A/N: I hope people are still reading! Sorry once again for the long wait, and thanks to all who reviewed.
It was nearly the end of the semester, and I had gotten everything accomplished I had intended to. Well, except for that huge thing, finding Christine. I had only one week left in Paris. A local gravedigger had been easily paid off, and though Christine didn't have quite a proper headstone, or gravesite, it would have to suffice. I had chiseled the headstone myself, roses of course. I had her buried on a hillside overlooking the sea that she so adored. Once I had turned in my old coins I had quite enough money to do all of these things. Yesterday had been my last show at the opera, and I had cleared everything I wanted, that I could take with me, out of the house underneath. For my own amusement I left my secret, hidden door intact, in case I should ever wish to return.
I stood up, stretching. Dusk was coming, and I knew it was time to leave Christine's grave. I wasn't quite sure I'd be back again before I left for home, so I laid the bouquet of fresh red roses against the headstone. I had also planted rose bushes on either side of it. I also left my fedora. I gave the grave one final glance, and set off on my bicycle for the long ride back into town. The collar of my wool peacoat flapped against the frigid air. After arriving back near my dormitory I decided to treat myself to a supper out. I locked my bicycle up on the nearest streetlight and went in to be seated. I sipped hot coffee while I waited for my waitress. My seat was against the large windows looking out on the Parisian street. Many vendors lined the street, artists, musicians, even merchants looking for a quick sell. I never remember the streets being so busy before.
I almost missed her. Damned if I didn't almost miss her.
She stopped at a violinist on the corner, smiling then dropping a few bills into his open case. I was in the midst of ordering my meal, when my eyes bugged out. The waitress looked a bit frightened. I reached for my wallet, dropping plenty to cover my coffees and stood up from the table in one fluid motion.
"Excusez-moi!" She probably thought I was ill because she moved quickly.
I scanned the corner only to find the girl gone. I ran to the violinist and asked where she had gone. He pointed in the direction of a cab, so I dashed back across the street to collect my transportation. Naturally since I was in a rush it took me far longer to unlock the bike lock than any other time. I finally wretched the bike free, and pedaled fast in the direction I had saw the cab go.
A sense of dread filled me as I scanned each car I passed. I couldn't have lost her so easily. I pedaled on and on. Finally, my lungs could take no more frigid air. I stopped on a corner, still scanning the streets. I was pretty quick, but I knew I couldn't compete with a car. My breathing was harsh, shallow breaths.
After a moment, I caught my breath, and noticed a train station not far from the street I was standing on. I jumped back on the bike pushing myself over to the building. I dropped my bike on the sidewalk in front of the station and ran inside. I ran down the platforms, searching. Just as I lost hope again, there she was. She stared at me from the other side of sliding door. I stared back, eyes wide. She cocked her head , as if she remembered, searching her mind. I stepped forward reaching out for the door, just as the train started to pull away. No! My mind screamed, she was so close!
I ran along side the train, she watched me in shock, or confusion. I couldn't tell from where I was. She probably thought I was mad. I ran until I could run no more. One hand on my heart as it beat nearly out of my chest, and the other extended toward her. As I was doubled over, catching my breath again, I could have sworn I saw her standing at the back of the train.
Dejected, I slumped down on the floor. People walked over me, but I didn't care. My emotions were mixed. Maybe it wasn't her, but my eyes playing tricks on me. Angry because I wasn't quick enough to catch her. Relief because I really had hope that she did exist, and it seemed I had a week to find her.
Only problem was, how was I going to find her again?