The Phantom's Melody (The Phantom of the Opera)

24. The Masquerade

The masquerade had finally arrived as the year quickly came to a fold. So much had happened in such a short amount of time that it almost made my head spin just thinking about it. For a good twelve months or so I'd been trying to ignore the harsh truth staring me right in the face.

I didn't love the Phantom--Erik. He was a murderer and completely obsessed with Christine. Why the hell would I have any feelings for him?

However, it was becoming increasingly hard to believe any of that when his voice would be a constant earworm in my mind, following me into my dreams and keeping me stirring at night. I couldn't stop thinking about him, and I couldn't stop seeking out ways to see him as much as I possibly could. Which was why I had looked forward to our singing lessons every week. Not to mention that moment we shared together just a week ago. I could still feel the heat of his lips on the back of my hand, a phantom kiss left behind...perhaps the masquerade would be a good way for me to clear my head and think about someone other than him. Though I had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy, since naturally things never were in the Opera Populaire.

Our conversation from yesterday still haunted my thoughts, though. The Phantom was no longer my tutor. I'm not sure why I was so upset. I knew it wouldn't last forever. But it just felt so sudden. I kept wondering why he would bring our lessons to an end now of all times, and without warning no less. It still didn't make sense to me. I spent the entire day trying not to think about him and instead focus on preparing for the masquerade.

Everyone was invited to the gala, but it was likely that most of the backstage workers and the other ballerinas wouldn't be dancing and singing in the ballroom with everyone else. Which was confirmed for me when I saw Carlotta's right hand woman stealing bottles of alcohol from the tables of food being set out for the party.

I rolled my eyes and focused my attention back on the mask I had created from scratch. It was midnight blue, almost black, with silver embellishments and trim. It was simple, however, with little to no jewels decorating the surface. I didn't want anything too flashy. My dress mimicked the design of the mask; soft waves of dark satin material flowing down from a low cut bodice. Simple, but stunning nevertheless. Though the colors made my skin look even paler, Christine and Meg insisted that it brought out the color in my eyes. I stitched the last bit of trim onto the mask before smiling a little as I inspected my handy work

"It's beautiful," a voice said from behind me, causing me to jump out of my skin as I spun around. I relaxed a little, however, when I saw who it was.

I frowned, narrowing my eyes on the Phantom. He wasn't exactly someone I wanted to see today. "What are you doing here?" I asked, lowering my voice a little as I glanced around to make sure no one was nearby.

"I wanted to see you before the gala began," he said simply, his eyes focusing on my mask again. "You made this yourself?" He asked, picking up the piece of material into his hands.

I bit my lip for a second before nodding. "Yes, I did," I said quietly. For some reason I felt self conscious of my work. If anyone had the right to critique the mask, it would be the man who always wore one.

"You did well." He placed the mask back down and tucked his arms under his cloak once more. "I didn't realize you would be attending," he looked me up and down.

I fiddled with my hands as I looked down before shrugging. "Why not? Everyone here was invited. It would be weird if I didn't go," I pointed out, sitting back down and resuming my work by attaching a ribbon to the mask as an anchor to stay on my face.

He pursed his lips, looking as if he wanted to say more but decided against it. "I hope you enjoy yourself," he finally said, but there seemed to be unsaid words flickering in his eyes.