Inside My Mind: The Phantom of the Opera as told by Miss Christine Daae

Chapter 14: New Year's Eve

*AUTHOR'S NOTE* Most of this chapter is made up out of my head because we don't know what happens prior to the Masquerade scene other than what is depicted in the show. In hindsight, this is what I think happened.

I can't believe Raoul and I have been engaged for six months! We haven't told anyone at the Opera Populaire yet because there is still this fear that the Phantom could return at any moment. But for now, it's time to celebrate the New Year! Plus they are revealing the new chandelier tonight! The festivities include a masked ball, or a Masquerade! I am in love with my costume! It's a light and dark pink, blue and purple dress. There are silver stars on the skirt and a corset like design on the top. Knee high silver boots, a crown and a silver mask complete the outfit.

One thing that I added to this ensemble is a gold chain with my engagement ring on it. It's a way for me to wear it without hearing the constant whisper of rumors. As I stand and admire myself, my thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door. I can't help but recall the line Carlotta said in Il Muto and say to myself "my, who can this be?' I laugh and tell whoever knocked to "Come in!" Madame Giry comes in, dressed in her usual black frock, but this time with a sparkling coat. What a surprise, but a welcome one.

"Are you ready, my dear?" she asks? "Yes, ma'am!" I say. "Good, I will see you out there then!" She smiles and walks out the door, leaving it a jar. This party is long overdue, and I know it's going to be a good night. I walk over to my dresser and take out the picture of my father. I kiss it and say "wish me luck, Father." I put the picture on the dresser and walk over to the mirror. As I'm standing in my dressing room looking at myself, I can't help but think back to that night six months ago when the Phantom came and took me to his lair. I get an image in my head of his face, just the deformed side and I start to tremble.

But that was six months ago. I am engaged and happy. Everything is falling into place. I hear the music ringing and I decide it's time to face the music. I grab my mask and head out to the party. Everyone is dressed in bright colors, mostly gold and silver and I suddenly feel like I stick out like a sore thumb. But then, Raoul catches my gaze and I immediately feel my heart skip a beat! His opinion is all that matters. He is dressed in a black outfit with intricate gold designs. Just the perfect outfit for my prince! A gold sword in its sheath hangs by his waist.

He smiles when he sees me, walks over, picks me up, twirls me around, lowers me back to the floor and kisses me. "Christine, my dear you are the most beautiful woman in the world!" he says. I can't help but blush. "You think so?" I ask. 'Would I lie to you?" he asks playfully. "No, but I have something to show you." I pull the chain out from my dress and show him the ring. "Think of it, a secret engagement. Look, your future bride. Just think of it." "But why is it secret?" he asks "What have we to hide?" "You promised me!" I say, tucking the ring back inside my dress. "You promised me" Raoul says back. "No Raoul, please don't they'll see, I plead. "Well then let them see," he says, "it's an engagement, not a crime."

"Christine, what are you afraid of?" he asks, taking my hands. "Let's not argue" I say. He repeats "Let's not argue." I continue "Please pretend, you will understand in time." "I can only hope, I will understand in time", Raoul says. He leads me onto the dance floor and we start spinning in an endless array of colors. My mind is floating free. Nothing can ruin tonight. I am will the man I love. At one point, Raoul loses my grip and I am thrown into the plethora of dancers. It takes what seems like forever before he finds me and I am safely by his side dancing again. I breathe a sigh of relief.