The Waltz Of Lovers And Fools

Dear Old Friend

"Are you certain this is the place?" Raoul asked the cab driver as they pulled up at a slightly shabby looking town house.

"This is the address." He answered with a thick accent, shrugging. Raoul sighed.

"I'm going to go check, Christine. Stay he-" before he could finish, he realized Christine was no longer beside him. Holding up the ends of her soft pink gown, she ran through the snow to the front porch steps.

"Oh, Christine!" A voice shouted from inside as the door swung open. The old friends united once again, holding eachother so tightly they could each scarcely breathe. Raoul ran after her, standing at the bottom of the steps. He'd have been upset, but she and Meg hadn't seen each other in years. He couldn't bring himself to break up their loving reunion.

"You look stunning!" Christine doted, touching a lock of meg's long, cascading blonde hair.

"And you- you haven't aged a day. Your hair! Its so short!" She exclaimed. Glancing behind her, Meg flashed a warm smile at the Viscount. "Come inside, please!"

Christine felt slightly saddened for her, at the sight of the house. It wasn't as grand as they had implied before- but then, she can't imagine there was anything spectacular waiting for them outside ballet, and after the disaster, many struggled to find their way.

To her surprise, four other ballerinas with whom she'd grown up were waiting in the parlor, smothering her in affectionate greetings and hugs. She hadn't felt so excited or happy in years, finally connecting with her family once again after so much solitude. They were all locked in a conversation, the room buzzing.

Madam Giry locked eyes with Raoul from across the room, nodding in acknowledgement. They stood together against the wall, not wanting to disturb the loving reunion.

"How is he?" He asked quietly in reference to Andre's health.

"Up and down. Some days he is very well, and others...not so much. But the outlook is not terribly grim. At least not yet." She explained. "I know his spirits will be lifted when Christine comes to visit. He looks at her as the daughter he never had."

"She's been eager to see him as well. I must ask you... It is safe for us here, is it not?"

"He is long dead." Madam confirmed once again, leaning in close and whispering so the girls didn't hear. "You have nothing to worry about. And she? How is she fairing in the city?"

"She was upset, but I have high hopes that she'll be in better spirits after seeing everyone." He glanced to the group, seeing her brightly smiling and holding onto another girl's hands. They all scurried up the stairs not long after. Raoul sighed and sat down on the sofa.

"Would you like some tea?"

"I had something a bit stronger in mind."

The rooftop was stunning. Window boxes of flowers and small fruits and vegetables scattered about. Pumpkins were flourishing, growing larger than her head. Meg was more than excited to show her, each of them telling her about the flowers.

When a red rose was placed in her hand, everyone froze. Christine's smile sharply faded. An apology was whispered to her, but the five of them stood in silence while waiting for her to say something. No one wanted to bring up the disaster. No one dared to.

"Have...have you seen the orchids?" Felicity offered, attempting to change the subject. Christine slowly clasped her hand around the rose, calmly smelling its petals.

"They're all beautiful." She said under her breath. "Its alright, you needn't worry so much over me."

Meg continued to watch her expression through the casual conversation, each one of them telling about the recent events in their lives. Christine was quiet, but listened to each one. After a short while, Jaqueline gasped.