Chapter Three
Explanations
AN:
Wolfwood11: Well, I wish I could update as fast as I always say I will. I can never keep those promises. Thank you for all your support and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Tomoe2Kenshin: LOL, that was a funny review! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Rachridgeback: Thanks, you're so sweet! Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the best movies and when I need old phrases for this story, I always pop in my DVD! LOL, I love that movie! I hope you like this chapter as well!
CheetorX: Thank you so much for your compliment and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Serene Faerie: Well, Saku ( Yay, I did it!), I'm happy you like this fic and I know I'm making Françoise suffer a lot. But she'll suffer WAY more then this! I hope you like this chapter, Saku!
BabyG of Westlife: Whoa, that's intense. You really do hate Clause don't you? LOL, don't worry he's going to get what he deserves soon! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Thank you for all the reviews. Your compliments and approval means so much to me. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please review when you have the time!
--SDA 009
P.S I'm such a liar. In my last chapter, I said I would update faster. Hah! I'm so sorry. I got a bad cold ( Do I get sick frequently or what?) and I've been busy with school work. Don't worry though. My other C009 story will come to an end soon so that means I'll be able to update faster.
Disclaimer:
I do not own Cyborg 009 or Both Sides of Time in any way.
***********************************
" Françoise, where could you be?" Jean Paul sighed.
He closed his eyes painfully as he walked down one of the many corridors in the mansion. He hummed to himself, eyes closed, and kept on walking until he almost tripped over a large object.
" What in-" He started but when he noticed what he almost tripped over, his eyes grew wide. " Claire! My Lord, what happened? Oh Claire!"
He knelt beside her, holding her wrist, to make sure she had a pulse. He gasped. She was dead..
" Who did this to you, Claire?" He asked, eyes filled with tears. He practically grew up with Claire! Her parents worked here when both he and Claire were young and since their death, Claire was forced to either move out somewhere else or work for them. And now the girl who devoted her life to work and sacrificed her young life to him and his family was dead.
But he knew that it wasn't a normal death. There was no fallen object that could have killed her or cause that gash on her head. Although it was frightening and terrible, he knew that someone had killed Claire. Someone murdered Claire on the same day his sister disappeared. There was something wrong here. Who could have murdered Claire?
Then a thought hit him. If Claire was murdered then that could only mean that Françoise was de- No! She's alive! He thought, at the verge of tears.
" FATHER! FATHER! COME HERE QUICK!" He yelled.
He had to solve this mystery and find his sister before something happened to her or else..
***
She gasped in delight when she went inside the bathroom. Although it wasn't as fancy as her bathroom, it still was small and simply darling! She grinned. The toilet was so small and delicate! It was so adorable!
It was so hot. The temperature seemed to be raising and she had no choice but to strip down to a small white dress she wore under her thick garments. Under the short white dress, she wore her corset and under garments. She blushed. She had never been in a boy's presence wearing just her under garments and a thin white dress that thank goodness, hid the parts she didn't want him to see.
She had been in Joe's arms for a while and he held her tight, whispering kind words in her ear. Words that comforted her slightly but she could not ignore the fact that she was so far away from home and the chances of going back were slim. And if she did find a way to go back home, she would have to explain everything to her brother and Father, who wouldn't believe one word.
And if I do tell them, she thought, I'll go straight to an asylum..
She sighed and stared at the pile of clothes under her feet. She couldn't believe that she wore all of that every day. She shook her head and carried the pile, closing the bathroom's door behind her. The wooden floor was cold and clean and the walls were covered by portraits and old family pictures. She smiled when she saw one of Joe when he was just a little boy. He was so adorable!
She blushed and walked inside the living room, where Joe was waiting for her, two drinks in his hands. Jet had left and it was only them both. He smiled at her but he blushed slightly when he noticed how short and transparent her white dress was. He turned his head slightly, wanting to be polite.
" You could put your close over there if you want," He said, pointing down at the floor next to the couch. She nodded, a grateful smile on her face, and gently placed the clothes on the floor.
" Thank you so much Joe for your hospitality," She said, softly, accepting the cup of juice he held in his hand for her. Finally, ignoring the shortness of her dress, he looked in her eyes and smiled.
" You're welcome, Françoise," He said, beaming.
He sat on the couch and motioned her to sit next to him and she did. She blushed, the awkward silence making her feel uncomfortable. She played with his fingers, staring down at her lap, knowing that what she was doing was disrespectful.
I guess I lost my manners as well, she thought, frowning.
" Françoise?" She turned her head towards Joe and stared into his eyes. His cheeks were pink, which made her smile. It surprised her on how shy he could be.
" Yes?" She said, nodding her head slightly.
" How was it like to travel through time like that?" He asked, sheepishly.
" Well," She said, running her fingers through her smooth blond hair. " It was a very horrible experience. I heard screams and I saw lights I never seen before. Well it really started with a head ache and dizziness and the next thing I know, I was in my poor mansion."
" Wow," He said. " How is it like there? You know, in your time."
" It's beautiful. There are lots of trees and plants and little towns. My mansion was so beautiful and it was very elegant and fancy. But in the same time, being rich was horrible. I already have a fiancé too. I'm only fifteen, Joe!" She said.
" Oh." He said, hurt. " You have a fiancé?"
" Yes but I simply despise him. He's very aggressive and he hurts me emotionally and physically. He's a horrible man but my Father thinks that he's the perfect man for me. I don't want to marry him!" She said, sadly. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
" He sounds horrible," He said.
" He can be nice but he spends most of his time hurting me," She said.
This immediately angered Joe and his eyes narrowed. Who was this man? Who dared hurt this beautiful girl?
" That's not right!" He said. She stared at him confused. " Girls as beautiful and as elegant as yourself should be treated with respect and love. This man doesn't deserve you, Françoise."
Tears glistened in her eyes and she wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes as she rested her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tight.
" Oh Joe." She said. " You are wonderful, you truly are."
" So are you, Françoise," He said, softly.
They separated slightly so they would be able to look into each other's eyes. He put a hand under her chin and was bringing her lips towards his own when-
" Ow," She whimpered.
" Françoise are you okay?" He asked, alarmed.
She put a hand on her temple and closed her eyes in pain. The head ache was returning and she knew what was coming next. She stood up, almost stumbling on her feet.
" Françoise, Françoise, what's wrong?" He asked, standing up, holding her shoulders.
" Joe." She said, slightly dazed. " I have to go."
" No, you can't! You can't go back!" He said, holding her shoulders tight.
" I am sorry," She said, shacking his hands off and running outside, Joe running behind her.
" Françoise!"
He grabbed her by her shoulder, capturing her lips in his own but she was already glowing and soon was gone..
" No," He said, lost. He fell on his knees. " I only knew you for three hours and I'm already in love with you, Françoise...Francoise..Come back.Come back."
But she wasn't listening..She was gone.
***
After hearing all the screams and seeing all the multicolored lights, she finally arrived back in her time. A town man was walking by and noticed her, unconscious on the green grass.
" I found her! I found her!" He yelled and soon a crowd came and took her home.
***
Carriages went in and out the gates of the mansion. Usually, carriages that belonged to police men. Mr. Arnoul had called the police who were busy on both the disappearance of his daughter and the POSSIBLE murder of one of his maids. It had become such a stressful day. He yearned to see his gorgeous daughter safe and sound.
" I don't know who could have done it, officer," He said, rubbing his temple as he closed his eyes. " Please, just find my daughter."
His wish was soon granted when both Clause and Jean Paul came running towards him, with grins on their faces.
" Father, Father, they found her! They are bringing her home now!" Jean Paul said, happily.
" Yes! She's probably already outside!" Clause said, smiling in relief. My money's saved, he thought, in relief. Damn girl.
" Thank goodness," Mr. Arnoul sighed.
He followed the youngsters outside and found his daughter being carried by an officer.
" They found her," He said.
" Good, good," Mr. Arnoul said, a smile on his face.
But things were far from over...
***
The maids were told not to say a word to Françoise about Claire's murder. Everyone knew that Claire and Françoise were close friends and that the sudden news would shock her too much. No one asked questions about her whereabouts. Well at least not yet.
The maids were tying Françoise's corset when without knocking, Clause came inside her room, a frown on his face.
Oh no, no, she thought, in dismay.
" Girls, please leave. I will like to have some time alone with my fiancé," He said.
" But-"
" Now," He ordered and the maids walked out the room without any further questions to ask.
Françoise stared at him with wide eyes. She closed her eyes as he walked towards her. She shuddered when she felt a cold hand on her slender neck and she knew what he was going to ask-
" Where were you?"
She gulped and tried to think of explanations she could give him without telling him the truth.
He walked behind her and grabbed her corset's strings, tying them tightly. She felt like her ribs were beings crushed against each other and that her lungs had no space to breath. She was practically gasping for air.
" Tell me the truth now."
She winced and gulped. This wasn't going to be fun..
***
" IN LOVE?!" He heard Jet say from the other line.
" I dunno," Joe said. " I kissed her, Jet!"
" Whoa, you were so worried about Janet earlier and the next thing I know, you're kissing a hot chick from 1903," Jet said, snickering. Joe blushed, playing with the phone's cord with his index finger.
" It wasn't much of a kiss. It only lasted like five seconds," He said, sheepishly.
" A kiss is a kiss, Joe. God, how long did you know this girl, again?" Jet joked.
" C'mon Jet. She's so sweet and modest and-"
" HOT," Jet finished. " For a girl that's supposed to be dead, the girl is hot."
" Stop using that word! You're making me feel bad," Joe said, blushing furiously.
" Oh yeah. You said she's gone, right?" Jet asked.
" Yeah," He said, his heart breaking.
" That sucks. So she's back to her own time. That's too bad. I actually liked the girl," Jet said.
" Eh?" Joe said, surprised.
" Oh well.Nothing. It's weird isn't it? I never thought that this traveling through time business was real," Jet said, thoughtfully.
" Neither did I," He said.
" I wonder what she's doing now," Jet wondered.
" Yeah, me too."
Joe's eyes fell on the pile of clothing on the floor and picked them up, the smell of heavy perfume in his nose. His eyes filled with tears.
I've never loved a girl so much, he thought. I never loved a girl so quick.
I wonder if you're okay..
But Françoise was far from okay..
***
Françoise whimpered as Clause pushed her against the wall, his hands clutching her shoulders. His eyes narrowed and his face was red from anger. His blue eyes were extremely cold and stared at her with so much hatred.
" Don't you dare lie again. Now where were you, Françoise? " He asked, furious.
" Clause, I to-told you. I go- got lost," She said, wincing in pain.
" That is a fib! How did you faint then?" He asked, angrily.
" My corset was too tight!" She said.
" And that my dear must have been why you were not wearing the dress you wore this morning, I presume?" He said, raising an eyebrow.
" No! I fainted and when I woke up, I was not wearing my dress. I think someone stole it," She said, trembling.
His face went from red to pale white. His eyes soften slightly and he stared at her, slightly worried. His grip on her shoulders soften.
" Françoise, did someone-"
" No, I do not think so. I am in no pain and wouldn't there be blood on my clothes or any sign?"
" Perhaps," He said. His hands slipped off her shoulders and he turned his back to her. " As much as I want to believe you, I cannot. There is no proof to your tale. And there is no excuse for you being so far away from home and town."
Before she could say a word he walked out but stopped before he was out the door. He turned around and stared at her with stiff, angry eyes.
" But we will find out the truth sooner or later, Françoise. You cannot lie to your Father. And I cannot permit you to lie to me again," He said and motioned the frightened maids to go back in and fully dress her. Françoise eyes filled with tears and she looked down at the floor, sadly.
What am I going to do now? She thought..
She fought the tears away as the maids tightened her corset and delicately, slipped her gown over her head. They brushed her hair into an elegant knot and placed a matching hat on her head, tying it into a bow. Françoise took a quick glance at the mirror and rolled her eyes.
They treat and dress me like a china doll, she thought. They are afraid to making one mistake and letting me fall.
She wished she could live in Joe's century where your destiny wasn't already planned and you lived in a carefree environment. Things seemed so much easier there. She sighed and the maids smiled and stared at her with loving eyes full of awe and admiration.
" You are simply adorable, Miss Arnoul!" They both chirped, beaming. Françoise smiled weakly.
" Thank you. You two may leave, if you wish," She said.
" Thank you Miss Arnoul. You are very kind," They bowed and closed the door behind them.
She sighed heavily and walked over to her large window, admiring the beauty of the sun setting far in the horizon. She watched it set behind the large hills and trees and she stared at the many colors like yellow, purple, and pink in the sky in awe. There was nothing that could compare to the beauty of an every day sunset.
She heard her door creak open and then close. She looked behind her and found her brother staring at her with tearful eyes. He ran to her side and wrapped his arms around her, reminding her of the hug she had shared with Joe. She blushed.
" Oh Françoise, I am so happy that you are safe!" He cried.
" Oh Jean Paul," She said, crying with him.
After hugging for a long time, he let go and stared at her with sad eyes. He gulped and she knew that he was keeping something from her. Something terrible.
" What happened, Jean Paul?" She asked, puzzled.
There was an awkward silence and he finally found the courage to look at her in the eyes. He sighed deeply and stared at her with sorry eyes.
" Françoise."
" What happened?" She said, feeling nervous. Something horrible happened, she just knew it..
If I tell her, he thought, then Father will be angry. But I can't keep this a secret from her. I must confess.
" Darling, Claire has been murdered," He said. " And they have arrested Father for it too."
Françoise stared at him with wide eyes of disbelief, shock, and horror.
Can my life get any worse?
TO BE CONTINUED...
" NOT EVEN TIME CAN CHANGE TRUE LOVE."
************************************************
AN:
Originally, this chapter was only five pages long but I knew it was TOO short. That's why I decided to make it a couple of pages longer just for you all! Please review when you have the time!
--SDA 009
P.S I have written a new fic but it's based on Digimon and not Cyborg 009. It's called Under a Cherry Blossom Tree and I would love it if you all read it. I don't care if you're not a fan of Digimon. I just want to know what you all think, so if you can spare some time to read it, I will appreciate it!
*************************************************
" NOT EVEN TIME CAN CHANGE TRUE LOVE."
REVIEW!
*************************************************
Explanations
AN:
Wolfwood11: Well, I wish I could update as fast as I always say I will. I can never keep those promises. Thank you for all your support and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Tomoe2Kenshin: LOL, that was a funny review! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Rachridgeback: Thanks, you're so sweet! Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the best movies and when I need old phrases for this story, I always pop in my DVD! LOL, I love that movie! I hope you like this chapter as well!
CheetorX: Thank you so much for your compliment and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Serene Faerie: Well, Saku ( Yay, I did it!), I'm happy you like this fic and I know I'm making Françoise suffer a lot. But she'll suffer WAY more then this! I hope you like this chapter, Saku!
BabyG of Westlife: Whoa, that's intense. You really do hate Clause don't you? LOL, don't worry he's going to get what he deserves soon! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Thank you for all the reviews. Your compliments and approval means so much to me. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please review when you have the time!
--SDA 009
P.S I'm such a liar. In my last chapter, I said I would update faster. Hah! I'm so sorry. I got a bad cold ( Do I get sick frequently or what?) and I've been busy with school work. Don't worry though. My other C009 story will come to an end soon so that means I'll be able to update faster.
Disclaimer:
I do not own Cyborg 009 or Both Sides of Time in any way.
***********************************
" Françoise, where could you be?" Jean Paul sighed.
He closed his eyes painfully as he walked down one of the many corridors in the mansion. He hummed to himself, eyes closed, and kept on walking until he almost tripped over a large object.
" What in-" He started but when he noticed what he almost tripped over, his eyes grew wide. " Claire! My Lord, what happened? Oh Claire!"
He knelt beside her, holding her wrist, to make sure she had a pulse. He gasped. She was dead..
" Who did this to you, Claire?" He asked, eyes filled with tears. He practically grew up with Claire! Her parents worked here when both he and Claire were young and since their death, Claire was forced to either move out somewhere else or work for them. And now the girl who devoted her life to work and sacrificed her young life to him and his family was dead.
But he knew that it wasn't a normal death. There was no fallen object that could have killed her or cause that gash on her head. Although it was frightening and terrible, he knew that someone had killed Claire. Someone murdered Claire on the same day his sister disappeared. There was something wrong here. Who could have murdered Claire?
Then a thought hit him. If Claire was murdered then that could only mean that Françoise was de- No! She's alive! He thought, at the verge of tears.
" FATHER! FATHER! COME HERE QUICK!" He yelled.
He had to solve this mystery and find his sister before something happened to her or else..
***
She gasped in delight when she went inside the bathroom. Although it wasn't as fancy as her bathroom, it still was small and simply darling! She grinned. The toilet was so small and delicate! It was so adorable!
It was so hot. The temperature seemed to be raising and she had no choice but to strip down to a small white dress she wore under her thick garments. Under the short white dress, she wore her corset and under garments. She blushed. She had never been in a boy's presence wearing just her under garments and a thin white dress that thank goodness, hid the parts she didn't want him to see.
She had been in Joe's arms for a while and he held her tight, whispering kind words in her ear. Words that comforted her slightly but she could not ignore the fact that she was so far away from home and the chances of going back were slim. And if she did find a way to go back home, she would have to explain everything to her brother and Father, who wouldn't believe one word.
And if I do tell them, she thought, I'll go straight to an asylum..
She sighed and stared at the pile of clothes under her feet. She couldn't believe that she wore all of that every day. She shook her head and carried the pile, closing the bathroom's door behind her. The wooden floor was cold and clean and the walls were covered by portraits and old family pictures. She smiled when she saw one of Joe when he was just a little boy. He was so adorable!
She blushed and walked inside the living room, where Joe was waiting for her, two drinks in his hands. Jet had left and it was only them both. He smiled at her but he blushed slightly when he noticed how short and transparent her white dress was. He turned his head slightly, wanting to be polite.
" You could put your close over there if you want," He said, pointing down at the floor next to the couch. She nodded, a grateful smile on her face, and gently placed the clothes on the floor.
" Thank you so much Joe for your hospitality," She said, softly, accepting the cup of juice he held in his hand for her. Finally, ignoring the shortness of her dress, he looked in her eyes and smiled.
" You're welcome, Françoise," He said, beaming.
He sat on the couch and motioned her to sit next to him and she did. She blushed, the awkward silence making her feel uncomfortable. She played with his fingers, staring down at her lap, knowing that what she was doing was disrespectful.
I guess I lost my manners as well, she thought, frowning.
" Françoise?" She turned her head towards Joe and stared into his eyes. His cheeks were pink, which made her smile. It surprised her on how shy he could be.
" Yes?" She said, nodding her head slightly.
" How was it like to travel through time like that?" He asked, sheepishly.
" Well," She said, running her fingers through her smooth blond hair. " It was a very horrible experience. I heard screams and I saw lights I never seen before. Well it really started with a head ache and dizziness and the next thing I know, I was in my poor mansion."
" Wow," He said. " How is it like there? You know, in your time."
" It's beautiful. There are lots of trees and plants and little towns. My mansion was so beautiful and it was very elegant and fancy. But in the same time, being rich was horrible. I already have a fiancé too. I'm only fifteen, Joe!" She said.
" Oh." He said, hurt. " You have a fiancé?"
" Yes but I simply despise him. He's very aggressive and he hurts me emotionally and physically. He's a horrible man but my Father thinks that he's the perfect man for me. I don't want to marry him!" She said, sadly. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
" He sounds horrible," He said.
" He can be nice but he spends most of his time hurting me," She said.
This immediately angered Joe and his eyes narrowed. Who was this man? Who dared hurt this beautiful girl?
" That's not right!" He said. She stared at him confused. " Girls as beautiful and as elegant as yourself should be treated with respect and love. This man doesn't deserve you, Françoise."
Tears glistened in her eyes and she wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes as she rested her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tight.
" Oh Joe." She said. " You are wonderful, you truly are."
" So are you, Françoise," He said, softly.
They separated slightly so they would be able to look into each other's eyes. He put a hand under her chin and was bringing her lips towards his own when-
" Ow," She whimpered.
" Françoise are you okay?" He asked, alarmed.
She put a hand on her temple and closed her eyes in pain. The head ache was returning and she knew what was coming next. She stood up, almost stumbling on her feet.
" Françoise, Françoise, what's wrong?" He asked, standing up, holding her shoulders.
" Joe." She said, slightly dazed. " I have to go."
" No, you can't! You can't go back!" He said, holding her shoulders tight.
" I am sorry," She said, shacking his hands off and running outside, Joe running behind her.
" Françoise!"
He grabbed her by her shoulder, capturing her lips in his own but she was already glowing and soon was gone..
" No," He said, lost. He fell on his knees. " I only knew you for three hours and I'm already in love with you, Françoise...Francoise..Come back.Come back."
But she wasn't listening..She was gone.
***
After hearing all the screams and seeing all the multicolored lights, she finally arrived back in her time. A town man was walking by and noticed her, unconscious on the green grass.
" I found her! I found her!" He yelled and soon a crowd came and took her home.
***
Carriages went in and out the gates of the mansion. Usually, carriages that belonged to police men. Mr. Arnoul had called the police who were busy on both the disappearance of his daughter and the POSSIBLE murder of one of his maids. It had become such a stressful day. He yearned to see his gorgeous daughter safe and sound.
" I don't know who could have done it, officer," He said, rubbing his temple as he closed his eyes. " Please, just find my daughter."
His wish was soon granted when both Clause and Jean Paul came running towards him, with grins on their faces.
" Father, Father, they found her! They are bringing her home now!" Jean Paul said, happily.
" Yes! She's probably already outside!" Clause said, smiling in relief. My money's saved, he thought, in relief. Damn girl.
" Thank goodness," Mr. Arnoul sighed.
He followed the youngsters outside and found his daughter being carried by an officer.
" They found her," He said.
" Good, good," Mr. Arnoul said, a smile on his face.
But things were far from over...
***
The maids were told not to say a word to Françoise about Claire's murder. Everyone knew that Claire and Françoise were close friends and that the sudden news would shock her too much. No one asked questions about her whereabouts. Well at least not yet.
The maids were tying Françoise's corset when without knocking, Clause came inside her room, a frown on his face.
Oh no, no, she thought, in dismay.
" Girls, please leave. I will like to have some time alone with my fiancé," He said.
" But-"
" Now," He ordered and the maids walked out the room without any further questions to ask.
Françoise stared at him with wide eyes. She closed her eyes as he walked towards her. She shuddered when she felt a cold hand on her slender neck and she knew what he was going to ask-
" Where were you?"
She gulped and tried to think of explanations she could give him without telling him the truth.
He walked behind her and grabbed her corset's strings, tying them tightly. She felt like her ribs were beings crushed against each other and that her lungs had no space to breath. She was practically gasping for air.
" Tell me the truth now."
She winced and gulped. This wasn't going to be fun..
***
" IN LOVE?!" He heard Jet say from the other line.
" I dunno," Joe said. " I kissed her, Jet!"
" Whoa, you were so worried about Janet earlier and the next thing I know, you're kissing a hot chick from 1903," Jet said, snickering. Joe blushed, playing with the phone's cord with his index finger.
" It wasn't much of a kiss. It only lasted like five seconds," He said, sheepishly.
" A kiss is a kiss, Joe. God, how long did you know this girl, again?" Jet joked.
" C'mon Jet. She's so sweet and modest and-"
" HOT," Jet finished. " For a girl that's supposed to be dead, the girl is hot."
" Stop using that word! You're making me feel bad," Joe said, blushing furiously.
" Oh yeah. You said she's gone, right?" Jet asked.
" Yeah," He said, his heart breaking.
" That sucks. So she's back to her own time. That's too bad. I actually liked the girl," Jet said.
" Eh?" Joe said, surprised.
" Oh well.Nothing. It's weird isn't it? I never thought that this traveling through time business was real," Jet said, thoughtfully.
" Neither did I," He said.
" I wonder what she's doing now," Jet wondered.
" Yeah, me too."
Joe's eyes fell on the pile of clothing on the floor and picked them up, the smell of heavy perfume in his nose. His eyes filled with tears.
I've never loved a girl so much, he thought. I never loved a girl so quick.
I wonder if you're okay..
But Françoise was far from okay..
***
Françoise whimpered as Clause pushed her against the wall, his hands clutching her shoulders. His eyes narrowed and his face was red from anger. His blue eyes were extremely cold and stared at her with so much hatred.
" Don't you dare lie again. Now where were you, Françoise? " He asked, furious.
" Clause, I to-told you. I go- got lost," She said, wincing in pain.
" That is a fib! How did you faint then?" He asked, angrily.
" My corset was too tight!" She said.
" And that my dear must have been why you were not wearing the dress you wore this morning, I presume?" He said, raising an eyebrow.
" No! I fainted and when I woke up, I was not wearing my dress. I think someone stole it," She said, trembling.
His face went from red to pale white. His eyes soften slightly and he stared at her, slightly worried. His grip on her shoulders soften.
" Françoise, did someone-"
" No, I do not think so. I am in no pain and wouldn't there be blood on my clothes or any sign?"
" Perhaps," He said. His hands slipped off her shoulders and he turned his back to her. " As much as I want to believe you, I cannot. There is no proof to your tale. And there is no excuse for you being so far away from home and town."
Before she could say a word he walked out but stopped before he was out the door. He turned around and stared at her with stiff, angry eyes.
" But we will find out the truth sooner or later, Françoise. You cannot lie to your Father. And I cannot permit you to lie to me again," He said and motioned the frightened maids to go back in and fully dress her. Françoise eyes filled with tears and she looked down at the floor, sadly.
What am I going to do now? She thought..
She fought the tears away as the maids tightened her corset and delicately, slipped her gown over her head. They brushed her hair into an elegant knot and placed a matching hat on her head, tying it into a bow. Françoise took a quick glance at the mirror and rolled her eyes.
They treat and dress me like a china doll, she thought. They are afraid to making one mistake and letting me fall.
She wished she could live in Joe's century where your destiny wasn't already planned and you lived in a carefree environment. Things seemed so much easier there. She sighed and the maids smiled and stared at her with loving eyes full of awe and admiration.
" You are simply adorable, Miss Arnoul!" They both chirped, beaming. Françoise smiled weakly.
" Thank you. You two may leave, if you wish," She said.
" Thank you Miss Arnoul. You are very kind," They bowed and closed the door behind them.
She sighed heavily and walked over to her large window, admiring the beauty of the sun setting far in the horizon. She watched it set behind the large hills and trees and she stared at the many colors like yellow, purple, and pink in the sky in awe. There was nothing that could compare to the beauty of an every day sunset.
She heard her door creak open and then close. She looked behind her and found her brother staring at her with tearful eyes. He ran to her side and wrapped his arms around her, reminding her of the hug she had shared with Joe. She blushed.
" Oh Françoise, I am so happy that you are safe!" He cried.
" Oh Jean Paul," She said, crying with him.
After hugging for a long time, he let go and stared at her with sad eyes. He gulped and she knew that he was keeping something from her. Something terrible.
" What happened, Jean Paul?" She asked, puzzled.
There was an awkward silence and he finally found the courage to look at her in the eyes. He sighed deeply and stared at her with sorry eyes.
" Françoise."
" What happened?" She said, feeling nervous. Something horrible happened, she just knew it..
If I tell her, he thought, then Father will be angry. But I can't keep this a secret from her. I must confess.
" Darling, Claire has been murdered," He said. " And they have arrested Father for it too."
Françoise stared at him with wide eyes of disbelief, shock, and horror.
Can my life get any worse?
TO BE CONTINUED...
" NOT EVEN TIME CAN CHANGE TRUE LOVE."
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AN:
Originally, this chapter was only five pages long but I knew it was TOO short. That's why I decided to make it a couple of pages longer just for you all! Please review when you have the time!
--SDA 009
P.S I have written a new fic but it's based on Digimon and not Cyborg 009. It's called Under a Cherry Blossom Tree and I would love it if you all read it. I don't care if you're not a fan of Digimon. I just want to know what you all think, so if you can spare some time to read it, I will appreciate it!
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" NOT EVEN TIME CAN CHANGE TRUE LOVE."
REVIEW!
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