Disclaimer: I wish I owned these characters, but I don't. ESPECIALLY EWAN McGREGOR! What a hottie!!! Anywho, like I said I own nothing!

Distribution: Please feel free to post this anywhere, just drop me a line, to let me know where it's going.

Contact: wickedy_witch@hauntedmansion.com

Author's Notes: This takes place a little bit after Satine sings 'One Day I'll Fly Away'. I'm sorry there's no 'Elephant Love Song' in this story. If this story is the same or a lot alike somebody else's story it was unintentionally done!

Summary: What if Satine left the Moulin Rouge before she and Christian became too attached. Then five years later she returns to the Moulin Rouge. Also Satine isn't sick! What about the Duke? What about Christian? Where did she go? Why don't you read and find out?

(FINALLY SCHOOL IS OUT!SO MORE TIME FOR WRITING!That's why I posted this chapter)



Chapter 5: Welcome Home, Chickpea



The carriage pulled up to the infamous Moulin Rouge, and let the two ladies out. China Doll tipped the driver and watched as he pulled off. China coughed as the carriage threw a cloud of dust into the crisp air.


"Damn fool," she cursed quietly at him, "Are you ok, Satine? Satine?" She looked next to her where her friend had formerly been standing. She quickly spotted her at the front door gazing up at the enormous windmill.


"Le Moulin Rouge," Satine smiled like a Cheshire cat.


"Oh, that means the red windmill," China added thoughtfully.


"Yes, thank you," she rolled her eyes, "Will you be joining me inside?"


China looked at her chain watch and gasped in shock,"Oh no. I've got to meet Daniel for tea in ten minutes. Sorry to leave you like this, but I've got to go. Bye! I'll see you soon though." With that she took off down the street trying to catch the carriage, that obviously wouldn't be anywhere near.


Satine laughed out loud, "When will she ever get a brain?" She picked up her bags and made her way inside.


As soon as she stepped inside she was hit with a rush of familiarity. She closed her eyes and summoned up all the memories lying in the depths of her brain. In her head, she saw a young girl. A girl with long beautiful red hair, green eyes that sparkled like emeralds, and a knock out figure. She saw herself dancing, flaunting her body at old dirty men. They called her 'The Sparkling Diamond'. Just a member of the Diamond Dogs. Well actually, she was like the leader of the pack. She was the one who men would mortgage their homes for, if just to catch a fleeting glimpse.


Then she remembered a particular day of interest, a day of change. A day when freedom had come knocking on her door. The day that had altered her life in more than one distinct way. It was the day she met a strange enchanted boy. (couldn't resist!)


She thought of the expression on the face of that handsome writer, when she'd tried to seduce him. It was priceless. He'd come to her in the hopes of starting a hit show, but instead he got a little taste of the underworld folk. Then, something happened, something magical. He had sung to her. Yes, sung. Other people might have been disturb by such an idea, but she wasn't like other people. His voice was heavenly, it was honestly like an angel's voice. He was very handsome, which had nothing to do with anything. But, good looks never hurt anybody. She shook her head at her 'silly thoughts'.


Pulling the huge red doors open, she gasped in shock. It had changed since the last time she had been there. It was a theater. She stood flabbergasted. A theater! She slowly walked down the aisle taking it all in. There were rows of red velvet chairs, which she knew Harold had spent a fortune on. Huge ornate gold windmills adorned the grand hall or rather theater. She noticed that Harold had kept the curtains for the gigantic stage, which was currently lit.


Making her way up the stage stairs she looked out into the 'audience' a took a bow.


"Thank you, thank you," she laughed. Suddenly a rustle came from behind the curtain.


Curious, she went to investigate. She pulled the heavy curtain back and tried to adjust her eyes to the darkness. Due to the darkness all she could see was a little figure moving about. The figure seemed to be dancing gracefully across the stage like a little angel. This must have been Lucie. Satine just watched as not to disturb the little girl. When she had finished Satine applauded. The little girl jumped nearly out of her skin,and was shaking like a leaf in the wind.


"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. My name is Satine, and you're Lucie, correct?" Satine smiled and held out her hand to the little ballerina.


"Yes. Wow! Your really Satine aren't you!?!? The Sparkling Diamond," the girl looked at her in wonderment with her jaw dropped to the floor.


Satine burst into laughter at the idea of her former life being something that left a seven year old dumbfounded. "Yes, I am the 'Sparkling Diamond'. But please call me Satine," she shook the tiny girl's hand politely.


"Can I call you Aunt Satine?" she giggled.


"Why not," she laughed once more.


"Lucie, Lucie, Lucie where on earth are you," a voice which Satine immediately recognized called out from backstage. It was Harold. Turning quickly to Lucie she pulled her aside.


"Want to play a joke with Grandpa Harold?" she asked hurriedly.


"Ok, what," she grinned devilishly.


"I'm going to hide, and don't tell Grandpa I'm here. Ok?"


"Ok. Like Hide N' Go Seek?" she smiled.


"Yes, only don't let anybody look for me,got it?" she hurried off into the wings of the stage.


"There's Grandpa's little pumpkin. Where have you been? Grandma's been calling you in for lunch for a half an hour." He tried to look intimidating by placing his hands on his hips, but he wasn't fooling anybody.


"I'm sorry Grandpa. I was practicing my parts,"she smiled innocently.


"Well hurry along you little rascal,and don't forget to wash up," he shook his head as she took off, obviously ignoring his command. "Children," he laughed as he sat down waiting for the company to arrive.


Satine giggled as she watched Harold from a balcony box. Her attention was turned towards the large door as somebody entered the auditorium. Toulouse. She smiled at the sight of him hobbling down the aisle, trying to organize his papers in the process. She looked up at the ceiling and noticed that the swing was still there.


'Some things never change. I'm glad.' she loved the swing more than anything in the world. When riding it she felt five all over again. It made her feel normal in such an abnormal scene. 'Strange how something so stupid,could be so sentimental. I'm just getting nostalgic from being back,' she told herself. She decided that it was time to make her presence know,so she headed down the stairs towards Harold and Toulouse.


When she reached the last step she tipped toed up behind Zidler, who was distracted by polishing his boots. She suddenly felt childish and threw her hands over his eyes. Disguising her voice deeply she asked," Guess who?"


"Christian? Chocolat? Toulouse? Satie? Throw me a bone here!" he whined. Toulouse and Satine shared a secretive silly smile whilst laughing at the hilarious display.


"Satine?" the three of them turned towards the door where Christian stood.


*****

(Ooh, cliffhanger. You'll just have to keep reading then, won't you?)

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