marie5

Marie
By Meagan

CH 5
Marie woke up earlier than usual the next day. She couldn�t wait to go into Paris and see Quasimodo. She quickly got dressed and put on a plum colored dress with short sleeves. She quickly put her hair in a pony-tail with a purple ribbon and ran downstairs. She ate a quick breakfast and was about to head out the door when...
�Stop! Where do you think you�re going?� the Duke asked.
�But Papa, you said I was allowed to go by myself.� Marie said.
�I know...but don�t want to say good bye?� the Duke asked as he opened his arms.
�Oh!� Marie said with relief. She ran over to her father and kissed him on the cheek.
�Thank you so much Papa.� Marie said.
�Your welcome dear and please stay out of trouble. I�m meeting with the king to discuss diplomatic affairs so I...�
�I understand.� Marie said and patted his cheek.
�I really must be going. I�ll see you this evening.� She said and went out the door.
Quasimodo was finishing ringing the bells as soon as Marie came through the door.
�Quasimodo?� she asked but realized he couldn�t hear her. She covered her ears because it was so loud. She climbed up the ladder and shouted his name.
�Quasimodo!� she cried twice until he finally noticed her.
�Marie!" he stoppedringing the bell. He was shocked to see her.
"Just a second!� he said and finished up with ringing some of the little bells and hopped down to see Marie.
�I didn�t think you would come back!� he said.
�What?� she asked. She still couldn�t hear him when the bells began to die down.
�Haha, I said I didn�t think you would come back!� he said louder as he embraced her.
�Oh...Of course! My parents have allowed me to go into Paris whenever I want to now!� she said and at the point, the bells were completely silent.
�Really! That�s great!� he said. �Would you like something to eat or drink?� he asked.
�Oh no thank you Quasi. But you know what I would like?� she said.
�What�s that?� he asked.
�That tour of Paris you promised me!� she said.
�Oh yes of course! Just let me do a couple of things and I�ll take you everywhere and meet everyone! Especially my friends Phoebus and Esmeralda, you�ll love �em!� he said.
�Great! I can't wait.� she said.
�Me too! Now I�ll be right back. Just make yourself at home!� he said and with that, he grabbed on a wooden plank above him and he climbed up two floors in three leaps.
�How does he do that?� she asked herself. She then walked around to look at his home. She went into the next room and saw his toy village that he carved. She was so amazed at this replica of Paris. She looked at all the town people and all the buildings. She then noticed a small handkerchief covering a small object. She was about to see what was underneath it until Quasimodo came in.
�Do you like it?� he asked. �I made mostly everything.�
�Oh Quasi, I love it so much!� she said. �It�s adorable! I love all the little people, especially the fat little blacksmith!� she said and they laughed. She then noticed a carving of a beautiful gypsy girl.
�This one is so beautiful Quasi!� she said.
�Oh, that�s Esmeralda! She�s my best friend.� He said as he got closer to Marie.
�She must be very beautiful! Who is the man next to her?�
�Oh that�s Phoebus. Her fianc� and my very good friend. He is Captain of the Guard here in Paris.� He said as he picked up some of the townspeople that were knocked down.
�Ohh I see.� She said. �And I will meet them later on, right?� she asked.
�Hopefully, I�m sure we�ll run into them.� He said. �Are you ready to go?� he asked as he offered his arm.
�Yes!� she said as she wrapped her arm around his.
Quasimodo showed her all the streets around the cathedral and took her to some of the shops. He took her to a few gardens and they ate a very nice restaurant. He took her by the Seine River and walked over the bridge that went over it. Finally, he took her to where the gypsies usually performed at, hoping he would find Esmeralda. He eventually spotted her near the town square.
�There she is!� he said.
�Who? Esmeralda?� Marie asked.
�Yep! She�s over there. The one with the tambourine and her goat.� He said as he pointed.
�Oh I saw her yesterday performing. She's very beautiful.� she said as she watched Esmeralda dance.
�Come on, I�ll introduce you.� Quasimodo said and took her nearer to Esmeralda. They watched the rest of Esmeralda�s dance and Esmeralda came down to greet Quasimodo.
�Bonjour Quasi, what brings you here?� she asked.
�Esmeralda, I would like for you to meet a new friend of mine. This is Marie. Marie this is Esmeralda!� he said.
�It's wonderful to meet you Esmeralda!� Marie said as she shook Esmeralda�s hand.
�Oh the pleasure is all mine! Have you been in Paris long?� Esmeralda asked.
�I arrived here a couple of days ago with my mother and father.� Marie replied.
�She is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess.� Quasimodo said.
�Are you really?� Esmeralda asked.
�I�m afraid I�m guilty of that.� Marie said and smiled.
�Wow! I'm surprised that you are even allowed to be out here.� Esmeralda said.
"I managed to pull some strings."Marie said and grinned.
�So how did you two meet?� asked Esmeralda
�Well, it�s quite amusing but...� Quasimodo said and told Esmeralda all of what happened yesterday, except the part about Jean Frollo showing up.
�Hah! That is very amusing! Yet, quite cute!� Esmeralda said and smiled at Marie.
�So where�s Phoebus at?� Quasimodo asked.
�I�m sure he�ll be here later. Right now, I think he is meeting with the king to discuss several issues.�
�Really? That�s where my father went today.� Marie said.
�Oh I�m not surprised. I think all the public officials are meeting with the king today... including Jean Frollo.
�Ugh! I can not stand him.� Marie said.
�I don�t think we�re too thrilled of him either around here.� Esmeralda said.
�Yeah, why is that?� she asked.
�It�s a long story that I�ll explain later Marie.� Quasimodo said.
�Meanwhile, Marie and I are walking around the city and you are welcomed to join us Esmeralda.� Quasimodo said.
�Actually I have stuff to look at for our wedding. But I am going to have dinner with Phoebus and I�m sure you two could come!� Esmeralda asked.
�Sounds great! Is that ok Marie?� Quasimodo asked.
�I think it�s alright, I just have to be back home by nightfall.� Marie said.
�Well we�re eating around 5:30 so you should be fine.� Esmeralda said.
�Yeah that�s fine.� Marie said.
�I�ll see you then! Oh Marie, it was so wonderful to meet you. Any friend of Quasimodo�s is a friend of mine!� Esmeralda said while taking Marie�s hand. Quasimodo smiled as the two women shook each
other�s hand.
�Same to you Esmeralda! I�m looking forward to seeing you later on!� Marie said.
�Me too! Well you two have fun!� she said as she started to leave.
�We will! See ya!� Quasimodo said and Esmeralda turned to leave.
Quasimodo and Marie headed towards the cathedral and Marie spoke and said, �She seems to be very nice Quasi. Have y�all been friends long?� she asked.
�Not too long really. She was actually the first real friend I made here.� Quasimodo said and looked down. Marie could sense he felt something more to Esmeralda rather than just a friend.
�I�m not trying to be too bold, but are or were you in love with her.� she asked. Quasimodo hestitated to say but sighed and said,
�It�s really hard to not love your first love I guess. I know she�s engaged and all and I am so happy for her. But I guess I do feel a little jealous but I�m pretty much over her. I treasure our friendship so much.� He said and smiled at Marie.
Marie smiled back and said, �I bet it is really hard to lose your first love. I guess I wouldn�t know really.� She said.
�You mean you never were in love?� Quasimodo asked.
�Nope!� she said.
�But I don�t understand. You�re so beautiful and I bet suitors would come to you from miles away just to win your hand.� He said.
�They do actually but I haven't liked any one of them.� Marie said.
�I�m very surprised.� Quasimodo said.
�I can�t help to be picky about it, but I don�t think I want a cocky, spoiled man who thinks too highly of himself. I want a man who is truly wonderful and caring and thinks of others before himself.� She said and sighed.
�Marie I don�t blame you and you deserve that kind of man.� Quasimodo said as he smiled at Marie.
�I�m glad somebody understands for once.� Marie said.
Meanwhile, the king, Phoebus, Jean Frollo, the Baron and few of the public officials were meeting in the king�s castle. They all sat down and started their meeting.
�Phoebus, before we begin our meeting, I must commend you of your hard work you have shown me and to Paris.� The king said.
�Why thank you your majesty, I�m just so grateful that you gave me my position back after everything that happened.� Phoebus said.
�Ahh, my pleasure.� The king said. �Also, I�d like to introduce here my favorite cousin, who is also the Duke of France and our new Minister of Justice, Judge Jean Frollo.� The king said. The rest of the men clapped for their welcome.
�It truly is a pleasure to be here in Paris!� the Duke said.
�It truly is.� Said Jean and the rose from his seat. �I would like to something as well. I must apologize for the pain my brother has caused here. As I explained before, he really was a good hearted soul, it's just that many have led him down the wrong path. He didn't deserve to die the way he did. I just hope to honor his memory by really cleaning up the streets of Paris from crime."
�Bravo! Now then, let�s get on to business shall we? Is there anything that needs to be discussed?� the king asked.
�Phoebus? Anything?�
�Well your majesty. Crime is very little here in Paris and there�s nothing I can say...�
�Crime? Are you blind? What about those...Gypsies?� Frollo asked.
�What about them?� the Duke asked.
�Many of them have reported to be stealing and rampaging and worst of all witch craft!�
�Really? I�ve been on the streets here for about three months and the Gypsies have not been a problem at all.� Phoebus said.
�I�m telling you, I have seen the evil of Gypsies all over France. Maybe not here in Paris, and I must believe it has to be the same here. I have noticed a little of it in the past few days I�ve been here.� Frollo said
�Well it�s not only Gypsies, there are other people outside their race that commit these crimes as well. We just can�t assume the Gypsies are the only ones that are doing this.� Phoebus said.
�Phoebus, I am in a higher rank than you. And I expect that you do not question my authority.� Frollo said.
�But...� Phoebus tried to finish his sentence.
�Now, now. Let�s be civilized about this shall we? Now the Gypsies have had a bad history, so it is easy to point the finger at them. But Phoebus is right, it�s not just them. We must enforce these laws of stealing and vandalism here in Paris. I expect that you and Jean to work together and have more guards posted everywhere in the city so we can keep an eye on these things. But as for the Gypsies, I am concerned about them a little as well, so pay attention to them closely. Not the way Claude handled it but in a more civilized manner." the king said. Frollo clenched his fist after the way the king talked about his brother so crossly.
"Is that understood?� the king asked.
�Yes your highness.� Jean and Phoebus said together.
�Very good. Now lets move on shall we?� the king said. Frollo and Phoebus never looked at each other through out the rest of the meeting.
Quasimodo and Marie spent the rest of the afternoon looking in shops. They went into a small boutique that sold various items. They looked at many nice things, including one that caught Marie�s eye. �Oh my, this is lovely!� Marie said.
�What�s that?� Quasimodo asked as he walked over to her.
�It�s a locket!� she said as she pointed to the heart shaped necklace. �You open it up and you can have something engraved or put a picture in it.� She said. �Isn�t it lovely how the silver shines?� she asked.
�Oh its so beautiful Marie.� Quasimodo said. �I bet you could afford it.�
�Well yeah, but it�s meant for a special occasion really. Some guy should give it to a lucky girl.� She said and continued to look atother things. Quasimodo took one more look at the silver locket and followed Marie.
After looking around Paris all day, Quasimodo and Marie both agreed it was time to go back and rest before dinner. They went back to the cathedral and Marie and Quasimodo talked about their wonderful day until it was time to go to Phoebus�s house. They went on down and headed straight to the house.
Quasimodo knocked on the door and Phoebus answered it. �Hey Quasi, Esmeralda told me you and a friend were coming!� Phoebus said. �And you must be her?� Phoebus asked as he looked at Marie.
�I am. My name is Marie.� She said.
�And I�m Phoebus. It�s a pleasure to meet you your ladyship. I met your father earlier today at the meeting. He�s a fine man.�
�Why thank you!� Marie said.
�Oh come in, come in!� Phoebus said and he and Quasi and Marie went inside. Esmeralda was already inside the house pouring the drinks and they all greeted each other and then sat down to eat. They ate a hearty meal and talked for a while and then Marie asked,
�So Phoebus, how did the meeting go?� Marie asked.
�It went ok, besides several issues came up, particularly with Jean and his problems with the Gypsies.�
�What!� Quasimodo said.
�Are you serious Phoebus?� Esmeralda asked.
�Yep, apparently Jean is like his brother. He�s already talking about arrests on account of stealing and several charges.�
�But it�s not like all Gypsies do that! Many other people in Paris are guilty of the same crimes. Why pick on my people?� Esmeralda asked.
�I don�t know darling. It just burns me on how Jean was sitting there one minute, literally apologizing about what his brother did,claiming he was led byfalse judgements, and thenmakes accusations on the Gypsies!"
�What did his brother do?� Marie asked.
�He arrested all the Gypsies nearly 3 months ago. He rampaged their hideout and put them all in prison. They got free but I think Jean is here to take care of unfinished business left by his brother.� Phoebus said.
Marie then noticed the time. �Oh goodness! I really must be going!� Marie said and quickly got up.
�Oh thank you so much for feeding me and letting me in your home Phoebus.�
�It�s my pleasure Lady Marie.� Phoebus said as he kissed her hand. �You are always welcomed here.�
�I appreciate that so much.�
�Marie, do you want me to walk you home.� Quasimodo asked.
�Oh no Quasi, you stay here. My house isn�t too far away.� She said and then went over to hug him. �Thank you so much for showing me Paris today and just...everything!� she said. Quasimodo hugged her back.
�You are so welcome Marie.�
�I�ll hopefully see you tommorow, if not tommorow then really soon. It was such a pleasure meeting you Esmeralda and Phoebus.�
�You too Marie. We really hope to see more of you.� Esmeralda said.
Marie then looked at Quasi and said, �I think you will.� and winked at Quasi.
�Well I better hurry! Good bye!� and Marie ran out the door.
�So what do you think?� Quasimodo asked.
�She is very sweet and polite Quasi. I like her a lot.� Esmeralda said.
�Me too Quasi, you really found quite a gal there.� Phoebus said as he hit his shoulder.
�Yeah, she�s...amazing.� Quasimodo said as he watched her out the window. Esmeralda and Phoebus smiled at each other. They both could tell he was smitten by her and were very happy for him.

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