Chapter XVIII: One Final Time

Satine stepped off the train and looked around her. The sights, the sounds, the smells-- she was back in Paris again. It felt strangely familiar and alien at the same time. A laughing crowd pushed past her and she stared after them.

Can I help you, Madam? the polite voice of a porter sounded from behind her.

Satine said quickly. A cab? The man nodded and summoned a carriage for her.

Will there be anything else, Madam? he asked as the carriage drew up. Satine mutely shook her head and handed him his tip. The man nodded and moved away as Satine climbed up onto the seat.

Where to? the driver asked lazily. Satine drew in a deep breath.

The bearded driver turned around and gave her a once-over.

Are you sure, Madam? Satine hesitated and took a shaky breath. Was she sure?



Satine said finally. Yes, I'm sure. The man looked surprised, but drove up to the gaping mouth that led to the underworld.

Do you have someone. . .meeting you here, Madam?

I'll be all right, Satine said absently, looking around. A slender prostitute loitered around the entrance to the village, and Satine bit her lower lip hard to keep herself from crying.

All right, the driver said doubtfully, anxious to leave the place and yet unwilling to leave her alone. Goodbye, then, Madam.

Satine took her suitcase and wandered down the dirty streets. A man in the grip of absinthe leered at her and then fell over at her feet. A group of drunken men openly eyed prostitutes beckoning customers while a young boy dashed across the street with a precious hoard of opium. Satine shivered and lifted her pale green skirt away from the mud.

You look lost, my dear. Satine turned to see a red-haired man eyeing her. Need someone to help you home?

Satine shook her head and and backed up.

No. . . I'm fine.

Come on, honey--

Satine had faded into the dark recesses of an alley by the time the man spun around. She ran towards Toulouse's apartment, feeling sick at the sights before her. How could she have lived here for so long? She stopped before the Moulin Rouge. It was grey and broken-down and the windows were boarded up. Satine slowly walked towards the entrance and stood before the doors. She blew her breath out, causing dust to waft up towards her.

Satine turned her head when she heard a voice behind her. She knew that voice.

Baby Doll? The golden-haired woman wore a faded green gown now, and her makeup drew hard lines on her face.

It is you, Baby Doll breathed. Well, I never thought I'd see the day when the sparkling jewel in the Moulin's crown returned to her tarnished setting.

Satine flinched at her words and brushed past her. Baby Doll followed her, hissing angry words at the former star.

Married life not all it's cracked up to be, sweetheart? Or did you decide to look up old friends you were too good for a year ago?

Excuse me, Satine said sharply, slamming the door to the L'amour behind her. She ran up the stairs, tears blurring her eyes. As she passed the door that led to Christian's garret, she couldn't help pushing it open and peering inside. No one had lived in there since they had left-- the hole in the ceiling was the same. The room seemed haunted by their memories, and Satine smiled wistfully. For a moments she could almost see the two of them sitting on the bed together, laughing and talking. . .

But all of that was gone now. It had vanished into a spiral of pain and confusion and hurt and--

Satine gasped. The world seemed to be flying by her in a whirlwind of grey and green. She tried to focus her eyes, but the light faded and black patches danced over the apartment.

she cried. The blackness grew and enveloped her, and Satine fell to the floor.

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Author's Note: Same old, same old. Please don't sue me.
Read on! Happiness is coming soon to our beloved couple!