Twisted Every Way(Phantom Of The Opera Fic)

Chapter 89: Masquerade

Eli carefully spun the screw into place, delicately he placed the small metal role into the spokes and sighed.

A music box, found in the attic in disrepair, occupied his time. He and Wade took turns, taking it apart, making new songs for it, and reassembling it for Ilios or Winnie to play with. 

"Have you gotten it working?" Ilios asked entering the room and making her way softly to her brother's side. 

"No," He mumbled, deep in concentration, "Can you hand me a-"

She held out the small washer and he gave a smile taking it. 

"Yes and also-"

She held out the metal frame but he shook his head. "No not that-"

She made a face and pushed it towards him. 

He gave a small laugh rubbing his eyes and looking closer, "Why yes actually." 

She grinned and took a seat on the small stool beside his work desk. It was cluttered with composition papers and thesis' and small parts. 

"Did you hear about the ball?" 

Eli frowned and fidgeted with the crank on the bottom of the box, "No. What ball?"

"Oh nothing grand," Ilios said playing with her hair, combing it neatly down in curls with her fingers, "Firmin is retiring. To Frankfurt they say."

"Sounds boring," Eli chuckled placing the lid back into place. 

"Yes," Ilios shrugged, "But Eli-If you wanted-"

"Yes?" 

Ilios bit her lip and held tightly to her brother's hand, "Would you take me?!"

"Take you?" He laughed, "Whatever for?" 

"Father won't let me go alone, and not with Luke though I don't know why. he's sure to be having the most fun." Ilios frowned, "But if you took me, he'd be sure to let us go!"

"I don't see the point in balls," Eli said bluntly rising and placing the box gently on his dresser. "Besides, I haven't a thing to wear." 

"You could wear Fathers old suit, from when he was your age," Ilios said hurriedly, following close behind him, "I've already ironed it out." 

"Father has been with Wade all day," Eli said sharply, "We musn't bother him."

"I know," Ilios stated with a sly smile, "That's why I told him you'd take me yesterday after dinner. He said it be a marvelous idea for you to get out for once."

"Goodness," Eli sighed, "You've cornered me from every angle haven't you?"

"Yes," Ilios beamed, "Now...Will you come?"

Eli shook his head with a laugh and looked up at his sisters pleading eyes. "If it's a masquerade you want, then a masquerade you will have."

Ilios' eyes were lit afire and she shrieked with elated joy.

 "Thank you, Eli!"  Ilios said joyfully. "Oh, what should I wear?!"

"Looks only lead to vanity and silly women," Eli remarked teasingly returning to a good novel. 

"Phooey." Ilios snarked, kissing her brothers cheek gingerly, she soon fled the room to 

Erik appeared in his sons doorway, "You said yes I take it?"

Eli gave a small shrug and without letting his eyes leave the page gestured for Erik to come in and shut the door. 

"Yes I suppose I did," He sighed.