Alright, THREE reviews! And they were positive ones! I haven't gotten
any reviews for my other stories for a while, so two for a brand-new story
is a big thing for me! Anyways, thanks to aless89, Lor, and Mysterio Jaq
for your reviews, glad you like it! Also, thanks for the advice, Lor!
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Grace took her time waking up. She loved to wake up slowly. She felt so much more energized and happy when she did. She stretched and laid there for a minute, then got up and brushed her hair. She checked her reflection in the mirror and opened the door.
"Why, hewwo Gwace," Toulouse said as the door opened. "I hope you are wested. I was just going to ask if you would like something to eat."
"That would be great," Grace replied. "I do feel a lot better than when I arrived, actually."
"That's good," he replied with a smile. Then the smile faded. "I am afwaid that Chwistian will not be dining with us. He has taken to his woom and hasn't come out since you went to bed." Grace frowned.
"Well, maybe he has writer's block, or something of the sort," she suggested hopefully. He nodded.
"Of course. That must be it." He held out his hand, and Grace took it politely. "I shall escowt you to the dining room." They walked down the hall and downstairs. Grace didn't hear anything coming from Christian's room as they passed, and she became even more worried about her new friend.
"Here we are!" Toulouse announced. They had reached a spacious dining room with a large table, and the food was waiting. Grace smiled at everyone and took her seat.
"So, what is everyone's opinion as to what Christian's up to?" Nini asked.
"Well, Gwace and I have concwuded that he may be having writer's block, or even simpwy a pensive evening," Toulouse replied. Grace nodded and helped herself to the potatoes.
"Yes, he might be working things out for tomorrow's rehearsal," she added. "Plenty of brilliant writers would lock themselves in their rooms for days on end. What's a mere evening to that?"
"Well, maybe he invited a young lady up to his room, hmm?" the Argentinean suggested. Grace laughed lightly with them.
"You never know! Maybe he finally got over.." Nini stopped with a look from Toulouse. Grace was confused.
"What?" she asked. "What does he need to get over?" The others all exchanged looks, and there was an eerie silence.
"Pass the gravy, please," Grace suddenly said. She looked up. "I'm sorry; it isn't my place to ask these questions. I've just joined the troupe, and I'm asking questions like it's my duty."
"It's alwight, Gwace," Toulouse answered calmly. They ate in silence for a minute.
"So, what is your name?" Grace asked the Argentinean. He shrugged.
"I do not go by a name. But Christian does not know that everyone calls me Felipe." He smiled at her. She smiled back.
"You don't look like a Felipe," she said. "Maybe more of a Paulo, or something."
"Felipe works best for me," he replied before falling unconscious into his plate of food. Nini groaned and pulled him up. "This is my job," she informed Grace as she wiped off his face. Grace laughed. "You should get paid extra!" she said.
Suddenly there was a loud clunk on the floor above them. Everyone looked at each other quickly. Grace took a deep breath.
"So, who...." She was cut off by another clunk on the floor. Nini sighed vehemently.
"Sounds like Christian's been boycotting the liquor again." Everyone stared at her. "What? She deserves to know, she's one of us now!" Nini said, rather angrily. Toulouse nodded in silent agreement and turned to a very red Grace
"No, it's alright. You don't need to tell me. It's.." Toulouse cut her off.
"Yes, we do, and it is your pwace. You'we one of us now. You see, Gwace, Chwistian was once a gweat bewiever in wove. When we first met him, we were working on a musical. He was a young writer that came to Paris, and Felipe fell through the roof into Chwistian's woom. That's how we met. Audrey, who was ouw writer, got mad and weft after we suggested that he and Chwistian could write the play together. But, wets not get into the wittle details. We went to the Moulin Rouge, to get Satine to meet Chwistian. It worked, but it was a scandal from the beginning."
"Who was Satine?" Grace asked.
"She was the highest-paid entertainer at the Moulin Rouge," Zidler said quietly from the doorway. Everyone turned to him. He paused before going on. "She was known as the Sparkling Diamond. The same night Christian was to meet with her, I arranged to have the Duke meet her. Christian got to her first, and it was love at first sight." He paused. "I wish none of it had happened. Satine had tuberculosis, and by the time we discovered it, it was too late."
"You're just feeding me bits and pieces! I have no idea what this story is about, or who anyone is, for that matter. I..I'm overwhelmed," Grace stammered. The group sighed.
"I'm sure this doesn't make sense, Grace, but we were basically spectators. The only one who can really tell you the story is Christian," Nini said. "But that doesn't seem like the best thing to do right now." Grace rubbed her eyes.
"Okay, I think I understand. Christian and Satine fell in love, even though the Duke was supposed to get her, and then it was a big scandal from there, and something happened..you can continue." She slumped in her chair.
"The Duke still wanted her. Satine left Christian for his safety, because the Duke would kill him if he even touched her. Well, on the night of the opening of the play Christian wrote, she went back to him in front of the entire audience. The Duke was furious, and almost shot Christian. If I remember right, Harry here intervened. As it turns out, Satine was very ill, and.." Nini stopped, her eyes tearing up. Toulouse stepped in.
"Satine died in Chwistian's arms that night," he whispered. Everyone was very quiet for a few moments.
"So, Christian is still getting over Satine?" Grace asked quietly. Everyone nodded. She stood up quickly.
"Well, then..I'm going to retire for the night. Goodnight." She quickly left the room in an acute state of shock. Zidler sat down at the table.
"Something is starting, Zidler," Felipe said groggily. Nobody was surprised that he had woken up so unexpectedly. Zidler nodded.
"I believe so, and we must do our best to keep it alive," he stated. "We all have our roles to play, and I'll be damned if we screw this up!" Everyone nodded again. Toulouse raised his glass.
"Here is to the best," he toasted. They toasted, and proceeded eating.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Grace carefully climbed the stairs. She felt tired again, and a little sick. She felt sorry for Christian, and wished she could do something. But she was a stranger, what could she do? She jumped as the door of Christian's room opened. He stepped out, looking a little rough around the edges. She sighed, and then peered at his face.
"Christian? Are you alright?" she asked gently. She knew well enough that he wasn't, and he must have known she knew. He sighed.
"I heard them, you know," he slurred. "It's a bit convenient to be in the room right above the dining room." He laughed short and bitterly, and her breath caught in her throat.
"Christian, I hope you don't mind. They thought it would be best if I knew, that's all. You're not mad, are you?" she asked fearfully. He shook his head.
"No, Grace, I'm not mad. It was two years ago, and they're right. I should move on." He looked up. "Well, now that you know my past, it's time for me to hear yours." Christian reached out and grabbed Grace's wrist. She gasped as he pulled her into his room. "Christian, that hurts," she whispered. He instantly let go, pulling his hand away like it burned.
"Oh, god, I'm sorry," he whispered. She watched as he sank onto his bed, holding his hands in front of his face. "Everyone I touch I hurt somehow....oh, god, Satine!" He sank off his bed and onto the floor, sobbing. Grace closed the door and just stood there, watching him break down.
"Christian," she finally said. He looked up at her. His eyes were dull, and her heart went out to him. She took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry that she died, but like they said, you have to move on. I feel so out of place, telling you this. I mean, I haven't been here for twenty-four hours and I know more about you than you do about me." He stood up slowly.
"Grace, why do you care?" he asked. She was taken aback by this.
"I don't know," she answered bitingly. "But maybe if you would stop this.." She stopped, and he stared at her.
"Stop what?" he asked. She shook her head.
"Never mind. What I am trying to say is that I've had a rough life, too, and no one has ever stopped to listen, or care. I vowed to help anyone who needed it, and I have, but I just can't right now! I've had a long day, and I wish to be excused."
"Why don't you tell me about yourself?" Christian asked quietly. Grace sighed, and glared at him.
"Because I don't trust drunks." With that, she left a stunned Christian in the middle of the room and went to bed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, Nini woke her up at six, and Grace bathed and had breakfast. Christian joined them this morning, and didn't make eye contact with Grace throughout the entire morning. After breakfast, everyone got ready and left to go practice in the theatre nearby.
"There are some more actows who will be joining us today," Toulouse informed Grace as they walked along the street. "They had gone to visit famiwy, or take a vacation, or something wike that. They agweed with Chwistian a while ago that they would stay at another hotel. Ah, hewe we awe." They stopped in front of a rather old-looking theatre. Nini shrugged.
"Well, they said they still get pretty good-sized crowds. Not as big as the..other places, but I think we'll make good money," she confided in the others. They filed inside while Christian held the door open. When Grace reached the door, she took it herself and smiled at him. "You first," she said softly. He hesitated, but smiled back and went inside. It was very dimly lit, except the stage. It was lit up in all its glory, and there was a large audience of dusty, worn chairs.
"Christian!" hollered a voice. A young woman flung herself at Christian, who tumbled back at the impact. She laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Nini rolled her eyes.
"Hello, Elizabeth," Christian said calmly. He turned to Grace. "Grace, meet Elizabeth Winton. Elizabeth, this is Grace Badin. She will be playing Estelle for us." Elizabeth smiled coolly at Grace. She had waist- long stick straight blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She was very pale and maniacal-looking to Grace.
"Pleasure," she purred. She turned back to Christian. "I missed you."
"How was your family?" he asked, staying off the subject. Elizabeth pouted.
"Boring, as usual. But I'm never bored around you, Christian." She giggled as another young man walked up to them.
"Christian! It's good to see you again!" he exclaimed as he reached them. Christian disentangled himself from Elizabeth's embrace and grasped his hand.
"How are you, Paul?" he asked. Paul smiled.
"Never better." He spotted Grace and grinned. "Who's this pretty young thing? Have you started seeing someone again?" Christian smiled, and Elizabeth fixed Grace with a deadly glare. She glared right back.
"No, I'm not." Elizabeth quit glaring. "Paul, this is Grace Badin, our Estelle. Paul will be playing Thomas, Grace."
"Last name's Roberts," Paul added. He kissed Grace's hand. "I'll talk to you later." He walked off.
"Well, what do you think?" Elizabeth asked. Grace shrugged.
"Not too shabby, but I suppose there are less attractive people in the world," she said. She glanced sideways at Christian as she spoke, which Elizabeth noticed.
"Well, Grace, practice is about to begin. Just go on up, and we'll start." Christian pointed up on the stage. He handed her a script and smiled at her. "I'm anxious to see if you're as good as you were in auditions." Grace smiled back at him, and Elizabeth latched herself onto him immediately.
"I won't let you down," she promised as she walked towards the stage. Nini met her halfway there.
"Elizabeth is a bit eccentric, isn't she?" Grace asked as Nini joined her. The latter sighed vehemently.
"You have no idea. She plays one of the girls who woos over Paul, by the way." She paused. "It's horrible how she hangs all over Christian like that. I feel sorry for him."
"But I thought you were a professional at hanging all over men," Grace joked. Nini laughed.
"I used to be a professional, Gracie. Now, you get up there and make Elizabeth turn green." She gave Grace a little shove up the steps. Paul was waiting at the top and smiled at her.
"Making friends quickly?" he asked. Grace smiled and nodded.
"I'm happy I was accepted into this," she replied. She glanced at the first page of the script, reading the lines in a minute flat. She looked around after she had finished. "Where is the store and the owner?" she asked. Paul pointed to Felipe talking animatedly with an older woman. Grace thanked Paul and went over to Felipe.
"Father!" she cried as she neared him. He laughed as he turned to face her. "My dear Estelle!" he answered. They laughed for a minute, and then Felipe turned to the small audience of actors and actresses. "When would you like us to start, Christian?" he called.
"Whenever you're ready!" the writer called back. Grace could see him untangling himself from Elizabeth and smiled broadly.
"Go over there, Grace," Felipe said, pointing to the other end of the stage. She quickly did so, and they began.
"Estelle, what are you doing here?" Felipe asked as Grace walked into the 'store.'
"Mother ran out of flour, and sent me to get some," she replied smoothly. She looked around and picked up a scrap of paper on the floor. "She hopes you close up early to make it home for supper. We're making dumplings and beef stew." She handed him the paper.
"It sounds delicious," he replied with a smile. He handed her the 'flour'. "Don't worry about paying; I will take care of it." Just then, Paul walked in.
"Hello, Thomas," Grace greeted him. She turned to Felipe. "I will see you at supper, then?" she asked. He nodded and kissed her cheek. "You better get home before your mother goes mad with worry." Grace nodded and smiled shyly at Paul. "Good-bye Thomas," she said. He nodded and watched her leave. Felipe watched him.
"I see you are taking a fancy to my daughter, Mr. James," he said tersely. Paul turned to him, smiling a little.
"Only a bit, sir. I understand that she is you're only daughter...."
"And I will do anything to keep her safe," Felipe interrupted quietly. Paul nodded quickly. "Yes sir."
"Now, what can I help you with?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Five hours later~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You don't have a chance, Estelle," Elizabeth retorted. "He won't take just anyone, especially the general store owner's daughter. He needs someone who is of high social status, like me. You're beneath him, Estelle, and you know it!"
Grace looked up silently as Elizabeth ranted on. "Maribelle, please, just..shut your man pleaser," she said with a grin of pure evil. There was scattered laughter, mainly from Nini and Felipe.
"Stop! That's not in the script!" Christian exclaimed, coming up onto the stage. Grace laughed, happy that she had wiped the smug look off of Elizabeth's face. "I'm sorry, Christian, I was just having a bit of fun," she replied. He smiled broadly.
"I don't know where you got that from, but I like it," he admitted. Elizabeth shot a glare at Grace, who smiled innocently.
"I had several brothers," she said, looking back at Christian. "They had the most perverse minds, honestly. If only you could know them..You would love my family, Christian." He smiled gently.
"I'm sure I would," he answered. "Let's call it a day, shall we?"
"I'll second that motion," Felipe announced. He and Nini walked off the stage hand in hand. Elizabeth took Christian's arm.
"Darling, would you like to come to dinner with us?" she asked. "Just me, you, Paul, Anna, and Daniel." The last two were the other actors who were with Paul and Elizabeth. Grace looked away when Christian glanced at her and picked up her coat.
"Not tonight, Lizzie," she heard him answer wearily. "I have other things to attend to, and I'm tired. How about another time?" Grace smiled inwardly and turned around.
"Alright," Elizabeth agreed disappointedly. Grace knew she was shooting her a look, but she didn't care.
"Agreed, then," Christian said quickly. He turned to Grace. "It seems the others have left; may I walk with you?" She nodded. "Of course," she replied easily, sneaking a smirk at Elizabeth.
"Good-bye, Elizabeth." They headed for the door. Grace turned around as they reached it.
"Elizabeth, be sure to practice projecting your voice and enunciating your lines. Other than that, it was a pleasure working with you!" She waved.
"Same here," Elizabeth replied coldly. They turned and walked out the door.
"I can't believe I forgot I hired her," Christian moaned as they walked along. "What is wrong with me?" Grace laughed lightly, then took a breath.
"Christian, I want to say I'm sorry about last night. I really shouldn't have said those things, and I don't think you're a drunk. I trust you completely." He held up a hand.
"Don't worry about it," he answered quietly. "I took to the bottle after Satine died, and haven't been off since. But I've decided to stop." He looked at her with a smile. "I'm glad you trust me, however." She smiled back.
"In that case, why don't we go out to dinner?" she suggested. "I have a lot to tell you about myself." He nodded.
"It sounds wonderful; and I have much to tell you about myself, too."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Well, it's not much, but with what we have, it will work," Christian commented as they entered a dark and rather dingy restaurant. Grace shrugged.
"I've eaten in worse places. Let's sit over here." She led him to a seat near a window. It was one of the only places where there was light. A waiter walked up to them as they sat down.
"Can I get you anything to drink?" he asked curtly. Christian watched in amusement as Grace picked at the torn, faded tablecloth. She looked up at the annoyed waiter after a minute. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" she asked sweetly.
"Would you like something to drink?" he repeated. Grace shrugged and looked at Christian. "How about you?" she asked.
"Well, I suppose some water.." He started.
"Ack!" she groaned. "London's water is horrible! Pick something else." He shook his head.
"I'll take a brandy, I suppose."
"I will have some red wine, thank you." Christian stared at her as the waiter walked away.
"What's wrong with London's water?" he asked. Grace laughed.
"Nothing, actually. I just like to be a little snobby once and a while, that's all. I'll stop now, I promise. I don't have anything against drinking, just drinking to excess," she explained. "My father was a drunk and I hated to smell the alcohol on his breath night after night, and when he brought those other women home, it nearly killed my mother. I hated being at home, and things were hell for the longest time. My brothers have the sickest minds in the world, but they were strong, serious boys when they needed to be. Basically, they behaved well enough where I was concerned." She stopped talking while the waiter gave them their drinks.
"Would you like anything to eat?" he asked, brandishing the menus.
"I'm not hungry, are you?" Christian asked Grace. She shook her head.
"We're fine for now, thank you," he replied. The waiter shrugged and left.
"Anyway, back to my story. As I told you yesterday, the only way to get money was to beg, steal, or sell myself. My brothers didn't want me to become like my mother, so they asked the priest to teach me everything I know, and they were my guardians. They gave me everything I needed." She smiled sadly. "I miss them so much."
"Didn't you have any sisters?" Christian asked. She nodded.
"The two I was directly related to were both murdered. My father was hated with a passion. All my other sisters were half sisters, and trust me; there were plenty to go around." She laughed bitterly, then a sad look came into her eyes. "My mother died when I was fourteen, and left me to take care of everyone. Then Father remarried, to the one woman I hated the most; Winifred. She hated me, too. William; my oldest brother; said it was because I was so much more beautiful than her. I'll never know. I ran away a month after that and lived with the priest that taught me. My brothers visited me once in a while, and never betrayed me to my father. I left only a year ago, and never looked back. I didn't tell anyone I was leaving; I just left in the middle of the night. Now I'm here, with the best job a person could ask for." She smiled at him. "Now you know about me. I want to hear your...."
"Christian?" a sugar-sweet voice asked. Grace paled and turned in her seat. Elizabeth, Paul, Anna and Daniel were standing there. Elizabeth looked positively enraged, while the others looked pretty amused.
"Oh, hello, Elizabeth. Christian and I were just having a nice chat over a drink. I didn't think we would bump into you here," Grace said casually.
"Imagine that," Elizabeth said icily. She turned to Christian. "I thought you were tired, darling. Why are you in this place with this tramp?" Grace's eyes narrowed but Christian stood up before she could attack.
"For one thing, Elizabeth, she is not a tramp. I simply thought some brandy would calm my nerves and lift my spirits after a harrowing day with you clutching me, but I see that that isn't going to work," Christian retorted. "I've known this girl for ages, and you will not harass her anymore, is that understood?" Anna nodded approvingly while the other men smirked.
"Well!" Elizabeth huffed. She stormed off, and Anna patted Christian's shoulder.
"Well done, Christian," the middle-aged woman complimented. "If you would like to leave, we'll pay for you."
"Gladly," Paul mused. Christian smiled broadly and held out his hand, which Grace accepted. "Thank you," he said with a laugh. Anna gave Grace a quick hug. "I'd hold on to him if I were you," she whispered into her ear. Grace blushed and followed Christian out to the street.
"Grace, I'm sorry," he apologized as the door closed. "I wasn't sure if we should have done that anyway. What do you say we just go back to the hotel?" Grace smiled.
"Christian, before we head back, I need to ask you something," she said softly. He nodded and stepped closer.
"Why did you say that you've known me for ages?" she asked. He drew a deep breath, and stepped back.
"Well.." He hesitated, then looked around. "I feel like I have known you for ages. I feel like we knew each other in another place or time, but it can't be true." Grace nodded.
"To tell you the truth, that's how I feel, too," she admitted. "That's why I opened up to you so early. I just hope you can do the same." He smiled and slipped his arm through hers.
"Well, that clears a lot up. We had better get back; the others may start to worry." She laughed as they started to walk.
"Yes, we wouldn't want them to be worried, would we?" she joked. They talked the whole way back, laughing and joking. They met Zidler at the door of the hotel.
"Where did you two disappear to?" he asked worriedly. "We were afraid something happened to you."
"I told you," Christian said confidently. Grace nodded.
"Sorry to worry you, Harry," she said gently as she passed through the door. She patted his arm. "I'm not hungry, I think I will just turn in. Good night, boys." She walked down the hall and up the stairs gracefully.
"What were you two doing?" Zidler asked curiously. Christian grinned, and Zidler laughed.
"You have the women falling at your feet, Christian," he commented. Christian raised an amused eyebrow.
"We were having a drink, Harry. Don't even start with your sick and twisted plots. So, what's for dinner?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That night, Grace slipped out of her room and knocked quietly on Christian's door. He opened it almost immediately. She was startled.
"I knew you would come," he said quietly. She smiled and stepped into his room.
"You never told me your story," she whispered back. "I came for a nice bed-time story. Will you tell me one, Christian?" she asked, imitating a childish voice. He laughed softly and led her to a large sofa.
"Of course, Grace," he answered. As soon as they got settled, he looked into her eyes. "Where would you like me to start?" he asked.
"From the beginning," she answered. He sat there for a minute, remembering. Then he opened his mouth.
"I was born into a wealthy family. I had no brothers or sisters, and I was given the best schooling available. My father wanted me to be a surgeon or something that paid well, but I didn't want to be one. I loved to write, and my mother supported that. My mother..she was such a beautiful woman, Grace. I'm sure she would have loved you, and you her. When I finally finished my schooling, I became an apprentice to a doctor, but, needless to say, I was fired soon after. I began writing small columns for newspapers, and my father was furious. He burned everything I wrote and told me to get out. I left a day later, and wrote to my mother for a short time. I traveled around, but never settled down anywhere. Finally, I ended up in Paris, and was going to write a book, one with romance, but I realized I didn't know anything about love. You know the rest of the story." He fell back against the pillows, while Grace blinked at him.
"Is that it?" she asked. Christian nodded slowly. Grace shook her head. "You seem like someone who would have a lot more to tell than that. I mean, you said you born into a wealthy family. How did you get so poor?"
"You're someone who needs all the little details, aren't you?" he asked softly. She nodded, and he stood up with a sigh.
"I spent most of my money on liquor after everything collapsed. I had enough to keep me for the year, and after that, I got back with the troupe, and we started traveling. I was poor to begin with; my father gave me barely enough time to gather what I had, and even then he had gotten the bank to limit what I could take. He was furious that I had gone against his wishes." He paused. "I really wish I could change the past."
"Don't we all," Grace murmured. Christian then went across the room and opened a desk drawer.
"If you want to know everything that happened, here you go." He brought out a thick, dusty book and blew it off. "It contains everything that happened in Paris. I trust you enough to read it, just as I trust everyone else, save Elizabeth and her crowd. They aren't around me enough to let me glimpse into their past." He handed the book to Grace. She took it carefully and looked up at him.
"What about your childhood? You didn't seem too eager to tell about that," she commented.
"My entire childhood; what I can remember of it; was spent working and studying. I had hardly any friends. Of course, my mother and father had parties, but the other children ignored me. I was very isolated until I went to school. That was when I met Donovan. He was my first friend, and my last." Christian looked sad when he mentioned his friend's name.
"What happened to him?" Grace asked softly. Christian shrugged.
"He fell in with the wrong crowd," he replied calmly. "By the time I found out, he was in too much trouble to be helped. He died in prison the year before I left at the hands of an inmate." They sat in silence for a while.
"You suffered so much loss," Grace whispered. Christian looked up, surprised.
"You lived in a hell-hole, Grace! I think my life is hardly bad as yours was!" he exclaimed. She shrugged.
"But you were in love, and she and your best friend both died," she answered. "Your father kicked you out, and you fell into deep depression. I lost my mother, had a drunk for a father, and had to take lessons from a priest..I think two losses are worse than one."
"But you lived there your entire life, and look how wonderful you are!" Christian argued. "You're an actress, Grace; a young, thoughtful, kind, beautiful woman who knows where she's going. I didn't know what to do until I left home. And then, hell froze over, and I survived. If you had stayed there, Grace, you wouldn't be here." She stared at him as tears welled up in her eyes. He inhaled sharply.
"Oh, god, Grace, I didn't mean to make you cry," he said softly, sitting beside her. She smiled weakly through her tears.
"It's not you Christian. You just have a way with words that brings out the truth in them, and I realize that we had horrible lives, both of us. I agree with you. I wish we could turn back time, but if we did, we wouldn't know each other." He brushed the tears from her face.
"You should get some rest," he suggested. "You've had a long day, and I want to hear you sing tomorrow." She got up and sighed.
"Is there a specific song you want me to sing, or may I pick my own?" she asked.
"Pick your own, by all means," he replied. "Just don't stay up too late reading. I don't want you to be tired." She nodded.
"Good night, Christian," she murmured. She opened the door.
"Good night, Grace," he answered. She silently closed the door and made her way across the hall to her room. As soon as she was under the covers, she opened the book Christian had lent her. Her eyes focused to the small type, and she read.
'The Moulin Rouge . . . a nightclub, a dance hall and a
bordello. Ruled over by Harold Zidler. A kingdom of nighttime pleasures. Where the rich and powerful come to play with the young and beautiful creatures of the underworld. And the most beautiful of all these was the woman I loved, Satine, a courtesan. She sold her love to men. They called her the "Sparkling Diamond", and she was the star . . . of the Moulin Rouge. The woman I loved is . . . dead.'
Grace read long into the night, stopping only when she fell asleep, the book closed in her hand. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yay! Chapter two complete. Thanks again to all who reviewed, and I'll try to update soon, maybe this weekend or the next. I'll see how it works out.
**Disclaimer** I do not own Moulin Rouge, or the text of Christian's book. I only own Grace, Elizabeth & Co., and the play.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Grace took her time waking up. She loved to wake up slowly. She felt so much more energized and happy when she did. She stretched and laid there for a minute, then got up and brushed her hair. She checked her reflection in the mirror and opened the door.
"Why, hewwo Gwace," Toulouse said as the door opened. "I hope you are wested. I was just going to ask if you would like something to eat."
"That would be great," Grace replied. "I do feel a lot better than when I arrived, actually."
"That's good," he replied with a smile. Then the smile faded. "I am afwaid that Chwistian will not be dining with us. He has taken to his woom and hasn't come out since you went to bed." Grace frowned.
"Well, maybe he has writer's block, or something of the sort," she suggested hopefully. He nodded.
"Of course. That must be it." He held out his hand, and Grace took it politely. "I shall escowt you to the dining room." They walked down the hall and downstairs. Grace didn't hear anything coming from Christian's room as they passed, and she became even more worried about her new friend.
"Here we are!" Toulouse announced. They had reached a spacious dining room with a large table, and the food was waiting. Grace smiled at everyone and took her seat.
"So, what is everyone's opinion as to what Christian's up to?" Nini asked.
"Well, Gwace and I have concwuded that he may be having writer's block, or even simpwy a pensive evening," Toulouse replied. Grace nodded and helped herself to the potatoes.
"Yes, he might be working things out for tomorrow's rehearsal," she added. "Plenty of brilliant writers would lock themselves in their rooms for days on end. What's a mere evening to that?"
"Well, maybe he invited a young lady up to his room, hmm?" the Argentinean suggested. Grace laughed lightly with them.
"You never know! Maybe he finally got over.." Nini stopped with a look from Toulouse. Grace was confused.
"What?" she asked. "What does he need to get over?" The others all exchanged looks, and there was an eerie silence.
"Pass the gravy, please," Grace suddenly said. She looked up. "I'm sorry; it isn't my place to ask these questions. I've just joined the troupe, and I'm asking questions like it's my duty."
"It's alwight, Gwace," Toulouse answered calmly. They ate in silence for a minute.
"So, what is your name?" Grace asked the Argentinean. He shrugged.
"I do not go by a name. But Christian does not know that everyone calls me Felipe." He smiled at her. She smiled back.
"You don't look like a Felipe," she said. "Maybe more of a Paulo, or something."
"Felipe works best for me," he replied before falling unconscious into his plate of food. Nini groaned and pulled him up. "This is my job," she informed Grace as she wiped off his face. Grace laughed. "You should get paid extra!" she said.
Suddenly there was a loud clunk on the floor above them. Everyone looked at each other quickly. Grace took a deep breath.
"So, who...." She was cut off by another clunk on the floor. Nini sighed vehemently.
"Sounds like Christian's been boycotting the liquor again." Everyone stared at her. "What? She deserves to know, she's one of us now!" Nini said, rather angrily. Toulouse nodded in silent agreement and turned to a very red Grace
"No, it's alright. You don't need to tell me. It's.." Toulouse cut her off.
"Yes, we do, and it is your pwace. You'we one of us now. You see, Gwace, Chwistian was once a gweat bewiever in wove. When we first met him, we were working on a musical. He was a young writer that came to Paris, and Felipe fell through the roof into Chwistian's woom. That's how we met. Audrey, who was ouw writer, got mad and weft after we suggested that he and Chwistian could write the play together. But, wets not get into the wittle details. We went to the Moulin Rouge, to get Satine to meet Chwistian. It worked, but it was a scandal from the beginning."
"Who was Satine?" Grace asked.
"She was the highest-paid entertainer at the Moulin Rouge," Zidler said quietly from the doorway. Everyone turned to him. He paused before going on. "She was known as the Sparkling Diamond. The same night Christian was to meet with her, I arranged to have the Duke meet her. Christian got to her first, and it was love at first sight." He paused. "I wish none of it had happened. Satine had tuberculosis, and by the time we discovered it, it was too late."
"You're just feeding me bits and pieces! I have no idea what this story is about, or who anyone is, for that matter. I..I'm overwhelmed," Grace stammered. The group sighed.
"I'm sure this doesn't make sense, Grace, but we were basically spectators. The only one who can really tell you the story is Christian," Nini said. "But that doesn't seem like the best thing to do right now." Grace rubbed her eyes.
"Okay, I think I understand. Christian and Satine fell in love, even though the Duke was supposed to get her, and then it was a big scandal from there, and something happened..you can continue." She slumped in her chair.
"The Duke still wanted her. Satine left Christian for his safety, because the Duke would kill him if he even touched her. Well, on the night of the opening of the play Christian wrote, she went back to him in front of the entire audience. The Duke was furious, and almost shot Christian. If I remember right, Harry here intervened. As it turns out, Satine was very ill, and.." Nini stopped, her eyes tearing up. Toulouse stepped in.
"Satine died in Chwistian's arms that night," he whispered. Everyone was very quiet for a few moments.
"So, Christian is still getting over Satine?" Grace asked quietly. Everyone nodded. She stood up quickly.
"Well, then..I'm going to retire for the night. Goodnight." She quickly left the room in an acute state of shock. Zidler sat down at the table.
"Something is starting, Zidler," Felipe said groggily. Nobody was surprised that he had woken up so unexpectedly. Zidler nodded.
"I believe so, and we must do our best to keep it alive," he stated. "We all have our roles to play, and I'll be damned if we screw this up!" Everyone nodded again. Toulouse raised his glass.
"Here is to the best," he toasted. They toasted, and proceeded eating.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Grace carefully climbed the stairs. She felt tired again, and a little sick. She felt sorry for Christian, and wished she could do something. But she was a stranger, what could she do? She jumped as the door of Christian's room opened. He stepped out, looking a little rough around the edges. She sighed, and then peered at his face.
"Christian? Are you alright?" she asked gently. She knew well enough that he wasn't, and he must have known she knew. He sighed.
"I heard them, you know," he slurred. "It's a bit convenient to be in the room right above the dining room." He laughed short and bitterly, and her breath caught in her throat.
"Christian, I hope you don't mind. They thought it would be best if I knew, that's all. You're not mad, are you?" she asked fearfully. He shook his head.
"No, Grace, I'm not mad. It was two years ago, and they're right. I should move on." He looked up. "Well, now that you know my past, it's time for me to hear yours." Christian reached out and grabbed Grace's wrist. She gasped as he pulled her into his room. "Christian, that hurts," she whispered. He instantly let go, pulling his hand away like it burned.
"Oh, god, I'm sorry," he whispered. She watched as he sank onto his bed, holding his hands in front of his face. "Everyone I touch I hurt somehow....oh, god, Satine!" He sank off his bed and onto the floor, sobbing. Grace closed the door and just stood there, watching him break down.
"Christian," she finally said. He looked up at her. His eyes were dull, and her heart went out to him. She took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry that she died, but like they said, you have to move on. I feel so out of place, telling you this. I mean, I haven't been here for twenty-four hours and I know more about you than you do about me." He stood up slowly.
"Grace, why do you care?" he asked. She was taken aback by this.
"I don't know," she answered bitingly. "But maybe if you would stop this.." She stopped, and he stared at her.
"Stop what?" he asked. She shook her head.
"Never mind. What I am trying to say is that I've had a rough life, too, and no one has ever stopped to listen, or care. I vowed to help anyone who needed it, and I have, but I just can't right now! I've had a long day, and I wish to be excused."
"Why don't you tell me about yourself?" Christian asked quietly. Grace sighed, and glared at him.
"Because I don't trust drunks." With that, she left a stunned Christian in the middle of the room and went to bed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, Nini woke her up at six, and Grace bathed and had breakfast. Christian joined them this morning, and didn't make eye contact with Grace throughout the entire morning. After breakfast, everyone got ready and left to go practice in the theatre nearby.
"There are some more actows who will be joining us today," Toulouse informed Grace as they walked along the street. "They had gone to visit famiwy, or take a vacation, or something wike that. They agweed with Chwistian a while ago that they would stay at another hotel. Ah, hewe we awe." They stopped in front of a rather old-looking theatre. Nini shrugged.
"Well, they said they still get pretty good-sized crowds. Not as big as the..other places, but I think we'll make good money," she confided in the others. They filed inside while Christian held the door open. When Grace reached the door, she took it herself and smiled at him. "You first," she said softly. He hesitated, but smiled back and went inside. It was very dimly lit, except the stage. It was lit up in all its glory, and there was a large audience of dusty, worn chairs.
"Christian!" hollered a voice. A young woman flung herself at Christian, who tumbled back at the impact. She laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Nini rolled her eyes.
"Hello, Elizabeth," Christian said calmly. He turned to Grace. "Grace, meet Elizabeth Winton. Elizabeth, this is Grace Badin. She will be playing Estelle for us." Elizabeth smiled coolly at Grace. She had waist- long stick straight blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She was very pale and maniacal-looking to Grace.
"Pleasure," she purred. She turned back to Christian. "I missed you."
"How was your family?" he asked, staying off the subject. Elizabeth pouted.
"Boring, as usual. But I'm never bored around you, Christian." She giggled as another young man walked up to them.
"Christian! It's good to see you again!" he exclaimed as he reached them. Christian disentangled himself from Elizabeth's embrace and grasped his hand.
"How are you, Paul?" he asked. Paul smiled.
"Never better." He spotted Grace and grinned. "Who's this pretty young thing? Have you started seeing someone again?" Christian smiled, and Elizabeth fixed Grace with a deadly glare. She glared right back.
"No, I'm not." Elizabeth quit glaring. "Paul, this is Grace Badin, our Estelle. Paul will be playing Thomas, Grace."
"Last name's Roberts," Paul added. He kissed Grace's hand. "I'll talk to you later." He walked off.
"Well, what do you think?" Elizabeth asked. Grace shrugged.
"Not too shabby, but I suppose there are less attractive people in the world," she said. She glanced sideways at Christian as she spoke, which Elizabeth noticed.
"Well, Grace, practice is about to begin. Just go on up, and we'll start." Christian pointed up on the stage. He handed her a script and smiled at her. "I'm anxious to see if you're as good as you were in auditions." Grace smiled back at him, and Elizabeth latched herself onto him immediately.
"I won't let you down," she promised as she walked towards the stage. Nini met her halfway there.
"Elizabeth is a bit eccentric, isn't she?" Grace asked as Nini joined her. The latter sighed vehemently.
"You have no idea. She plays one of the girls who woos over Paul, by the way." She paused. "It's horrible how she hangs all over Christian like that. I feel sorry for him."
"But I thought you were a professional at hanging all over men," Grace joked. Nini laughed.
"I used to be a professional, Gracie. Now, you get up there and make Elizabeth turn green." She gave Grace a little shove up the steps. Paul was waiting at the top and smiled at her.
"Making friends quickly?" he asked. Grace smiled and nodded.
"I'm happy I was accepted into this," she replied. She glanced at the first page of the script, reading the lines in a minute flat. She looked around after she had finished. "Where is the store and the owner?" she asked. Paul pointed to Felipe talking animatedly with an older woman. Grace thanked Paul and went over to Felipe.
"Father!" she cried as she neared him. He laughed as he turned to face her. "My dear Estelle!" he answered. They laughed for a minute, and then Felipe turned to the small audience of actors and actresses. "When would you like us to start, Christian?" he called.
"Whenever you're ready!" the writer called back. Grace could see him untangling himself from Elizabeth and smiled broadly.
"Go over there, Grace," Felipe said, pointing to the other end of the stage. She quickly did so, and they began.
"Estelle, what are you doing here?" Felipe asked as Grace walked into the 'store.'
"Mother ran out of flour, and sent me to get some," she replied smoothly. She looked around and picked up a scrap of paper on the floor. "She hopes you close up early to make it home for supper. We're making dumplings and beef stew." She handed him the paper.
"It sounds delicious," he replied with a smile. He handed her the 'flour'. "Don't worry about paying; I will take care of it." Just then, Paul walked in.
"Hello, Thomas," Grace greeted him. She turned to Felipe. "I will see you at supper, then?" she asked. He nodded and kissed her cheek. "You better get home before your mother goes mad with worry." Grace nodded and smiled shyly at Paul. "Good-bye Thomas," she said. He nodded and watched her leave. Felipe watched him.
"I see you are taking a fancy to my daughter, Mr. James," he said tersely. Paul turned to him, smiling a little.
"Only a bit, sir. I understand that she is you're only daughter...."
"And I will do anything to keep her safe," Felipe interrupted quietly. Paul nodded quickly. "Yes sir."
"Now, what can I help you with?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Five hours later~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You don't have a chance, Estelle," Elizabeth retorted. "He won't take just anyone, especially the general store owner's daughter. He needs someone who is of high social status, like me. You're beneath him, Estelle, and you know it!"
Grace looked up silently as Elizabeth ranted on. "Maribelle, please, just..shut your man pleaser," she said with a grin of pure evil. There was scattered laughter, mainly from Nini and Felipe.
"Stop! That's not in the script!" Christian exclaimed, coming up onto the stage. Grace laughed, happy that she had wiped the smug look off of Elizabeth's face. "I'm sorry, Christian, I was just having a bit of fun," she replied. He smiled broadly.
"I don't know where you got that from, but I like it," he admitted. Elizabeth shot a glare at Grace, who smiled innocently.
"I had several brothers," she said, looking back at Christian. "They had the most perverse minds, honestly. If only you could know them..You would love my family, Christian." He smiled gently.
"I'm sure I would," he answered. "Let's call it a day, shall we?"
"I'll second that motion," Felipe announced. He and Nini walked off the stage hand in hand. Elizabeth took Christian's arm.
"Darling, would you like to come to dinner with us?" she asked. "Just me, you, Paul, Anna, and Daniel." The last two were the other actors who were with Paul and Elizabeth. Grace looked away when Christian glanced at her and picked up her coat.
"Not tonight, Lizzie," she heard him answer wearily. "I have other things to attend to, and I'm tired. How about another time?" Grace smiled inwardly and turned around.
"Alright," Elizabeth agreed disappointedly. Grace knew she was shooting her a look, but she didn't care.
"Agreed, then," Christian said quickly. He turned to Grace. "It seems the others have left; may I walk with you?" She nodded. "Of course," she replied easily, sneaking a smirk at Elizabeth.
"Good-bye, Elizabeth." They headed for the door. Grace turned around as they reached it.
"Elizabeth, be sure to practice projecting your voice and enunciating your lines. Other than that, it was a pleasure working with you!" She waved.
"Same here," Elizabeth replied coldly. They turned and walked out the door.
"I can't believe I forgot I hired her," Christian moaned as they walked along. "What is wrong with me?" Grace laughed lightly, then took a breath.
"Christian, I want to say I'm sorry about last night. I really shouldn't have said those things, and I don't think you're a drunk. I trust you completely." He held up a hand.
"Don't worry about it," he answered quietly. "I took to the bottle after Satine died, and haven't been off since. But I've decided to stop." He looked at her with a smile. "I'm glad you trust me, however." She smiled back.
"In that case, why don't we go out to dinner?" she suggested. "I have a lot to tell you about myself." He nodded.
"It sounds wonderful; and I have much to tell you about myself, too."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Well, it's not much, but with what we have, it will work," Christian commented as they entered a dark and rather dingy restaurant. Grace shrugged.
"I've eaten in worse places. Let's sit over here." She led him to a seat near a window. It was one of the only places where there was light. A waiter walked up to them as they sat down.
"Can I get you anything to drink?" he asked curtly. Christian watched in amusement as Grace picked at the torn, faded tablecloth. She looked up at the annoyed waiter after a minute. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" she asked sweetly.
"Would you like something to drink?" he repeated. Grace shrugged and looked at Christian. "How about you?" she asked.
"Well, I suppose some water.." He started.
"Ack!" she groaned. "London's water is horrible! Pick something else." He shook his head.
"I'll take a brandy, I suppose."
"I will have some red wine, thank you." Christian stared at her as the waiter walked away.
"What's wrong with London's water?" he asked. Grace laughed.
"Nothing, actually. I just like to be a little snobby once and a while, that's all. I'll stop now, I promise. I don't have anything against drinking, just drinking to excess," she explained. "My father was a drunk and I hated to smell the alcohol on his breath night after night, and when he brought those other women home, it nearly killed my mother. I hated being at home, and things were hell for the longest time. My brothers have the sickest minds in the world, but they were strong, serious boys when they needed to be. Basically, they behaved well enough where I was concerned." She stopped talking while the waiter gave them their drinks.
"Would you like anything to eat?" he asked, brandishing the menus.
"I'm not hungry, are you?" Christian asked Grace. She shook her head.
"We're fine for now, thank you," he replied. The waiter shrugged and left.
"Anyway, back to my story. As I told you yesterday, the only way to get money was to beg, steal, or sell myself. My brothers didn't want me to become like my mother, so they asked the priest to teach me everything I know, and they were my guardians. They gave me everything I needed." She smiled sadly. "I miss them so much."
"Didn't you have any sisters?" Christian asked. She nodded.
"The two I was directly related to were both murdered. My father was hated with a passion. All my other sisters were half sisters, and trust me; there were plenty to go around." She laughed bitterly, then a sad look came into her eyes. "My mother died when I was fourteen, and left me to take care of everyone. Then Father remarried, to the one woman I hated the most; Winifred. She hated me, too. William; my oldest brother; said it was because I was so much more beautiful than her. I'll never know. I ran away a month after that and lived with the priest that taught me. My brothers visited me once in a while, and never betrayed me to my father. I left only a year ago, and never looked back. I didn't tell anyone I was leaving; I just left in the middle of the night. Now I'm here, with the best job a person could ask for." She smiled at him. "Now you know about me. I want to hear your...."
"Christian?" a sugar-sweet voice asked. Grace paled and turned in her seat. Elizabeth, Paul, Anna and Daniel were standing there. Elizabeth looked positively enraged, while the others looked pretty amused.
"Oh, hello, Elizabeth. Christian and I were just having a nice chat over a drink. I didn't think we would bump into you here," Grace said casually.
"Imagine that," Elizabeth said icily. She turned to Christian. "I thought you were tired, darling. Why are you in this place with this tramp?" Grace's eyes narrowed but Christian stood up before she could attack.
"For one thing, Elizabeth, she is not a tramp. I simply thought some brandy would calm my nerves and lift my spirits after a harrowing day with you clutching me, but I see that that isn't going to work," Christian retorted. "I've known this girl for ages, and you will not harass her anymore, is that understood?" Anna nodded approvingly while the other men smirked.
"Well!" Elizabeth huffed. She stormed off, and Anna patted Christian's shoulder.
"Well done, Christian," the middle-aged woman complimented. "If you would like to leave, we'll pay for you."
"Gladly," Paul mused. Christian smiled broadly and held out his hand, which Grace accepted. "Thank you," he said with a laugh. Anna gave Grace a quick hug. "I'd hold on to him if I were you," she whispered into her ear. Grace blushed and followed Christian out to the street.
"Grace, I'm sorry," he apologized as the door closed. "I wasn't sure if we should have done that anyway. What do you say we just go back to the hotel?" Grace smiled.
"Christian, before we head back, I need to ask you something," she said softly. He nodded and stepped closer.
"Why did you say that you've known me for ages?" she asked. He drew a deep breath, and stepped back.
"Well.." He hesitated, then looked around. "I feel like I have known you for ages. I feel like we knew each other in another place or time, but it can't be true." Grace nodded.
"To tell you the truth, that's how I feel, too," she admitted. "That's why I opened up to you so early. I just hope you can do the same." He smiled and slipped his arm through hers.
"Well, that clears a lot up. We had better get back; the others may start to worry." She laughed as they started to walk.
"Yes, we wouldn't want them to be worried, would we?" she joked. They talked the whole way back, laughing and joking. They met Zidler at the door of the hotel.
"Where did you two disappear to?" he asked worriedly. "We were afraid something happened to you."
"I told you," Christian said confidently. Grace nodded.
"Sorry to worry you, Harry," she said gently as she passed through the door. She patted his arm. "I'm not hungry, I think I will just turn in. Good night, boys." She walked down the hall and up the stairs gracefully.
"What were you two doing?" Zidler asked curiously. Christian grinned, and Zidler laughed.
"You have the women falling at your feet, Christian," he commented. Christian raised an amused eyebrow.
"We were having a drink, Harry. Don't even start with your sick and twisted plots. So, what's for dinner?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That night, Grace slipped out of her room and knocked quietly on Christian's door. He opened it almost immediately. She was startled.
"I knew you would come," he said quietly. She smiled and stepped into his room.
"You never told me your story," she whispered back. "I came for a nice bed-time story. Will you tell me one, Christian?" she asked, imitating a childish voice. He laughed softly and led her to a large sofa.
"Of course, Grace," he answered. As soon as they got settled, he looked into her eyes. "Where would you like me to start?" he asked.
"From the beginning," she answered. He sat there for a minute, remembering. Then he opened his mouth.
"I was born into a wealthy family. I had no brothers or sisters, and I was given the best schooling available. My father wanted me to be a surgeon or something that paid well, but I didn't want to be one. I loved to write, and my mother supported that. My mother..she was such a beautiful woman, Grace. I'm sure she would have loved you, and you her. When I finally finished my schooling, I became an apprentice to a doctor, but, needless to say, I was fired soon after. I began writing small columns for newspapers, and my father was furious. He burned everything I wrote and told me to get out. I left a day later, and wrote to my mother for a short time. I traveled around, but never settled down anywhere. Finally, I ended up in Paris, and was going to write a book, one with romance, but I realized I didn't know anything about love. You know the rest of the story." He fell back against the pillows, while Grace blinked at him.
"Is that it?" she asked. Christian nodded slowly. Grace shook her head. "You seem like someone who would have a lot more to tell than that. I mean, you said you born into a wealthy family. How did you get so poor?"
"You're someone who needs all the little details, aren't you?" he asked softly. She nodded, and he stood up with a sigh.
"I spent most of my money on liquor after everything collapsed. I had enough to keep me for the year, and after that, I got back with the troupe, and we started traveling. I was poor to begin with; my father gave me barely enough time to gather what I had, and even then he had gotten the bank to limit what I could take. He was furious that I had gone against his wishes." He paused. "I really wish I could change the past."
"Don't we all," Grace murmured. Christian then went across the room and opened a desk drawer.
"If you want to know everything that happened, here you go." He brought out a thick, dusty book and blew it off. "It contains everything that happened in Paris. I trust you enough to read it, just as I trust everyone else, save Elizabeth and her crowd. They aren't around me enough to let me glimpse into their past." He handed the book to Grace. She took it carefully and looked up at him.
"What about your childhood? You didn't seem too eager to tell about that," she commented.
"My entire childhood; what I can remember of it; was spent working and studying. I had hardly any friends. Of course, my mother and father had parties, but the other children ignored me. I was very isolated until I went to school. That was when I met Donovan. He was my first friend, and my last." Christian looked sad when he mentioned his friend's name.
"What happened to him?" Grace asked softly. Christian shrugged.
"He fell in with the wrong crowd," he replied calmly. "By the time I found out, he was in too much trouble to be helped. He died in prison the year before I left at the hands of an inmate." They sat in silence for a while.
"You suffered so much loss," Grace whispered. Christian looked up, surprised.
"You lived in a hell-hole, Grace! I think my life is hardly bad as yours was!" he exclaimed. She shrugged.
"But you were in love, and she and your best friend both died," she answered. "Your father kicked you out, and you fell into deep depression. I lost my mother, had a drunk for a father, and had to take lessons from a priest..I think two losses are worse than one."
"But you lived there your entire life, and look how wonderful you are!" Christian argued. "You're an actress, Grace; a young, thoughtful, kind, beautiful woman who knows where she's going. I didn't know what to do until I left home. And then, hell froze over, and I survived. If you had stayed there, Grace, you wouldn't be here." She stared at him as tears welled up in her eyes. He inhaled sharply.
"Oh, god, Grace, I didn't mean to make you cry," he said softly, sitting beside her. She smiled weakly through her tears.
"It's not you Christian. You just have a way with words that brings out the truth in them, and I realize that we had horrible lives, both of us. I agree with you. I wish we could turn back time, but if we did, we wouldn't know each other." He brushed the tears from her face.
"You should get some rest," he suggested. "You've had a long day, and I want to hear you sing tomorrow." She got up and sighed.
"Is there a specific song you want me to sing, or may I pick my own?" she asked.
"Pick your own, by all means," he replied. "Just don't stay up too late reading. I don't want you to be tired." She nodded.
"Good night, Christian," she murmured. She opened the door.
"Good night, Grace," he answered. She silently closed the door and made her way across the hall to her room. As soon as she was under the covers, she opened the book Christian had lent her. Her eyes focused to the small type, and she read.
'The Moulin Rouge . . . a nightclub, a dance hall and a
bordello. Ruled over by Harold Zidler. A kingdom of nighttime pleasures. Where the rich and powerful come to play with the young and beautiful creatures of the underworld. And the most beautiful of all these was the woman I loved, Satine, a courtesan. She sold her love to men. They called her the "Sparkling Diamond", and she was the star . . . of the Moulin Rouge. The woman I loved is . . . dead.'
Grace read long into the night, stopping only when she fell asleep, the book closed in her hand. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yay! Chapter two complete. Thanks again to all who reviewed, and I'll try to update soon, maybe this weekend or the next. I'll see how it works out.
**Disclaimer** I do not own Moulin Rouge, or the text of Christian's book. I only own Grace, Elizabeth & Co., and the play.