Chapter 26- Dominique and Adrien

"Damn him!" Dominique exclaimed, pacing the door of Isabelle's room. "Why was she alone with him?"

"I'm sorry." Océane wept. Dominique watched the girl who he had known for a while but only been formally introduced to only hours before.

"It wasn't…" Dominique began, but he was interrupted by the opening of Isabelle's door.

A woman in her late 30s exited. Dominique marveled at how similar Isabelle and her mother looked. The only difference was the eyes. Isabelle's eyes were somehow longer and lighter than her mother's. She stood in the door way for a second and then opened her arms for Océane. The young girl graciously excepted the invitation and quickly ran to her for a long and maternal embrace.

"I'm so sorry, Madam Chagny. I should have been with her." Océane spoke in broken breaths. "I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry…"

"No, dear," Christine whispered, holding the young girl in a right hold. "It wasn't your fault."

Just then, another personage became visible behind Christine. A young boy of around eighteen stood behind her, and laid a hand on her shoulder. "She'll be alright…" He said, in a comforting low voice.

Upon seeing the boy, Océane broke down once more. "Adrien!" She exclaimed, then burst into tears again. "Thank heaven you were there." She said, hugging Adrien briefly.

Adrien smiled, a forced, feeble smile. He returned Océane's hug, and then turned to Dominique. "I am terribly sorry, but I do not believe we have met before."

Dominique took a few steps to Adrien and looked him up and down. Then he held out a gloved hand. "My name is Dominique Delacour."

Adrien smiled, remembering one of Isabelle's latest letters. "Ah, I see." Adrien said. "You must be 'Don Juan'. It is good to finally meet you. I am Adrien Madeleine."

Dominique smiled a fake smile. "Thank you. I reciprocate the feelings."

"I have heard some wonderful things about you, Messier Delacour." Adrien smiled, letting go of Dominique's hand.

"Funny, she didn't speak of you." Dominique said, not lying in the least.

Adrien's smile disappeared. "Yes…" He said, looking a little worried. "That is funny." He turned to Christine. "Madame, if you please I will be inside, watching Isabelle, for further improvement."

"Yes, Adrien that would be fine." She said, and Adrien turned to leave. "Adrien!" She to his back. He turned to her, and looked expectant. "Thank you…" She said, her voice breaking slightly.

Adrien nodded, and turned again to leave. Dominique glared at the boy's retreating back. He didn't know the boy very well, but he hated the very thought of the rich, spoiled fop.

Dominique watched Christine. She looked rather distressed. She turned to Dominique and smiled. Her eyes searching for something. Dominique shifted, uncomfortable in her investigative stare.

"I'm sorry, young man, but what did you say your name was?" She said, a painted smile gracing her lips.

"Delacour, Dominique Delacour." He answered, smiling his own fake and painted grin.

"Yes… Delacour…" She looked as if she was searching her memory. "Did either of your parents ever attend the Opera Popular… as students?"

Dominique smiled, this time a real grin. "Yes…" He laughed a little. "My mother was a student… and my father…" Christine looked expectantly at the boy. "He was the most renowned teacher to ever honor the opera with his presence."

Christine smiled. "Yes… Well, thank you for caring for my daughter. If there is any change, we will call for you." She turned to enter the room. She suddenly stopped, without turning she said, "Who is your father, Messier Delacour?"

There was no response, and so, Christine turned to look at the boy, but found only Océane standing there, looking about her, rather confused.

Sorry that it has been so long on my update. I had a few long and trying weeks... boy troubles, and home troubles and... all kinds of good shit. But I am better now, and hopefully I will update soon!