Not going to the ball was absolutely out of the question. I had always loved parties, and would attend one whenever I had the opportunity. Even if Erik didn’t go, being at such a popular and fun event was certainly highly exciting! As soon as it was possible, I went to talk with Mrs. Pautt, for I knew the Opera Seamstress wouldn’t mind if I picked out one of her diverse costumes.
It took me a whole afternoon to choose it. I tried many outfits on, some I’ve seen before, some completely new to me. Animals, gypsies, mystical figures...it was so hard to decide! Even though a Masquerade is a big deceiving game, I felt like it had to be something special, and somehow related to my main reason of being there: seeing Erik again.
I had convinced myself he would be there. For which other reason could he possibly have sent me an invitation? After what had happened, I dreaded he would simply ignore my letter, and I would never see him again. “I have became dependent on him,” I thought, with mixed feelings. I didn’t exactly welcome the fact that my happiness was deeply related to his actions and himself, but I enjoyed the ecstasy he could lead me to, even with words from him.
I wondered how Erik would find a costume for himself, and what that would be. Would he use the same resource I did, borrowing some of the Opera outfits? In a way, we were both helplessly bonded to that Opera House...
It was quite a privilege having Mrs. Pautt showing me all kinds of outfits, gladly helping me to try all of them. One might think the clothes should look old, being kept for years in a dusty and musty room, but no, everything was clean and shining, ready to be on stage again! She kept quite a staff of seamstresses, who would go through all the figurines from time to time, guaranteeing their maintenence. It was a neat work, indeed!
At last I came across a simply marvellous bridal gown, of a brilliant white, from which production I couldn’t recall. I grinned intentively to Mrs. Pautt, who said, “I think it’s a little early for this one, Little Meg!“ She gave a sweet and loud laugh!
I giggled at her comment, telling her that maybe it was not that early, feeling my cheeks flushing. She knew I was kidding, but tried to know more about it anyway. “Oh, Little Meg! Who is the lucky young man?“
I couldn’t stop laughing, feeling slightly embarassed and incredibly fond of the idea of referring to the Phantom like that, even if it was just playing.
“You...you have probably heard his name already...quite a few times,” I was laughing hard at the ironic truth of what I was telling her.
“Really, Little Meg? Who is he? Is he one of those aristocrats who follow you dancers like a hound dog?“ she asked excitedly.
I waved my hand, trying to convince her to forget it. She went to the other aisles of clothes, laughing with me, “That’s alright...” She assured me she wouldn’t persist after my secrets any longer, for she knew I would tell her, when the time came, as I had always done in the past.
“Unfortunately, this time, there won’t be much to tell,” I considered, cheerlessly.
She approached me with the veil in her hands, and placed it on my head, stroking my hair. She gave me a conspiratorial grin, and said, “You know, I was young once, too. I know how it feels being in love, having someone courting you.” Taking a deep and nostalgic sigh, she added, “He must be a very gentle and handsome young man, for I’ve never seen you so enthusiastic towards any of the fellows around the Opera.”
I felt some sort of sadness invading me.
“He must, must he not?”
I looked down, thinking about what she said. If only she knew... I forced myself to change moods, opened a broad smile and stated, ”Ah, but those men are such fools!“
“Little Meg, your mother told me you’ve been speaking with the Count’s young brother.” She winked at me, and joked, “Is he a fool, too?“
“Shame on you, Mrs. Pautt!” I accused, playfully. “You and my mom, with those indiscreet habits of yours! You must know everything about this Theater!”
She burst into laughter, her face blushing completely. “Am I inventing gossip here?”
“Ok, I was talking with him. And no, he is not a fool, the Viscount is a nice person...at least he seems to be. But we were only talking about a friend of mine, Christine Daae.”
“Oh, I know! How silly of me to forget it! There has been a lot of talking about how upset the Count is with the young couple’s affair.”
“I suppose...”
“I personally understand the Count. He has been watching over the lad since their father died, taking care of the finances and everything. It’s only natural that he doesn’t want his brother to get into an affair with some singer who has no noble background!”
“Yeah, I know.” The artistic career had never been viewed favorably, and it wouldn’t be any different now... “But for what I know, the Viscount is not planning on giving Christine up that easily because of titles.”
“Well, I’m sure they will find a nice way of solving it... So, did you decide on any of the costumes I showed you?“
I quickly glanced around, and the bridal gown kept catching my eyes. It was unlike any other bridal dress I’d seen before, even in fancy wedding cerimonies. It’s whole body was delicately embroidered in a beautiful pattern, giving it an even more accentuated glowing appearance. It looked like it had came out of a storybook, having served to a fairy or some other spirit.
“Do you think it would work as a costume?“
“Oh, yes. I’m sure you will be simply dashing.”
As I tried it on, she told me the story of the dress, and detailed every step of its manufacture. It was amazing how she could keep track of every outfit in there! She made a few adjustments, so it fit my body perfectly.
I couldn’t wait for the Ball! I removed the dress,and folded the clothes anxiously, wrapping some thin yellowed paper around it. I thanked her, kissed her cheek and left the room.
Holding the whole costume with some difficulty, I headed back to my room. I was not sure why I had chosen the disguise I did. It’s true it fit me impressively well, giving a fiery appearance to the red of my hair, contrasting the bright white of the dress. Its innumerable skirts were long and wide, giving an outstanding look, and the beautifully shaped neckline, pretty revealing, gave me a hint my mother might not like the choice. But that was not what mainly appealed to me.
Perhaps I liked the idea of going dressed up as a bride, after all. “A bride...the maiden, waiting for her man, born to love him and him alone.” I thought sarcastically. Wasn’t it the idea?
It was completely distant from my reality, but was still neat legend...
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