Margot’s Dressing Room
She quickly realized that she shouldn't have mentioned Marguerite again and just left that subject alone. But Adelle could not start something and not finish. "If Marguerite was so upset and offended then I doubt she would be so concerned about your well being." Adelle offered. "Which, right now, is *not* that well. Look at you Paul" She said sternly taking hold of his arm "you are trembling. Please do lay back down."
Responded to that question quickly "Because she is such a kind person at heart Mademoiselle" Gave her a very annoyed glare and shook his arm as a sign to release her "Now let me go. I have no business here and the trembling is nothing serious" Swallowed and made an effort to stop shaking but he failed and he had to sit back down since the image before him started to swirl before his eyes. Again he heard the opening of a door and it was getting to him. All the leaving and entering made him edgy and he glared at Axelia...
"It's green tea ... but it is very soothing and should help him, if anything it should help relax him ... now I will see about the other thing you wished for me to see to..." With that she left and went in search of a doctor.
"See? You are giving us something to do while we would otherwise be sitting idly by." She said handing him the tea. This statement was not exactly true, a theatre during show time was never slow paced but she would rather help someone in need then run around following Marie's every order.
Green tea? He knew just by hearing that he was not drinking it. Wary he stared at the green stuff in the cup. The fumes already made him turn it down "Eum I suddenly feel wonderful and don't need this" He handed it back to Adelle "and I'm sure that you can find something to keep yourself busy with Mademoiselle. Because I know from Mademoiselle Saint-Just that it can get very hectic around here and also a doctor won't be needed" Again he made an effort to get up but the sight of Marguerite made him calm and he stopped shifting on the couch...
Marguerite ran back stage frantically towards her dressing room. tearing
at parts of her costumes as she went. Once she reached her door she
pushed her way through. "I just have a minute to change, everything is
falling a part out there." she nearly yelled at Adelle as she pulled her
blouse off, nearly forgetting Paul was there. "Oh, Alexia, I didn't see
you there, you're Yvonne's understudy right? She won't be doing the
second act."
His eyebrows raised to new heights as he saw Marguerite take her blouse off in front of his very eyes. Paul, the gentleman he was, wanted to give her a sign but his mouth wouldn't open and his limps wouldn't move. All he did was stare but only for a while. Then he realized they were not alone and he quickly cast his eyes down. Still, uttering a word was out of the question because he was reliving that sight in his mind and he sighed from it...
Marguerite was near panting adjusting her new blouse and wig, when she saw
Paul still sitting on her couch. She sat down for a moment and placed a
gentle hand on his forehead, "Are you feeling any better Paul?" she asked
but someone else yelled for her from the hallway before he could
answer. "You just sit and rest I'll be back at intermission." she
called as she dashed out of the room.
Lifted his head when he heard her gentle footsteps approaching. Again
her touch soothed him, made the pain in his head lessen but the moment
she pulled her hand away a throbbing pain came back. He stared at her,
pain written in his eyes but he didn't speak. He had trouble finding
his voice and by the time he could answer she was gone. Silently he
did answer her question, forgetting others are present "I feel good
when you're here Marguerite" Sighed, missing her already "but when
you're gone it hurts"
Axelia nodded when Marguerite asked if she was Yvonne's understudy. "All right..." Axelia than turned to Adelle. "Mademoiselle? I am sorry but I must be off... I will return as soon as I can..." she than turned to Paul. "Drink the tea ... it will help ... take care..." With that she raced out of Marguerite's dressing room and into hers and got into Yvonne's outfit for second act than went to wait.
After his silent thoughts or at least he thought they were silent he looked in Axelia's eyes "I will Mademoiselle. Thank you for your care" Sniffed the tea but he wasn't convinced to drink it yet..
"Paul listen" Adelle said taking his hand and kneeling by the couch. "I am trying to make things better not worse. You are *not* well you must know that and getting upset and attempting to go walking around in the middle of the night when you can barely stand will not help matters. Be still and drink it. It will help I promise you." Seeing the expression on his face she added with a smile "it tastes better then you think I give my word."
Paul stared in her eyes, trying to listen attentively but he could barely keep his head up "Mademoiselle I..." he sighed. He knew she was right and he decided to let the matter rest until he gathered some strength and saw a change to get away "Whatever you say Mademoiselle" With that he drank some of the tea and to his surprisement he found it rather sweet and took another sip "Mmmm, this is very good" Smiled softly at Adelle "You are too kind" Squeezed her hand gently and continued drinking his tea.
"And *you* need to get your rest." Adelle replied with a kind smile. "And I told you the tea wasn't so bad." She began to move through the room picking up Marguerite's recently discarded rags to hang up. "Oh and Paul next time there is a quick change....you might want to turn around." Adelle was glad she was hanging up a blouse and not facing him or Paul might have noticed the amused grin that grew on her face.
He nodded and although she was younger than him he couldn't help but say "Yes mother" He chuckled but quickly stopped since the pain in his head warned him it wasn't a good thing. Then he placed the empty cup on the ground next to the couch and laid down. He yawned and stretched his limps before snuggling his head down on the pillow "and I did turn around Mademoiselle. Just like I promised Mar..Mademoiselle Saint-Just" Paul took the cloth from the couch and laid it on his closed eyes "Now Mademoiselle how did you come to work here?"
"I don't really know just how it happened." She said as she continued to hang up costume pieces. " I always wanted to do a "man's job" when I was younger-be a doctor, a lawyer-I loved to argue when I was little! The only thing besides playing with my dolls that was considered appropriate for a lady was sewing. I began to offer my services privately and then one day....here I was."
Kept laying motionless on the couch "So you wanted to be lawyer and
in the end you ended up a seamstress. Mmmm I'm positive Mademoiselle
you chose the right direction. Law can be pretty boring as well as
intriguing. Mostly the first though or stressful. Either way sewing
is much better. Must be satisfactory to create something with your
hands, non?"
"It can be. But more often then not I create something totally dictated by the woman who wants to wear it. I don't yet have many customers who trust me to create on my own for them. You seem to have a strong opinion about law. Are *you a lawyer?"
Paul keeps forgetting the slightest movement causes a terrible pain
throb in his temple and he winces, crying out silently "Ah..." Calmed
down and took a deep breath "Sorry Mademoiselle and yes. I am a
lawyer. Although right now I'm more involved in politics and have you
ever thought of opening a shop in Paris?"
Adelle cringed at Paul's outcry. Leaving the rack of Marguerite's costumes for the night she moved back over to the couch to check on him. "I am too young and haven't the money to start a venture as large as that. That, and I would miss the excitement around here. " She dipped the rag in water again and placed it on his forehead. "This might hurt a little at first....." She began apologetically as she reached up and gently began to massage his
temples hoping to relieve some pressure.
He thought about her answer. Paul was thinking about how he could
thank the two wonderful ladies who are looking after him now and he
already found one gift which might be appreciated.
When she removed the cloth he kept his eyes closed and it brought a cold shiver through his body when she laid back on. He sighed. It brings him a bit of comfort as long as the cloth is cold. Once it warms up it does more damage than good. He yawned slightly and braced himself when Adelle warned him for possible pain. Paul kept his eyes tightly shut and waited. Then he felt her warm fingers and at first it hurt terrible but the swirling movement quickly brought a soothing effect and the pain lessened a great deal "Mademoiselle are you interested in such venture or perhaps make a few of your own creations and sell them?"
"I always am. But shhhhh Paul!" She admonished in a soft manner. "Just keep quiet and still for a moment or two." Talking when you had a deep headache was always hard and Adelle thought it was best for him to just rest. Perhaps he'd even fall asleep which would be even better. At least he couldn't notice the pain if he was asleep.....
She continued to lightly massage his temple and then skillfully moved her fingers to his scalp. The light drizzle outside was calming and she hoped he was beginning to feel better. And that Axelia came back with a doctor soon.
Paul yawned. The soothing massage was making him so comfortable and
free of pain he was suddenly feeling very tired and relaxed. Still he
had to say a few more things before he let sleep conquer his
will "I..." spoke through yawns" can help you with that Mademoiselle.
As a thank you for your kindness today and good care" Yawned again
and shifted his head, snuggling it better in the pillow...
"Alright Paul" She replied to placate him and get him to stop talking. As he began to fade off to sleep she carefully took her hands away and tucked the blanket tighter around him and began to prepare for Marguerite's next quick change.
Marguerite dashed back into her dressing room, ready to plop into her couch for a short rest, however that wouldn't happen since Paul was there. She entered to see him sleeping on her couch. She nodded to Adelle as she grabbed part of the next costume.
"Anything you need Marguerite?" Adelle whispered. "The poor thing just drifted off a moment ago." Indicating Paul on the couch.
Marguerite shook her head, "No I'm fine. How is Paul doing, poor thing."
"Better then he was once I convinced him to lay down. He was sure you were appalled by what he did, kissing you, and wanted to be gone as soon as possible. now! At night in the cold while it's drizzling out! Axelia brought some hot tea and left to find a doctor. I got out another blanket and massaged his temples and he went right to sleep." She wiped her hands off on a rag and checked Marguerite over before she left. "Remember the skirt tassel goes on the side"
Marguerite adjusted the tassel. "He's ill, I doubt he'll remember in the morning. I hope Axelia hurries back she has to go on next act." Marguerite moved over and gently stroked Paul's forehead. "Poor thing, wonder what came over him."
"I certainly wouldn't know, but he seems awfully fond of you. And I'll go
make sure Yvonne's costume is laid out for Adelle."
"It's ok, I saw her dashing about in it before, she just needs to get back
in time." Marguerite said before turning her attention back to
Paul. "He's such a nice man, Paul that is, and a dear friend of mine."
"He's been ever so thoughtful since he got here. Pardon me for prying but I would think you would do much better off with him-a man who seems to genuinely care about you to the point where he would go out of his way to appease you even if it puts him out then the man you spoke or earlier who doesn't seem to care about even your most basic opinions." Grimacing, hoping she hadn't been too out of place, Adelle moved to pin a few stray hairs of Margot's wig back in place.
Marguerite glared at Adelle. She was insulted that the girl would go so far as to make such an assumption. "The things I said earlier were influenced by the fact that we had a rare falling out earlier this evening. He does care and he does do things to appease me."
Oh no, Marguerite was glaring and Adelle felt about 2 feet tall. Moving behind her to check it back, she couldn't be seen and that was good. "Oh Marguerite I'm so sorry that was terribly out of line and I had nothing to back it up. It's none of my business at all."
"My relationship with Armand is very different from my relationship with Paul and I have no intention of swapping on for the other." Marguerite said, as she pulled and tugged at the costume.
"Oh please just forget I said anything." Adelle tried again apologetically as she reached out and buttoned the top button on the back of Margot's blouse.
"Just don't worry about, just forget I said anything." Marguerite sad sadly.
Adelle was confused by the actress verbatim repetition of her own apology but as long as the woman was no longer angry she wouldn't stop to question it. " You should probably start heading back out Marguerite." Adelle suggested softly.
Marguerite took one last look at Paul and nodded. "Try and find Axelia if
you can." Marguerite said as she stepped out of her dressing room.
Adelle nodded. " If she's not back soon I'll go and search her out. She shouldn't have gone too far." As the actress left Adelle realized she had nothing left to do. She had already straightened up the dressing room and if Yvonne's costume was already taken care of as she had been told then there was nothing more to do but sit and wait.
After a few moments the peaceful sleep was interrupted. Demons from the past taunted him in the darkness and made Paul restless. He started to shift his head and winced when the sudden movements hurt his head....
Glancing over at Paul and watching him thrash about on the couch proved her
previous statement false. "I guess I take that back>" She said to Xel,
disappointed. Patiently she waited to see if his restlessness persisted or if
he resumed his nap.
His breathing became heavier and irregular. He was having a nightmare
and shifted so much he fell out of the couch and flat on the ground.
He cried out in pain and embarrassed he hid his eyes from those
present but didn't get up
"Paul!" She cried as she ran over and knelt by him on the floor. "Are you alright?" Concerned she placed a hand on his back unable to see him well since his hands were over his face. She prayed his condition wasn't worsening, Axelia hadn't found a doctor. "Paul" She questioned once more as she tried to help him up...
He flinched when he felt someone touch his back and slowly he tried to lift himself but a dizzy stroke made him lose his balance and he fell back down "I..I have felt better m..mademoiselle" He moaned and laid his head on his arms and stayed on the ground "T..the room, spinning..head..pain. Ooh God. I want to die"
"Oh Lord....Axelia!" She yelled though the girl was still in the room. " I know you couldn't find a doctor but go find *someone*, *anyone* with some medical experience. If not we'll just take a carriage of one of the audience members." Quickly she turned her attention back to Paul. At the moment she had no clue what to do, only that he could not be left as he was. "Oh Paul I'm so sorry, just hang in there Axelia went to find help." She whispered drawing him close.
Paul was very weak and he couldn't move his arms. He just laid there helplessly in Adelle's arms but he didn't quite mind it and snuggled close to her. He sought comfort and used her as a pillow to rest his head "N..not your fault" Winced "mademoiselle. N..now as for the gift..Are you interested?"
"Gift? What do you-" It dawned on her that he was talking about his offer of helping her sell some of her dresses. "Paul, that is the *last* thing on my mind right now." Good grief he was in extreme pain and thinking of her? "Do you think you can move? You can stay where you are if moving is too painful, I don't mind."
He smiled weakly "It is...the first. . thing on mine. . mademoiselle" He took her hand and held it in his "Your kindness...needs to be. . repaid. So...have you thought. . about it?" He needed to get his mind of his pain and he hoped this would help.
"Paul" She began as she squeezed his hand. "I would gladly accept but how about we discuss some other time hmm? Getting you better is much more of a pressing matter then my sewing. Do you have any inkling of what is the matter? What hurts Paul and we can rule out some things."
"P..perhaps over dinner?" rubbed her hand with his fingertips and stared in her eyes "and your sewing..should be more important than a..stranger's health dear. At least...that's what I thought u..until now" Took her hand and laid it on his heart.
"You let me decide what is important alright?" She softly replied not wanting to move for fear of further hurting him. For the moment she remained where she was with Paul's head and shoulders resting in her lap. "And I would be more then happy to have dinner with you Paul but I don't see how that is possible if you cannot even stand!" She chuckled and gently wiped the beads of feverish perspiration off his forehead.
Somehow he felt good here in her arms and he wanted to feel her. Whether it was his illness, his lonely life or a certain growth of affection for this woman he didn't know but he wanted to touch her "Lets..not talk about me..It makes..me sicker t..to think of my pain mademoiselle"
"Anything you say." She assented. Not knowing if there was really anything to talk about besides his health in a situation such as this she declined from saying anything at all. Instead she focused on keeping him comfortable until Axelia came back. Keeping hold of his hand to let him know she was still there she moved her free hand slightly underneath his throbbing head and let her cool hand rub his warm neck. Closing her eyes she said a small prayer that he would be alright and that it would not be long before she heard Axelia's returning footsteps.
"Your care will keep me standing dear" He took her hand to his lips and kissed it. Then laid it back on his heart "You have touched me Mademoiselle. I have just met you and already I feel so lightheaded around you and..."laughed slightly "it's not because I'm ill"
At her touch he closed his eyes and a soft, long moan escaped his lips. The softness, coldness of her hand brought a wave of relief and lessened his migraine a bit. After a few seconds he opened his eyes and looked up in hers. He smiled, a warm glow brought some colour back to his face and his dark eyes didn't show pain but admiration and love.
When she moved her hand to his neck he flinched at first but then he leaned back and the massage brought forth some more soft moans. It felt good and he tightened his hold on her hand to her know her touch was magical "Now...back to my gift. T..tell me about your..dream of the shop M..mademoiselle"
Adelle was touched by his words, even if they might have been influenced by his fever. His kiss and obvious pleasure at her touch caused her to continue as she nervously wondered where Axelia was. " You *can* call me Adelle, Paul. As for the shop, it's not necessarily a dream of mine. I can't imagine how much extra work that would require! I enjoy it here though I wouldn't mind being able to do just what I wanted for the private dresses I make." She slowly realized that it was touch and talk that Paul was after. He needed both to keep himself from talking which would cause his headache to grow stronger and to keep his mind off how ill he really was. She carefully took her hand out from under his neck and smoothed a stray hair out of his face. Then, while continuing to ramble on to keep his thoughts away from his health she grasped his other hand, now having both arms wrapped protectively around him.
With weary eyes he looked from one hand to the other. Then back up to her. Adelle's voice was nice for his ears and he was very interested in all she said and mostly interested in her. "T..tell me what you need Mademoiselle" Still couldn't get himself to call her on a first name bases "and I..I'll arrange it all. As a thank you" As he spoke he let go of one hand and moved it up to her cheek. Softly he stroked it with his fingertips and lifted himself slightly "You're beautiful Mademoiselle and your touch is divine" He moved closer. Then softly he kissed her and he felt different than when he kissed Marguerite. He felt more at ease and wrapped his free arm around her neck and pulled her close to him. The kiss getting more intense and more passionate with every passing second...
"I appreciate it Paul but that isn't necessary, I'd be doing the same f--" She was cut short as he interrupted her train of thought and then kissed her, deeply. At first her pulse quickened and she was exhilarated, on the verge of matching his intensity with her own but she suddenly remembered her place and where they were. Softly, with a twinge of regret she broke it off and let him once more lean against her. "Marguerite will be back shortly. she only has a scene or two before her next change." She explained reaching for his hand once more. " And you can still call me Adelle" She said with a half smile. Impulsively she hugged him as the plot thickened both on and offstage.
After he kissed her he felt like it was appropriate to call her by her name but her breaking off the kiss worried him slightly "Adelle..." he swallowed "I know you must have..some thoughts about me..but I meant..the kiss and the feelings behind it were real" He held her hand tight and when she hugged him he turned around, ignoring his terrible headache, and wrapped his arms around her body tight. He laid his cheek against hers and closed his eyes and kept holding her, not wanting to let go....
"I know they were" she whispered as she hugged him back and moved her palm across his shoulders. At that moment she didn't care anymore if Marguerite walked in. Or the stage manager. Or anyone for that matter. This man seemed to care about her in way that did not relate to a costume being hemmed or in the right place, and it felt so good to be needed.
He lowered one hand and rubbed her back. Then shifted his head and kissed her cheek intense while moving his other hand up and laying it on her cheek. When this kiss ended he kissed her again and lowered it to her neck and shoulder "Thank god you do. You're so sweet..." winced" and so wonderful I'd hate to lose you before we actually met" This entire effort was taking a lot of his strength and he saw black spots again. But these were bigger and no blurred his entire vision and soon he saw nothing but darkness and collapsed in her arms. Unconscious he remained there in her embrace...
"Of course I will." She promised. Her voice was soothing and as cheery as she
could manage but her eyes betrayed how concerned she was. "Oh Paul....." Her
heart broke for the condition of this man. She hardly knew him but he was so
giving and so kind-and she could do nothing to ease his pain.
He didn't keep his eyes from her face and Paul could read humans well. So he
saw her pain and it made his heart ache. He gave her a smile and lifted
himself. Then moved back to the couch and he remained on the ground but
leaned against it. "Don't worry about me love. I'll be fine. T..this is just
normal really" He gently pulled her to him and took her on his lap. "Tomorrow
I..I'll be fine, trust me" He leaned forward and kissed her lips softly while
stroking her beautiful hair
"This is not normal." She admonished as he pulled her into his lap. She tried
to be careful and not cause him anymore discomfort so she shifted her weight.
"I hope you *are* fine tomorrow. And... I already trust you." She allowed him
to kiss her and returned it tenfold. In the back of her mind Adelle knew this
was moving fast and thought she heard footsteps in the hall. But none of
that mattered now. Placing a hand delicately against his chest to balance
herself she kissed him with all the hope and power and well wishes she had so
quickly come to hold for the man that held her so tenderly.
Axelia quickly hurried to the dressing room, dragging some poor, unfortunate soul who happened to mention he had some medical training... what he didn't mention was that he was kicked out of medical school after 4 weeks. When the two got to the door, the 'doctor' stopped. Shaking her head exasperated, Axelia walked in. What she saw was NOT what she expected. When she saw what was happening, she stepped backwards, her hand on her mouth, eyes widened. Forgetting about the 'doctor' she ran right into him and tensed and quickly spun around. She wasn't relieved to see him since she just met him, but dragged him into the room.
"A-hem... sorry to interrupt anything... but... uh... well I found someone with medical training..." With that Axelia looked to the ground.
Returned Adelle's kiss with all the love and passion his heart could muster. His hand lowered and stroked her back. Then he let it rest on her waist. Paul was completely lost in the kiss and he didn't hear or saw someone entering. He just kept his lips firmly pressed on Adelle's until he heard a voice. Startled he turned to the door and he swallowed. This resembled a deja-vu a lot and he shook his head. And although the situation was the same he didn't feel the same. He just stared at Axelia and smiled while he pressed Adelle's head gently against his chest. "Don't worry..about it..M..Mademoiselle. W..we just got carried away for a while" He coughed but not because he was embarrassed. Paul had no problems with letting people know how he felt about Adelle and he held her tight. "M..medical training? W..what for?" Warily he eyed the man that stood behind Axelia "W..who's that?"
Axelia looked up and nodded slowly. "All right ... well ... you are very ill and it was thought best if someone had a look at you to see what the matter is ... this is Citoyen Tamt Sato" the 'doctor' nodded in greeting wondering what was going on. "Well,.. what seems to be the problem?"
"Eum i...it is just a severe migraine Citoyen Sato" Shifted his gaze from Adelle to Axelia and back "I..I told them it's normal but...still they got a doctor"
The doctor seemed relieved. "Well if that is all it is, I shall be going... so long..." with that he left. Axelia shook her head and turned to Paul and started going off sarcastically.
Paul frowned and stared questioningly at Adelle while Axelia continues on with speaking. He has no idea why she acts like this and is lost. He doesn't know what to say and confused he just looks in Axelia's eyes. When she's done he stammers a bit since he still has no idea what to say "Eum yes...sure...and merci for your help...M..Mademoiselle" Sighed and laid his head on Adelle's shoulder and watched Axelia leave
"A migraine... a migraine... I'm sure that is all it is to have Mademoiselle St Just so worried, I see it all now... well I would enjoy to continue this conversation, but seeing as how you are sick and I have to be on stage... I shall leave... take care..." With that she stalked out of the room. Once out she realized she was being to harsh on Paul, but she could not understand why he would allow himself to get worse and worse. She couldn't bare to think of what would happen if it DID get worse... she had known stubborn people in the past who were eventually killed because of it, she didn't need to see it again. Sighing she realized she better go apologize. She slowly made her way back to the dressing room.
"I...I'm sorry citoyen... I just don't see how prolonging medical attention will do any good when it is obvious that you are not well and I don't want to see anything happen to someone who dislikes doctors... I know I shouldn't have gone off like that... but I was very upset... I hope you can accept my apology..." With that she once again turned gaze to the ground before walking out the door and leaning against the wall.
She relished his touch but as soon as she heard voices it dawned on her how utterly inappropriate this was. The young seventeen year old girl blushed ever so slightly. Paul laid her head on his chest but she gently nudged his hand away to get up and speak with the doctor. But before she could get anything out Paul assured the two newcomers he was fine and they left.
Lifted his head when Axelia makes her entrance again. He was expecting another outburst so he was quite surprised when he offered her apologies. And Paul being someone to never hold a grudge accepts it gladly but by the time he can speak she left the room "I..eum Mademoiselle please come back. I..want to talk to you for a moment. T..that is if you have time"
She was leaning against the wall, knowing it was almost time to go on stage, and was shocked when she heard Paul's voice. She stepped in some, staying in the shadows. "I have a few minutes.. but not many...yes...?"
He gave her a warm smile "Oh this won't take long Mademoiselle. I promise" He winced slightly and closed his eyes briefly "I just wanted to tell you I accept your apology. Even though you don't need one. I..I mean I understand why you reacted that way. B..but I've had such migraines before and no doctor seems to be able stop them. It..is eum just something I have to accept and deal with. I've had them since I was a kid and once in a while I get struck by one. It is completely normal. Although mostly when I have such an attack I am alone. So no one knows and I hoped to keep it like that but today it got me before I was home. My apologies for that. I didn't mean to either..upset" coughed "or worry anyone. I am sorry" He closed his eyes again and kept them closed while leaning against the couch and wrapping his arms around Adelle and pulling her back with him so she's resting on his chest.....
Adelle had gotten up by this time and stood in the doorway to talk to
Axelia. "I.um....well he seems to be feeling a little better." She said with
a conspiratory grin to her fellow teen. Glancing back at Paul she turned
serious once more. "Axelia he is not as fine as he claims. He's blacked out,
he feels dizzy, and he has a fever as well but he won't see the doctor and I
don't now what to do, we can't make him. I agree with you wholeheartedly that
it is unwise but he wants to speak with you and maybe you can convince him?"
She was leaning against the wall, knowing it was almost time to go on stage, and was shocked when she heard Paul's voice. She stepped in some, staying in the shadows. "I have a few minutes.. but not many...yes...?"
He gave her a warm smile "Oh this won't take long Mademoiselle. I promise" He winced slightly and closed his eyes briefly "I just wanted to tell you I accept your apology. Even though you don't need one. I..I mean I understand why you reacted that way. B..but I've had such migraines before and no doctor seems to be able stop them. It..is eum just something I have to accept and deal with. I've had them since I was a kid and once in a while I get struck by one. It is completely normal. Although mostly when I have such an attack I am alone. So no one knows and I hoped to keep it like that but today it got me before I was home. My apologies for that. I didn't mean to either..upset" coughed "or worry anyone. I am sorry"
During his speech to the girl Adelle had crossed over and knelt beside him once more. Her brow furrowed. "They happen frequently? As intense as that just was?" She couldn't imagine going through that on a regular basis.....
He closed his eyes again and kept them closed while leaning against the couch and wrapping his arms around Adelle and pulling her back with him so she's resting on his chest.....
She relished his touch but knew how inappropriate this was, at least at the moment. The young seventeen year old girl blushed ever so slightly. Axelia was still in the room so she gently nudged him off but remained holding fast to his hand. What an odd predicament they'd all found themselves in. "I wonder what everyone makes of this" She thought to herself.
Axelia nodded to Adelle, than returned inside. She listened to what Paul had to say, and realized why she got so worked up and spoke softly to herself not realizing she could be heard. "He is like my brother... that is why I got so worked up..." She looked up when he spoke of how it happened continually. "Citoyen... it is worse if it happens frequently... there could be underlying problems... but I won't try to force you into anything... but at least see if you can diagnose what causes it... if there is a pattern of when it happens... such as if it seems to always happen on a rough day or such... I... I think it would be best if I left now... I will check in on you when I have the chance... so long..." and with that the young woman turned and left all the while realizing just how much Paul reminded her of her own brother.
He sighed sadly "Even worse Adelle. There are times...I can't even get out of bed or even speak from the pain and d..doctors are powerless. T..they've given me enough pain as it is" as he spoke he searched with his eyes closed for the wet cloth that was somewhere on the couch. When he found it Paul laid it on his eyes and moaned because it temporarily brought him some comfort.
Then he felt a pain shoot through his head when Adelle nudged him. It really wasn't her fault for she was ever so gentle but his headache has only gotten worse and every movement hurt him to the depths of his body. He lifted himself with a snap and a loud cry was uttered as that movement only made the pain more intense....
At his cry, Paul held her immediate attention. Adelle still didn't know what more to do for him and hearing that doctors hadn't made a difference did not make her feel any better. Her brain was racing through possibilities but thankfully her body reacted. Reaching out she cradled him like a child while grabbing a pillow from the couch and laying his head down on it. "Paul....I don't know what to do for you...I don't know what else to do.." She said in a small scared voice.
All the pain his mind is going through can be seen in his eyes. They are dull, dark and very, very tired but there is also room for love. Love for this oh so gentle woman he just met and already his entire heart is devoted to her. Already he craved for her touch, for a kiss or even a warm smile that cast rainbows in his heart and made the sun , no matter how much darkness encompassed him, shine within himself. All that was accomplished with a smile. So Paul smiled at her, in the hope to get one flashed back at him and ease her fear and worry at least a bit. "Just..stay with me mon amour a..and your love and care will ease my pain" As he spoke these words he stroked her cheek. He longed for a kiss, he longed to feel the warmth of her lips on his but he knew that Axelia still was there. So she would not openly show her affections for him. He didn't care. Feeling her skin, that was as soft as rain, already was enough and Paul just stared at her. He let this image of a sweet angel erase the pain he felt so strongly....
She took a deep breath and nodded. At least he was still consciously active unlike before, and it calmed her to hear his voice. She met his hand against her cheek with her own and kissed it. Quickly she got up and crossed to Axelia in the doorway. Adelle was worn already from the night's events and she was extremely worried about Paul but she still had a job to do. "Axelia I put Yvonne's costume in your dressing room. You should already have the wig and you're going on at the end of this Act." Taking a deep breath she returned to Paul's side and again took his hand in her own small one. It was evident he was making an effort for her sake to appear in better shape then he was. She tried to smile but in the current strain of the situation it did not last for long. Bending forward she placed a light kiss on his forehead and put the damp rag back in place. "What would you have me do?" She asked, quietly, so as not to further aggravate his headache.
As she kissed his hand he kept stroking her cheek. The loving glare still imminent in his eyes and even though the light hurt him he could not close them. For he thought it was all a dream and even a blink with the eyes would take her away and he'd be alone again in his empty life. So Paul kept watching her, touching her to reassure him she was really there and not just a figment of his sick mind.
When she left him he got worried and squirmed, shifting his head so he could look at her. With fear on his face he watched her. Is she leaving him? Was it a dream? Did he make more of it than it really was? The thoughts alone made him depressed and he looked back up at the ceiling. He stared his mind back in the right direction and thought of her loving words. So honestly spoken and true and he repeated them to himself for they needed to be heard. She promised she wouldn't. So she wouldn't was his conclusion and he eased a bit while waiting for her return.
Then he heard light footsteps. His heart shouted it out. She's back! He was so happy that she came back and didn't abandon him in his time of need like Marguerite did. He really needed her comfort and he was convinced she knew it. Still her profession went before the care of her friends. He sighed. Why was he thinking of her when he had Adelle. She was still there. She had no relation with him, no bond of friendship like Marguerite did and yet she looked after him so well. She had made this horrible pain bearable and somehow he didn't even mind that Marguerite left him. For then he had never met her. This stranger that came to him like out of a dream and made his hell into a heaven.
Again he felt her touch. Then her lips. Oh god! It felt so good and he sighed contently "Just hold me Adelle and then this hell will turn into heaven and you'll be the angel that guided me there my love"
Obligingly Adelle did as she was told. She was used to taking orders but this was one she did not mind following. Moving back to lean low against the couch she carefully gathered him into her arms so that his head rested near her shoulder. "You praise far too highly" She said, absently intertwining her fingers with his. " You give me too much credit. Why I could be none other then the doctor right now and I doubt you'd notice." She chuckled at the image of Paul laying against Citoyen Sato as he was with her then. "The play should not last more then another 35 minutes and then the others will be back to help you." She sighed, although she hadn't meant to. When the play ended Marguerite would return to her dressing room but what would she do with what she saw inside? Her thoughts turned back to the man leaning against her and her heart when out to him as she gave him a reassuring, but careful, squeeze. "My poor little lawyer" she said shaking her head sadly. "You should not have to endure this so often, nor alone."
When he felt her gentle arms around him he laid his head on her shoulder. Then he lifted himself a bit and softly kissed her throat before he nuzzled himself against her shoulder "I never do Adelle and I only give credit where it's due" He smiled when he felt the soft touch of her fingers and he moves their hands to his stomach. Where he laid them down and wrapped his other hand around hers like a glove "And trust me Adelle. I would notice..." Squeezed her hand "M..my vision m..may be blurred but I'm not blind. And even if I would b..be. I can still..hear and feel" Stroked her hand with his thumb while he spoke further "For example I doubt that Sato has such gentle, thin hands" Moved on hand up to her face and laid it on her cheek "or such soft skin" lowered his hand and now he was stroking her lips "or such warm lips and then that beautiful, soft hair which has the scent of roses in spring and most of all such, tender, angelical voice that sounds like music and makes the throbbing in my head vanish like snow does for the sun. So dear I would recognize you" Took his hand back and laid it on hers again. Sadly he sighed and looked up in her eyes "I love it here..Adelle. H..here in your arms I..feel safe and I..want to stay here forever. I just need you. Only you. I..only need my angel to hold me, comfort me and sooth me" When she squeezed him he wrapped his arms around her and snuggled close. He didn't care if someone saw them like this. Not even Marguerite. At this moment she didn't matter. All that mattered was the loving woman holding him and the possible end of his lonely life "I am not alone anymore Adelle. I have you"
It was strange to Adelle that this man seemed so attached to her after a short period of time but she felt a growing affection for the tender gentleman already. He was so affectionate and sweet and he *cared*. She had not had many serious suitors in her 17 years, only a few outings with young men she knew so this was all new to her. And she liked it. Paul's soft caresses and poetic words caused her to momentarily shiver with pleasure as she held him closer. "If only I were an angel, then you would be well in less then a minute." She felt so young just then. Cradling him in her awkward young arms as he professed feelings for her. Feelings that were so fresh to her, that she was unaccustomed to having or having felt *for* her. "Paul..." she asked, quietly concerned. "Will Marguerite care? Do....do you care?"
"If you mean care for you, yes I do. I know it's only been hours ago that we met but and perhaps it's impossible to feel such strong feelings for someone in such short time but..now..now I know it's possible" He sighed "I need you Adelle. Don't ask why..for I don't the know answer but ..what I do know is that..the thought of leaving you is unbearable to me. Not seeing you anymore even frightens me. Because I think I'm in love. And I mean really in love. As for Marguerite she'll be happy for the both of us.. I just know she will so please my love don't worry and be happy. Life is really too short to worry about things" After these spoken words he kissed her tenderly on the lips...
She eagerly received his kiss and returned it. "I...I'm not sure what to say" She whispered leaning back. " I'm not all that worried. It's odd but....I feel something for you as well. And I really do-" She stopped and looked up as the door to the dressing room opened...
Finally done with a frustrating night, Marguerite practically stopped her way back to her dressing room. A fitting evening for an awful day. Finally it was over and Marguerite just wanted to get her things and go home to hide under her bed.
Brushing past most of her other cast mates, Marguerite, forgetting about Paul and Adelle from earlier, threw open the dressing room door, expecting the room to be empty, only to give a slight surprised screech to find Adelle and Paul in each other's arms on the floor of her room.
Earlier Adelle had bravely decided that she wouldn't care if anyone such as Marguerite or the stage manager walked in and caught them. Now that it happened however...she did. Looking up to see the agitated actress stomp into the room her heart jumped into her throat. "Can....umm....can I help you with anything Marguerite?" She asked quietly, blushing and trying to look anywhere but directly at her.
When the door opened Paul snapped his head of surprisement in the direction of it. The movement was so sudden that a dark, throbbing pain made him dizzy and he lessened his embrace and cried out while slumping in Adelle's arms.
Under other circumstances, Marguerite would have been a bit kinder in dealing with the situation. But she had had a bad night, which was following a bad day, and finding a dresser in her room with her ill friend in such a position was not what she needed. "No," she snapped, "I can take my things else where if you'd prefer to use my dressing room for, for, for this!" she said as she grabbed her dress and stomped out of her room.
Paul's sudden movement had made him worse and Marguerite was upset and thinking godknowswhat about the two of them. With two things to deal with and unable to accomplish both tasks at once, Adelle had to choose. Paul's condition was a tad more urgent that Mlle. St. Justs disgust with her at present so she remained in the dressing room. "Paul? Good God stop moving!" she cried, holding him up while she slipped out from underneath him. Gingerly she laid him down on a pillow on the floor, keeping her hand resting against his aching head. "Paul you *must* keep still. Please." She pleaded wondering what else could possibly go wrong now.
When the door opened Paul snapped his head of surprisement in the direction of it. The movement was so sudden that a dark, throbbing pain made him dizzy and he lessened his embrace and cried out while slumping in Adelle's arms.
Paul's sudden movement had made him worse and Marguerite was upset and thinking godknowswhat about the two of them. With two things to deal with and unable to accomplish both tasks at once, Adelle had to choose. Paul's condition was a tad more urgent that Mlle. St. Justs disgust with her at present so she remained in the dressing room. "Paul? Good God stop moving!" she cried, holding him up while she slipped out from underneath him. Gingerly she laid him down on a pillow on the floor, keeping her hand resting against his aching head. "Paul you *must* keep still. Please." She pleaded wondering what else could possibly go wrong now.
It hurt but he didn't care and he pulled his head away from her touch "I..I must go now" winced "Adelle" He tried to get up and used the couch for support "I love you..but Marguerite.. I mean
I..shouldn't stay here" Lifted himself and tried to walk to the
door...
She stopped him before he got much farther. " Not until your
migraine is gone at least. Please" She said holding onto his arm." Marguerite can wait. I don't want to have to worry about you collapsing on your way home because you can barely stand let alone walk."
Laid his hand on hers and stares weakly in her eyes "T.that
could..take a while Adelle and Marguerite..eum this is her dressing room and ...she saw you and me" He was pretty upset by Margeurite's sudden departure and especially by her reaction to what she saw "I..just can't stay here. I'm sorry" Gently he removes her hand and continues on his way which lots of effort....
Paul had removed her hand and she stood behind him, confused. Did he not want her there anymore? Tentatively she walked forward and took hold of his hand once more. "Paul?" She said questioning his move. Her pride was a bit hurt but there was still how he was going to get home to think about. "The show ended. Your caléche should have returned by now shouldn't it?"
When she took his hand he smiled warmly at her and with his free hand he stroked her cheek softly "I eum..yes. You are right" leaned closer and kissed her lips tenderly "b...but I..don't want to leave you...not now, not ever" Pulled her in his arms and kissed her but he wasn't able to release the passion he felt for the effort hurt his head and he had to stop after a while.......
She melted in his embrace and continued to cling to him long after he pulled away. " I don't want to leave you either Paul." A pained expression crossed her face as she realized they'd have to part company. But Citoyen Bernarde will have noticed I wasn't backstage during the show and I haven't been here long enough to shirk my job and expect to be left alone for it......"
He sighed sadly "I understand Adelle b..but will I see you again?"
When she kept clinging to him he wrapped his arms around her body "I
need to see you again...and eum your dream..W..we haven't talked
about that yet" Leaned against her since he had trouble staying on
his feet for that long and the support was needed...
"Of course I'll see you again" She answered, a pleased smile spreading across her young face. Allowing him to lean on her for support she escorted him outside. "Which one is yours?" She asked, gesturing to all the carriages around the theatre.
He wrapped an arm around her waist while she lead him outside "I..don't see...too good but eum...it's one with..2 black stallions and..when will I see you again?"
"Whenever you like" She said, leaning up and kissing his jaw line. Glancing around she caught sight of the carriage he'd mentioned. Two sleek black horse pulling a more then decent carriage. Adelle tried not to stare but obviously Paul was fairly well off. " It's right over here" She led him over and the driver helped her get him inside. After making sure he was comfortable she planted a delicate kiss on his lips. "Do get better my Paul..."
He closed his eyes when he once again felt those warm lips. Then he lifted his hand and laid it on her cheek while he slightly pulled her in the caléche. Passionately he kissed her and stared in her eyes "Merci for everything angel and how..about tomorrow Adelle? I..eum know a lovely restaurant and then we can talk about...your sewing" Kept the hand against her cheek and now softly stroked it with his fingertips...
Adelle grabbed hold of his hand to comfort herself as she bid him goodbye. She didn't want to go back in and face Marguerite or the stage manager, or any of them for that matter. She wanted to stay with him, where she felt safe, appreciated...loved. "Tomorrow would be wonderful." Turning his hand over in hers, she softly kissed his palm, let go and shut the door of the caléche. "Til tomorrow then." Knowing she must go in sometime and now was better then later she blew him a kiss and headed inside, barely touching the ground.
When the door shut he felt a sudden emptiness enter his heart and he laid his head in his neck. The darkness which the closed caléche provided lessened the pain in his head and he heaved a sigh of relief. Then as the coachman spurted the horses Paul dreamed of tomorrow and wished it was there soon. For he knew the night would be even colder, more alone without his love to hold....
Marguerite was near fuming in the hallway when she saw Adele pass by her door. Quickly she reached out and nearly dragged the poor girl into her dressing room. Firmly shutting the door she turned to Adelle, "What in the world were you thinking?" she nearly snapped.
Her eyes widened in fear and she near cowered under the rage of the actress before her. " I.....I....I" she stammered trying desperately to come up with some coherent explanation for her actions. The truth was, she could barely explain them herself. "I don't *know* Marguerite it just....happened." She squeaked.
"Right now I don't even want to think about what did, or did not happen, only what should have happened." Marguerite paused to take in a few breaths. "Adelle, Paul obviously is not well, I doubt very much he knows what he's doing and after his fever breaks I doubt he'll even remember being at the theatre tonight."
"Marguerite I know this seems strange to you, it does to me too, but......well as outlandish as it may sound something happened. Nothing along the lines of what you must imagine but" Adelle paused and tried to collect her thoughts. " Paul confessed to having feelings for me and I *know* we just met but..well Marguerite you know how wonderfully kind he is! Certainly he had to have meant all that...didn't he?" The actress' strong reaction had caused Adelle to doubt what little she thought she knew-that Paul cared for her.
Marguerite drew in a deep sigh, "Adelle, Paul virtually did the same thing with me before. After all, you walked in on that kiss correct? I just don't want you to get hurt, or for him to feel hurt for unintentionally doing such a thing to you. He's sick, he's not himself tonight."
Adelle's chin quivered. Marguerite was right. Paul had done the same thing to the actress right as she walked in and was only embarrassed that Margot hadn't returned his affection, not for the fact that he'd done it. Her face scrunched up and her chest felt tight. She'd believed him, had unabashedly reciprocated his advances. And it had all felt so real! "I thought he meant......I thought we.......oh god oh god" She choked out as her eyes began to water and overflow.
Marguerite took Adelle by the hand and lead her over to a seat in her
room, urging her silently to sit down. She offered a handkerchief and sat
down herself in another seat. "It's alright Adelle, it's alright. I
know you must feel upset, but you mustn't think of what happened
tonight. Come now, dry those eyes and calm down. I'll have no crying in
this room tonight. The night has been long enough."
Adelle allowed herself to be led over to chair and sat obediently. "I'm sorry Marguerite, I know it hasn't been a good night for you" She sputtered though tears. " but.......he said he LOVED me! How could he say such a thing and, and hold me and lead me on like that if...!"She couldn't finish her sentence but instead covered her face with Marguerite's loaned handkerchief ashamed to be crying so hard and being a burden but most of all ashamed to have fallen for Paul's facade.
Marguerite moved and sat next Adelle and softly patted her on the back. "He didn't mean to lead you on like that, I'm sure. He might not have realized who you are mistaken you for someone else. He probably didn't realize who I was when he kissed me. Come now Adelle, lets dry those eyes, enough of this. There will be others, others who will hold you and kiss you and love you, and not be sick while doing so."
Adelle shook her head, eyes red. "No no he knew who I was! He called me Adelle , Marguerite. He was ill and at points in great pain but he never confused me with anyone else! He was aware of what was going on. He did try the same with you, but I think-oh I don't know what to think!" The poor girl was in a state of confusion and as she wrung the handkerchief worriedly her expression pleaded the actress give her some direction.
"Adelle, you just said it yourself, he was ill, he didn't know what was going on. That kiss he gave me, I doubt that he would ever do anything like that if he was well, it's just not in his character." Marguerite said, trying to calm the girl down.
"Marguerite I promise you he knew what was happening! He went back to past subjects in conversation, called me by name......" It was then she paused and it all caved in. So what if he knew who she was and her name? The fact remained that he was ill and out of sorts. Adelle knew all too well that being sick caused people to often do strange things. When she was younger and had gotten severely ill she had become convinced she could fly. It was this belief that resulted in a deep scar above her knee when she'd leapt off her dresser. As the realization started to hit, her world got gloomier. Paul could very well have been convinced he had feelings for her, as she had once been convinced she could fly, and not have done it with malice at all. And who wouldn't want affection when they felt bad? "You knew didn't you Marguerite." Adelle said quietly, the sentence coming out more as a statement then a question. " You warned me to stay out of arm's way and I ignored you completely. This is all my fault."
"No, no Adelle, it's all a misunderstanding." Marguerite said, continuing trying to comfort her. "You mustn't blame yourself, see, a wounded heart heals and there is little harm done."
"I ought to go" She said quickly drying her eyes. Marguerite had better things to do with her time and besides, Adelle didn't care to remain in the dressing room much longer. " It was a rough night for the cast and I didn't check in with Marie or Bernard at all......." Handing back the handkerchief she rose and headed towards the door, sniffling.
"And you won't be checking in with them either." Marguerite said as she took the handkerchief back, "You're coming with me, and we're going to get you to calm down, and something to eat and drink and then take you home." Marguerite held up a hand to keep Adelle from interrupting, "Now I will hear no protests and don't you worry about Marie, I will take care of her tomorrow."