Chapter 2 – A Welcoming Embrace
The carriage was unsettling along the cobblestone street, "God almighty." A shrill voice rung within the confinements of the dark carriage, but a few glimmers caught here and there, carving out a face riddled with age.
Two pursed lips and emerald eyes that sheltered malice, yet wisdom. Her silk like hair was strung back into a tight bun, but even age could not escape this once beautiful woman. Her nose was pointed upwards slightly as she stuck her face out into the night air, seeing the uneven stones that caused her to mutter under her breath.
"Oh Mother, please! No use in complaining...this truly is not the best part of town. Poor Christine..." Another woman could be seen within the shadows of the carriage, as the passing moonlight shined upon a younger woman.
The hue she bore within her eyes matched the older woman perfectly, as well as her nose, but it was a bit more petite and cute, rather than frightening and bold.
Her golden hair was swept up in a messy bun, not putting much care in how it looked, but it did not shield the natural beauty the woman had, "I cannot wait to see her!" Meg's voice was tad too high, but she always seemed to tone it down when necessary.
As if by command, the carriage came to an abrupt stop as Madame Giry cussed under her breath, "Mother!" Meg yelled out as her Mother just rolled her eyes, "Hush now." She silenced her daughter as the stern woman exited the carriage, the driver opening the door in a quick manner.
Her jaw dropped immediately as saw the torn building before her. Moss grew around the sides, creeping into the broken bricks. Windows were cracked, and nothing seemed to be welcoming, "Oh my..." She merely muttered as she stared directly at the wooden door, looking as if it was about to fall out of its own hinges!
Meg was quick to react as well as she aided her Mother towards the door, her cane provided most of the assistance, "Here goes nothing." Madame Giry muttered as she knocked upon the door.
She heard voices booming before her.
She took a step back as both of the woman stared directly at the head Mistress.
Nothing could be said about the woman who was obviously not beautiful in any matter. Her tattered dress was stained with god-knows-what, and her crimson hair was all over the place!
And her face was stained with age and stress; wrinkles seemed to inhabit every inch of her face.
She scoffed at the two finely dress women, not even saying anything, "Take her." Was all she spoke as she retreated from the door, leaving a young woman standing before the two.
"Hello Madame Giry. Hello Meg."
Her voice rung like a bell as she was quickly embraced by the two women, tears of joy and forgotten years staining their faces.
The moment was savored for a few moments, letting the passing emotions come and go, but it was Madame Giry who pulled away first.
Her slim finger ran under her eye, wiping away the last of her tears, "Come along now Christine." She said with a mother-like tone, letting her free hand slip to Christine's shoulder in a comforting way.
Meg pulled away as well, grasping her friends hand, "Oh, Christine! Everything shall be well now." She squealed with joy, trying to transform the atmosphere in a more positive tone.
"Of course." The brunette simple responded with a small smile, actually letting a little emotion come fourth from her withered soul.
It took a matter of minutes for all three women to return back to the carriage, where it quickly pulled away from the dilapidated building; all her fears and suffering would be now gone, right?
Madame Giry and Meg did not mean to stare, but they could not help themselves! Questions filled their minds, wanting answers from Christine. She had blossomed into a beautiful woman, but it felt as if the orphanage, the lack of love, changed her completely.
She looked like a wandering soul, seeking some sort of help.
Madame Giry was glad that she wasted no more time to retrieve her new daughter, "Now child." She moved with a slow adjustment as she now just sat inches away from Christine, "I will do my best to assure you the full happiness you deserve. I shall not push you to do anything, but I must warn you, the work ahead of you is not easy, but it is a better life than none. Love shall be surrounded by you once more." The older woman's sagged cheeks pushed slightly upwards, revealing a tender smile.
Meg responded quickly with an illuminating smile, her teeth glistening within the passing moonlight, "Don't worry Christine! I am sure that I can aid you once in a while." She gave a wink, causing her friend to chuckle softly.
"Thank you once more Madame Giry and Meg. This does mean a lot to me." Her voice was almost emotionless as she continued to speak, "I am sure that the manor is a very welcoming place."
Christine was almost stunned in how she had sounded.
Where was the happiness her voice once held?
Was she not the child who would sing from her heart?
All of that seemed to fade over the years, and Christine never took note of it, until now. She knew her singing had ceased since her Father's death, but her emotions seemed to be locked away as well. Even with the few friends she had at the orphanage, they were not family. Her Father was the center of her life, and she was thrusted into a labyrinth that seemed to have no exit. Perhaps having a family once more, she can find the solution through their love, and unlock those emotions that seemed to die along with her Father.
Madame Giry and Meg spoke no more as the three fell into silence. They did not need any more words to understand what kind of situation at hand.
The once smiling little girl that Christine used to be, died over the years, which concerned Madame Giry more than anything else. She had no idea such a toll would be taken on the child. She would now make it her duty to see that beautiful smile, and draw back Christine from her forgotten world.
Moonlight masked the carriage, but lead as a path towards the grand manor.
Christine had always been a curious girl, and took the chance to see Paris for all its beauty. The orphanage was located on the outer most level of Paris, which was usually slums. She had lived in Paris all her life, but never traveled towards the heart of the city of wonder and enchantment. Her eyes could not peel away from the chattering of high Parisians. Their dresses were of every color, almost intoxicating to her eyes! She could not help but imagine herself in such a gown, but that was a fleeting thought. She could never be a princess, but the maid who would pick up after the princess. The sudden thought caused her to sink back into her seat as she stared at the ground.
The carriage came to a halt as Madame Giry and Meg gave long and satisfied sighs, "Finally." Meg commented as she was the first to exit the carriage, wanting to stretch her legs.
Madame Giry just have a reassuring smile to Christine as she too followed her daughter, using her arm and the carriage driver's arm for support.
Christine was hesitant when she finally came out of the carriage. Her eyes could not take in all that was before her. The manor was magnificent! It was grand and powerful, showing authority to all the buildings around it; one would bow before the majesty of the building. She took in the little details here and there, seeing the carvings and designs. Gothic features were present among the front of the manor. She did not even take notice of the frightening iron gates that surrounded the adobe.
A slight chill ran along her spine, and a whisper came fourth to her, almost beckoning to her. She knew that there was no voice, but it was as if the house was calling for her. Madame Giry's hand pulled her out of her trance,
"Welcome to Lord Erik's Manor."
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