Chapter Ten: Bad Times

For the next few days, Christian and Satine would walk around. Arm in arm and admire the streets of Montmartre. They would spend every night passionately. They would visit Zidler and Satine and Bell often. They had been in Montmartre for around two weeks and planned to go home the next week. Satine's belly was even starting to show a little bit.

Satine and Christian were sitting in the Elephant together. They stared down at the people of Montmartre in each other's arms. Christian put his head up against Satine's and pulled her close to him. Satine put her arms on her stomach and felt the life growing inside of her. Christian put his hands over top of hers and help them tight.

The moment, beautiful and romantic, was interrupted by a heavy knock at the door. Both Satine and Christian, turned their heads to the door. Christian got up leaving Satine cold and lonely with out him. Christian walked over to the disturbing knocks and opened the door to a worried Zidler.

"Harold, what's wrong?" Satine came up behind Christian and slipped her head under his arms so that Christian had his arms around her. Harold took off his hat and bowed down his head, making it obvious that his news wasn't good.

"Count Van Mercer, of Germany, has requested you, Satine, to entertain him while he is visiting France for a conference. I need you now Satine," Zidler looked at Satine with worry filled eyes, which made is hard for her to say no. Satine looked at Christian and he looked back at her. Both , had a look that suggested that they were not sure how to solve the problem.

"Harold, you know I would do anything for you but look at me! I am nearly six weeks pregnant, how am I supposed to appeal to a count?" Satine looked at him with hurt and paranoid eyes.

"I understand, sweetheart, but We can put you in a corset," Harold gave her a smile to try and make her want to pleasure the count. Satine only looked at him crossly.

"Harold, you are suggesting that I sleep with a man that is not Christian? I am sorry Harold but my days of that are over," Satine broke apart from Christian and walked to the window. She gazed upon the gothic tower that once held the thresh holds of Hell. Christian walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulder. A silent tear crept down her cheek only to be stopped by Christian's long, thin, strong finger. Christian turned her around and looked her straight in the eyes. He held her chin in his hand.

"Listen Satine, I might sound crazy for this but if you don't do this for Zidler then the very same thing that happened with the Duke, ten years ago, could possibly happen again," Satine dried her eyes and nodded at Christian. Christian embraced her and held her there, comforting her and assuring her that everything would be alright in the end.

"Harold, knowing that it's fine with my husband and for the sake of the Moulin Rouge, I will grant you this favor," Satine looked down at the large ring on her finger. She gave Zidler a weak smile as a sharp pain of heart ache filled her body. She hated the idea, the idea of pleasuring a man for money. The idea of allowing a man to control her. Yea, sure, she thought, ten years ago, that it would solve all her problems but truly, it only brought her more.

"Thank you Satine. You are indeed an angel sent from heaven," Harold smiled at her and left, closing the door behind him. He hurt for her as well. Satine walked over and sat on the bed. She put her hands on her knee and thought about how horrible it was going to be. Christian sat down next to her. He took her hand in his.

" I can agree with Zidler on that one, you're my angel. My angel from heaven sent to cure me of heart ache," Christian kissed her hand and stared deep into her eyes. He could still see hurt in her eyes. This sliced his heart in two, he hated seeing her this sad. He grabbed her and pulled her down onto the bed. He stroked her hair and whispered softly in her ear, "Come what may, I love you. Always remember that." Satine shut her eyes, picturing the perfect life (and this was not even close).

*******

Satine didn't have anything to wear besides the clothing that she brought with her, which she didn't really want to wear considering they held special memories within the seams. She checked over everything she had and couldn't decide on a thing. Christian wasn't there to help her decide, which made it even harder, he was over at Satie's, writing poetry. Zidler knocked on Satine's door. Satine turned her back on the outfits, lying on the bed, and casually walked over to the door.

She opened the door and Zidler burst right in.

"How is everything going sweet pea?"

"Oh, Harold! I can't figure out for the life of me what to wear. I feel like I'll ruin anything that I do, all these outfits hold precious memories and I can't part with either of them!" Satine looked at all the outfits puzzled. Harold studied each outfit before turning to Satine.

"I have a fantastic idea! You can borrow an outfit for Nini!" Harold smiled brightly and Satine jumped up and down but suddenly stopped.

"Nini? She would NEVER let me borrow an outfit!" Satine put her hand to her heart and gave a look of hopelessness. She turned back to her outfits lying on the bed. She sighed and picked up her sparkling diamonds outfit. A small tear dripped down her face. She brushed it away and laid it over top of her vanity. There has to be something I can do for her! Harold thought to himself. He turned his back to Satine and slowly walked out of the room.

Satine pulled the tight, glimmering, sexy outfit over her slim (but growing belly) body. She put her hair back in a tight bun with just a few curled pieces of her hair hanging down. She put on the top hat and gloves. In addition, she grabbed a cane that she had around her room. She glanced back at the picture of Christian on her table and blew a kiss, tears now streaming at the thought of the risk involved in this. With cane in hand, she steadily walked out the door.

*******

Satine emerged from the Elephant and went straight to the legendary Dance Hall of the Moulin Rouge. She hugged herself to help stay warm as she made her way over. The brutal February air nipped at her pale skin. Satine paused in her tracks, she shut her eyes and breathed deep. Surprisingly, big, strong, muscular arms surrounded her and held her tightly, keeping her warm. It was Christian. He kissed her neck. Satine opened her eyes and turned her head to look at him. Christian could see the fear in her eyes. He turned her around and held her close to him, letting her know that everything would be alright.

"Darling, it's ok. Everything will be alright soon. Just you see. And, if you need anything remember sing out our song and I'll be there by your side," Christian looked her straight in the eyes.

"Come what may. Oh, Christian, I love you," she leaned her tear-streaked face into his and kissed him. Christian gently wiped the tears away, then continued walking with her under his arm.

They hadn't walked more than 15 feet when they ran into a most ecstatic Zidler. Satine was so cold that she couldn't even smile. Christian had given her his jacket but it didn't help Satine much.

"My little strawberry, I have gotten you an outfit. Marie gave Nini 500 francs for an outfit for you to borrow!" Satine's jaw dropped wide open. Harold held out a long, silky, gray dress with diamonds on the trim. Satine took the gorgeous dress into her arms and examined it. She looked from Christian to the dress and then back to Zidler. Christian faked a smile wishing that Satine wouldn't have to do this. He did not know that inside Satine wasn't happy with it either. The bad times had finally caught beck up with her.