Starting Over End This Nightmare

Satine drew the brush through her hair, bringing it to the end, before starting again. In the mirror she could see Christian sitting on the bed watching her.

'It's going to be ok.' She said, sensing that was what he was thinking.

'No it isn't.' Christian voiced quietly. Satine rose and went over to sit next to him. 'We've already been through this.'

'Yes but that was to save the Moulin Rouge. This is to save you, to save us.' Christian made no response. Satine drew her arms around him and he put his head on her shoulder, breathing in her scent. 'You know what you've got to do?'

'Yes. I love you so much.'

'I love you too.' Satine told him. They moved together and Christian captured his lips with hers with such an urgency that Satine knew how much he was hurting. She kissed his nose and then looked at the clock. It was time.

***

Drawing her breath, Satine extended her hand, her finger poised. She brought it back, she couldn't quite do it. Glancing at the house she saw Phyl smiling at her and in the background were Christian and two policeman. Seeing him made her determined.

Ding-dong!

The door opened and there stood the Duke. Satine flashed her best Sparkling Diamond smile at him. He smiled back and Satine shuddered.

'Hello, dear. Won't you come in.'

'Why, thank you, Duke.' Satine smiled charmingly at him. Quickly, she glanced sideways at Phyl but the Duke saw the action.

'Actually, I've had a spontaneous change of plan.'

'What do you mean?' Satine asked nervously.

'We're going out.' He said, grabbing her arm and dragging her down the steps.

***

Phyl watched as the Duke pulled Satine down the street.

'We have a problem.' She announced. Christian and the policemen rushed over and Phyl pointed out the two figures. Christian could feel his anger boil up. Even though he hadn't wanted her to go through it at least if she was next door he could rescue her quicker. Now he didn't know where she was.

'Let's go.' A policeman said. 'Stay behind us at all times and don't shout out.' This was directed at Christian who nodded numbly.

***

'Where are we going?' Satine asked as she hurried along. The duke still had hold of her wrist and was practically running so Satine had to run to keep up with him.

'Never you mind.' He snarled. Satine yanked her hand out of his grip. Automatically, he whirled around, slapping her on the cheek. Crying out in pain, she fell to the ground. 'That was very stupid of you. Don't try it again.'

'Why are you doing this?'

'Because I own you. You belong to me.'

'I belong to no one except me. You can't buy someone.'

'Yes I can.' He pulled her up and tried to push her along but Satines stood her ground.

'No you can't! Just because you have money doesn't mean you have more rights. You are a sad, lonely man who will never have anyone. I have Christian who loves me and-' She was cut off by the a hand striking her across the face. She stumbled backwards and the Duke took this to be his chance. He climbed on top of her, attempting to pull her clothes off.... Desperately, Satine kicked out. It had an effect of two seconds before the Duke threw her head onto the tarmac. Everything went black. ***

They had lost sight of them and were jogging along. Phyl looked into the park. She could see the Duke standing over Satine who was lying on the ground.

'Look!' She cried, pointing. Everyone looked and began to run. The policemen reached the Duke and handcuffed him first. Christian ran to Satine who was still unconscious. He pulled her into a sitting position and cradled her head.

'What have you done to her?!' He screamed at the Duke.

'Only what that tart deserves.' He smiled sickeningly.

'Why you-' He let go of Satine and flew towards him. A policeman held his hand out, telling him to stop. Christian knew it wouldn't help Satine and went back to her. Phyl was holding her hand and talking softly to her but still she made no response. Christian picked her up and carried his wife back to the house.

***

Satine tried to push him off her but it was no use. She closed her eyes and prayed it would be over....

'AAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!' Satine sat bolt up right and let out a bloodcurdling scream. It took Christian two seconds to reach her side.

'Satine...Satine, it's alright.' He tried to hold her close but she tried to squirm out of his grip.

'No, no, no, no!' She repeated the word over and over, pounding his chest with her hands. He refused to let her go and soon she gave up. Leaning against him, she let out long sobs.

'Sssh, it's alright, darling.' He whispered soothingly, stroking her hair. He gazed down at her. What's he done to you? He thought sadly.

***