Chapter 5
Chapter 5

"Toulouse! Get up! I need to talk to you!" Christian screamed through the hole in his ceiling at dawn.

Toulouse was shocked and quite displeased at this. He was shocked that Christian was up at dawn, sober, and wanted to talk to him. He was displeased because he was hung over and not used to being up so damn early.

"Toulouse!!!" Christian screamed up again, getting quite impatient.

"What is it Chwistian?"

"Something was going on at the Moulin Rouge last night. Some of the lights were on and there was construction going on. Did someone buy it?" Christian exclaimed somewhat excitedly.

"I think you're imagining things. There's nothing going on over there."

"Do you think I'm lying?! I know what I saw last night."

"I think it's the absinthe talking."

"I'm not hallucinating. I haven't had anything to drink in two days."

Christian was getting quite aggravated at Toulouse's refusal to believe him. He wanted to find out more but not yet. He had to make sure it wasn't a dream.

That night, he got comfortable on his balcony and saw all the work again. He repeatedly saw Zidler walking in and out of the courtyard. Painting, lights, windows, the Moulin Rouge was back to its former glory. He watched all night, with strangely joy and excitement. At sunrise, Christian was so exhausted from his stakeout; he collapsed on his bed and fell dead asleep.

Later that morning, Zidler appeared at the Bohos' door. He explained to them that someone new bought the Rouge and wanted them back. He never mentioned that fact that a woman bought it. They were only too happy to come back. Toulouse couldn't wait to tell Christian but he knew he would have to swallow his pride first and apologize for treating him so badly.

"And what about Christian? How is he doing?" Zidler asked.

"Don't know… you'll have to talk to him yourself." Satie replied.

"I'll let the new owner do it. I've seen how Christian can get if angered."

When Zidler left, Toulouse started peeking through the hole in the floor to tell Christian the happy news.

"Chwistian!" he called out.

No response. Toulouse looked further into the room and found Christian still sound asleep on his bed. Toulouse climbed down the ladder and walked quietly over to Christian.

"Chwistian wake up!" he sort of screamed while shaking him. Christian was startled awake.

"What is it Toulouse?" he said sleepily.

"Zidler wants us back at the Moulin Rouge. You were right; it is reopening. Sorry for not believing you."

"That's nice, now let me go back to sleep." Christian replied as he rolled over.

"Sleep…now…why?"

"I was up all night watching them bring the Moulin Rouge back to life to prove I wasn't dreaming."

"Oops…sorry Chwistian. Good night then."

Christian waved slightly but was then quickly back to sleep, snoring softly.

Over the next few hours, Toulouse, Satie, Doc, and the Argentinean were busying themselves preparing for "Il Rinascimento del Moulin Rouge," as it was now being called. They had no real concept of what was going on around them until a swift knock came at the door.

When Toulouse opened the door, he was shocked at what he saw. There stood a raven-haired beauty, with porcelain skin, dark chocolate eyes, rose red

Lips, and dressed all in purple satin.

"What can we do for you Dark Angel?" the Argentinean interjected since Toulouse wasn't moving, fast enough.

"I understand you four are friends of the writer of Spectacular, Spectacular, Christian?"

The four of them looked at each other, wondering who was going to answer.

"But of course my beauty," Toulouse finally spoke up.

"As I know, he is indisposed at the moment. Would you be so kind to deliver this letter to him and tell him to be at the Midnight Amethyst's dressing room at 11 o'clock, after the performance."

"How did you know he was…what did you say…"indisposed"?" Toulouse asked taking the note and knowing full well that Christian was asleep in the room beneath them.

"I saw him in the window watching the Moulin Rouge most of the night, and I assumed he was asleep. Good day gentlemen. See you this evening." Diana said as she turned to leave.

Toulouse was still puzzled by this woman. "How did she know Chwistian?" he thought.

At almost 4 in the afternoon, Toulouse finally heard Christian awaken below him.

"Chwistian!!! An extremely beautiful woman gave this note to us this morning for you."

"Why didn't she give it to me?"

"She said she saw you in the window all night and didn't want to wake you."

Christian rubbed his eyes to try to wake up more as he read the letter Toulouse gave him.

"Dear Christian,

You are probably wondering what has been going on lately.

All your questions will be answered tonight. Meet me tonight at

The Midnight Amethyst's dressing room at 11 o'clock, alone."

"Toulouse, it's not signed…"

"The mystwry lady didn't give her name but she sounded American."

Christian rolled his eyes at this. It seemed to him the Toulouse, with all the best intentions, was trying to put him and this girl together. Christian was having none of that.

By six, darkness started to fall on Montmartre and Diana hit the switch. The Moulin Rouge was reborn and its lights were the brightest of the night sky. Diana and Zidler were discussing the final arrangements for tonight's performance.

"Of course we bring back the old staples and you could do 'Sparkling Diamond'." Zidler exclaimed.

"I won't do 'Sparkling Diamond'. That was Satine's signature. I will not dishonor my friend by stealing her fame. I have my own signature that I have brought with me from New York."

"Fine, as you wish." He so hated giving into someone over creative decisions. "But can you do this?" Zidler conceded.

"I'm the child of immigrants. Of course I can do this."

At eight, the doors opened again. The rich and infamous could once again mingle with the young and beautiful. Among the revelers were the Bohos, including Christian, all dressed to the nines. Christian though seemed apprehensive.

"Don't worry Chwistian. You'll have fun tonight."

"This is the first time I've been in here since Satine…" he started to get choked up, "…this is very difficult for me."

And then a violet glow illuminated the room. To the music of Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves (her signature...well, at least one of them), she appeared, in black lace and glittering purple satin, the Midnight Amethyst. Christian stared at this bewitching beauty and unfortunately hi first though was 'At least it wasn't "Sparkling Diamond."'

Over the next few hours, the excitement was building to a fevered pitch and the Moulin Rouge had embraced its new star without knowing anything about her. It seemed like nothing had changed. Even Christian started to feel at ease, until it came time for his 'appointment.'