The day after Christmas, I change into my red dress once more before heading to the roof. There are still stars visible in the sky as I arrive and sit on the edge to look out over the city. I'm not kept alone for long as Erik steps out from behind a Pegasus statue, carrying another red rose with a black ribbon tied around it. He offers it to me as he sits beside me, and we watch the sun begin to rise together.

"You look beautiful," he says suddenly, breaking the fragile silence between us.

I turn and look up at him, startled by the compliment. Smiling shyly I meet his gaze, "You're such a gentleman," I merely reply. I look down at the rose in my hands, running the satin ribbon through my fingers.

He scoffs at the comment, "I'm hardly a gentleman. I'm only being honest. You told me you valued honesty, did you not?"

"I do value it," I reply quickly before sighing. "You know, you could be a gentleman if you only put your mind to it," I suggest, almost half-heartedly. I do mean it genuinely, for I know he could truly be a gentleman if he wanted to. However I've thought over the subject for several days, and I've come to the conclusion I believe he came to long before he ever met me. He could act the part all he wanted, but the world would never accept him that way.

Erik doesn't look at me, he simply sighs, "You are rather somber today, you're not usually like this. Is something bothering you?"

For a moment I'm not sure what to say. What exactly is troubling me? Well, a lot of things really. Cesar did not have a merry Christmas, I'm very behind on learning new ballet material, and Erik, my poor Erik cannot be the man we both wish he could be. But can I say that to him? Would it make him angry? Would he question my faith in him? Or would it simply break his heart?

I know he's waiting, so I quickly attempt to find something reasonable to say. I decide to begin with Cesar's plight, since it truly has been bothering me a great deal lately. "I'm worried about my horse, Cesar."

"Cesar? He is quite a gem of a stallion. What's wrong with him?"

"Those stablehands! They mistreat him terribly, they mistreat all the horses but my poor Cesar. He is the best horse in this opera house and I know he's done nothing to deserve the lashes they give him."

Erik's brow furrows with concern and his expression darkens, "How do you know they lash him?"

I feel a sudden stinging behind my eyes and I quickly blink back my tears, "Oh Erik he's covered in markings! And he isn't himself anymore, at least, he doesn't act like the stallion I knew before I came here. He's become so slow, as though it aches him to move faster than a walk or to have weight upon his back. Not to mention it has become next to impossible to get him back into the stable if I take him out!"

Erik wordlessly offers me his handkerchief and I accept it gratefully. As I dab away at my eyes I can feel him watching me intensely. Finally I am able to meet his gaze, and his expression softens as he reaches out to wipe a tear from my cheek with a gloved hand, "I am so sorry, I know how much he means to you. I will do everything in my power to protect him in the future, but you shall have to trust me and be patient. Can you do that?"

I nod, but my chest still feels tight and uncomfortable. I return his handkerchief and like the good magician he is, he makes it vanish right out of thin air. We both fall silent, and though I find comfort just being in Erik's presence I feel I should break the silence to dispel the unhappiness between us. "Lizzy's going to the New Years Masquerade, I wish I could go too. I hear it's the most extravagant event in Paris. I'll just be spending the holiday all by myself I suppose."

A glance in Erik's direction shows that he's no longer looking at me. Instead his gaze is directed far over the Parisian rooftops, and his mouth is set in a firm line as he ponders what I've just told him. Finally he looks over at me, his visible eyebrow quirked, "Lizzy found herself a date to that ball did she?"

"Oh yes she did," I say with a nod, actually managing a small smile. "One of the ballet boys is taking her, Billy I think his name is. Rumor has it he's been saving up all year so he could make himself look presentable for it. She's the lucky girl he decided to take with him."

Erik looks down at the rose in my hand, reaching out and placing his hand over my own before meeting my gaze, "If it truly means that much to you, perhaps I could escort you?"

I shouldn't have been surprised he willingly suggested such a thing, and yet I am. In fact I'm downright shocked. Carefully, I reach out and place a hand on his arm, "Are you sure? You don't have to do it if you don't want to. I'll be ok, maybe we could just meet up here or something and have a quiet evening to ourselves?"

He shakes his head, a sudden spark of determination in his eyes. "No, if you wish to attend the ball then you shall go," he tells me.

"But I don't even have anything to wear!" I blurt out, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I've asked him to take me but who am I kidding? I'll never be able to go! Where will I ever find a gown this close to the event?

"You shall have a gown grand enough to make Cinderella green with envy!" Erik declares, standing with a bright smile and offering his hand to help me up. I accept it and he pulls me back onto the roof with ease, "You will be the belle of the ball my dear! No friend of the opera ghost attends a masquerade ball dressed in rags!"

I laugh, squeezing his hands, "Oh Erik, you are truly the most wonderful person I've ever known."

He shakes his head dramatically, "No no! No compliments until after I've given you a night you shall never forget!"

A night I'd never forget! In the days that followed his promise was all I could think about. I felt rather dazed and in my excitement it felt as though my racing heartbeats never slowed. Finally the day arrived and I woke to find a rather large package beside my bed.

"What on Earth? Who delivered you a package in the middle of the night?" Lizzy asks, staring at the box with wide eyes and a rather bemused expression.

I chuckle at her, "I don't know," I say, only partially playing dumb. She doesn't catch on, despite my terrible acting. She genuinely believes I don't know who delivered it, and she's on her feet at once.

"Well go on then! What are you waiting for? Open it!" Her excited tittering has attracted the attention of the other ballerinas, and as I unwrap the package they all gather around me, chattering excitedly with anticipation. They all gasp as I open the box and pull out the most beautiful gown I have ever seen.

"Golly! Look at that dress!"

"Must have cost a bazillion francs!"

"Gabriella why didn't you tell us you had a wealthy admirer?"

Erik will surely never outdo himself with this gown. It truly must have cost him a fortune! I run my hands over the fabric. It's dark green, my favorite color, covered in the most delicate black lace I've ever seen in my life. He was also thoughtful enough to include a pearl necklace, and knowing Erik they must be real pearls.

The others all head off in various directions, already spreading gossip about the rich man who's likely planning to make me his wife by the end of the night. I huff, I'm only 16! I am not ready to be a wife now nor will I ever be ready! As I already told Erik, I'm never going to marry! So they can take their petty gossip and stuff it!

Meg and Christine linger behind, admiring my dress as I hang it nearby. "So where did it really come from?" Meg asks curiously.

I shrug, "I don't know, but it sure is beautiful isn't it?"

Little Christine nods, daring to reach out and finger the lace on one of the sleeves, "I hope someone buys me a gown like this someday," she says wistfully.

I smile kindly down at her, "I'm sure when you're older you'll have many admirers giving you all kinds of things."

"Like what?" Meg asks, "Jewels? Pretty dresses? Ponies?"

I can't help but laugh, and Lizzy laughs too. "Well Meg, if you play your cards right I'd imagine you can have all those things and more," Lizzy tells her.

Meg and Christine both giggle and squeal at this excitedly before wandering over to the other side of the dormitory to play a card game with some of the other younger ballerinas. Once they're out of earshot Lizzy looks up at me, "So…. Where'd it really come from?"

"Oh Lizzy, I already told Meg didn't you hear?"

"I did, but I know you're not telling the whole truth. Who is it? I won't tell I promise! Is it someone I know?"

I pause, do I dare answer her? "Well um, I suppose it's someone you know. You've never met them before, but you know them."

She practically squeals in excitement and quickly I hush her. "Oh Gabriella! You cannot do this to me! Please oh please tell me who this mysterious man is?"

Having had enough, I simply reply, "Just wait til the ball and see for yourself."

The rest of the day was mostly spent getting ready for the event. I couldn't decide what to do with my hair, eventually just copying Lizzy's idea to leave it half up and half down. As Lizzy donned her gown I couldn't help but marvel at how splendid she looked. I was certainly right about that dress! She looks like a snow queen, and the blue of the dress brings out the color of her eyes in the loveliest way.

Changing into my own gown, I stare at myself in the mirror for a long time. I look like a countess, or even a princess. I've never seen a princess but I'm sure this must be what they look like! I wonder if Erik had any idea when he acquired this dress just what I would look like in it. I'm sure he'll be stunned, he'll have to be, because I certainly am stunned with my own appearance!

Finally the time has arrived and the ball is beginning. Lizzy is jittery, bouncing beside me as she finishes applying some extra blush to her cheeks. "Nervous?" I ask her with an amused smile.

She glances over at me, nodding with wide eyes, "Oh so very nervous! This is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me! And you know, I can't even complain about Billy. He's not bad looking is he?"

I shake my head with a chuckle, "He's just fine Lizzy," I merely reply.

Suddenly there's a knock on the dormitory door and Billy pokes his head in. He's dressed to the nines, in a waistcoat and tails he must have spent a whole year's salary on! Lizzy waves to me excitedly, "See you out there!" she calls to me before eagerly bounding across the room and disappearing out the door with her date.

Fastening the pearl necklace around my neck, I look at myself a final time before following the couple. Erik didn't tell me where he'd meet me, so I assume he'll just meet me down there. As I enter the main foyer I'm dazzled, this is beyond anything I could have ever imagined! My family had known some wealthy families and had navigated some rather high social circles, but this is truly something else! So much gold and silver, diamonds and pearls, the most exquisite gowns I've ever seen and so many gentleman who stand with an air of importance. I doubt I'll ever bear witness to such levels of splendor and opulence again in all my life.

Lizzy is out on the dancefloor with Billy, and she waves excitedly to me as they waltz by. I smile and wave back, before making my way off to the side to continue admiring the spectacle. Suddenly I feel an arm wrap around my waist and I nearly jump out of my skin.

"Erik!" I hiss, turning to smack him playfully on the chest, "You scared me half to death just now!"

He smiles and chuckles down at me, "I frightened you? But weren't you expecting me?"

I blush furiously and look away, "Well yeah," I reply sheepishly. I should have known he'd come out of nowhere! He's the opera ghost after all!

Clearly not bothered, he takes my hand and places a feather light kiss upon it. "You look simply beautiful tonight," he says softly.

"Well it helps that you have such wonderful taste," I answer, feeling a little bashful. We both look out to the dance floor, and though most everyone else is wearing a mask I can still feel Erik tense beside me. I reach out, linking my fingers with his, "You have nothing to be frightened of. I'm here for you."

He looks down at me, "I know," he whispers, so softly I almost don't hear. With that he turns to me in full, bowing politely, "May I have this dance mademoiselle?"

I curtsy, allowing him to pull me to his chest and slowly waltz me out onto the dance floor. As we dance we make a great effort to ignore all the people around us, though I can feel the eyes of every single ballerina in the room on me. Erik relaxes, slowly but surely, as I pull his mind away from our surroundings and onto more pleasant things. "You know, I think this Tchaikovsky fellow has real promise as a composer. I heard he composes ballets in Russia, do you think they're any good?"

"Perhaps, though to me all his music sounds the same. They might as well play the same waltz over and over all through the night," he replies before launching into a list of composers he thinks are worthwhile.

As the night continues Erik truly gives me a night I shall never forget. We dance the night away together, and I'm as star-struck as I was not long ago when we danced together deep in the bowels of the opera house. My heart thunders in my chest, so loudly I feel as though everyone in the room must certainly hear it. Yet nobody gives us a second glance after the initial bout of curious stares.

I thought perhaps the night would end after the masquerade, however Erik seems to have other plans. He escorts me out a side exit, leading me through various secluded corridors until we arrive at the stables. My eyes widen in surprise, Cesar has already been saddled! But by who? I turn to look at Erik, who has a mischievous glint in his eyes. Before I can utter a sound his hands are wrapped around my waist, and he has hoisted me up into the saddle.

Easily he swings on behind me, grabbing the reins and asking Cesar gently on. The stallion shifts slightly under the weight before obediently leaving the stable yard and walking out into the streets of Paris. There isn't much snow on the ground, yet the small amount there is seems to sparkle under the lamplight as though someone sprinkled a layer of stardust over the streets.

Together we ride along the banks of the Seine, laughing about all the drunken fools we'd just seen at the masquerade. Cesar plods along steadily, and I comb my fingers through his inky black mane as we ride. "You know, I think Cesar likes you," I say, looking up at Erik.

He smirks back at me, "I'll take that as a compliment," he replies.

"No really!" I insist, "You should take it as a compliment! Cesar is a very particular stallion!"

"Is he now?"

I know Erik's teasing me, but I can't help but defend my horse, "Why of course! He's as particular as the mighty Bucephalus!"

Erik chuckles, "Why am I not surprised you know that tale?"

"It was always my favorite, my mother used to tell it to me all the time. It is a good story!"

Cesar tosses his head, as though he agrees with me. Erik merely shrugs, "Fair enough. I have my own favorite stories as well," he replies casually.

I turn and prod him gently with my elbow, "Oh? Well do tell me!"

He smirks at me, "I'll consider it someday."

As a distant bell tolls midnight we return to the opera house, untacking Cesar together. The stablehand is missing, likely passed out drunk somewhere, which makes it easier to coax Cesar back into his stall. Once my horse is settled in for the night Erik takes my hand, kissing it for the second time tonight. "This is where I must leave you Mademoiselle. I do believe we shall be separated for quite some time now, you must focus on your ballet and I on my music."

I grasp his hands, squeezing them, "Erik I truly cannot thank you enough for everything. You've been a wonderful friend. Won't you write to me? I will certainly miss you a great deal."

He smiles down at me tenderly, gently brushing a curl behind my ear, "If that is what you wish. I shall write to you often. I will leave the letters on the windowsill near your bed, and you leave your letters in the same place. Fair?"

I nod, and we both stand in silence for a long time. Finally I swallow, "Well, I suppose this is goodbye then." Why is this so hard? It's not like I'll never see him again! And he's right, I need to focus on my ballet. My training will surely keep me busy, too busy for rooftop meetings and such.

"Don't be sad, if you ever need me all you must do is tell me so. But do try to take care of yourself, I do not wish to see you ill again." His jab actually makes me smile, and he seems to sag with relief at my expression. "Goodnight Gabriella," he whispers.

Before he can slip away into the shadows I pull his arm down whilst standing on my tiptoes. I give him an affectionate peck on the cheek, which leaves him stunned. I smile sweetly at him, "Goodnight Erik, I look forward to hearing from the Opera Ghost." With a little wave goodbye, I leave him and return to the dormitories.

Though the young ballerinas are supposed to be sleeping, they are all jumping around excitedly as I enter. Lizzy is standing near her bed, taking out her earrings, and she grins at me as I walk past. "Where have you been? I thought for sure you'd be up here before me! You left the ball so soon!"

I unfasten the pearl necklace around my neck, setting it down carefully on my bed, "Oh, I just went out for a little fresh air that's all. I think I was a bit overwhelmed by all the spectacle. Did you have a good time?"

"A good time? Let me tell you!" And then Lizzy starts running her mouth, while the young ballerinas surround her and ask a thousand questions. I listen as best I can while I change into my nightgown, fold everything carefully away back into the box it came from, and slide it underneath my cot.

When I'm finally sitting on my bed the little girls turn on me. "What about you Gabriella! We heard your date was the handsomest man there," one of them exclaims. Lizzy looks at me the same as the excited children, wanting to hear all about the man I'd danced with.

"Oh, whoever told you that was exaggerating for sure. But he certainly was a lovely gentleman."

"Are you gonna see him again?" they ask.

I smile wistfully, glancing at the windowsill near my bed, "Oh, not anytime soon I don't think. But perhaps he'll attend the opera when we begin the season anew, and I'll see him then."

They seem disappointed in this answer, especially Lizzy, but it's the best answer they're going to get. And though it makes my heart heavy with sadness to think about, I know in my heart I can accept this. Erik always seems to know what I want, and I want to be a prima ballerina someday. But to do that, I must practice, and so practice I shall!