After the Fire (Phanfiction)

22

After a few searches she managed to find a shoppe that would make her a mask the same as Erik's.

She hadn't realised that Erik's mask was sculpted to his face which was why it needed no string.

The salesman she spoke to seemed a little disgruntled but agreed all the same to mold one to her likeness.

The owner of the establishment came out.

'Do not be annoyed with the young lady. She has excellent taste in masks.'

Henri recognised the voice and it's eccentric Persian owner.

'I will make that for you now.' He held eye contact with her for just a moment and then disappeared to the back.

'What a curious looking gentleman' Jacques whispered in her ear.

'Unfortunately to make the real thing the porcelain would have to cure overnight, but I have one which I can modify a little to fit you.' Nadir appeared again.

'Thank you.' She said sincerely.

'Why do you want this one?' Jacques frowned at the design.

He had been present at the disasterous Don Juan performance, and it's simple elegance reminded him a little too much of a certain masked man.

'I think it's very sophisticated.' Henri replied edgily.  He can't possibly suspect

'I hope you have better taste for a wedding dress.' Jacques joked.

'Perhaps I won't buy a dress at all.' She snapped.

'What is that supposed to mean?'

'I already said I think this is moving too fast.' She replied evenly.

'And I said you will grow to love me even more! There is someone else isn't there'

'Just drop it!' Her temper was flaring.

'Are you a maid?' He lowered his voice.

He got a sharp slap for that, her face furious.

'You want the truth? I don't want to marry you. I like you, but I'm not as in love with you as you need.' She blurted, crossing her arms.

'What do you mean you're not in love with me?' He blinked. 'Why wouldn't you be?'

'I don't know!' She yelled, before realising where she was and dropping the volume. 'I don't know. You're a kind man, and you've always treated me well but I'm just ....not.'

Nadir came back awkwardly holding the mask.

There was deathly silence only broken by the other shop assistant coughing.

'Don't do this to me. Not today. Not before tonight.' He shook his head.

'Would you rather I called off our engagement after you told everybody?'

'You just have the jitters because we only just got engaged. You'll feel better in a few days.' Jacques said dismissively.

Henri could have screamed in frustration.

'Here is your mask.' Nadir handed it to her.

'Thank you monsieur. How much do I owe you?'

'It is a gift. Please enjoy yourself tonight.'

Henri thanked him again and walked outside with Jacques on her arm, but neither saying anything.

'I'll see you tonight.' Jacques said to her as he dropped her off at home.