Hello everyone, again ;)

Pertie, aw, don't worry! Christine IS in his thoughts, he's just trying to forget her (unsuccessfully, of course) And they will see each other egain, you'll just have to wait :p

Now..enjoy chapter 19!

She opened her eyes and fear took over her for a moment when she did not recognize the room she had fallen asleep in. Soon she remembered that she was in Edmond's house. She sat up and, as she had discarded the black dress to be more comfortable during the night, she put on a white dressing gown that she had left on a nearby chair.

A few minutes later, she opened the door quietly and headed the living room where she checked the time in the grandfather's clock. It was nine o'clock. Had she been asleep nearly for a whole day? She looked around but saw no one. She supposed her host had been somewhere to attend that important business of his but found him sitting in one of the armchairs with a newspaper in his hands. Édmond lifted his eyes and smiled slightly at her.

'Good morning. I see you followed my advice and finally enjoyed a good rest. I do not blame you for oversleeping...', he stood up. 'Oh, maybe you'd like some coffee? Please, have a seat. There's something I want to consult you'.

Christine nodded and sat in another chair, near the one he had been occupying. She was afraid of what he might question her about because, even though he seemed trustworthy, she did not think giving too much information of herself and her past would be wise. She felt completely unprotected and helpless, alone for she had no one she could lean on at the moment and contacting Meg or her mother would be a reckless risk.

Édmond came soon from the kitchen with a cup of coffee and something to eat.

'You'll need it', he said as he took his place in the armchair. 'Listen', he made a pause while she sipped her coffee. 'There's something I want to make clear for your sake. I know your situation must be most complicated right now. Revolutions are never easy and many lives are lost everyday. Lives of people we love and care about...'. A sorrowful expression appeared in Christine's eyes. 'I'm determined to offer you a safe place, food and I can even try to bring your belongings back here. I'll do everything in my power to get you a new identity if needed.' He pressed a comforting hand on her shoulder. 'But I'm not anyone to force decisions on you, of course. If you want to leave, you are free to go whenever you like'.

She looked gravely for a moment and left the cup on the table.

'You are very kind, Édmond. In truth, I wish I had a place of my own where I could go to but I'm afraid I haven't such a thing. I've lost…two very important people in my life', she was trying hard to control her crying. 'But, on the other place, I would be glad if you could help bring back the things I left at the residence. I…do not want to go back there.'

'I'm sorry to hear you've been through so much but maybe I can help you. Leave the problem with the residence to me, I'll manage', he smiled and stood up. 'But you should not worry about that anymore. Meanwhile you may enjoy this peaceful interlude, go for a walk...whatever pleases you'.

She nodded and returned the smile. 'I'll do that. Thank you'.

With a gentle gesture, he headed for his study. Finishing her brioche, Christine decided to go into her own bedroom. Her steps led her to the window and she opened it. She needed to feel the breeze that warm and sunny day had to offer, close her eyes and think only for a moment that everything was all right. The young woman opened her eyes again, for she realized that she could not reject reality so childishly. Her eyes fixed on an indeterminate point in the wide space which lied before her. Why? Why did he have to leave her?

'Erik…'.

She pronounced his name in a soft and sweet whisper. She lowered her gaze, melancholic, as she closed the window. She needed to stretch her legs, go for a walk...and maybe that would have her mind occupied for a while.

Édmond was looking at the small pouch, full of coins, that he was holding in his hands. He had received it the day before, at last, but he was fed up with everything. Fed up with getting nothing but alms from someone when he could have everything. Anyway, he would solve that problem soon. Very soon, indeed.

With a half-smile playing in his lips, he locked the door of his study and left the house. He did not like the idea of leaving her alone in the house. If, somehow, she tried to enter that room…she could find out the truth and ruin his plans.

She couldn't really explain how she was feeling right then. Remembering the events of the night before in the park... Angie could not put her finger on what had made her kiss him, what fierce impulse had pushed her to fulfill the need of having him near her. Many times before she had told herself that she should keep away from him, that they could never be but, ah, she felt with every passing day that, deep in, they were kindred spirits: both lonely, rejected...

She sighed. No, even though she loved him till the point of pain and beyond, even if her mind floated through the memories of their kisses and the desire of reliving the sensation of her lips fusing with his... that could not be. Alas, what to do when a heart is hopelessly and terribly in love with another?

Angie pushed those thoughts away when she entered again in Jacob's office to hand him what she had been given. As she turned the corner, her eyes met someone who was walking towards a residence. Good Lord, were her eyes fooling her or did that man really resemble the gentleman she had seen so many years before? She diverted her gaze before he could sense it and kept on walking.