-1Disclaimer-- I don't own it, or any of the characters. Or settings. I'm not really sure who does. It's just not me.
A/N-I'm really sorry it took so long for me to get this chapter. It's not even that long. I lost the use of my computer for a week, and then I had this major history project, then an English project…I just didn't have time. Anyway, this is the very short chapter seven where Anya's world comes to life as she experiences Paris. It's my favorite musical sequence in the movie. Well, here goes…
Anya stepped out of the Chanel into the Parisian afternoon, twirling around in her new summery dress. It was lilac, with a pink flower on the left shoulder and much shorter than any other dress she had ever had. Her high heeled shoes were the same shade and made her almost as tall as Dimitri, who was staring at her, stunned. She grabbed his elbow and smiled. He wore a new suit and looked very uncomfortable.
"Paris. I can't believe I'm actually here. We're finally here!"
"Yes! Welcome, my friends, to Paris," said Sophie, coming up behind them. She bought several pink roses and gave two to Anya. "This is from me, for your first night in the city of lights!"
"Thank you," said Anya. She lifted them to her nose and scented the flowery aroma. She had never really ever had a present, even one as simple as a flower, until she had met Dimitri. Now Sophie, too, was giving her a gift.
Unsure what to do with the other flower, Anya watched Sophie, who tucked hers into Vlad's coat. Anya turned to Dimitri and did the same, keeping the other for herself.
"Forget where you're from, now Anya. You're in France!" She pushed Anya and Dimitri closer together. They looked away shyly, but both caught the other sneaking a look back. "Now, come."
Sophie began walking, or dancing, more like, down the street. Anya followed, the same energetic feeling coursing through her. She caught Dimitri's arm as she started. He stumbled to keep his footing as she dragged him along.
"Anya, Anya. Slow down. We've got all day. Relax, okay?" Dimitri tried to convince her to stop dashing about the streets, to little effect.
By the time the sun had set, the four of them had traveled through most of the town. They had seen so many amazing things, at least Anya had thought so. There was a man standing on an airplane, a woman walking an enormous cat, and a painter who had drawn wonderful scenes.
"Let's have something to eat, shall we?"
"Where?" asked Anya, bubbling up again.
"La Moulin."
They were seated at a round table on the edge of a dance floor. A minute later, five cancan dancers came out.
"Everyone can cancan!" said Sophie, kicking her leg up. Her shoe flew off and landed on the back of the stage. "Oh, dear."
"I'll get it," volunteered Vlad. He stood. Weaving between the dancers, he retrieved the shoe. He tipped his hat to one of them on his way off the floor.
Anya laughed, putting her hand on Dimitri's shoulder and pointing at Vlad. Dimitri replied with a nervous chuckle. Yes, Vlad was making a spectacle of himself. Anya was intoxicated with the excitement of this grand new place, but it had not effected Dimitri as much. The looming prospect of meeting the Dowager Empress still haunted him, even if Anya had forgotten. Of course, there was nothing to worry about. She was the Duchess. Yet he continued to feel anxious about the reunion.
The music changed to a slower waltz, and the atmosphere of the restaurant quieted.
"May I have this dance, Miss?" A young man came up behind Anya and offered her a hand.
"Yes," said Anya breathlessly. She got up and followed him away from the table. The spun to the waltz as Dimitri watched them. Soon, she was dancing with another boy.
Dimitri knew she was the Duchess. She had found her family, at last. He was happy for her. But it meant he would have to say goodbye. "Oh, Anya. I'm going to miss you. It's not a game anymore. This is the end…"
"Hmm? What's that?" asked Vlad.
"Nothing," said Dimitri quietly. "Nothing."
When they left the restaurant, night had fallen. The sky was a deep blue streaked with purple. A full moon hung low in the sky.
"Now we must see the Eiffel Tower before the ballet," said Sophie.
They rode an elevator to the top, all the while listening to Anya chatter on about how perfect this day was. "I've three new dresses! Can you just imagine, that's more than I've had in practically my entire life and now I have four at one time! Did you see that big cat? Was it a cheetah? Oh, dancing was so much fun! I've never had so much fun in my life. Oh, thank you Sophie. It was such a wonderful time. I can't wait for the ballet! Why was that man standing on the plane? Those fireworks were simply lovely, don't you think? Are you okay, Dimitri?" She said this all in about one breath. Finally, noticing Dimitri's forlorn look, she stopped. "Are you okay?" she repeated.
"Yes, I'm fine. I had a wonderful time, too." I'm really going to miss you.
"Oh!" They had reached the top and Anya was breathless. They could see all of Paris laid out before them. Even Dimitri momentarily forgot his troubles. "It's…beautiful."
Paris holds the key to your past, Anya. And to your heart.