| Marie By Meagan CH 8 The next morning, Marie woke up to sound of Notre Dame. It was Sunday morning and the Morning Mass began at sunrise. Marie got out of her bed and walked to her balcony to hear the bell rings. She felt that Quasimodo was ringing those bells directly to her. She sighed and rested her elbows on the balcony as the sun rose in the east. She couldn’t stop thinking about last night when she and Quasimodo both shared their first kiss. After last night, she knew that Quasimodo was her true love. As the bells began to die down, Marie sat on the edge of the balcony. She began to think about how ironic it was of her to think that she was going to be miserable during her stay in Paris and how it’s been turning out to be the most wonderful place in the world. She also noticed how much she had changed during the past few days. As the sun rose and shined her face and a cool wind blew in her face, she softly began to sing. (“A Change in Me” from Beauty and the Beast) There’s been a change in me, a kind of moving on, Though what I used to be I still depend upon. For now I realize that good can come from bad. That may not make me wise but oh, it makes me glad. And I, I never thought I’d leave behind my childhood dreams, but I don’t mind, For now I love the world I see. No change of heart, a change in me. For in my dark despair I slowly understood. My perfect world out there had disappeared for good. But in its place I feel a truer life begin. And it’s so good and real, It must come from within. And I, I never thought I leave behind my childhood dreams But I don’t mind. I’m where and who I want to be. No change of heart, and change in me. No change of heart, and change in me. A few hours later, Marie got dressed. Her parents were in the dining area and heard her coming down the stairs as she began to hum I Have Dreamed. She ran in the dining room and hugged to her mother and then her father. But as soon as she finished hugging her father, her heart stopped. Sitting right next to her father was no one other than Jean. A sickening feeling came to her stomach. He gave her a grin that made her feel so uncomfortable. “Good morning my darling. You seem to be in a cheery mood.” Her father said. Marie smiled back. She was very quiet as she noticed how Jean was staring at her. “Well, aren’t you going to greet Minister Frollo?” her father asked. Marie snapped out of it. “Oh please forgive me. How do you do Minister Frollo?” Jean grabbed her hand and said, “Just wonderful now.” He said softly as he kissed her hand. Marie tried her very best to keep a smile on her face as he pressed his cold hard lips on her soft hand. She went and sat next to her mother. “So Marie, your father tells me you go into the city often?” Jean asked immediately taking a sip of wine. “Oh yes.” Marie replied “And?” Jean asked. “Well, it’s a lovely city. Lots of entertainment and friendly people.” Marie said “Such a big city for a girl like you to walk all by yourself.” He said “I can take care of myself just fine.” Marie said sharply. “Marie mind your manners!” her father said. “Yes father.” She said and immediately began to eat her baguette. “Marie, we’re just very concerned of your safety. There are so many people out in the city that can harm you if they knew who you were.” Her mother said. “We would feel better if you had a male escort, such as Jean to take you around.” “I don’t need an escort mother! I am fine!” Marie said. “Either you go out escorted or not go out at all!” the Duke said. Marie glared and slammed her fork down. “It’s not fair! I deserve to have a little bit of freedom. I like going out to the city by myself! You just can’t do this to me!” Her father replied, “It’s not that we don’t care about you dear, we have just been concerned about your safety with all your late night returns. It’s come to our attention that you need someone to be there with you and...” “Why can’t I be by myself! I don’t need anyone to take care of me! These visits to Paris have been fine and wonderful on my own, I just can’t let you do this!” Marie pleaded. Softly she asked, “Please father?” “It’s something I am compelled to do my darling.” He said. Marie knew she wasn’t going to win the argument. She sat back in her chair and sighed. “Jean has kindly offered to escort you everywhere and if he agrees to do so, he may let you go off on your own time when he does his own personal duties. But he’ll make sure that you get to the city and back home each day safe and sound. How is that?” her father asked. Marie had never been so angry before but on the other hand, she was glad to hear her father say that she may have some time alone. That way she could still see Quasimodo on her own. She began to feel that this wasn’t going to be so bad. She grinned a little and nodded her head and then ate more of her breakfast. “Marie, we are also planning to have a ball in two nights. Jean has asked me if he could escort you.” Her father said. “Father, why couldn’t Jean ask me himself instead of getting permission from you.” She said as she glared at Jean. “I would love it if you would join me Marie.” Jean asked. “He’ll just escort you there my dear, but that does not mean you have to stay with him the whole night. You can meet other bachelors at the ball. But we would really like it if you find a suitable husband then and hopefully we can announce it.” Her father said. Marie thought about it and realized that she could invite Quasimodo. It would be wonderful if she could introduce him to her parents and possibly confess their love for each other then. But there could be a possibility that her parents may not like her being with him, for he is a commoner as well as a deformed man. But if her parents really loved her, they could accept him for who he is. She’ll have to ask him today about it. She thought about it for a moment and agreed to let Jean just escort her, again, this time to the ball. After breakfast, she went upstairs leaving her father, mother and Jean downstairs. “My lord, I feel that I am in love with your daughter and want her for my bride.” Jean said. “Well that's very kind Minister Frollo, but I’m afraid we can’t force it on her. We are doing our best...” “You actually can force it on her, you have the right to do so as a Duke and Duchess.” “We don't want to...” the Duchess try to speak.. “If we are officially betrothed, then you can. I promise that I'll really good to her. I think that in the best interest of her that you should really consider me.” “But what if she doesn’t like it?” the Duke asked. “By all due respect, she’ll grow to accept it. I think she'll learn to love me as well. You must think about her future.” Jean said. “You’re absolutely right Jean, perhaps you could talk to her about it today?” the Duke asked. “If I have time I will.” Jean said. “But I must survey the city as much as possible today. Those Gypsy vermin are behaving abominably.” “What do you mean?” the Duchess asked. “Reports of stolen goods have been all over the city. I have to clean these streets of those people at once.” Frollo said. “By all means Minister Frollo, do what you must to keep the city safe.” The Duke said. “I will, it’s what my brother would have wanted.” Frollo said. By noon, Marie and Frollo rode off in his carriage into the city. Marie kept quiet as Frollo made ugly remarks to each Gypsy dancer he saw. “Miserable Gypsies! They corrupt or city and lives!” he said or something to that extent to each one they passed. It annoyed Marie greatly. Frollo asked, “Marie have you thought about your future much?” he asked. “I think about it all the time monsieur.” She replied. “Do you? How so?” “I just do, I can picture my own future you know. Not all things are planned out for me.” She said. “Hmmm, you are very headstrong. I like that in a girl.” He said as he put his hand on her lap. She began to feel sick to her stomach. “Have you thought about marriage some my dear?” he asked. “Not really.” She said. “A beautiful girl like you shouldn’t be single too long.” He said. “I’m just waiting for the right man.” She said. “He may be closer than you think.” Frollo said. Not regarding to him, she replied, “You maybe right about that.” She said as she looked out to see Notre Dame. “I guess the point I am trying to make Marie is that...” ”Look can we just not talk about this right now? I am sure you have duties to attend to. May I please go off by myself for a while?” she asked. Frollo replied, “Very well, meet me here at the square in a hour.” ”Fine.” Said Marie. They stopped the carriage and Marie opened the door to step out. Frollo stopped her and put his cold hand on her shoulder and said, “I would like to continue this conversation later my dear.” He whispered in her ear. She quickly broke free from his grasp and stormed off. She never felt so repulsed in her life. She waited till Frollo was out of sight and immediately headed towards the cathedral. Quasimodo was polishing the bells. He was also humming I Have Dreamed, as he polished and polished each bell very carefully. The gargoyles noticed how different he seemed that day. “He is acting very odd.” Victor said. “That’s because he’s in love Victor! Look at his eyes, they havea glow in them.” Laverne said. Hugo looked down more and replied, “They look the same ole eyes to me.” He said. Victor and Laverne rolled their eyes and continued to help polish the bells from above. Suddenly, Quasimodo heard a door open and heard the most beautiful sound in the world. “Quasimodo?” Marie called. “Marie! Hang on!” Quasimodo called back. He swung down quickly from rope to rope to each hanging piece of wood. Finally, he did an impressive back flip and landed on his feet in front of Marie. “Were you trying to impress me Quasi?” she asked. “You bet!” the bellringer replied. “It worked.” Marie said and Quasimodo pulled her close for a kiss. It was very deep and passionate. It lasted for a good minute and immediately after came a huge embrace. “It’s so good to see you here Marie.” Quasimodo whispered in Marie’s ear. Marie closed her eyes, feeling so safe in his strong warm arms. She stepped back and brushed his cheek. “I missed you so much Quasi.” She said. “Really? After one night?” he asked. Marie giggled and kissed him on the cheek. “Am I pathetic or what?” she replied. Quasimodo laughed. “No seriously, this morning was awful.” Marie said. “What do you mean?” Quasimodo asked as they both climbed up the ladder to the main floor. “My parents are forcing me to be escorted into the city now by none other than Frollo.” Marie said. “Why?” Quasimodo asked as helped her coming up. “Because they are overbearing. When I have a little fun they try to take it away. I think they want me to get close to Frollo as much as possible too. They have wanted me to marry him for so long.” “You’re not are you?” Quasimodo asked. “They can’t make me. But it’s still annoying how much they try. And what’s worse is that they are forcing me to go the ball with him as well.” “The ball?” Quasimodo asked. “Well, there’s a ball in a couple of nights. It’s mainly for me to try to and find a husband.” Marie said. “Oh.” Quasimodo said with disappointment in his tone. “Oh Quasi, I mainly came here to ask you to be there.” She said as she brushed his cheek. “Really? You want me to actually be there?” “Of course Quasimodo.” Marie said as she put his hand in hers. “I wouldn’t have any fun without you there.” She said. “But is it ok? I mean, I’m not a wealthy man or authority figure.” “I’m the daughter of the Duchess I can invite whoever I want.” Marie said and she bent down to give him a sweet kiss on the lips. “Marie I...” Quasimodo tried to say how he really truly felt but chickened out. “I ...adore you.” He said. “Oh..well, I adore you too darling.” She said but felt disappointed inside. They went and sat down outside on the ledge. “So if you are escorted by Frollo to Paris, how did you get here by yourself?” Quasi asked. “He’s too busy with his duties; he can’t be with me all the time.” Marie said and smiled. Quasimodo wrapped his arm around her shoulder and Marie rested her hand on his shoulder as they watched the city of Paris below. “I had a great time with you last night Quasi.” Marie said. “I did too.” Quasimodo said. “I wish I didn’t have to leave so soon, I love being with you.” Said Marie. “Why do you have to leave soon?” “Jean told me to meet him out there in an hour.” She said. “I don’t trust that man at all Marie. If he wants you I don’t like you being alone with him.” Marie sat up and said, “Quasi I’ll be fine, I am actually kind of tired of people thinking I can’t take care of myself.” She said coldly. “Marie you know I don’t mean anything by that. I'm so sorry.” He said. “No...no I'm sorry Quasi, I've been having a bad day and I don't mean to take it out on you.” Marie said. “I know darling.” He said and they held each other for so long. Marie kissed his neck making Quasi shudder. He pulled back and cupped her chin in his hand. “It's just that you mean the world to me Marie, and the thought with you being with another man hurts.” “I don’t want to be with another man either Quasi. And I’ll do whatever I can to make sure I don’t. That’s why I want you to come to the ball. I want to show everyone who my true love is.” Marie said. “What if your parents object Marie?” he said. “So what if they do, they can’t stop me from loving you.” She said. “You really love me Marie?” “More than anything.” “I love you too.” They shared a passionate, romantic kiss that sent chills up their spines. Their love felt more stronger than ever at that point and both knew that there was nothing that could stand between them. After their kiss, they held each other and suddenly Marie realized she needed to get back. “Oh Quasi I really have to go, Jean will be back soon.” “Here let me carry you down.” Quasi said as he picked her up. “Quasi I don’t think..ahhh!” she couldn’t finish as he jumped down to the gargoyles below and swung to each one by one. He leaped down to the flying buttresses and slide down into the water. He climbed down and Marie grew to having fun from being frightened. When he got down to the lowest statue. “Show off” Marie said in a kidding way. Quasimodo smiled and kissed her. “I love you.” he said “I love you too darling.” Marie replied. “When can I see you again?” “If I can sneak out, sometime tonight probably.” She said. “Ok, but be careful.” he said. “Don’t worry I will.” She gave him a quick kiss andQuasimodo helped her down to the ground and slowly they let each other's hands go. Marie walked towards the square, she quickly looked back to see Quasimodo one more time and headed off. Quasimodo climbed up back to his bell tower and watched Marie as he got higher as she headed towards the square. He was going to watch her until Jean came. But then Quasimodo heard a noise above from the inside of the belltower. Figuring it was the gargoyles making a mess, he quickly went to go see what they were doing. Meanwhile, as Marie got near the center, she noticed Jean’s carriage there with Jean standing outside it with his hands folded and was glaring. She knew that he saw her leave from the bell tower. Go to Chapter 9 Back to Fanfic Back to Index |