Torment From Behind the Mask - A continuation of The Phantom of the Opera

Such a light indeed

~•7•~

"You look so beautiful, Miss!" My new chambermaids squeal. "I haven't seen this dress before? Did you just get it last night?"

"Yes, Lucille, in fact I did." I am so very thankful that my back is turned to the sweet teenage girl. That way she cannot see my smirk. I wasn't lying when I told Andre that I needed something from my dressing room.

What else was I to be married in?

I hear a knock on the door and someone slips in. I turn my head to see yet another chambermaid, Mallory, come in. I think that Mallory is my favorite chambermaid. She makes quiet conversation and she will put me in my place. Everyone seems too afraid to do that. It's very frustrating that everyone would rather lie than to tell me the truth.

Welcome to life as the Vicomtesse De Chagny. Great. Just great.

"Monsieur Le Vicomte has sent me to tell Christine that he has left and hopes she is ready to be at the church in twenty minutes' time." Mallory says. "Please hurry, Lucille, I'm to accompany her and we don't want her to be late." I smile as she winks at me.

As Lucille puts the last pin in my hair, she says, "You are going to look so ravishing, Christine! I can hardly wait for Raoul to see you."

"Thank you, Lucille." I reply.

Lucille leaves the room and I slip into my soft white slippers. I peek out the weather to find rain pouring down. I pick out a heavy blue cloak from my wardrobe. It was so sweet of Raoul to have all my things moved this morning. I was delighted, in all honesty.

I do not despise my husband. In fact, I do love him. Just not in the same way as I love Erik. Raoul brings sweet memories of my childhood back to me...but Erik's music is so sweet, and dangerous and different.

I only hope that Raoul isn't angry when he sees me in this dress. I'm not wearing the dress from that night to be vindictive or mean. It's just the memories.

"I'm sure he will understand, Miss" Mallory says. I swear that girl can read my mind - yet I've only just met her a few hours before.

I told her the story behind the gown. I did not tell her about my little evening escapade. I highly doubt that anyone will find out about that.

"Are we ready, Mallory?" I ask as I secure my cloak around my neck. As we head towards the front door of the De Chagny Manor, we pull our hoods over our heads; I take care not to muss up any hair on my head.

A carriage awaits us outside, and we climb into it. I turn my head to stare out the window.

Mallory won't be seeing my tears shed.