Erik's point of view

"I almost forgot to mention, Christine..... In a week, the Paris Opera is holding a Christmas ball. I will certainly be going.... Would you like to join me?" She sighed. "Oh, I would love to, but I have nothing to wear, and I couldn't possibly leave Marguerite all alone."  "Oh my dear, don't worry, I'll certainly be able to find something you can wear. And as for the little angel, whoever said she couldn't come with us? I'll find something for her to wear as well. " She stuttered. "Oh, Erik, you do not have to do that." "No no, I insist, my dear. It's the least I can do." "W-well than of course we'll go." I kissed her hand. "I shall see you in a week then, my dear."

One week later...

Marguerite's point of view 

"Do I have to, Mother?"

She sighed. "Marguerite, please. Erik said he thought it would look beautiful on you. And I promise, you will have fun." I groaned. "Oh alright, if it means that much to you."  I grabbed the dress from her hand. "Thank you so much, my angel." "You're welcome, mother."

As she left, I reluctantly undressed and pulled the dress Erik had bought me over my head. The dress came with a white pair of evening gloves. Despite my immense hatred for Erik, I thought the dress and gloves were absolutely beautiful. But I knew I could not tell him that.

As I finished putting the dress on, someone knocked on my bedroom door. "May I come in, mon ange?" Asked a man's voice.

"No." "Please, little one? I do not wish to cause you any harm."

"Then leave me be."

He did not leave me be. Instead he came into my bedroom, despite my protests not to. "Please do not be afraid. I don't wish to bring any harm to you."

I groaned. "What is it? What could you possibly want with me?"

He reached out to cup my cheek, succeeding despite my desperate attempts to fidget away. "Please do not be afraid, little angel. I only wanted to give you this."

His hand reached into a hidden pocket in his coat and took out a china doll. 

"I....I thought she looked like you. Her name is Angelique. You can change it if you'd like. Merry Christmas."

I took the doll from his hand. "Thanks."

"Well of course, little one. Are you almost ready?"

"Yes."

He smiled. "Good." He then left the room.

I carefully placed Angelique underneath my bed-covers with her head sticking out, not wanting to break her. She's so pretty, I couldn't help but think to myself. Slipping on my evening gloves, I took a deep breath. "Let the night begin."

(A/N: The dress at the top is Marguerite's dress, just in case you couldn't figure it out. Sorry for having such a long chapter!)