Disclaimer: I'm not Libba Bray so I don't own these characters. If you are still reading I ask that you review. I like CC as well. I just want to know what you think.

Gemma

May 1, 1901

Paris

I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn.

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return.

Well I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I am who I am today

Because of you.

For Good, Wicked

Being in France makes me remember exactly how poorly I did in Madmasoielle LeFarge's class back at school. All the vendors on the street scorn at my French as I search for my friend. I figure the quickest way to find Felicity is through her mother. Searching for Mrs. Worthington proved more tedious than I had imagined, but after only one day in town I am directed straight to her salon. The salon is decorated with all the latest fashions and is in fact very trendy. If I did not know the wretched woman Mrs. Worthington really is, I would be much more excited to enter.

The doors open with only a slight push and immediately I can tell that the salon is closed. Of course, I come at a time when Mrs. Worthington will not even be present. Just then a door from the back opens and she steps out. She is wearing the highest fashion of London and once again takes my breath away. She does not resemble Felicity in any area other than her eyes. Even so, she is beautiful in a cold sort of manner. She looks me up and down trying to remember how she has seen me before. I spare her, "Mrs. Worthington, I am Gemma Doyle and I attended Spence Academy with your daughter." A sinister smile spreads across her face as she remembers. "Miss. Doyle, I remember you. You helped deceive me about the Miss. Ann Bradshaw. It seems that Felicity has never picked the right sorts of friends. First the epileptic child. Then a charity case and you. Hmm. Maybe your influence could explain her recent behaviors."

I smile politely even though I want nothing more than to put my boot in her mouth. "I am here to speak with Felicity. Is she around?" Mrs. Worthington laughs in spite of herself at some joke I do not understand. "Felicity moved away about a year ago. She was residing at the Moulin Rouge last I heard. We are not on speaking terms. That is all I can tell you. Will you please leave Miss. Doyle? I am very busy." Her smile looks polite but I can see that she no longer wants to be near me. So I turn and leave without a thank you or a good bye. Bloody bitch.

I have heard of the Moulin Rouge once back home. Evidently it is a nightclub for whores. I cannot understand why Felicity would want to reside in a place like that, but I must find her. Time is running out before I must report to Spence. I call for a cab and tell the driver my destination. With one look at me he laughs and asks if I know where I am asking to go. He would be surprised if he knew how little a matter it is to me that I will be entering the slums. "I know exactly where I told you to go. Now take me or I will find another driver." With that we are off. I do not know what I will find at this place but I hope it is her.

Felicity

The parlor smells of smoke and whiskey as I pace it wondering why in God's name Monsieur Freemont has called for me. He knows that I have no intention to become one of his dancers. I live here to surround myself with women and drinking. It is the environment I belong in. Monsieur opens his office door with a smile that can warm my heart any day. He reaches for my hand as kisses it gently as he murmurs something about my beauty. "Monsieur, why did you call me down here? You know I will not work for you."

"Oh, I know this. I have called you here because you have a guest. She says you know her from your days in London."

"Tell her I do not take visitors and have no desire to speak to her."

"She thought you would say that. Her name is Miss. Gemma Doyle and she must speak to you about the realms. I'm not completely sure what that means but-"

His words are meaningless at this point. Gemma needs me. She wants to return to the realms. What if Pippa is there? What if she's not? Can I handle that? Phasing out of my thoughts, I push past Monsieur Freemont and into his office.

She stands there, still taller than me. Her green eyes penetrate into my soul. Whenever I am around her I feel like she can see right through me. Actually being near her in the flesh makes me realize how much I have missed her. We stand there awkwardly. Neither of us knows exactly what to say. I decide I should start. I want to say something like "you look well" or "how have you been old friend?" Instead all that comes out is, "Why are you here?"

She grimaces." It is nice to see you too Felicity. I am here to see you…obviously." She is the only person who has ever stood up to me and because of it, I respect her immensely. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to be rude. I am just shocked to see you…here. I have really missed you." Like two magnets, she and I come together in a warm embrace. It is nothing like hugging Pippa was, but it is meaningful all the same. I cannot help but feel relieved to see her.

"I lied to you Felicity. We will not be returning to the Realms. But, you are going somewhere with me. I will not take no for an answer." Bloody hell. What now? "Are you dragging me to the reunion at Spence? I will not go." She smiles at this and laughs without the proper ladylike restraint. "So you did get the letter? You will go. Now go pack your bags we must hurry. I do not intend to miss out on a chance to humiliate Cecily. She is after all marrying my brother."

This is news to me, but I do not care. For once I will not fight back. If Gemma wants to spend time with me, then I will allow it. She is after all my only true friend. Looks like I will be returning to Spence. I find that I am both excited and scared.

Once again I ask you to review. Another chapter tomorrow.