The Man and The Monster

It was safe to say I’d never felt more comfortable and at ease with the gypsies at the Court Of Miracles than I’d ever felt back in my old town. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t horrible, but this, this was great. I’d spent the rest of the day getting acquainted with all of the Gypsies and all of the children and when the time came round to rest I welcomed sleep graciously with open arms. It turned out Esmeralda and I had come to seek refuge at just the right time as we took the last two beds that were available. In that aspect lady luck was most definitely on our side, although there weren’t many travelling gypsies that often stayed at the Court Of Miracles as there were other groups around the city, and it turned out the majority there had known each other from a young age, so to get welcomed so enthusiastically, well, except for Clopin in my eyes, was the greatest gift. When I woke the following morning, the room containing all the female occupants was still completely dark, upon hearing the soft snores I figured it was rather early as I squinted, holding my left wrist up to my eyes to gaze upon the time. Considering I was an early riser usually, waking up at five in the morning was nothing new to me. Stretching, I got out of bed slowly as my feet made contact with the cold floor. I pulled my nightdress slightly tighter around me in order to keep the warmth in as I rummaged through my backpack to find my clothes and toiletries for the day before making my way over to the door, pulling the handle slowly as it let off a soft groan, before slipping out of it silently and making my way to the bathroom. I yawned as I began to dress and do what I needed to do slowly as I began to think about what the day ahead might hold, needless to say I was excited in a sense, but a part of me couldn’t help my mind slip off and begin to wonder about the things I could do, the things I might be able to get, the things that I… but my train of thought was cut short as a few short knocks rang on the other side of the door. I quickly scooped up my clothes and pulled it open slightly, breathing out a sigh of relief when my eyes landed on Esmeralda.

“Is everything okay, Genevieve? I mean I know you’re an early riser, but I thought I’d ask you anyway.”

“Aren’t you just the caring cousin, Esmeralda.” I said playfully as I opened the bathroom door a fraction more in order for me to exit, “But yes I’m fine, as for me being an early riser you most certainly are not, is anything wrong?”

She shook her head before shrugging, “I guess I just need time to adjust, besides, I only wake an hour or so after you usually, don’t make it sound like I sleep all day.” She laughed.

I rolled my eyes playfully, stepping out of the bathroom as she stepped in it before closing the door behind me softly, careful not to make too much noise. I crept back into the bedroom and placed my things back in my backpack quietly before making for the door once more. It had become a habit of mine to go for a walk whenever I woke in order to have time to myself, and even though I was a little more wary about going out alone here as I’d heard about how the guards weren’t accepting of gypsies here and tried to lock them up whenever an opportunity arose, not to mention the fact that I could get lost as I’d never been around these parts alone before, I decided to go anyway. I made my way cautiously out of the hall and into the pitch black sewer once more, cringing a little at the loud splashes my feet were making as they got soaked once more by the water, so once I got to the beginning of the steps I couldn’t help but breath a small sigh of relief as I began to climb up the first couple quietly, thankful of the silence. Well, until the top of the Coffin became removed and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I tried to remain calm as a silhouetted figure came into view and began to walk down a couple of steps. I studied the figure for a moment before I breathed a sigh of relief and annoyance once I realised who it was.

“Clopin.” I grumbled as I began to relax slightly, now knowing it wasn‘t an intruder who‘d found our hideaway.

“And just where are you going, Genevieve?” He questioned, crossing his arms across his chest arrogantly.

“That is not your concern.” I said shortly, making way up the steps to where he was in order to walk around him.

“Ah but it is you see, considering I’m the leader of this organisation I need to know these things.” He smirked before grabbing my wrist as I began to walk around him.

“Let go of me, or things could get ugly.” I warned, attempting to pull my wrist out of his grasp.

“Nonsense, nothing is more ugly than your attitude, now come on.” He said as he turned his back on me and began to pull me up the remaining steps and out of the Coffin.

“That’s a bit hypocritical don’t you think? I mean, if my attitude is ugly yours must be monstrous.” I sneered as I pulled my wrist out of his grasp, “Why don’t you just go back inside and leave me to my thoughts?” I said as I began to walk away, only to have him follow after he’d placed the top back on the coffin.

“But then who would annoy you?” He said smugly as I shot him a glare.

“Oh, I see you have toned your outfit down for the day, I didn’t think it were possible as I’ve gathered you like looking like a Clown.” I shot back as I studied his outfit, consisting of a blue shirt and purple throw over combined with black gloves, tights and shoes along with what I assumed was his trademark blue hat.

He narrowed his eyes at me before pulling his knife out of its holdall and pointing it in my direction whereas I just simply rose an eyebrow.

“Please don’t kill me, I want to live.” I sighed dramatically before rolling my eyes and walking off through the rest of the Graveyard rather quickly.

“What makes you think I won’t dispose of you and tell Esmeralda that you have ran away? I assure you my darling that I am a very good actor.” He exclaimed as he caught up with me, his knife no longer in hand.

“Don’t call me darling, and because you wouldn’t have time to kill me, I’d have killed you first, let me assure you that, darling.”

“May I just ask how you plan to manoeuvre yourself around this fine city when you have no idea where you are going?” He asked, falling into stride with me.

“It’s all part of the adventure.” I shrugged, trying to walk ahead of him once more to show my determination to go at it alone.

“And what will you do if Frollo’s men happen to capture you and lock you away in the stocks or even the Hall Of Justice?”

I stopped dead for a second, causing him to bump into me as I spun on my heel to face him, utterly confused by his previous words.

“Who is Frollo? And what is the Hall Of Justice?” I questioned, eyeing him suspiciously as he smirked rather proudly. As I studied him in the suspending silence that seemed to go on for what felt like a lifetime, it was then I realised that Clopin was, infact, rather attractive. I scoffed out loud at the thought, earning a raised eyebrow from him moments before he broke the silence to explain.

“Unfortunately for us, Frollo is, how you say, the heart of the city, and not in a good way and not that he has a heart. He’s the most cruel and wicked man in all of Paris, if you get on the wrong side of him you can kiss your freedom goodbye.”

“So you’re saying that the man and the monster story isn’t just a story, it’s true? He really locked that poor boy away?” I gasped.

“Of course it is true, no-one has ever dared to question him about it, especially as no-one has seen the boy, but we all that that it is true. Frollo would never speak to any of us Gypsies on any terms anyway as he is trying to get rid of us one by one, which is why you have to be extra cautious, so I beg of you, let me come with you.”
“I don’t understand why my well being is a concern of yours, I’m a monster, remember?”

“Well I know that, and your well being isn’t a concern of mine, I just don’t want your death on my conscience.” He stated matter-o-factly.

I narrowed my eyes at him before making my mind up. “I suppose you can come, but you are to take me to the Hall Of Justice so I can see it for myself, and you are to stay a safe distance away from me and not bother me, understand?”

“Whatever the monster wants.” He mocked as he bowed sarcastically.

“You’re really starting to get on my nerves.” I muttered as he walked along side me, but a safe distance away just like I requested.

“You aren’t exactly my biggest thrill either, Madam.” He retorted as I glanced over at him and caught his eye, just before I childishly stuck my tongue out.

The Hall Of Justice building was without a doubt, one of the most eerie and creepy looking buildings I’d ever laid eyes on. It just gave off vibes of fear just from looking at it, and the overcast dark clouds above it didn’t help in the slightest. I felt slightly uneasy as I gazed up at the building with wide eyes, my unease growing as I caught the sign of movement out of the corner of my eye. I gulped quietly as my eyes landed on a guard approaching the doors, I felt like I was frozen as my feet remained rooted to the ground as I noticed the guard’s hand clasp around the door handle from the inside, but my feet refused to move, even when I heard Clopin’s frantic loud whispers from somewhere behind me, and I swear, if it hadn’t have been for him grabbing me and pulling me out of sight I wouldn’t have moved.

“Are you insane?! Were you trying to get yourself locked away?! You just handed yourself to that guard on a plate!” He exclaimed.

“I’m sorry! I just-” I cut myself off as I realised my hand was entwined his before awkwardly pulling it out of his grasp.

“Just please, please refrain from doing something foolish like that again, you almost caused my heart to stop.”

“I didn’t do it on purpose!” I replied, rather offended.

“Well just do as I tell you from now on, I know better!”

“Do you know what? Forget it, I’m fine by myself.” I stated before walking away from him without another word. A part of me was glad that he didn’t decide to follow, but another part of me couldn’t help but wish he had just as I knew he’d more than likely help me if something happened, but then again, who knows. I couldn’t help but breath out a sigh of relief as I found myself outside of Notre Dame after walking for what felt like a lifetime, at least I had a basic idea of how to get back to the Court Of Miracles, but as I went to turn around and make my way back, curiosity got the better of me and I soon found myself walking up to the front opened door of the Cathedral. I peered around the door before stepping inside cautiously, feeling slightly at ease as I noticed that only the Bishop was present at the far end of the church. I made my way further inside, my eyes landing on a door to the left of me. I often hated myself for being so curious as it often led me into trouble, but I had a strange feeling about this, and I wasn’t sure if it were good or bad, so I acted on impulse so I could find out the answer by opening the door quietly, careful not to alert the bishop as I slipped inside, closing it behind me, waiting to hear the soft click before I made any movement. I made my way up the spiral stairs rather quickly, half extremely anxious and half excited as to where these stairs led, but it was safe to say I was consumed with the uttermost shock as I reached the top and quietly stepped into the spacious room. Across the other side of the room my eyes landed on something, or rather someone, I couldn’t quite believe, there he was, the boy, well the man, the man of the story. He had his rather hunched back turned away from me as he worked with a paintbrush on something in his other hand. I wasn’t sure how to approach him, with caution or completely friendliness, by speaking out loud or walking over and then speaking, but I decided to swallow my pride and make my way over to him slowly. I stared at his figure for a moment, deciding it was now or never before clearing my throat slightly, still automatically jumping in surprise at his reaction as he jumped also, knocking over his paints and what I could then see as figures along size a large figure of Notre Dame herself.

“I am so sorry!” I exclaimed, moving the figures away from the paint quickly in order for them not to get ruined.

“S-Stay back!” He stuttered as he moved away from me quickly, almost tripping in the process before covering his face in his hands.

“I-I’m sorry, I’m not going to hurt you, I promise.” I whispered softly, keeping my distance as not to scare him further.

There was silence between us for a few moments as I gazed at him and him at me through the slits of his fingers, before removing his hands hesitantly from his face. I breathed in deeply as I took in the sight of the man in front of me as a wave of sympathy washed over me at how genuinely petrified he looked.

“W-who are you?” He questioned, looking down at the floor.

“My name is Genevieve, I’m really sorry for intruding on you like this, I’ll just go-”

I cut myself off as I spun on my heel, preparing to make for the door and to leave him in peace but a gently grasp of my wrist from behind stopped me.

“N-No please stay for a moment, my name is Quasimodo.” He smiled half heartedly as he dropped my wrist.

“It’s nice to meet you Quasimodo.” I smiled genuinely as I outstretched my hand for him to shake as he cautiously did so.

“May I ask what you are doing here?”

“Well I was with someone, and then we had a disagreement and I left and because I’m new to this part of Paris I had no idea where I was heading, then I found myself outside this beautiful cathedral and curiosity got the better of me, I am sorry once again.”

He nodded, accepting my apology as he made his way back over to his workplace and began to mop up some of the paint carefully.

“Quasimodo, do you mind if I ask you a question?” I asked, my gaze fixated on him.

“I-No, go ahead, please.”

“Why do you spend your days up here? Why don’t you just leave?” I asked as he stopped what he was doing before turning around to face me with reproachful eyes.

“I couldn’t do that to my master. I’m also a monster, if you couldn’t already see. Ordinary people don‘t socialise with monsters.”

I swear if hearts could break mine would have at that moment in time as he spoke those words with such truth behind them, truth that wasn’t in fact true at all, he wasn’t a monster, I could see that and I hadn’t even know him for an hour, and the fact he genuinely believed he was actually hurt me as what you look like on the outside shouldn‘t matter.

“I don’t believe that for one second.” I stated truthfully as he turned his gaze away from me once more, not saying a word.

“I’d better be on my way, it was nice to meet you Quasimodo.” I said, beginning to feel out of place as I turned on my heel once more and made my way over to the door.

“W-Will I see you again?” He called out from behind me as I was just about to exit the room.

“I sure hope so, someway.” I smiled reassuringly at him before leaving completely and making my way down the staircase quickly.

♠ ♠ ♠

I snuck out of the Cathedral silently and unnoticed as I went over the way we walked to the graveyard the previous day in my head as I attempted to retrace my steps. As I glanced around the streets and noticed shops in the process of being opened and people beginning to roam around I realised I’d be gone a lot longer than I anticipated. Biting my lip I picked up the pace, thanking god as the route became more familiar to me and before long I was at the rusted gates of the graveyard once more. I’d decided I was going to keep my encounter with Quasimodo to myself for the mean time, unless a moment arose when I needed to mention it as I didn’t want it to be a big topic of discussion as I now found myself becoming rather defensive when it came to him. I left my train of thought as I groaned out loud when my eyes landed on Esmeralda waiting at the Coffin that was the entrance to the Court Of Miracles, an angry expression playing on her face.

“Genevieve! Where have you been?! I’ve been worried sick!”

“You know I like to go for walks when I’m awake.” I replied innocently, making my way over to her as she shook her head in annoyance.

“I would expect you to exercise a bit more caution and sensibility considering we’re in a new town, and going out alone is something I wouldn’t expect of you knowing this!”

“I wasn’t alone at first! But yes, I accept what you are saying, and I am sorry.” I apologised as she sighed deeply before motioning for me to get into the Coffin and go down the steps as she placed the lid back on before following.

“Yes, Clopin told me about how you wandered off after the near incident with the guard, it’s a good thing he was there to look out for you, but I still can’t believe how irresponsible you have been.”

“Oh yes, a great thing he was there looking out for me. If he wasn’t such a terrible person I’m sure I’d be a bit more grateful.” I scoffed as we made our way through the sewer.

“Well, enough on that, everybody is currently in the hall discussing the final arrangements for Topsy Turvy day tomorrow, and well, I volunteered to dance as they needed someone, so I expect to see you cheering for me.” She announced before laughing.

“Like I’d ever cheer for you.” I joked as we reached the end of the sewer and walked the short distance into the hall.

“Ah Genevieve, how nice of you to join us.” Clopin smirked as he made his way quickly over to Esmeralda and I before ruffling my hair patronisingly.

“Get your hands off me.” I muttered as I swatted his hands away as Esmeralda scoffed before walking away to talk to Sara.

“I know something no-one else knows.” He whispered in a sing-song voice, leaning his head on my shoulder.

“Do you mind? There is a thing called personal space, maybe you should be more aware of it. As for what you know, I’m not exactly interested.”

“I know where you’ve been.” He continued as I breathed in sharply.

“And how, may I ask, do you know where I have been? Have you been following me?” I scoffed.

“As a matter of fact I did, just to see if you died or not, it is of no interest to me but I figured who better than me to tell your cousin of your downfall? I know you went inside the cathedral.”

“Why does that matter? There’s nothing incriminating about that.” I said, pushing his head off my shoulder.

“Judging by our previous conversation I’ve gathered that it wasn’t the inside of the cathedral you went to see, rather it being someone.”

“What do you want from me, Clopin?!” I exclaimed in a harsh whisper.

“Let me get back to you on that.” He said smugly, pulling me into to his arms briefly before ruffling my hair once more and letting me go before walking away with his hands behind his back as he always did.

I raised an eyebrow at his retreating figure. It was official, I didn’t understand the Gypsy king in any way, shape, or form.