Love of the Most Exquisite Kind

By Catherine Morland

Chapter 7 – Little Meg

Disclaimer: I already told you, I bought the copyright papers off of Ebay! Sheesh..

A/N: I would like to thank my friend, Jenni (Laura Johnson on ). Mostly for nagging me to update. I would also like to take this moment to hand Erik's mask (that he threw in the trash) to Moojoice Nne of the Mayonaisse! [huggles it one last time before surrendering it.]

Also, I would like to add that the first part of this chapter is mainly the way it is because I enjoy seeing Raoul suffer. Hehehehehehe...

Raoul

I was stumbling all over the Opera House, wiping the tears from my eyes. I searched high and low for something that, under different circumstances, I would have located within seconds – the stage. I felt like a blundering idiot, bumping into walls and people that I couldn't tell were there. Tears impaired my eyesight.

Suddenly, I tripped, and rolled halfway down the grand staircase, to the wide ledge in the middle of the staircase. Landing on my stomach with an 'oomph', I started to pick myself up. Suddenly my hand slipped off the edge of the ledge, onto the step, and I fell all the way down the rest of the staircase. I lay miserably on my back, staring at the high ceiling. I closed my eyes and willed myself to just die, right then and there. Then I passed out.

When I opened my eyes, it was to a friendly face. Little Meg Giry was hovering over me, anxiously biting her lip. I groaned, and licked my parched lips.

"Can I have a glass of water?" I asked hoarsely. She handed me a glass. I drank my fill, and turned back to her.

"What happened?" I asked. I hoped I hadn't made a complete idiot out of myself in front of her.

"We fond you, passed out, at the bottom of the staircase." She replied in her soft, soothing, feminine voice. "Mother and I couldn't get you very far, so we took you to my dressing room." She gestured at the four walls surrounding us.

I started to get up, but she pushed me back down.

"You shouldn't get up, yet." She said, putting a small, cool hand on my forehead, "We don't know how long you fainted – and you've got a nasty bruise on your face." She gently touched the side of my cheek.

I caught her hand and brought it to my lips. "You're very kind."

She blushed slightly, and turned away.

In that moment, I realized two things – I didn't love Christine and I now loved this little girl.

Christine had been a wonderful friend. Really, she had. But I hadn't loved her.

This petite girl, this innocent little ballet rat – I now knew that she made me want to hold her, and protect her. I knew, in that moment, that I wanted to know Meg more.

My Domain

I know, my chapters are too short. I'M SORRY!! WHAT DO YOU PEOPLE WANT FROM ME?!?! I HAVE A BAD DISEASE THAT MAKES ME ONLY WRITE SHORT CHAPTERS!!

Reviewers – (I love you guys!!)

Laura Johnson: [raises one eyebrow] Scarlett woman? Interesting...Just because she's [gasp] SUDDENLY more mature? I think she's been building it up for a bit, but no one really noticed. =P

BlackRoseGirl: Teehee. Yes, I enjoy making you and Jenni suffer!! [starts to hum Locust Street Rag]

Singing Moon: I adore all your reviews! You make me feel so loved!! Thanks so much!

Moojoice Nne of the Mayonaisse: Hmm. My spellcheck says Moojoice Nne and Mayonaisse aren't words. Anyway. Thanks for your reviews! [grins] And yes, I know a plentiful supply of viola jokes!!

Rabid Phan: Um, thanks, I guess. If you're looking for a plot, it gets better, I promise!

Butterflied777: Thanks for reviewing!! I'm glad you like it! [grins]