Every now and again he would question if he was doing alright as he stared down at their feet and every time May would laugh and tell him he was doing wonderfully.
They stopped for a moment as Erik spoke his mind. "I hate to admit it but I am actually enjoying this."
"See I knew you would." May replied, hitting his shoulder jokingly. "Shall we continue?" Erik replied with a quick nod. And so they began again.
Erik still had his eyes glued to their feet even though he knew what he was doing. May wanted him to trust her and himself. Gently moving her hand beneath his chin she lightly forced his gaze to hers.
"Watch me. Trust what you are doing, and trust me." Erik nodded nervously, he began to tremble more, and May knew right away. His grasp on her tightened. "It's okay Erik." She gave him a gentle smile. "Just follow my lead."
May lead him and he followed graciously, together they waltzed. They looked like a beautiful pair, one clad in shining blues and the other in deep reds. They complimented each other perfectly and moved as one. Erik's eyes stayed locked on May's while they spun; and she was rite. No music was needed. They were making their own beautiful melody as they moved and laughed together.
Erik was becoming comfortable with his movements and with holding May so close. After a while he got sick of her leading and took over, in the end he was her teacher after all.
"You are very good at this Monsieur." May joked.
"Thank you Mademoiselle, as are you." Erik replied confidently. May was shocked when he gracefully took hold of her hand and spun her around, instantly pulling her back into his embrace. Together they laughed. "Did I surprise you?"
May laughed "Why yes you did. My, you are being daring this evening." She teased. Erik simply smiled and pulled her closer.
Their movements began to slow into a more romantic swaying. The rhythm of their unannounced melody calms as well as they gaze at each other somewhat longingly. May is absolutely thrilled to have Erik so content and to be held in his arms, she feels rather accomplished in her act of doing so.
Erik was slightly shocked when May leaned her head against his chest while they still swayed to their soundless song. His natural instinct to stiffen at such an unwelcomed touch was quelled as he lets out a brief sigh deciding to boldly hold her tighter and set his ravished cheek gently against her soft hair. His hand around her waist is now snaked further clutching her to him, his shaking has long since secede as well leaving him in an enjoyable state of relax.
May loved to be held close to Erik, she couldn't help but smile as he accepted her embrace. Things were quiet for a moment as they swayed.
"Erik?" she questioned against his chest. "Why was I not allowed to see your opera?"
Erik sighed into her hair. "Because it was not finished…"
"Is that all?"
"And because it is very powerful." He replied silently.
"Powerful? How so?" She questioned briefly glancing up at him.
"The music can be dangerous."
"Dangerous?"
"Yes. It is very lustful, very dissolute. It speaks deeply to the ones who truly choose to listen to it. The music I write such as that has the power to drive anyone mad… it has already driven me mad." His last phrase was spoken with a deeper sadness, one that only May was able to decipher.
Pulling away, May glanced up at Erik pensively "I don't think your mad Erik."
"Really?" he questioned with a smirk
May shook her head 'no'.
"Just misunderstood."
Erik couldn't help but let out a delightful laugh at her statement. "Well in that case, thank you."
There swaying had stopped but they still held each other in their dancer hold, neither of them daring to move.
"I enjoyed teaching you to dance." May spoke with a blush.
"I enjoyed learning. You are an excellent teacher."
"Thank you." She replied sweetly. Their gaze caught again and they stared longingly into one another's deep eyes.
"I overheard your little discussion with Miss. Daae." Erik spoke.
"I knew that was you!" May exclaimed remembering the flash of golden eyes she saw from around the corner in the hall.
"Yes that was me. I couldn't help but listen in, and I apologize for that." His words broke off for a brief moment of thinking. "Thank you, May for not telling her anything we have discussed. I have put a lot of trust into you, more trust than I have ever put into anyone, well maybe besides Nadir, but he doesn't count." Erik watched May blush and glance down at her feet. "And tonight that faith that I hold for you grew even stronger. Thank you Maygen. You will never know how important that decision you have made truly is to me."
Erik was speaking his mind about the situation, and he was more than thankful to get it off his chest. He felt an unending amount of gratitude towards May for not telling Christine anything he was feeling or anything they had discussed. If Christine knew even an ounce of how he reacted after news of her engagement and after the chandelier, she would despise and fear him even more than she already did.
"You're welcome Erik." May was touched by his words, feeling as if she did something amazingly right for once.
All of a sudden the one large clock Erik had in his lair began to chime. It was midnight, finally a New Year. Shocked by the sound of the chimes May and Erik quickly pulled away and stared at the clock for a moment.
"Midnight," May sighed.
Erik decided to tease, "Does Cinderella have to catch her carriage before it turns back into a pumpkin?" May quickly turned to him with a bright smile as she playfully hit him in the shoulder. "I'm only joking." He laughed.
"I know." She replied with a giggle.
Erik sighed as he glanced longingly over her one last time. "Well, your boy must be worried about you back upstairs. You must be dying to go give him a New Year's kiss." He teased smirking all the while.
Expecting another whack on the shoulder, Erik was struck utterly speechless at May's next action.
Deciding to be daring May quickly closed the space between her and Erik as she grabbed his arm and stood on her tip toes. May quickly pressed her lips to the deformed skin of Erik's cheek soaking in the rough feel of his flesh upon the smoothness of her lips. It was an absolutely lovely gesture that made May blush uncontrollably and delight in the shudder and almost inaudible moan she received from Erik.
He couldn't believe it; his first kiss. The first form of endearment brought by the light brushing of feather soft lips against his malformed skin. He couldn't believe what was happening; he could feel her tight grip on his arm but most of all he could feel her soft lips upon his flesh. It was beautiful; he didn't know whether to cry, or scream, or collapse at her feet and kiss the hem of her dress. His skin was screaming but in a good way and he couldn't help himself from trembling horribly.
It was over as soon as it started. May released her grasp on his arm and lowered herself on her heels. In that moment she had no idea how alive she had made Erik, and how amazingly she had just changed this man.
He didn't move; He couldn't move, he was stuck. His hand quickly came to feel his wretched skin where May's flawless lips were placed mere moments ago.
"Happy New Year Erik!" was all she exclaimed before running off leaving Erik in his shocked stupor that she had no way of seeing.
She ran all the way through the catacombs and auditorium back to the lobby. As she reached her destination she slowed her pace to a dull walk. Most of the candles and lights were extinguished and there was no sign of anyone left except for one.
Rounding a corner May saw him. Jack was pacing the middle platform of the grand staircase. His hair was disheveled perfectly the way May liked it, and his hands were in his pockets.
The entire time May was missing, Jack was beginning to become more and more suspicious as to where she could be. He swore he saw Raoul escort Christine out of the building so he knew May was most likely not with her, but then where could she be?
Jack suddenly became aware of the clicking of May's heels as she eagerly approached him.
"May!" he exclaimed as he met her half way down the steps. "My love, where have you run off to, I have been worried sick, you were gone for so long."
May listened to his banter gratefully for some time, appreciating how concerned he was as to her where about, but after a while she got bored. With a cheerful laugh May leapt forward catching Jack off guard as she silenced him with a powerful kiss.
Catching her around the waist Jack was stunned by her sudden action but soon enough gave into the feel of her soft lips moving against his own.
She quickly pulled away with a bright smile, gazing into Jack's confused blue eyes. "Happy New Year Jack!" she leaned forward and kissed him passionately again.
"Happy New Year May!" Jack uttered before sweeping her into his arms and carrying her the rest of the way down the stairs. May couldn't help but laugh all the while. "Now why don't you stay with me tonight, I don't want any opera ghost scaring my girl during the night."
May agreed with a delightful nod, and then off they went.
Little did they know they were being watched. Hidden amongst the shadows stood the Read Death himself holding his long fingers to his mangled right cheek. He was not a greedy man, but given his first taste of any ounce of love tonight, he craved more, he needed more, and he had to have more.
Robbed of such a simple caress his entire life, he was determined to receive a true kiss like the one he had just witnessed, and he would be dammed if he did not succeed.
Thanks for reading, please review!
Here is a brief peek into the featured costumes in this chapter:
Jacks Costume: I imagined Jacks to be like the costume Cinderella's Prince wore in the original Broadway production of Into the Woods (NOT THE MOVIE)
Mays Costume: If you go on google and search 'vintage ball gown' a picture of the actual dress that I have chosen for her is like the 4th one in (Its Dior)
Erik, Christine and Raoul's Costumes: sorry but I went with the movie for these only because I loved the elegance of their attire in it.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!