Erik

I planned everything, from my wardrobe to how I would walk and talk. The Masquereade Ball was the day after tomorrow, and I would be prepared.

I went to the local bank and made my purchase. It is amazing how much money one can acquire when you live in the Opera house and people give you what you want—whether they do it willingly or not.

Christine left early, saying she had to go plan her outfit for the ball. She wanted to go shopping with Mme. Giry's girl—Meg.

All I asked was that she find something she liked, that made her look like the Angel she was.

Christine rolled her eyes and told me she'd see me later.

"May I see your dress?" I had asked. "Erik! How can you ask such a thing?" She had asked, acting overly dramatic, holding a hand over her heart, "You will not see my dress until the ball!"

"Please?" I had pleaded softly. "No, sorry. You are just going to have to wait." She had replied and placed a kiss on my cheek before leaving.

I put the final touches on my costume. I had decided to go as the Red death. I saw no harm in it, and besides; the 'managers' would be terrified. I knew they were planning to go as 'The Phantom of the Opera'. How entertaining it would be to see their faces when the real Phantom showed up!

I got out the little document that I had received at the bank and looked over it once more. The Masquerade ball would indeed be an interesting affair.

I would be an event no one would forget.

Christine

"Meg! I need your help!" I cried as I stood in the dressing room. I could not decide what dress I wanted! There were two I was torn over, and I needed my friend's expert opinion. She rushed in and put her hands on her hips, "What is the matter, Christine?"

She looked at the devastation that was the change room. Dresses were everywhere, and bits and bobs were strewn all around, too. I wished I was like Meg, able to pick just one dress and not get stressed out. She was being a nymph for the Ball, a costume that made her look simply divine.

"The Titania Dress

Or,

The Angel Dress?"

I held up both for her to inspect. "Let's see you in them, then I'll decide."

I put the Titania costume on first, and Meg oohed and aahed. Then I put the Angel dress on, complete with the perfect pair of wings.

She gasped, "Oh, Christine! You look gorgeous!"

What Erik said earlier flashed into my mind—Find something you like, Something that makes you look like the Angel you are.

Perhaps this dress was perfect, Meg said I looked 'gorgeous' in it...But would Erik like it? As we reached the sales lady, I decided I wanted the Titania dress, too. So I rushed back inside the change room and grabbed it too.

Once we exited the costume shop, I voiced my concern, "Do you think Erik will like my dress...?"

"Of course he will! He would have to be blind not to! What is he going as?" Meg asked, after she had assured me. "I am not sure...I did not ask, and he did not tell me. Though I am pretty sure it has something to do with death. There was a lot of red, too. Do you have any idea what he could be going as?" I asked. "It sounds like the Red Death to me. Why don't you ask him?"

"What if he doesn't tell me?" I wondered. "Then don't tell him what you're being! I'm sure he'll want to know." Meg replied with a sly smile. I smiled back at her.

This was why I loved Meg.

I said goodbye to her after I left the dresses with her. Then, I began the descent home.

Erik

Christine entered the house whistling a little tune. I rushed to greet her, pulling her into a hug.

"What did you buy?" I asked, hoping she would tell me. "What are you being?" She answered my question with a question. "I am not telling you." I answered, tapping her on her adorable nose. She giggled and wagged her finger at me, "Then I will not tell you what I'm being."

She would not give in, not matter what technique I used to get her to tell me. I thought I could try kissing her, but decided against it...

She was completely stubborn.....And completely irresistible.

Dinner was a quiet affair, both of us wrapped up in our own thoughts.

We went to bed.

I cannot say anything forChristine, but I fell asleep immediately.