It was 6 months later. A beautiful white snow covered the ground. Christmas time had just passed. The opera house was decorated to bring in the New Year. Music, lights, and merriment were all about. Inside the hallway leading to the grand ballroom, two lonesome figures dressed in skull masks and capes, crept silently to each other. They bumped together, screeching in fear. Both turned to his opponent. The first one spoke. "Monsieur . . . Firmin?" Hearing his name, Firmin asked, "Monsieur . . . André?" They both removed their masks, seeing each other's true face. Both sighed in relief. Then they broke into another song:
Firmin
"Dear André, what a splendid party!
A tribute to the bright New Year!
What a night, I confess."
André
"Well, one does his best."
Both
"Here's to us!"
André
"I must say all the same
It is a shame that Angel fellow isn't here!"
Together, they opened the door to the ballroom. Candles lit up the entire room, as if fire was glowing everywhere. Several dancers leaped around the room. More danced down the great staircase. Dressed in beautiful costumes, everyone was happily ringing in the New Year. Buffy and Xander, dressed in a beautiful evening gown and soldier's uniform, danced in the middle of it all. To the side, Firmin, André, Giles, WIllow, Piangi, and Cralotta were shouting and laughing about their good-fortune. When they were safetly off to the side, they talked in private.
Buffy
"Think of it- a secret engagement!
Look, your future bride!
Just think of it . . ."
Xander
"But why is it secret?
What have we to hide?"
Buffy
"Please let's not fight." Xander
"Buffy, you're free!"
Buffy
"What 'till the time is right."
Xander
"When will that be?
It's an engagment! Not a crime.
Buffy, what are you afraid of?"
Both
"Let's not argue."
Buffy
"Please pretend . . ."
Xander
"I can only hope I'll . . ."
Buffy
"You will . . ."
Both
"Understand in time!"
The ball began to really get hot. Several men gladly danced with Buffy Daaé. Though she tried to enjoy herself, every partner seemed to resemble the Angel. Thay all wore masks like the one HE wore. Buffy felt she would cry, but Xander caught her and held her close. All the partyers sang about their fabulous "Masquerade".
The music was swirling around them all. As it heightened to it's dramatic climax, a blast of cold air rushed into the room, blowing out a few candles. All eyes turned to the top of the staircase. A figure stepped into the light . . .
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