(Disclaimer: I do not own A Monster In Paris; just my OC.)

(Authors Note: Hello again dear readers and fellow writers! I hope you've enjoyed the first three chapters of this new story of mine because I still have plenty of inspiration for more content, hence this latest chapter. Now, this one is obviously longer than the previous ones, but I just couldn't help myself :) Anyways, until next time, happy reading and stay awesome!)

Chapter 4

After being shown to her dressing room, Madeleine took some time to unpack, freshen up and change out of her travel clothes. Upon approaching the vanity mirror, the young blonde emitted a sigh as she glanced at her reflection and appearance: instead of her travel clothes from earlier, she now wore a light blue dress with white boots and a matching lace mask across the left side of her face. Tracing her fingers across the embroidered material, she shuddered at the memory it concealed underneath.

Shaking her head of such thoughts, Madeleine donned a smile and stepped out of her dressing room to join her cousin, Aunt, and Francœur for tea.

Lucille was sitting at one of the tables with her singing partner when he momentarily glanced up and froze in his chair. "Francœur, is everything alright?" Looking up, she noticed what had suddenly captivated the flea's attention: Madeleine. She looked absolutely radiant.

"Sorry, I hope I'm not overdressed," she bashfully stated as she sat across from the pair.

"Oh no, you look very nice. Right Francœur?"

He smiled and gave a nod in agreement, which brought a shy blush to her cheeks. "..Thank you." Glancing around, she then asked, "Where's Raoul? I thought he'd be joining us."

"He had a few deliveries to make, but he did promise to stop by later and watch the show," Lucille answered as she poured her some tea.

"Aw, that's a same. I was hoping he'd tell me the story about how you two first met," she gave her a knowing smirk, to which she rolled her eyes and emitted a soft chuckle.

"Oh, there you are Maddie dear. I was just about to call you down for tea," Carlotta stated as she entered the vicinity carrying a tray tea sandwiches and biscuits. "How are you settling in? Is the dressing room to your liking?"

"It's perfect Auntie; thank you."

"Of course. Now, I should mention that you'll have to sleep with either myself or Lucille while you're here because our dear Francœur has the guest room now."

"Oh, that's perfectly fine. If it's alright, may I stay with you Lucille?"

"Of course you can," she smiled and gave a curt nod. "It'll be just like when we were kids. Remember when we used to stay up late telling ghost stories to one another?"

"I do," she fondly giggled while Francœur listened with interest as he observed the young woman. He couldn't quite explain why, but he felt drawn to her. Her voice, like Lucille's, was sweet and her eyes were captivating. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted when Carlotta spoke up:

"So, how's Jean Marques? You haven't said much about him in your letters and when we inquired about him during our last visit, you avoided the subject entirely."

Staring into her lap, Madeleine emitted a sigh, "..He...He broke off our engagement shortly after my accident two years ago. According to him, I wasn't pretty enough to wed anymore and he didn't want to be seen with a monster for a wife."

At her statement, all three of them gasped, to which Lucille suddenly broke the silence. "That horse's ass," she shamelessly cursed before placing a hand on her cousin's shoulder. "Don't listen to him. You're a very beautiful person inside and out. It's his fault that he can't see it for himself."

She gave a slight nod before a familiar gloved hand gently rested atop of hers, to which she looked up at Francœur as he emitted a series of reassuring clicks and chirps. "I'm not sure what you said, but I thank you for your kindness. You're a very compassionate person Monsieur Francœur."

He gave her a smile while Carlotta passed the tray of sandwiches and biscuits around the table, "Well, if you ask me, you were too good for him anyways. He could never truly appreciate what a wonderful, kindhearted, and talented individual you are. I'm glad you didn't marry him."

"Same here," she admitted with a sigh. "Although, as horrible as it was at the time, I'm relieved that he broke off our engagement because in doing so he revealed his true colors. A real gentleman would have stayed by my side throughout my recovery and accepted me for who I am as a person regardless of my appearance."

"Exactly," Lucille agreed while Francœur gave a nod. "By the way, are you going to join us on stage tonight? We could use another talent if you're interested."

Shifting her gaze back to her lap, Madeleine lightly shook her head, "I don't know if I can. I mean, I used to sing. I was even locally known as The Rose of Poitiers…but that was before the accident. In truth, I'm terrified to set foot on stage again."

"Well, why don't you help me with the guests for a few days and if you feel like performing we'll put you in the show. If not, you're more than welcome to continue helping in any way you can," Carlotta suggested with a smile as she gently placed a hand on her arm. "Regardless, we're just glad to have you here with us."

"Thank you Auntie." She gave her a hug as Lucille passed the sugar around while Francœur emitted a sigh as he continued to gaze upon the young blonde woman.

From where she sat, Carlotta couldn't help but notice the way the giant flea looked at Madeleine: it was the same look Raoul had whenever he was with Lucille, or when Emile was with Maud. He was in love with her! Her lips curved up into a smile as she sipped her tea, to which an idea suddenly formed in her head. "Lucille, sweetie, why don't you and Francœur take Madeleine out for a morning stroll tomorrow. I have an interview with a gentleman who is applying for the server position. With Albert in jail and Charles having to dedicate most of his time to aiding the Professor, I needed some extra help around the cabaret. Of course, you'll still be of great assistance, Maddie dear," she assured, to which the blonde woman gave her a smile.

"Oh, I'd love to see the sights." She glanced over at her cousin and her singing partner with a shy blush, "I hope you both don't mind showing me around the city. I haven't been here in years and I'm curious to see what's changed."

"We'd be delighted to show you around. Right Francœur," Lucille asked him with a smile as he gave a delightful series of clicks and chirps in agreement.