"Well Christian, what do you think?" Harold Zidler asked. The two men were standing in front of the newly renovated Moulin Rouge. They had spent the past 2 months along with a crew of contracted builders in fixing and reparing the dance hall. Christian himself had even helped in the process as well; not only by helping build the Moulin Rouge itself, but also donating a large sum of his book profits towards the cause (which of course was mainly due to Zidler's begging). But there they stood, Christian and Zidler, looking up at the windmill with its glistening new set of lightbulbs. Tonight, there would be life brought back into that windmill. The Moulin Rouge would be brought out of the dark, and filled with the sounds of laughter and celebration as hundreds of men, woman, and such, piled into the hall to engage in the festivities of the grand opening that would take place that very evening.
A month earlier, Zidler had proposed that there be a sort of ball to hit off the reopening of the Moulin Rouge, and so posters and billboards had lined the streets of Paris and the rest of France to advertise the great event. Word had reached all throughout Europe of the event, and stores were bustling with business as those who planned on coming to the Moulin Rouge bought new outfits and costumes to arrive in. Groups of dancers rehearsed their rutines to be performed at the club, while in the bakeries and kitchens, magnificant feasts and desserts were prepared. The town of Montmartre, and Paris for that matter had become a gigantic livewire. Excitement and anticipation filled the air and everyone couldn't wait for the Moulin Rouge to open it's doors once again.
Christian was pleased with how the Moulin Rougehad beenredone. It was very similar to the one that had been, but different enough that Christian wasn't so awfully disturbed by it's appearance. He was actually a little excited himself to be going. However, on his mind was a more pressing matter.
He had barely had the chance to speak to Loreena again since the early summer, being as he had been much more preoccupied with getting the Moulin Rouge rebuilt. But Christian believed this to be the perfect oppertunity to talk with her again. He was planning on asking her to the ball that evening. That way, he wouldn't have to show up alone, and he'd also get the oppertunity to spend time with Loreena and mend any wounds that may still lay between them.
He hoped she would be home, but in case not, he had an invitation in his hand to leave at her door when she did return.
Politly, he knocked at her door, and waited. His stomach was filled with butterflies and he almost hoped she wouldn't answer just so he wouldn't have to face her. However, within a few minutes she stood in front of him.
"Christian, I wasn't expecting you."
He didn't know what to say. The words were stuck on the very tip of his tongue, screaming to get free, but he lacked the confidence to say anything at all. Perhaps this was because he was finding himself a little smitten with Loreena. She only had on some thin robes and a corset which was covered by them , but still, he could tell she had one on. Her hair was up in a messy bun, with a few strands down around her ears. She almost looked exactly like-no. He wasn't going to think it.
"Loreena, tonight...you see, there's this thing at the Moulin Rouge... a ball...and I was wondering if you'd like to come with me tonight?" He held out the invatation.
She bit her lip and rested her head on her hands which were placed at the crane of her neck. She looked a little dissapointed.
"Christian, I'm sorry...but I..."
"But you what?"
"I don't have anything to wear."
Christian couldn't almost help chuckling. Ha! That was all. Loreena couldn't go because she didn't have anything to wear.
"Perhaps I can fix that eh?" He winked at her, and she smiled back.
A clock chimmed 8:00 pm. It's sound brought an irregular feeling to Christian that was either of nervousness or strong anticipation and excitement. He never thought he'd ever be going back to the Moulin Rouge or even think about it, and strangely, with someone other than Satine. He stood in front of the mirror fixing his tie, and putting the finishing touches on his outfit. He had on a medium length tight black coat with a high collar, all lined with rhinestones, his pants and shoes were also black, but were kept plain. He had just bathed and was clean shaven. Now he was placing a tophat, also covered in rhinestones, atop his head. "I hope she likes it." he said aloud. He was thinking of Loreena. Before buttoning his coat, he fixed his vest which like his coat and top hat, sparkled. With some eyeliner, he outlined the bottom of his eyes so that their blue-green color really stood out. All together, he thought he looked as if he should be working at the Moulin Rouge, not just going to enjoy the entertainment, but nevertheless, he looked strikingly handsome and was surely going to be the best dressed gentleman there.
Checking the time again he prepared set out on his way carrying with him his invitation and a single red rose. He was going to meet up with Loreena at the club. From his window he could see the Moulin Rouge radiating such a glow that it reflectedon theclouds above. Leaving the apartment building, he walked towards the glow, taking a peak upwards towards the sky. There were several breaks in the clouds above, and Christian could make out a full moon. He sighed, and thought, "Here goes."
The closer he got, the louder the thumping of music got to his ears. Crowds of people stood in line around the doors, anxiously awaiting their chance to get in. Already Christian could see the place was packed. The windmill above turned, while even further above in the sky, the flare of fireworks went off. The last bit of sunlight was setting lower into the sky whilethe sounds of Zidler's voice could be heard echoing as he shouted, "Welcome, welcome!" much like a ringleader of a circus. The air was filled with the scent of every perfume and cologne imaginable, but all together it gave a very inviting smell. Christian let it play with his senses, letting it guide him into the Moulin Rouge.