Author's notes: I'm back! Finally Chapter 3 is here and I really like how Clopin and Ann-Marie meet. This chapter is going to have a bit of a twist in it, so
don't say I didn't warn you! Thanks again to everyone who keeps on reviewing me! I own nothing except my imagination, Ann-Marie, and some possible
song lyrics in the future! On with the show that is Chapter 3! Also Ann-Marie does kick butt later but remember she needs to get on people's good side in
order for her plan to work...
Chapter 3: I find a guy to be my sucker!
After leaving Clopin, I stalked off in the general direction of the sound of the bells. However, my stomach reminded me that I hadn't eaten since last night and I
decided food was more important. I quickly found a baker's stand and after purchasing some bread, asked, "Excuse me, monsieur. This is my first time in Paris
and I am very tired due to my injury. Could you lead me to Notre Dame so I may rest and pray to God?" The baker said yes of course. Soon we were on our
way. Fortunately, the baker could describe in great detail his home land so all I had to do was just nod and say, "Oh but that is so lovely. So much history!"
Hey, not a complete lie but still I felt a small tang of guilt. We arrived at the cathedral where I thanked the baker and headed indoors. Or I was about to when
a deep male voice said, "Excuse me, miss." I turned around slowly and said, "Yes, can I help you?" The man said, "Sorry to bother you. My name is Phoebus
and I am a Captain just returned home from the war. I was wondering if you knew where the Palace of Justice is?" I answered, "I am so sorry but I cannot help
you. I am newly arrived in Paris myself and I am afraid I do not know the answer to your question." I then added, "My name is Ann-Marie by the way. It is nice
to meet you." I curtsied and I felt him bow. He then asked, "So what are you doing here at Notre Dame other than to pray of course?" I smiled and said,
"Honestly, I wish to see the bells. I have heard stories of how beautiful they sound and I wish to thank the bell ringer for making such lovely music." "Well,
since I am obviously lost, I might as well help you see the bells. Come on, the archdeacon will be the person to ask." I smiled and reached out my hand to grab
his proffered arm (I heard his cape swish so I knew what to do), and said, "That sounds marvelous!" We walked inside and I began to think of how this guy
could be my "lover" that I ran off with. A Captain of the Guard? Everyone knew how fickle they were and how easily they broke maiden's hearts. This was
perfect!
Inside the Cathedral:
We gazed around in awe or at least Phoebus did. I just followed his lead and kept gently pushing him to ask the Archdeacon about the bells. Finally, we found
him a kindly old man or at least that's what I figured after I heard his voice saying, "Hello, my children. How may I serve you?" Phoebus replied, "Hello, Father.
Actually, it is this one you can serve. As for me, after I get out of here, I need to find the Palace of Justice and report to Judge Claude Frollo." I stiffened hearing
that name. I heard tales of his cruelty against the gypsies. If I joined them, he wasn't going to be lenient towards me at all. I cleared my head of these
thoughts as the Archdeacon turned towards me and asked, "How may I help you then, my child?" I curtsied towards him and said, "Forgive my boldness Father
but I wish to see the bells and thank the bell ringer for his wonderful music. It is one of my true desires in life." He went silent for a minute and then said,
"Follow me my children we shall go and see the bell ringer. It is not often he gets visitors, so be gentle to him." We walked towards some stairs and I began to
get excited. Finally, one part of my day that was going well.
Outside the Cathedral: Clopin's POV:
I cursed at myself inwardly. Why was I even here? What was it about that girl? I didn't even know her name but still the way she had treated me as an
equal...it made me curious about her. What was her secret? I set up my cart outside the cathedral hoping that some children would see me and thus give me
an excuse to be here. I started fiddling with my tiny puppet self, sewing him up asking myself, "Why am I doing this? I should be back at the Court. They need
me to choose a bride! To carry on the line of Gypsy King!" I sighed inwardly. All of the available girls just wanted to marry me for the title of Queen of the
Gypsies. None of them loved me, they just wanted the power. I have been able to ward them all off because of Judge Claude Frollo and his relentless search
for the Court of Miracles. I watched the front doors of the cathedral and suddenly I realized why I was here when the voices of children came to me. I was here
to do a show! And a show they would get. Forget strange girls who just randomly do not try to scream "GYPSY! THIEF! RUN!" I was here to entertain!
Inside the Bell Tower: Ann-Marie's POV:
I was awe struck by the sound of the bells. Phoebus kept a good grip on my arm so I wouldn't fall but I kept wanting to run around and feel and touch the
bells. I smiled and turned to the Archdeacon saying, "Oh, it's even better than I imagined! Thank you for bringing us up here!" The man chuckled and said, "It is
not often I see a young lady so enthralled with something so simple. I am happy to help my dear. If you would like, I shall try to get the bell ringer down from
his room, so you may ask any questions you like of him." He walked off and I just held on to Phoebus's arm. He looked at me and smiled saying, "Excited, huh?
Yeah, not every day you get to see the inside of the bell tower of Notre Dame herself." I nudged him laughing a bit. He was a nice guy, totally not my type more
like an older brother. I felt a bit bad about what I was going to do to him but the end justifies the means. I then heard two voices coming our way and I began
to smile even more. Now I would meet the mysterious bell ringer of Notre Dame, yet another part of the perfect plan to escape!
