The morning light filled the small garret. Christian tried to fight the light, but it woke him anyway. Christian pulled himself up and stumbled over to his desk, by his typewriter. He hadn't changed or shaved in two days. He hadn't got up from his bed in two days, either.
Two months, Christian thought. Has it only been two months? Every memory felt like yesterday. He could still feel her cheek on his, her lips on his. She was his love- his only love. Christian slowly pressed his fingers on his typewriter.
He had told their story, just as he promised.
Despite his loneliness, and depression, he published a book "The Moulin Rouge" which told his tale. But it was Toulouse who had handled everything, gotten it on the shelves. The book was popular for a long time. Now, Christian was able to be on his own. Live his life the way he wanted to- thinking about her.
( Author's note: The idea for the Moulin Rouge book was taken from a fan fiction about Christian's life after Moulin Rouge as well. It can be found here http/lamourfou.10.)
His worst days, he would sit in his bed and just cry. Sometimes he would try to write, or go out on a walk, but the pain was too deep.
A knock sounded on the door. It slowly opened to reveal Toulouse. Toulouse walked in happily, as he always did. Toulouse was always trying to cheer up his friend.
"I have some food." He said, placing a bowl of soup beside Christian. Christian said nothing, and did not touch the soup.
"I need to talk to you about something." Toulouse said. He took a seat beside Christian."
"I have some- we have some business tonight. At the Moulin Rouge."
"Moulin Rouge?" Christian looked at Toulouse. He had not spoken those words in a long time.
"I need you to come with me. They want you to do another play and-"
"No!" Christian shouted.
He got up from his chair and looked out the window, there the club that never slept, the windmill that never stopped spinning. A lost memory.
"Please, Christian! You've got to go on! They really want you to write it, but- I know it's hard but-"
"I said no! Can't you get Audrey to do it?" Christian shouted.
"I haven't spoken to Audrey in two months! Christian, will you really throw away your life, your talent for-"
"For love?" Christian said softly.
Ava stumbled backstage. She could still hear the music thumping through the walls. She could hear the stomping of the can-can girl's shoes.
Ava took off her shoes and laid down on the couch. Ava had come to Monmarte, Paris, and the Moulin Rouge, two months ago. She started off as a can-can dancer, but Harold saw her talents and she became the star attraction and courtesan. She also acquired the famous Moulin Rouge elephant.
Then, Marie walked into the room. Ava quickly got up. Marie carried a red dress.
"Have you seen Count Peters yet?" Marie asked.
"No not yet. What a beautiful dress, Marie! Wherever did you get it?"
Ava fingered the silky dress.
"I made it…a year ago." Marie got quiet, and began helping Ava out of her costume. Ava slipped on the dress. She turned for Marie to tie the corset.
"Before you meet the Count, Harold would like to see you. About a play"
Ava turned to face Marie.
"A play! That's wonderful! I've always wanted to act, not just song and dance."
Ava turned around and Marie continued. Ava was very excited.
"Will they be turning the Moulin Rouge into a theatre? Again? I heard it was a dance hall, then a theatre, but only for a short time. Then they converted it back into a dance hall. Why ever did they do that?"
Marie was silent. Whenever Ava mentioned certain things, everyone would grow quiet and wouldn't respond. Marie tied the last string. Ava twirled around.
"Oh, Marie! It's wonderful!"
"Yes, yes it is." Marie said quietly. Tears filled in her eyes. She turned her back towards Ava.
"You best be off." Marie said. Marie then left, leaving Ava only to wonder.
The bright lights of the Moulin Rouge hurt Christian's eyes. Reluctantly, he followed Toulouse inside. Christian didn't know what had made him agree to come. Maybe it was the fact that he had ignored his friend for so long.
The entered the club. It was exactly how it was before. Scantily clad women pleasing the men, who threw money at their feet. It was intoxication of the nightlife. Christian half-expected Satine to come down on her swing.
Immediately, Christian was filled with memories. Every instinct was telling him to leave, but, almost as if he was sleepwalking, he was following Toulouse to Zidler's office.
Christian and Toulouse arrived in Zidler's office. Zidler looked much as he had before, but with more of a sadness on him. He shook their hands.
"Christian, look. I know how hard it must be to be here. After everything- it is even hard for us. But, after the success of your book- and we all loved it- we thought maybe you could write another play for us."
Christian said nothing. He then spoke quietly.
"I told our story. I'm done."
Toulouse hung his head.
"Christian…"
"Maybe you could meet our new star, and you'll change your mind." Zidler said.
"New star? New st-" Christian buried his head in his hands.
Ava walked into Zidler's office.
"Sorry I'm late, Harold." Ava stopped. Standing opposite of Haroldwas a dwarf, and some very handsome man. Ava smiled at him. The man took one look at her. Is he crying? He walked over to the window.
"Ava…" Harold grew quiet. He stared at her dress. He collected himself. "This is Toulouse." Harold pointed to the dwarf.
Ava smiles and shook Toulouse's hand. Ava looked over at the man by the window.
"That is Christian." Harold said. Ava looked over at Christian and smiled. Christian returned the glance with a small smile, then turned back to the window, still misty-eyed.
"Ava, Toulouse and I have something to discuss. Do you think you could take Christian…somewhere else?"
"Of course." Ava replied.
When Harold says somewhere else, that normally means it's time to entertain customers, Ava thought to herself. Ava took his hand. She tried to figure out what his type was. Christian seems quite shy so, bright and bubbly, Ava thought. Ava looked into his eyes. They were bright and blue.
He was so handsome!
This can only mean one thing- straight to the elephant!