Disclaimer: "I do not own the Count of Monte Cristo, any of the characters, or any part of that franchise. Alexandre Dumas is the one who wrote the story, and all credit for that should be his. Any quotes from the 2002 movie version of this book belong to the producers, editors, writers, and so forth. I only own Hadlee, and any original content I make her do or say."

Chapter 1

As Mercedes watched the ship 'Pharaon' sail into port, Hadlee sat beside her in the carriage with a book in hand. The romances were her favorites to read, but they were also probably setting her up for being a hopeless romantic. One whose expectations in love would end up shooting so high that everything she found in real life would end up falling short.

Hadlee had also given up worrying about such things though. The man she was in love with was, or at least thought himself to be, deeply in love with another woman. And in terms of honor, character, and worth of a person's soul… well, Hadlee had yet to meet anyone that was his equal. Even if he came from a lower class of family than her. She had never cared about such things before. A disappointing characteristic in her father's mind… but she'd given up trying to please him long ago as well.

In any case, she was very near the end of her book, when Mercedes suddenly turned towards the front of the carriage and shouted, "Drive faster." Hadlee raises an eyebrow at Mercedes, but says nothing about the fact that, if they actually went any faster, it was very possible the carriage would flip over when they went around the next turn. She just shook her head at the driver when he glanced back at them. It's not as though Mercedes would be able to actually tell whether they'd started moving faster or not.

When they pulled up near the port, Mercedes climbed out as fast as she could, eager to express her enthusiasm at the return of the Pharaon. Hadlee thanked the driver and made her way calmly over to where Fernand was trying to talk to Mercedes. She looked around anxiously, asking, "Where is he? Where is Edmond?" Slumping a little, Fernand answers, "How lovely to see you too. You just missed him, I'm afraid."

Mercedes' eager demeanor slumped down considerably when she realized Edmond wasn't actually around to witness her act of happiness at his arrival. For that's what it was. An act.

Hadlee knows, of course, that Mercedes is glad that Edmond has returned. Mercedes had great plans for the two of them. They would be married. Edmond would be captain of a ship. And as captain, he would make twice the amount of money that her father had ever made. Not to mention Edmond's reputation with his crew and the people around him. Everyone loved Edmond and his bright and friendly spirit. Those who met him in passing smiled as he waved to them. Those who could call him a friend, counted themselves as blessed.

As Fernand, Hadlee's brother, looks Mercedes up and down though…. Well, Hadlee can't help but wonder at how important Mercedes considers her reputation. For those were the two things she held in highest regard in her life. Her reputation, and the income her future husband could make. And while it might say something about her, that her reputation is the more important of the two… Hadlee isn't quite sure what exactly it is that's being said.

In any case, Mercedes could just as easily marry Fernand as she could Edmond Dantes. The only difference between them was the amount of certainty Mercedes could put on the reputation she'd receive in the marriage. Fernand was the son of a count… but he would not be assured any rank or title or money of his own until their father died. Whereas Edmond, second mate on the ship Pharaon, was quickly on his way to becoming captain of his own vessel. Of this, there was no doubt. Monsieur Morrell was keen on telling all of them from time to time, just how excellent it would be when he could find the room and reason for making Edmond captain.

Hadlee rolls her eyes at the whole situation. Mercedes was one of the most beautiful girls in the world, if Fernand's eyes were anything to go by. Her skin was pure ivory and flawless. Black curls framed her slender, heart-shaped face. Her voice was high and soft, giving the impression of a dainty and sophisticated lady. And her figure was the likes of which all women strived towards their whole lives.

Hadlee was not these things. Her blonde hair was not a bright and vibrant color, but more of a burnt gold. Her face was plain, and her body tanned due to hours spent in the sun, either reading a book, or tending to the flower garden. Her hips were too wide, at least in society's opinion. She wasn't fat by any means, but she did not possess the perfect figure that Mercedes had. It did not matter how well she ate, or how hard she worked to stay in the shape she was in.

Fernand looks over at his sister, glances down at her book, and frowns, "Please tell me you were at least some pleasant company to our dear Mercedes?" Just like father, Fernand frowned upon her love of books and reading. Not that reading some books was to be frowned upon. But whereas other women tried to be more versatile in their talents, aiming to accomplish any and everything that a woman could ever be expected to do… Hadlee had no desire for all these things. She liked music, but had no interest in learning the piano herself. She didn't mind dancing, but only learned the ones necessary to attend the balls that were demanded by her family's lifestyle. She could patch up clothes just fine… at least in her opinion. But she had no want for learning to become a full-blown seamstress that could spin out a dress in a week's time.

No. Hadlee loved her books, and she loved her flower garden, and she was content with those things. Well, and cooking. She was not a master chef by any means, but she didn't mind being in charge of preparing a meal from time to time. Of course, in her house, there were servants and chefs for that. The only times she actually got to be in charge of a meal, were if she went to someone else's house and cooked for them.

Like she had done for Edmond Dantes and his father since they'd known each other as children.

Mercedes, in response to Fernand's question, smiles and says, "Hadlee is always good company to me."

And that is why, in spite of the reasoning behind Mercedes' desire to marry Edmond Dantes, which was most definitely not out of being in love… Hadlee couldn't bring herself to really hate Mercedes. She might not be in love with Edmond, but Mercedes was not the worst person in the world. Not yet, anyways.

Fernand smiles at Mercedes, and then glances at Morrell's shipping building and says, "He could be in there a while. I think he's in some kind of trouble. He said he'd meet us by the rock. Come on." As he begins pulling Mercedes eagerly away, in what Hadlee knows must be another attempt to convince her to marry him, Mercedes turns back to her and asks, "Aren't you coming?"

Hadlee shrugs and says, "I'll wait here. Finish my book. I'll catch up in a bit." Mercedes gives her an endearing look, as though she thought Hadlee was cute for wanting to read so much, and then turns to head off with Fernand.

Hadlee scowls, which she knows is not an attractive thing for a woman to do. She does it anyway and moves to lean against one of the columns of the building. Everyone thought she was cute. And it wasn't because she looked like a child. Not really. Her body was as grown as it was going to get, which was a rather full figure to say the least. She may not have the ideal figure for a lady wanting perfection, but at night if she was out, there had been plenty of catcalls thrown out to her, and offers for payment if she would loosen the ties of her bodice just a little bit to allow her breasts a bit more air.

Hadlee never obliged these desires. And her lack of experience with men in that sense was also not why she was seen as cute. She was seen as cute, simply for the fact that she was on the shorter side of her gender. And it gave her an endearing quality that made her look adorable, rather than seductive or enticing.

Whatever. Hadlee opens her books and sinks herself back into the world within those pages, escaping reality for a while longer as she waits for Edmond.

When he came flying out of the building later on, he almost completely missed Hadlee. But where her constant reading was frowned upon by everyone in her own family, and even by some in society, Edmond had always simply thought of it as a key character trait of her personality. She was the only person he'd ever seen that could be in a room surrounded by noisy and festive people, and still be completely immersed in a world of her own choosing.

Seeing a woman with a book in hand is what drew him up short, and he turned to find her still standing there, reading the book. She hadn't even noticed him barreling out of the building.

Smiling upon seeing his dear friend, he hurries back and exclaims, "Hadlee!"

There weren't many voices that could break through her concentration on a book. Her own brother had to yell her name four or five times to get her attention when she was so keenly intrigued by a line she was reading. But Edmond's voice had never yet failed to immediately call for her attention. Of course, no one else has ever noticed that, for which she is grateful.

Looking up in surprise, snapping her book closed, she smiles, "Edmond! It's so wonderful to see you!" He wraps her in a hug, as always, and Hadlee immediately sinks into it. She has to do that immediately, or else she won't savor as much of his touch as she can. Their hugs and touches never last long enough for her liking… but it's not as if she can complain. Ever since they were children and Mercedes had declared her 'undying love' for him, Edmond had remained devoted to her. It was an admirable quality. One that Hadlee would never fault him for.

Didn't mean she had to always like it. Like right now, as he leans back from her. The smile on his face clearly shows that he doesn't notice her hand fisting in the back of his shirt, longing to keep him closer for as long as she can. He also never notices the faint blush that enters he cheeks whenever she first sees him.

In any case, as they turn to head for the rocks, Hadlee smiles up at the man who, at the very least, would always be her friend. Nodding towards the papers in his hand, she asks, "What's that?" "A surprise that I wish to share with all of you. Are the others at the rock?" "Yes. Or so I assume. That's where Fernand said they were going." "Then come. For I wish to tell you this as soon as possible."

They run a short ways, but then both slow to a more leisurely pace as they approach the shore. Nudging Hadlee with his arm, Edmond grins and asks, "And what are you reading today?" Laughing, Hadlee says, "Only another romance." "I see the library hasn't fallen short." "Not yet. Though Alfred has expressed a deep concern for what he's going to do when I stop coming in after I've read all the books he has so far." "And what did you say to his concern?" "That he need not be. I will come back simply to reread my favorites, and enjoy his company and his tea, if for nothing else."

Edmond smiles and says, "You are very kind to the old man." "Well, he's been very kind to me." "As he should. You're a delight to have around." Blushing a bit, Hadlee says, "You shouldn't say such sweet things." "And why not? It's only the truth. I can barely remember any day I've spent in your good company, where I couldn't find at least some reason to smile."

Hadlee grins up at him and says, "Well, the same can be said for you. At least you don't look at me holding a book and sigh as though already exhausted of me." His smile slipping slightly, Edmond asks, "Your father again?" "My father always. But please, let's not focus on that. You have happy news for us all to hear, and I'll not dampen such high spirits with my old news. Come. I think I see them just there."

And though she was loath to give up her private company with him, she laughed when Edmond took her hand and pulled her along at his fast pace. Her skirts nearly tripped her, but Edmond slowed enough so she could grab them up a little, and then they continued running across the rocks towards their friends.

The looks on both Fernand and Mercedes faces told Hadlee plainly enough what they had been discussing beforehand. Fernand always let the hunger linger in his eyes, and Mercedes always looked at him with a wistfulness of her own. Which, of course, only encouraged Fernand to pursue her more, in spite of her determination to marry Edmond for his eventual reputation as captain.

Which, as it turns out, is the grand news that Edmond wanted to tell them. And it was happy news indeed. Edmond, in light of his brave attempt to save his former captain, had been given the Pharaon. And at only nineteen, it was truly an astonishing feat. Not that Edmond hadn't earned it. He was more than capable and ready to be captain of his own ship.

It did, in spite of her smile, darken Hadlee's mood a bit. Not that she would ever wish misfortune on Edmond. She had too much love in her heart for this man. Enough that she never intended to tell him how she truly felt, or about Mercedes' true intentions for marrying him. She could never break Edmond's heart so cruelly. But… she had at least hoped that, for the next two years, she would be able to spend as much time alone with him as possible. For after he married, Mercedes would surely be glued to him at the hip whenever he was not out at sea.

He was, in actuality, one of the only friends she had. Aside from Alfred, and Edmond's own father, Edmond was the truest friend she possessed. And she'd always known that when he married Mercedes, she would lose him in some respects. She'd just… been hoping that she wouldn't lose him quite this soon.

Fernand didn't try so hard to hide his disappointment. He said something about Edmond's life being truly blessed, and then clicked his tongue before moving to head out. Edmond watched after his friend in confusion, shouting out, "You're still the best man." Fernand simply called back, "I know."

Mercedes was eagerly pulling at Edmond's arm, hoping to steal him away for herself. And judging from the look in her eyes, there was no question what she had in mind for them to do.

Hadlee had half a mind not to leave them. She was sure, due to his kind nature, that Edmond would more than welcome her to remain and join in the celebration of his good fortune.

But in the end, as Edmond smiled down at Mercedes, Hadlee swallowed thickly, held back her tears, and then said, "Well, I suppose I should follow him home. He'll be wanting news about what's been going on while he's been away, and father isn't home for the next three days. Do let me know when you plan on announcing the wedding. I'll be more than happy to help prepare the feast."

Edmond's grateful smile was almost her undoing, but Hadlee held it together until after he had hugged her once more. Savoring his touch for as long as she could, Hadlee then waved to them as they took off further along the rocks and towards the water.

Hadlee did not dare to ride with her brother in the carriage heading for home. She did not have the strength to hold back her tears until she could keep them safe and secret behind the closed door of her room. Instead, she spent her next few hours walking along the shoreline, in the opposite direction of Edmond and Mercedes. She intended to walk until her tears dried. But every time she ended and thought she was fine, her eyes watered again.

By the time she arrived home, Fernand was already asleep. And it was dark enough in the house that none of the servants noticed the tears that had been streaming down her face.

The only bright note she can think of in all of this, is that it is good to be getting rid of all these tears now. She'll have to last a great deal longer, when she helps prepare the feast for Edmond's wedding announcement ceremony.

Hi Guys! So, this is my fanfic for the Count of Monte Cristo. It's based heavily on the movie version from 2002. I have read the book, and may have dropped a hint at that here and there. But for the most part, this story follows along with the movie that was based on the book by Alexandre Dumas.

Just also wanted to give a heads up. Like the transformers story I recently posted, this is not as in depth as my teen wolf stories were. Just a quick and hopefully cute little story, involving a character that I wanted to inject into this plot.

Anyways, I hope you all like it. Enjoy!