Chapter 13: Return to France
It was late at night as a passenger vessel pulled away from New York Harbor. The U.S.S Liberty was bound for Cherbourg, France. Many people were on board, but we focus on two specific passengers in Cabin A-12. One, a young African-American girl slept in one of the cabin's beds. Her companion sat staring out the porthole. Caroline knew what she was doing was correct. She had to go back to France to clear her name and get away from Raoul. She didn't know if Raoul was suspicious, but she didn't care. He could follow her and Estella to France. There, Caroline had friends who would protect her. Especially Guilliame. With her last note to Carly and the girls, Caroline had also sent a long letter of explanation to her love. Caroline up until the New York skyline had disappeared and she saw only water. Then Caroline turned down the lamps and went to bed.
As she laid down, she remembered the argument that she and Raoul had the day she sent Estella to get the tickets. Angela had broken off the relationship with Raoul and moved in with her twice-widowed mother. Raoul had returned home in a passionate rage and descended on his wife like a furious lion. "Why did you tell her anything?" he asked. "She found out on her own," Caroline responded, calmly. "How?" Raoul shouted. Caroline remained silent. Raoul walked over to the dresser in her room and found Carly's letter. "When we were on the boat coming here, didn't I tell you not to contact anyone in France?" Raoul asked through clenched teeth. "Yes," Caroline stated. "Then why is there a letter from Carly here?" he asked in a rage. "Because I wasn't going to follow that rule," Caroline asked. "I didn't tell you those rules so you could pick and choose which ones to follow, Caroline," Raoul said. "Raoul, you've known my for three years. You should know I like breaking rules. Think of all the rules we broke together," Caroline stated. Raoul was turning red. "I still don't know why you told Angela anything. Did you want to ruin your friendship with her?" he asked. "Raoul, I am not an idiot! I knew that you and her were going on behind my back!" Raoul looked at her. "How?" he asked. "I was your lover for so long, I think I know these things," Caroline responded. "It doesn't matter anyway," she said. "What?" Raoul asked. "I don't love you anymore!" Caroline stated. "Liar! It's that Guilliame, isn't it? I knew he would try to take you from me," Raoul roared. He stormed out of the house.
Two days later, Caroline and Estella were eating lunch when Caroline had the feeling of being watched. She snuck glances to the tables around hers. Two tables over from her and Estella sat two servants from her house in New York. 'This means Raoul knows!' Caroline thought. Even Estella recognized the man and woman, both whom treated Estella horribly. Caroline grabbed the girl's hand to comfort her. The two finished eating and left. Estella turned to her guardian and asked, "Does that mean Master Dean knows where we are?" Caroline nodded. "Will he come to hurt Miss Caroline and me?" Caroline sat down and told Estella, "No. We'll be safe in France. I have friends who will protect us. Estella smiled and hugged Caroline.
After a week of being followed, Caroline was glad to disembark at Cherbourg Using some money she managed to save from Raoul's transactions, Caroline bought to tickets for the next train bound for Paris. Another ship, also from America, pulled into port. Unnerved, Caroline ushered Estella onto the train, ordering her trunks to be boarded.
On board the train, Caroline noticed her two former servants sitting with two new people. She recognized one as Raoul, but his female companion was unfamiliar. 'Must be his new lover,' Caroline thought. She smiled as she imagined what Raoul's face must have looked like when Angela broke it off. Her smile left when Raoul and the woman began walking towards her. "Master Dean," Estella hissed. Raoul stopped beside Caroline, who looked at him. The tense moment caused the already tense young woman next to Raoul to squirm. Raoul guided her to a seat before taking one himself. "So," he said, pausing. "Hello, Raoul," Caroline said. "So," Raoul said, as if he didn't hear her greeting, "you decided to return and face almost certain death." Estella gasped. "No. Death isn't certain because I returned to clear my name." Raoul continued speaking. "Christine is dead, Caroline. We can be together now in New York," Raoul said. "Yes, you, me, your lover du jour," Caroline said. "Lover du jour? Come now, Caroline. They are friends for you," Raoul said. "Raoul, we had this conversation, or rather argument, before we left. Besides, I am perfectly capable of making friends without your help!" Caroline said. "It doesn't matter. I forgive you," Raoul said. "Did I apologize?" Caroline asked. "And once we reach Paris, we can turn around and go back to New York," Raoul patted Caroline's hand. "Raoul, stop hearing what you want to hear and listen to me!" Caroline exclaimed. Raoul continued to pat her hand and said, " Of course I love you. I'm glad you agree to come home with me," he said. Caroline sighed and sunk back into her seat.
She was never more glad to see Paris than that night. Carrying the lightweight Estella, Caroline disembarked the train, Raoul and company behind. There, on the platform, stood the Admiral and the Captain. They were waiting for her and Raoul, she knew. "Hello, Caroline. The next train to Cherbourg leaves in an hour," the Captain said. "I'm not leaving," Caroline said. "Of course you are. You agreed on the train," Raoul said, shaking the Admiral's hand. "No, she didn't," Raoul's companion said, finally speaking. Caroline smiled and motioned for two workers to bring her two trunks. The three men were arguing over her return. Carly, Adair, Pierre and Jean approached Caroline. Carly and Adair rushed forward to hug their friend. "Belle d'Amour!" they screamed. "Caramel! Dove!" Caroline laughed. She gave each a one handed hug before Adair took the sleeping Estella. Raoul turned to Caroline. "Where are you going?" he demanded. "Home," was all she replied as Jean and Pierre grabbed Caroline's trunks and the small group left the station.
The five awake people walked to Carly's apartment near Le Cirque Boheme. "The police know you're back," Jean said. "You have a trial date in two days." Caroline nodded. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Adair asked. "Yes, I'm ready," Caroline said. They reached Carly's apartment and three of the group departed. Carly questioned Caroline again. All Caroline replied was: "It's time for the truth to come out."
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A/N: Another chapter! This must be my biggest update ever!!! Well, now I can think you all read my rant in the previous chapter, right? Thanks! ~*Mac*~