Claude escorted me up to the belltower, while Quasimodo
took Renee on
a little tour of Notre Dame. We both endeavored to keep our
amusement in
check, but as soon as we reached the top, Claude Frollo
fell to the floor,
convulsing with uproarious laughter.
"My darling", he said between deep, throaty chuckles, "that
was one of your best performances. The way you dispatched
that gypsy vermin!"
The melee between Esmeralda and myself became the talk of
Paris; Claude
didn't even try to stop me from my 'big payback'. Esmeralda
was now locked
away deep in the dungeons of the Palace of Justice. Claude
would later
interrogate her on the whereabouts of Malus' accomplice. I
knew Claude
had 'special' methods for making people talk, and I never
questioned those
methods.
Hmmm --- 'cruel and unusual punishment' --- a lot of
folks in my time
would say, "Bring back the rack!"
Claude caught me trying not to laugh. He held my hand and
asked me, "Oh Danisha, dearest...Do
you have to leave? I thought we could enjoy an extra week
together, what
with things turning out as they did." He leaned over and
kissed my
mouth, then, pulled something from his pocket. It was the
pager.
"I know you have responsibilities at home, but, no matter."
Claude
sighed as I pulled my own pager from my purse. "We still
have this;
we're not that isolated.", I said, returning the kiss.
Claude Frollo
smiled and asked, "Do you remember when you received this
little device?"
I nodded, replying, "Do I ever! And I thought everything
was a dream!
Then..."
Claude finished my sentence, "Strange things began to
happen..."
*************************
Was it all a dream? A summertime fantasy?
An hallucination brought on by too much exposure to
Midwestern heat
and humidity? I threw myself back into work and routine.
Jacki had already
returned to graduate school, and Kyle started his sophomore
year at Ball
State. I'll never forget Claude's expression when Kyle said
he wanted to
"be a teacher, just like Ma." I supposed Claude had hoped
Kyle
would go into law; after all, as Claude told me, "I had
hoped to act
as his mentor."
Yeah...right. Like Kyle's going to travel back in time just
to start a
law career. That would never happen -- could it?
I was beginning to wonder if I dreamed it all. But I still
had the sterling
silver key, and the tapestry which hung on my living-room
wall. Many of
my friends kept asking, "Where did you get that?" I just
said,
"A friend gave it to me." Whenever I looked at the
tapestry,
I wondered if Claude Frollo and I would ever cross paths
agaim. Fern seldom
mentioned our trip to medieval Paris; I guess she didn't
want to upset
me, seeing how painful it was for me to say me final
good-byes to Claude.
Oh well, as Claude always says, no matter.
As I said, I threw myself back into my old routine.
Everything seemed to
go smoothly; I was beginning to put Claude Frollo's memory
'on the back
burner'. Then very odd things began to happen to me.
Fern and I made our annual visit to the State Fair, taking
in all the agricultural
and industrial achievements. Naturally, I wanted to see the
farm animals.
Fern left me to get us some lemonade, saying, "Why don't
you mosey
into the draft horse barn; I'll meet you in front ot the
Percherons."
I wandered up and down the aisles, marvelling at the
Belgians, the Clydesdales,
and, my favorites, the Percherons.
One particular animal seemed peculiarly friendly as I
petted his nose.
Hey, this one looks like Snowball...
A young man who was
standing nearby
spoke; his French-accented voice sounded awfully familiar.
"You know,
my brother owns such an animal. Fabulous black stallion."
Something
about the man's voice clicked. I wheeled around but saw no
one but Fern,
who was carrying two lemonades. "It ain't the fair without
a lemonade
shake-up", she said as she handed over a cup. "Damn
good-lookin'
animal!", was all Fern said as she studied the stallion.
Down in September, my old car gave out on me; I had no
choice but to
buy another.
I finally chose a late model Camry, recently repainted a lovely
shade of violet.
When I picked up my car, the mechanic told me, "My master...I
mean,
my boss made sure everything was in working order." I
didn't get a
good look at the young mechanic as I replied, "Thanks..."
Then
I noticed something else as I examined the inside. "What is
this?",
I asked, pointing to the violet button under the dash.
"Oh that", said the mechanic, "My master...I mean my boss said
to give you this." He handed me a glossy booklet entitled,
Traveling
Tips. But this doesn't tell me about the button; and, I
have all the
travel books I need. "Wait a minute!", I called to the
mechanic,
who had already left the garage. I caught a glimpse of him
as he crossed
the parking lot. He was deformed, with a humped back, and
walked with a
slight limp.
This is getting too weird...but that guy can't be
Quasi...
Yet, the oddest occurence was when I finally received that
curious device;
then, HE showed up on my doorstep.
It was the day of homecoming; I was looking forward to the
pep rally and
parade that afternoon. In the evening, Fern and I would
attend the football
game. The day started out as any other Friday. I joined my
co-workers for
our usual 'whoopee-it's-Friday' coffee hour. The early
morning conversation
centered around the rally and parade.
Just before my first class, I checked my message box. There
was the usual
stuff: attendance reports, minutes from a departmental
meeting, booklists
- and something else: A small box wrapped in shiny purple
paper and tied
with a black velvet ribbon. I thought it was an early
birthday present,
so I locked the package in my car until school ended.
After the rally and parade, I unlocked the glove
compartment and removed
the package. I untied the ribbon and, very carefully,
removed the paper.
I cautiously opened the box and took out what looked like a
pocket pager
- but this was unlike any pager I've ever seen. It was
about the size of
a poker deck, but not as thick. It was of the most exqusite
sterling silver,
with tiny amethysts encircling the front and edges. I
flipped it open;
there was array of buttons, and a screen. Immediately, the
pager flashed
brightly and beeped loudly; a message began to scroll
across the screen.
This will make the trip that much faster!
I love you.
Hugs and Kisses, Claude.
I said I'd meet Fern at the gate around seven; maybe
we can get a
good seat. This ought to be an interesting game...even if I
do hate football...
I quickly showered and changed into my 'spirit'
clothes: blue jeans
and my black-and-orange high school sweatshirt. I even tied
my hair with
black and orange ribbons. I had just turned out a few
lights and headed
for the back door when I heard the front doorbell. Now
who can that
be? I'm almost out the door, for goodness sake...
Visibly annoyed at having to postpone my departure, I
turned on the front
porch light and opened the door. At once, my annoyance
turned to sheer
delight and utter surprise when my eyes met those of Claude
Frollo. He
smiled at me then began to speak. "I hope I didn't come at
a bad time.
I know you have plans for the evening, but I had to see
you, my love."
I couldn't say a thing, but only motion him to come inside.
I was still
in shock, but I was extremely delighted to see the man I
loved all summer
long. It had been nearly two months since we parted. I
watched him as he
walked through the door. Oh, he looks so fine! We
said nothing as
our eyes met.
In a flash, we threw our arms around each other, kissed
each other passionately
and deeply. "Oh Claude", I breathlessly said between
caresses,
"I missed you so!" Claude, his mouth hungrily kissing my
face
and neck, cooed, "Danisha, my love. My sweet love. I thought I'd
never see
you again." My hands stroked his silky hair, his plushy
velvet cloak,
and the buttery smoothness of his black leather vest.
Now, I was too ecstatic from seeing Claude Frollo, again,
in the flesh;
I never noticed what he was wearing. "Hey, baby", I said as
I
stepped back to admire his fabulous ensemble. Oh my
goodness! Check
out sexy Claude Frollo!
Claude was clad in tight - they looked as if they were sprayed on - black leather
pants and matching
vest, a purple silk shirt, black velvet cloak, and, of
course, that famous
triangular hat. "Ooh, Claude", I cooed, my eyes taking in
every
detail. "You sure are looking mighty fine." Mmmm...I
like the
way the leather hugs every contour of his glorious
body...those pants are really
fitting...in ALL the right places!
Claude Frollo, smiling broadly, again took me in his arms,
kissed me deeply,
then said, "I'm glad you approve." He laughed when he
kissed
me again, then modeled that fabulous outfit, saying, "Jacqueline
showed
me a picture of this in...what is that
publication...GQ? If I remember
correctly, you fantasized about me wearing this very ensemble."
Claude smiled again as his hand caressed my waist and back.
I turned on
a few lights; Claude favorably assessed my living room.
"Charming
home", he said; his eyes falling on the tapestry. "I see
you've
put this in a prominent spot", Claude said, feeling the
softness of
the fabric. I said nothing as I watched him move about the
room, his eyes
taking in everything. He stopped then looked quizzically at
me.
"What's this? A chilly October night, and no fire."
"But Claude, I'm going out. I have to meet Fern at the
field..."
My voice was silenced by Claude's lips. Mmm...it's so
good to have him
here with me... Claude continued to caress me then
said, "My darling,
I had hoped to spend a quiet evening with you." He kissed
me again,
then smiled and asked, "Now where is that delightful 20th
Century
music?" I complied and tuned the radio to my favorite urban
station.
Then, something in the back of my mind snapped. Hold it!
How did he
get here?
Claude must've sensed what I was thinking for he
immediately reached
in his cloak and pulled out what looked like that pager --
it was identical!
"Jacqueline is so brilliant, my dear", he began. "She managed
to make this little device right after you left. You see",
he flipped
open the pager and continued, "these buttons allow us to
contact each
other any time we want." He then pointed out a red button.
"This
is an emergency button. It allows its owner to instantly
transport him
or herself to the desired time period. I had Jehan
test it with Jacqueline back in August." Claude then smiled,
adding, "Isn't that ingenious? I can visit you whenever I
want, as
you can visit me."So...that man at the fair...it was
Jehan Frollo!
I immediately rifled through my purse and took out my
pager. "So that's
why you sent this -- to keep in touch", I told him. I threw
my arms
around him and exclaimed, "Claude Frollo, if you aren't the
sweetest
man...I love you!"
Claude returned my kiss, then said, "And, dear Nisha, I hope you like
the vehicle.
I thought the color would please you." My eyes widened.
"YOU found that car? I supposed you
arranged to have that button installed. Wait a minute...",
I said, just
now recalling that mysterious mechanic. Claude smiled
again. "Yes,
my dearest. That was Quasimodo. I thought he'd like a
special treat --
to visit your time, albeit briefly. Let's say it's a 'thank
you' gift for
being so kind to him. He talks of little else these days."
I then
asked him about the de Chateaupers children: Jules and
Renee.
"They are well and adjusting quite nicely. Mme. d'Arcy has
found them
a place; Jules is working in the stables and Renee has
taken up sewing.
The girl is rather gifted." He smiled again, then said, "I
didn't
come here to discuss other people. I thought..."
Well, it is getting late...guess I'll call Fern...looks like my previous plans have fallen through...HE'S here...that's all that matters.
"Umm...Claude?", I began, my hands caressing his slender
waist,
"Why don't you start a cozy fire while I call Fern. I guess
I can
skip homecoming this year." Claude looked puzzled. Once
again, I had
to explain another 20th Century American custom.
"But won't you miss seeing your old classmates?", Claude
asked
as he built the fire.
"There'll be other games; I can see old school chums
anytime. Besides...I
hate football."
Claude burst into laughter as he removed his hat and cloak.
Oh, Claude!
Now I can REALLY feast my eyes on all your leather-clad
glory...baby, you
sure look good!
A roaring fire, a bottle of my best California
Zinfandel, and mellow,
yet, sultry music, set the stage for a perfect romantic
evening. And just
when I thought it was all a dream.
Mmm...it feels so good to hold him again, kiss him, hear
that deep,
manly voice. I sure like the way this leather feels...the
way these pants
hug his long legs...Oops...I didn't mean for my hand to
go...there!
"Oooh, my love", Claude moaned softly as he returned my
every
caress.
Suddenly, Claude asked, "My dear, what is that song?" It
was
Adina Howard's Freak Like Me; both the rhythms and
the lyrics were
rather sensual. "I think it sort of fits. You know, how I
feel about
you", I told him.
Claude, still kissing and caressing every inch of me,
softly chuckled and
said, "Darling, I would hardly call you a 'freak'."
"Baby, what else would describe how I feel! I guess I'm
just 'freaky'
over Claude Frollo."
Claude Frollo laughed again, saying, "Well, Danisha dearest, if you
want to
go about and call yourself 'Frollo's Freak', I'm not about
to stop you."
I kissed him back. "Honey, from this day on, at least in
your little
circle of ladies, my code name will be 'FrolloFreak'. How
does that grab
you?"
Claude smiled broadly, kissed me deeply, then said in a
wildly seductive
voice, "If that is what you want...mmm...Speaking of
'grabbing' things..."
And with that, he took my hand and placed it on a
special spot that
he knew I loved to caress -- the inside of his slim thigh.
At last, Claude and I were together again. It would be like
this for many
days and nights to come....
**********
Claude walked me to my car as he voiced small protests.
"I don't
see why you can't stay at least another day. After all,
this has been a
trying week."
He was referring to the tragedy of Jules' death.
"Claude", I tried to reason, "you know very well I have
responsibilities at home. Besides, you want me to write up
that account
of what really went down that night after the Festival."
Claude Frollo
nodded sadly as he handed me a some papers. "Oh well...no
matter.
You'll return to me someday." He smiled, then added, "Oh
yes.
Jules dictated this to Jehan the day Jehan found him. It's
a confession
of sorts, explaining Malus' role in the plot to destroy me,
and how Malus
died."
That's right...I never learned what really happened to
Malus...finally, I'll
know everything...
Claude continued to give me instructions as I unlocked
the car. "Of
all people, Nisha, I'm leaving it up to you to tell the world the
truth."
He then kissed me goodbye, then mounted Snowball.
"I shall leave you now, my love. I've found it far too
painful to
watch you depart." Claude blew me a kiss, then rode away.
I wanted
to cry, but, just as he said, we'll see each other again --
and again.
I locked Jules' paper in the glove box, then started the
engine. Just as
before, I looked back one more time to see Claude riding
away in the distance.
I floored the accelerator and depressed the violet button
underneath the
dash...
Ah, home again! It's been a long weekend...hmm...what day is it? Saturday?! Glad I had someone cover for me at work. Look at the mail! Hey, what's this? A card? Looks like...Claude Frollo's handwriting! Aww...this is so sweet.
My Darling Danisha,
Thank you for a wonderful weekend. I regret that things did not work out for the best. But at least I did get to see you, my darling. Make sure to get some rest. I love you so.
A Thousand Kisses, Claude Frollo.
I have this sneaky feeling I'll see him again. Only
then, it'll be under
more pleasant circumstances!
Hmm...now where did I put that catalog from
Christy's..Ah! Here it
is! Now...wonder if Claude will like this...oh my!...that
IS kind
of sexy!
Copyright©1997 by FrolloFreak