Chapter 1: Changes In Paris
Seven years flew by in Paris. The Parisian citizens and gypsies alike forgot all what happened seven years ago. The Catholic Church as well forgot the whole incident; it is either they have no knowledge of this or they really want to forget the shameful scandal.
Seven years ago, the Pope has appointed Father Mathias as the Archdeacon of the Paris' most precious jewel: the Notre Dame Cathedral.
To the sick, poor and gypsies, he is very generous. He would give them basic needs three times a day without fail. He also invites them to Mass every Sunday. So full of love and gratitude, they call Dom Mathias "The Saint of Notre Dame". Dom Mathias humbly thanks them and continues to serve them.
To the rich, he always collects their money so he can buy basic needs for his low-class patrons or simply give it to them. He also gives them harsh lectures about their sins. So full of hatred and irritation, they call him "The Second Hunchback of Notre Dame". Although Dom Mathias always hears such malicious words, he doesn't mind the words thrown against him.
He's like Saint James the Less; even though a thousand flying stones are being thrown at him, he trusted God and went to Heaven, which is a million times more worth it than dirty reputations and the hard stones.
Seven years within the unhappy marriage of Captain Phoebus and Lady Fleur, the husband spent more time in other women's beds rather than in his wife's bed. Because of this, Fleur focused too much on needlework, spending time with her friends and praying to God to make the gypsies disappear in thin air. God goes against her; He always protects the gypsies from every kind of harm. Due to this, she stopped believing in God six years ago.
Fluer decided to hurt gypsies whenever she sees them on the streets. Thankfully, her desire never comes true. The Archdeacon was always present to protect them and fight Fleur, if he must do so. Once her mother heard of this, they had a strained relationship and Fleur stopped going out of her house. Instead, she focused even more on sewing. Two years ago, her mother died. She felt more relieved. That's why it was speculated she killed her own mother. But nonetheless, charges were never pressed against her.
Last year, she conceived a child. She rejoiced while her husband didn't cared. Two weeks ago, she went into labor for three days. On the last day, her beautiful baby girl entered the world. An hour after carrying her in her arms, she passed away.
Dom Mathias was deeply shocked. He gave her her last blessings before her burial and prayed to God that her soul shall be cleansed in Purgatory, even though he was Fleur's most hated enemy. Anyways, Jesus did say one must love his or her enemies.
Phoebus, on the other hand, was extremely happy for his wife's death. He slept with more women before and after her burial, which made him to ignore his daughter and leave them under the care of his servants.
After Dom Mathias advised him several times to take care of his only legitimate daughter, Phoebus decided to take care of his burden. On this cold night, he left his daughter on the steps of Notre Dame. He ran away like a young man.
The infant girl cried a lot; she was hungry, cold and in need of love. Luckily, she will be saved.
Catalina, a rich, 11 year old, Spanish girl, and Jose, her 7 year old brother, rested on the steps of Notre Dame after their trip.
Both siblings ran away from their cruel uncle, who murdered his niece and nephew's beloved parents to have their inheritance. The siblings stayed on the streets for two days, begging for food or money. A poor man, who had sympathy for the two, took them under his wing. He fed them, whenever he has money to buy food, and responsibly looked after them for nine days. Catalina and Jose treated him like their best friend.
Later on, the poor man thought that the Spanish people will do no good things to them always. He told them to go to his former home, Paris. He said they'll have better lives there. The siblings agreed.
He, Catalina and Jose ran away from Spain to travel on foot to Paris for two weeks. During their journey, he taught them survival skills, places and directions in Paris and told them stories about his life in Paris. The siblings were very amazed with their primal education and stories from their best friend.
On the day of their arrival, he told them to live in the Notre Dame Cathedral for they shall be safer there. As a big sign of gratitude, Catalina gave him her golden cross scapular. She explained that if he keeps it, God shall be forever there to protect and guide him. He resisted at first. But he accepted it. He bade farewell to them then left to return to Spain.
Back to the present, the siblings heard a loud wail from a distance. To their right, they saw a small bundle. Jose gathered up all his courage and walked towards it. His heart broke once he saw the pitiful baby. Catalina, who walked behind him after he stopped walking, gasped at the baby. She picked up the baby and cooed her.
"Poor baby." She sighed scornfully once the baby ceased from crying. "Whoever abandoned her here on a cold night is a bad parent."
"Catalina, what if the infant is also like us? What if her parents were killed?" Jose asked.
"You have a point, Jose." She agreed, patting one hand on her brother's shoulder. "I think we should raise her as our own. Besides, we have to look out for those who are also unfortunate. Like how Jehan fed us, took care of us and told us to come here to Paris." She announced happily.
Jose smiled like a Cheshire cat. He even hugged his sister in approval and happiness. Catalina replied to his pleasant answer by patting his back.
"Catalina, what is name of the infant?" Jose asked, breaking off his hug and staring at his sister.
Catalina looked at him with wide eyes out of shock. She walked some steps away from the cathedral to avoid performing sacrilege. Jose meekly followed her to not go missing. Finally, Catalina slightly removed the baby's swaddling. She confirmed that her new sibling is indeed a sister. She frantically looked around, searching for an inspiration for the baby's name. Then, her brown eyes targeted the Notre Dame Cathedral with ease.
"Marie." She announced. "Her name is Marie, named after the good Mother of Jesus."
"Why not Maria?" Jose asked once more.
"This is France, my little brother. If she was born here, then she'll be named in French."
Marie cried. Catalina tried to coo her. But Marie cried even more. Her cries were heard by an altar boy who was on his way to the belltower. He goes to one of the doors and opens it.
