Jewel of his Heart

Chapter 16

Unfortunately their moment was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Esmeralda, Pierre and a group of Royal Guards. Upon seeing the unconscious Frollo lying on the floor they immediately grabbed him by both arms and dragged him away to face justice. The two couples watched on until they disappeared down the stairs and turned their attention towards each other. With a beaming smile on her face Sapphira ran into her sisters arms once again and they embraced each other with sisterly love, Pierre joined in and held the two women with an equally loving embrace but Quasimodo stood where he was and watched as the family reunited for the second time that day. When Sapphira realized Quasimodo was still standing at the end of the walk way she released her hold on her sister and approached him. She held out her hand towards him but he was reluctant to take it for he was shy and nervous about approaching them even though he had already met them, with an encouraging smile Sapphira took his by the hand and led him towards her family. 

 
"Thank you Quasimodo, you have saved our sister's life for the second time and for that we are eternally grateful" said Pierre offering him as smile as he stood before them. 

"Indeed we are and we can never thank you enough. And on behalf of our people we welcome you to our tribe with open arms" continued Esmeralda with a welcoming smile.

 
Quasimodo felt so humbled by their gesture that tears fell from his eyes. Sapphira gave him a gentle squeeze on the hand and with that the four of them made their way towards the steps and left the bell tower.

XXX

At the Cathedral entrance Esmeralda, Pierre and Sapphira stepped outside to greet the cheering crowd but when Sapphira saw Quasimodo wasn't with them she turned back to see he was hiding in the shadows of the doorway. She approached him and held out her hand to encourage him to come out, reluctantly Quasimodo took her by the hand and slowly came into the light. The crowd quietened as he appeared which only increased his nervousness more until a little girl in a purple dress and cap appeared. She made her way up the Cathedral steps and approached Quasimodo. When she stood before him she said nothing and just reached out with both hands to touch his face. The poor bell ringer flinched thinking she was going to hurt him but when he little hands touched both of his cheeks he relaxed, allowing the little girl to offer him a friendly hug. The sweet little moment warmed the hearts of everyone and then Clopin stepped forward.

"THREE CHEERS! FOR QUASIMODO!" he exclaimed and soon everyone burst into a cheer.

A group of men approached Quasimodo and hoisted him up onto their shoulders and proceeded to parade him around the square then through the streets of Paris. Quasimodo was overjoyed to finally be accepted by the citizens of Paris and Sapphira, Pierre and Esmeralda watched on feeling just as happy for their dear friend.