My choice

Chapter twenty - Masquerade

June 24 1882

Christine
____________

Erik announced yesterday that he would be throwing a masqurade ball for our engagement, which would be taking place tonight. He insisted on planning everything himself, he says its going to be a suprise for me. Ava went with him, leaving me some time to relax until tonight.

While my fiance was out for the day, I invited Meg over to talk. Even though we made amends I could still tell she was keeping things from me. I just wanted to talk.

"Meg is something bothering you? You seem distant." I asked handing her a cup of tea

"It's nothing really, I've just been stressed latley."

"Meg, don't tell me it's nothing. I know when you are lying." I said quoting her words from so long ago

"Christine," Meg said setting her tea on the table, "how do you know when you begin to devlope feelings for someone?"

I looked at her with a small smile, "Well, its the little things as well as the big things. How you feel when you see him, how you act when he's around, things like that. Do you like seeing him?"

"I like spending time with him, but I always seem to get nervous and leave."

"How long have you known him?"

"About ten years, but thats the complicated part. We're friends and we work together, I don't want to make things awkward and mess it up." She began to twist her hair between her fingers like she usually does when she's nervous

"Meg calm down," I place a hand on her arm, "maybe he feels the same way, you never know. Who is this mystery man?"

"You have to promise not to tell anyome."

"Okay, okay I promise."

"It's Nadir, we have a stable friendship and he treats me better then others these days."

"Oh, Meg! I won't tell anyone I promise."

She quickly decided to change the subject. We then talked about her job and if I was going to perform again, it was nearing five when she decided to leave. After she left I cleaned up some and began with supper, we were having chicken and vegetables. It didn't take long to make so it was done by the time Erik and Ava got home.

I had dinner on the table when they walked into the house.

Ava ran into the kitchen smiling, Erik followed her laughing at her excitment.

"Did you have fun with papa today?" I asked her as she sat at the table

"I had lots of fun! He showed me around the rest of the park, even let me go on some rides! Then we went to see the set up for the party." She mused

I chuckled at her enthusiasm, "Well I'm glad you had fun."

"And how was your day angel?" Erik asked after I placed a light peck on his lips

"It was fine, Meg came over for a while." We sat and began to eat

After dinner and cleanup it was nearing seven, and since the party was at seven thirty we decided to get ready. Ava went to her room and we went to our own.

"I got you something, it's on the bed." He whispered in my ear before moving away and getting himself ready.

A large box laid on the bed, I opened it and gasped.

"Oh, Erik its lovely." I said pulling the dress out of the box, "You shouldn't have."

"But I did, and I'm glad you like it."

I changed into the blue gown and fixed my hair letting part fall down my back as the rest was pinned up. I put on little makeup and grabbed the mask out of the box as well. I looked myself overin the mirror. Erik wrapped his arms around my waist,

"You are breathtaking mon ange, have I told you that."

"I believe so, and you angel look handsom as ever." I spun myself around and placed a small kiss on his lips

"I talked with Madame Giry, she said Ava could stay at her house after the party. To give us some time by our selfs." He said into my neck

"That sounds spectacular." I lifted a hand and placed it on his cheek, which was unmasked

"Shall we go?" He asked taking my hand

"We shall."

___
Meg
___

I stood with my mother at the side of the room watching as others danced amd laughed. I looked at Christine and her family, they were talking and having fun, while I just sat here. My mother seemed content just watching, but I wanted to have some fun as well.

I felt a light tap on my shoulder and turned to see Christine, looking stunning as usual.

"Meg why are you not dancing?"

"I don't have a partner."

"That won't do now will it." She laughed pulling me out into the middle of the room with her

"Christine!" I laughed

"Just like when we were kids." She said as we spun aroud

People were looking at us and our childish ways. She spun me around and I bumped into someone, why do I keep doing that, I asked myself.

I turned to apologize before realizing who it was, "Mr. Kahn, I'm sorry I did not mean to -"

"May I have a dance?" He asked holding out a hand, interrupting my apology

I turned to my mother as if asking permission, she nodded her head yes. I turned back to Nadir and placed my hand in his, "I would love too."

We began to dance, stepping along with the music.

"You look lovely tonight."

"Thank you, and you look very handsom."

We moved around the room for a dew moments saying nothing, just looking at eachother. Not that I'm complaining.

"Would you like to accompany me to dinner, next Saturday?" Nadir asked breaking the silence between us

"I would love to." I smiled as we continued to dance

Once the song changed he kissed my hand and excused himself. The smile stayed on my face for the remainder of the night.