Chapter 2
The Great Cathedral
The black and white floor extended below her feet. As she walked, her shoes clacked softly against the stone. She looked both ways, trying not to miss a single detail of that amazing architecture. Several stone sculptures rose along the wing, representing the soft faces of the many Saints her mother taught her to love and respect.
She stopped in front of one who represented Mary, holding Baby Jesus in her arms, with a serene look on her face.
"You sure remind me of my own mother," Coralie said to the statue. "She had the same kind look on her face and the same loving eyes."
She raised her arm, and caressed Mary's tough hands. A hand travelled from the side of her body to the locker she had hid between her breasts. As she felt the silver chain, she brought it outside its hiding place, holding it firmly in her hand.
"I miss you maman. I miss you very much," she murmured.
"Are you lost, dear child?" a soft voice said behind her.
She dropped her hand and hid the locket.
"No, Monsieur, I was praying to our Lady Mary," she said, with a gentle smile.
The Archdeacon looked at her, and smiled back.
"Oh, dear Mary is always attentive to our words. She has a kind heart, and big enough for all of us," the Archdeacon said thoughtfully. "What were you praying for, child?"
"I was asking her to take care of my mother's soul," Coralie said with a sad smile. "I hope she enjoys where she is now."
"I'm sure Mary will take good care of her." The Archdeacon said, lighting a candle at Mary's feet. "Why aren't you outside, having fun? Today is a big day to the people of Paris."
"I felt like speaking to maman. Telling her how much fun I had today. Telling her how beautiful Paris was, all colourful and–"
Her words were interrupted by the strident ringing of the bells, up in the bell tower. Both Coralie and the Archdeacon looked up, appreciating the sound. Coralie counted seven chimes, and wondered who made those beautiful bells sing.
"Sunset is coming, and soon it will be dark. Be careful on your way out," the Archdeacon said, cautiously. "I must return to my duties, now. You are welcome to come and talk to our Lady Mary any time you wish. She has a big heart. Farewell, dear child," he said, turning his back and disappearing through a wooden door.
"Farewell, father," she said in a whisper.
'What a kind man,' she thought as she started to walk to the Cathedral's exit. But as she held the door handle, she saw movement through the corner of her eye. Quickly, Coralie turned her head, and saw a smudge hide behind one of the columns.
She ran to it, her shoes clapping vividly on the floor. But when she looked behind the pillar, no one was there.
"I could've sworn I saw... I must be insane," she brought her hand to her forehead, as if testing for a fever. "Mon Dieu, there was something there, I saw it."
Again, she felt movement behind her, and she turned. This time she was sure she saw someone. The someone was barely hiding behind Mary's statue, with two big feet showing on each side, and one big hand holding Mary's arm.
Coralie took her shoes off, being careful not to make a sound this time. Her silver anklet jingled joyfully in her left foot, but she didn't care to silence that one. She slowly approached, tiptoeing in the cold floor. Then she brushed her fingers softly in the ones holding the statue.
The hiding one shivered and retrieved his hand, with a scared moan.
"Don't be scared," she said. "I'm not going to hurt you."
The lad didn't move and she went round Mary and peeked, to see a big mass of something, hiding a face behind its arms. Her heart jolted in fear and pity, but she kindly held his arm and tried to pull him out.
"No, please no!" the strange man said, with panic in his voice.
He was strong, and as much effort as she made, he wouldn't move an inch. So she tried another tactic.
"Are you lost?" she caressed his big arm with her delicate hand. "Maybe I can help you."
"Go away, please," he pleaded, pushing her away.
But the boy didn't know his own strength. When he pushed her, she almost flew to the opposite side of the wing. She landed with a loud thump, and moaned.
"It's the second time I fall today," she cried, brushing a hand on her forehead. "And I'm bleeding, again."
When hearing this last part, the boy reluctantly came from behind the shadow.
"Are you alright?" he said, once again with panic in his voice.
"I can't get up. My arm hurts and my head is bleeding. So no, I'm not alright," she said a little bit too harshly.
He came closer to her, and involved her small waist with his strong arms, pulling her up as if was she nothing but a feather. Then he turned his back on her.
"Thank you. That was kind," she said.
Then she observed him closely. His green tunics hid a big lump on his back. She observed the way his arms and legs arched, and a tuff of red hair spiked from a big head. She pitied him, and asked what crime he committed to have such a terrible curse on him.
"It's alright. Please look at me so I can thank you properly," she said.
Her voice was rougher then what she intended but still, she saw the boy turn slowly to her. Coralie's eyes widened when seeing that the curse had extended to his features as well. She gulped with fear and tried to smile kindly at him.
"My name is Coralie, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said with a nod.
"Qua–Quasimodo," the boy stammered.
She stepped closer and he took one step back.
"Merci, Quasimodo, for helping me get up."
"Don't mention it. I was also the one who helped you fall," he said heavily.
She laughed and brushed her dark hair away from her face.
"True. But if you didn't make me fall, I would've gotten a way to do it myself. I'm terribly clumsy, you see, and falling is in my nature."
He laughed back, and Coralie thought that after a while, it was actually pretty easy to forget about his deformed features or the huge lump on his back. He didn't seem evil at all, and he was in fact, inside God's House, so he must have a god soul.
She looked through the round stained glass in the back of the Cathedral, and didn't see much sun light. It was late.
"Mademoiselle, please, let me help you with your head wound," he kindly offered.
"Merci Quasimodo, but I have to go," she sounded hasty and the look on her face was scared.
Quasimodo instantly stepped back into the shadows, thinking he's looks had scared her away.
"Oh, no! Don't go, my dear friend. I must return to my oncle. He must be looking for me now," she said. "I'm afraid I have to face the whip when I get home, since I ran away from the Festival today."
"He doesn't sound very nice, that uncle of yours," Quasimodo said with a frown, stepping closer to her.
"He doesn't, does he? He is not very nice, indeed," she agreed with a smile.
"Lie to him, say you got lost," he proposed.
"Oh, no. I don't lie. I promised my maman I wouldn't tell lies," she said. "I have to go now. May I come and visit you someday soon?" she asked.
The lad's eyes widened with shock and contentment. He didn't have any friends, and now, this pretty young girl was asking if she could visit him.
"Yes, Coralie, you can. Whenever you like," he said happily.
She smiled brightly and hugged him.
"Thank you Quasi, my friend. I shall return."
Then, picking up her shoes, she exited the Cathedral and disappeared into the night, leaving Quasimodo alone with his cheerful and peaceful thoughts.
A/N: It's going to get better, I promise :) Don't forget to Review please *.*
Music: Niiv - Omnia
Next: Chap 3 - The Punishment
*Bloo*