The night of the ball arrived and everyone in the opera house was buzzing with excitement but none more so than Meg and Christine.
Christine excitedly paced the floor, unable to sit still as she thought about all the time that Christine had spent together making sure that her voice was perfect.
Erik praised her for her diligence, and assured her that by the end of her performance she would surely astound all of Paris.
Christine thanked him then hesitantly asked if she could introduce him as he music teacher at the ball.
Erik thought about it for a moment then reluctantly agreed.
Erik knew that this day would come, and it was something he had wanted for years, but now that his time to truly reach the world had come he couldn't help but feel apprehensive.
Christine quickly told him that he had nothing to worry about, and that once everyone knew that he was the man who inspired her voice; they would all be in awe of him and want to know how he became so talented.
Christine also told him that it would also be a very good idea to mention that he had an aptitude for musical instruments because Monsieur Remy was retiring and the ball would be a good time to talk to the managers about the vacant position of conductor.
Erik thanked her and said that he would take her advice.
Christine was very happy with how their relationship had progressed, and Christine now knew just how much Erik cared for her.
. It happened last week after her music lesson.
Christine stared out at the misty lake as she finished her song, and even though she tried to stop it a single tear rolled her cheek.
"Christine what's wrong? "Erik asked as he placed a loving hand on her shoulder.
"I miss my father Erik." Christine said as she began to cry
Erik, not quite knowing what to say, pulled Christine into his arms, and let her lay her head on his chest.
"It's hard not having him here and he wanted so much to see this moment, but he's gone and he was never able to see me perform.
I never got to tell him that was right, and thank him for all the things that he did for me."
"Christine I'm sorry that your father is no longer here, but from the way you talked about him I can tell that he loved you very much; and I know that a parent who loves their child as much as your father loves you, would never really leave them.
"Thank you Erik for everything. "Christine said as she hugged him.
Christine continued to pace the floor until she heard the door to her dressing room open.
"Christine, why on earth are you pacing this is your big night, and I thought you would be more excited." Meg said as she brought in her white ball gown on a chair, and laid her white felt stick mask on her vanity.
"Oh Meg your dress and mask look beautiful, and I love the way your skirt is layered.
What will Daniel be wearing to the ball?" Christine asked as she sat down.
"Daniel said that he wanted to stay professional, but he did get a mask that matches mine when we bought my costume.
"Oh that's so sweet."
"What will you and Erik be wearing to the ball?" Meg asked as she looked around for Christine's costume.
"I don't know and I'm a little worried because I don't know where my dress is, and we only have an hour before the ball starts. "Christine said as she began to pace again.
"Not to worry I have it here"Madame Giry said as she quickly opened the door, went into the room, and presented Christine with a big white box tied with a black ribbon.
Chrisitne excitedly took the box and sat down in a chair, and quickly opened the box.
Christine's jaw dropped as she slowly pulled a long flowing ball gown that looked like it was made of layered green and gold Peacock feathers.
"Oh Christine it's the most beautiful dress I have ever seen, l know that everyone at the ball will be raving about it." Meg said as clasped her hands together, so she wouldn't touch what she guessed was extremely delicate fabric.
Christine carefully passed the dress to Madame Giry, who carefully put it on a chair
Then Christine slowly pulled out a green porcelain face mask that had gold swirls etched around the eyes, and it tied in the back with two black lace ribbons.
Then Christine carefully pulled a beautiful fan made from imitation Peacock feathers
Underneath the mask were two elbow-length black gloves.
"Oh Christine, your costume is so beautiful. Erik is truly a virtuoso."
"Yes but we have to hurry.
There isn't much time for the two of you to get dressed.
"Your dress is very beautiful, madam I am quite sure that your dress, hair, and fan will be the talk of the ball as well. "Christine said as she took in Madame Giry black and gold dress with Japanese accents.
She also noted that Madam Gary's hair was styled in the Japanese geisha Style with Japanese hair barrettes.
Thank you my dear during our childhood Erik told me many stories of his travels but his travels through the Orient were the ones I found the most intriguing.
Madame Giry watched as Meg and Christine stared at her intently oh, and she smiled knowing what they were wondering
"But I'm afraid Erik's costume shall remain a secret until the ball. "Madame Giry said with a smile..
Christine and Meg groaned but knowing that there was not much time before the ball they knew better than to argue.
Once, they were dressed Madam Gary looked at Christine and Meg in the mirror.
Oh my darling girls I'm so proud of both of you oh, but we must hurry if we want to be at the ball on time. "Madden Gary said as she rushed them both to the door.
Christine walked into the foyer of the Opera House just as the ball began,.
Meg and Daniel said that they would be happy to spend time with her until Erik arrived, but Christine told them that she was fine waiting on her own.
Christine made her way to a corner of the room and watched the couples dance happily.
she was so excited for what she knew the night would hold and not even the dirty look Carlotta gave her as she made her way around the dance floor didn't dampen Christine's mood.
However Christine did find Carlotta's costume to be a bit overblown.
Christine eagerly-awaited Erik's arrival, but turned to her left as she heard someone address her.
"Excuse me, I am looking for Miss Deea.
Have you seen her? "
"Raoul it's me." Christine said as she turned to face Raoul.
" Oh Christine, forgive me I barely recognized you, but now I see that your lovely eyes and beautiful hair are still the same." Raoul said as he smiled brightly.
"I see you chose not to wear a costume this evening. "
"yes well I've always found the idea of dressing up in a costume and mask to be quite silly, and I do have a family name to maintain after all so I thought that coming in my naval uniform would suffice just as well.
I only wish you had told me about your predicament when it came to a costume I would have bought you something much more lovely see you wouldn't have to wear something quite so outlandish, though must say the costumer's of the Opera are quite generous for letting you borrow one of their costumes for the night.
Which Opera is this from I don't think I've had the pleasure of seeing it. "Raoul said as he took a closer look at Christine's costume.
"Raoul I assure you that my costume is purely my own. "Christine said indignantly feeling quite appalled that Raoul would say something so cruel.
"Christine there's no need for you to be so distant we can still have a lovely evening together, come let's dance together." Raoul Said as he took Christine's hand and tried to lead her onto the dance floor.
But roll soon became quite confused as the music abruptly stopped.
" What is the meaning of this? "rows said indignantly as he looked at monsieur Remmy.
Confused murmurs circulated around the room, then a hush fell across the room as everyone slowly began to look at the stairs leading down to the foyer
Christine looked at the stairs as well and saw that Erik stood at the top basking in the glory of his grand entrance.
He wore a beautiful red and gold costume with a long red and gold cape trailing behind him. At his right side was a sheved sword with a hilt that resembled a skull.
He wore black leather gloves and boots but the most eye-catching thing about his costume was his white porcelain mask that resembled a skull and seemed to be molded to his face.
Almost everyone in the room was captivated by his light blue eyes that popped brilliantly against his mask.
"Who in the world is that? "Raoul asked as his voice grew tight with indignation.
Christine left Raoul standing alone and made her way to the stairs ignoring the surprised murmurs as the other party goers watched her go.
A bright smile spread across her face as she reached the top of the stairs and the man she loved.
Erik met Christine's smile with one of his own as he took her hand in his.
"I hope you can forgive me for arriving late my Christine."
"Think nothing of it my darling , after all a genius should make a grand entrance, though I would be prepared for many comments about your costume because it is very beautiful. 'Christine said as she looked at Erik' s costume.
"It's no more beautiful than yours my darling."Erik said as he placed a loving kiss on her hand.
Christine walked a couple steps and stood beside Erik then allowed him to lead her down the foyer steps to thunderous applause.
Christine and Erik mingled with the guests and over time he became a custom to talking with people and accepting praise.
It pleased him greatly to be a part of the world, and to be with the woman he loved.
Then the managers walked up to Christine and told her that it was time for her to perform.
Christine walked to the top of the steps and began to sing as party goers gathered around the bottom expectantly.
The night that calls so sweetly
To me
Reveals who
I truly want to be
I long for a night filled
With the lights of the stage
I know I will be
The Primadonna of
This age
The night that calls so sweetly
To me
Reveals who
I truly want to be
I will now embrace
The night without
Fear
Knowing that my mentor
Will always be here
My mentor and I shall soon
walk in the light
And we shall enjoy
Our triumphs at night
The night that calls so sweetly
To me
Reveals who
I truly want to be
Christine took a low bow as the entire room erupted into thunderous applause.
As Christine stood upright Erik ascended the stairs so that he could lead her back on to the dance floor,
When Erik reached her side Christine had him face the crowd with her.
"Ladies and Gentlemen it is my pleasure and honor to present my music tutor Erik Beaumont. "Christine said as she turned to the man she loved.
Then the room gave a collective aww as the two lovers shared a quick kiss, and applauded happily as Erik and Christine made their way down the steps.
Christine and Erik danced happily and talked with party goers who were very interested in learning more about Erik.
The ladies at the party were quite surprised to learn that Erik made his and Christine costumes, and said that Christine was very fortunate to catch the eye of such a talented man.
Then much to their disappointment their escorts returned to ask them to dance .
Christine assured Erik that she was aware of how lucky she was to be with him,
Erik told Christine how much he loved her, and how lucky he was to have found her.
Christine looked to her left and smiled politely as she saw the managers make their way towards them.
"That was a wonderful triumph Miss Deea I have no doubt that it will bring us much good fortune in the new year. "
"Yes and we are quite pleased to finally meet the man that inspires your voice."Andre said as he happily shook Erik's hand.
"Your too kind gentlemen I shall now give you some time to get better aqainted, and I think you will find monsuire Beaumont
even more beneficial to the opera house. "Christine said with a smile.
Christine walked on to the balcony adjacent to the foyer, and one she wass sure she was alone she untied the lace straps of her mask and carefully removed her mask.
Christine breathed a sigh of relife as the cool night air kissed the unwanted warmth away from her face.
She immediately wondered how Erik was feeling, and wondered if he would one day feel comfortable with not wearing his mask around her.
She felt certain that his face would feel better if he only wore his mask when he had to."
"She hoped that he would agree to try it, but she also knew not to press the matter.
Christine looked skyward as the stars twinkled above her, she longed to see any sign of her father but found nothing.
"Tonight was my big moment and everything you though I could be.
I know that you were there and that you are very proud of me, but the only thing I want is to have you here with me." Christine said as a tear slipped down her cheek.
Christine quickly wiped the tear away and put her mask back on as she heard foots steps from behind her.
"Erik I didn't expect you to come for me so soon. "Christine said as she she turned around."
"Christine why do you take such pleasure in torturing me so? "Raoul said grimly as he walked up to her.
"Raoul what are you doing? "Christine said a bit taken aback by Raoul's ill humor.
"I am jealous Christine and I have been ever since the night that voice stole you away from me, why can you not see that I am jealous?" Raoul said as he tried to reach for Christine's hand.
"Raoul there is no need to be jealous just go back to the party, there are many women in the party who would love to dance with you. "Christine said as she backed away.
"No Christine I demand t know what this man has done, to make you want to deny your destiny. "Raoul said bitterly as he tried to move closer to Christine.
"Raoul we were never destined to be together you father allowed my father and I to stay at your summer home because he enjoyed music and thought that you should have a playfellow.
He never thought of me as any thing more than that.
I am happy withj my life and I don't ever want to be with you.
It's time that you learn to accept things for what they are."Christine said coolly as she tried to walk away
"Christine I have grown quite tired of you denying your destney." Raoul said as he firmly grasped Christine's shoulders.
Christine's eyes widened with shock and anger as she looked into Raoul's eyes which blazed
blazed with an anger of their own but as she looked in his eyes she saw something else.
"Raoul your hurting me let go!"
"No my Christine the man who is trying to take you away from me will undoubtedly hurt you, but one kiss from me will save you and show you that I am your destiny." Raoul said as he moved his face closer to Christine's.
"Raoul stop it, I know you're drunk."
" Come now Christine there is no need for you so shy we have plenty of privacy after all. "Raoul said as he moved his face closer to Christine's.
"Raoul I hate you! "Christine said as she slapped Raoul hard across the face.
Raoul slowly pulled his face away as a stinging red mark began to form on his cheek.
I see that your time in the opera house has almost completely stripped you of your manners, but when you are my lover it will be the first thing I correct."
"My what a insolent Wolf cub you are to so brazenly leave your pack and harass beautiful young women in the night. "Erik said as he stepped out on to the balcony and closed the door behind him, and locked eyes with Raoul.
"Erik you didn't need to come out here, and I hope that your chat with the managers went well. "Christine said as she quickly walked over to Erik.
"It did but it seems that I should have stayed by your side."Erik said as he kept his eyes locked with Raoul's.
"Oh there's no need for you to be concerned I was just leaving."Chrisitne said as she quickly stole a look at Raoul who had his eyes locked with Erik's.
Then a shiver of worry crept down her spine as she watched Raoul walk over to Erik, and Erik motioned for her to leave him and Raoul alone.
"So my rival stands before me at last. "Raoul said as he stood toe to toe with Erik.
"I don't want to fight you boy."
"Oh of course not and I am quite sure that you will soon see the futility of courting someone so much your junior."
This rival that I see
Has stolen my lover from me
The one thing that is missing
Is parading around with a stranger at night
I have put a face to the voice
Which leaves me with
only one choice
I know I must save her
From this unnatural state
I will protect her from this older man's dark fate
My days will once again be happy and carefree
Because at my side
it will be my true love that I see
This Rival That I See
This rival that I see
Has stolen my lover from me
The one thing that is missing
Is parading around with a stranger at night
I have put a face to the voice
Which leaves me with only
one choice
This rival that I see
seeks to steal my lover from me
The woman that understands all that I am
Is being coveted by another man
A man that sees only bitterness
In spite of all that he has
The thing he claims to love he will never truly understand
His selfishness has left him blind
And he lets the past cloud his mind
He refuses to see that she was chosen to be mine
And no longer cares to hear you whine
This rival that I see
Seeks to steal my lover from me
The woman that understands all that I am
Is being coveted by another man.
"I think you will find that I am a man who doesn't give up easily. "Raoul said as he locked eyes with Erik.
"I think you will find that I am quite skilled in protecting the people I love. "Erik said as he locked eyes with Raoul.
"We shall see." Raoul said as he opened the door to the foyer and went back inside.
"I motioned for you to leave us alone." Erik said as he heard Christine walk to his side.
I wasn't going to leave you alone because I didn't want Raoul to cause a scandal ."Christine said quickly as she grabbed Erik's arm.
"Regardless of that I have to fight him Christine. "Erikc said as he turned to face Christine.
"Erik, you need not take this so seriously because Raoul won't be angry for very long."
"What did he do to you while you were alone with him?"
"He tried to make me see things his way but I refused."
"Did he hurt you?"
"Only a little but Erik you must duel him, because I would die if he killed you!" Christine said as her grip on Erik's arm tightened.
"Christine I am also quite the skilled sword fighter, and I must fight him because he treated you so roughly and I know that this is the only way to end this.
"Erik I've watched him when his fencing instructor taught him how to fight, he never says so his instructor often called him a prodigy."
"Christine it is quite improper for a young girl to watch a fencing lesson."
'Erik his father allowed it which was another sign that I was nothing more than a play fellow. I thought that it was all very exciting at the time.
But now that I am a woman now I see the clear danger of it."Christine as tears began slip down her cheeks.
Erik pulled Christine into his arms and placed his chin her head.
Fear Not My Love
For you shall soon
See yourself free
And happy beside me
I know the boy longs
to take you away
To trap you
in the blinding light of day
I will fight with all my
Might to keep you
In the safety of the
Night.
Fear Not My Love
For you shall soon
See yourself free
And happy beside me
I have always
longed to have you
in my life
Fear Not My Love
For you shall soon
See yourself free
And happy beside me
We will soon see the boy
Move on
And he will soon
Realize that he
Is wrong
I long to see you
happy and free
And to watch you grow
Into the woman you
Have always wanted to
Be
Fear Not My Love
For you shall soon
See yourself free
And happy beside me.
Christine stood on her toes and kissed erik deeply and a shiver of excitement weint through her as she heard Erik groan while returning the kiss.'
"What do we do now?"Christine asked with her arms wrapped around Erik's neck.
"We go back inside and enjoy the party, and the sooner the better because vthis cold air is doing nothing for your voice."
"I really don't think that would be possible Erik."
"Yes you can this is the night you've worked so hard for, and that boy has no right to try and rob you of it.
I'll keep you by my side the entire night, and I will make sure that your safe.
"I am afraid that Raoul may try to make a scene. "Christine said as she gave a worried glance to the party goers dancing happily inside.
She knew that if this scandal ever got all of Paris would be hanging on it's every detail, and she feared that she would never get over the embarrassment. if that actually came to pass.
He won't be there because people of his station are always expected to be in a good humor especially at parties.
"He will have returned home by now clearly drunk, and trying to concoct a plan to steal you away from me.
We will return to the ball and you will feel at ease again, but we must be on our guard, because tonight was surely not the last we will hear from this insolent boy." Erik said as he took her by the hand.
Erik escorted Christine back into the foyer and the fray of lively music and dancing.
Soon Christine was dancing and smiling happily as Erik and Christine made their way across the floor.
Erik kept watch as Christine chatted happily with Meg seemingly put the situation behind her.
Erik however did nothing of the sort never leaving her side, wishing that he had never left her alone with the boy.
He knew that it was his job to protect her, and that fact was even more clear to him now.
His one fear was that the boy would force him to break his promise, but he also knew that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe; and in the end hoped that she would understand.