First the boy snatched something of value from Quasimodo; then later
he overhears Frollo tell Tante Clarice that he's off to visit Mlle Danisha.
Hmm...that means he's going to see little Nadine as well. Orry loved Nadine
more than anything, outside his father of course. He and Nadine Frollo
shared a special bond that proved virtually unbreakable.
Orry recalled those two months ago when Nadine showed him all those
ingenious New World items. The gramophone and player piano were eye-openers
enough, and Orry never forgot looking at all those pictures through the
stereoscope, another wonderful item Mlle Danisha brought with her.
Oh my goodness! And we could never tell anyone, not even Uncle Philippe...
Well, at least the secret about Mlle Danisha and Nadine didn't go any further, thanks to a deal made by Orry, Nadine, and Quasimodo. However, there are times when people can't always be trusted with such valuable information. Yes, Orry did take items from Nisha's Parisian home, and showed those things to his father.
Évrard Ouimet, overcome with insatiable curiosity, immediately
launched an informal inquiry about Mlle Danisha. Naturally he didn't know
all the particulars, but he did see those 19th Century prints. He asked
his brother Philippe, the current Minister of Justice, about this woman.
How does she manage so many crossings within a year? Why hasn't Frollo
contacted this Christoforo Colombo concerning those voyages to the New
World?
At first Évrard had hoped that Danisha would soon tire of Claude
Frollo, perhaps leave the man altogether. No, it never happened; for Danisha
Wood encountered unforeseen events between the time she left for home in
August and that day she returned to Paris earlier this month. She came
to pass along good news -- At least that's what Solange Marchand would
tell -- or allow herself to divulge -- to Clarice, who in turn passed it
on to Évrard.
Now the younger Ouimet brother saw his chance, a remote possibility
that Nisha would finally come to her senses. And that's what Évrard
thought when Danisha returned to Paris for a brief visit.
She expressly invited Clarice to luncheon -- a "girls afternoon out"
is what Danisha called it. From Clarice's reports, Danisha never "loved"
Évrard Ouimet and successfully fought those forbidden passions.
She came to the conclusion that Évrard fell in love with Dorothy
Ducharme, not Danisha Wood.
"While Dottie and I share a few similarities, we're not the same," is what she told Évrard upon meeting him again. They were quite alone that last night of her visit, and Nisha insisted on closure to a traumatic event that never should've happened.
Orry heard it all: How Danisha and Claude Frollo were thoroughly committed
to each other, how Nadine truly needed her papa's full-time attention.
Danisha explained that Dorothy was a make-believe character she invented
when she was still a child. She also explained, or tried to explain, her
"New World", although she was vague on a few details.
And that was that. She simply walked out Évrard's love life
forever, but still insisted that the two could at least put aside differences
and broken hearts, perhaps remain friends.
"After all, Évrard," she said before departing, "our children
are the best of friends. Surely you won't jeopardize that. And don't forget
about your brother and Claude Frollo. I truly want the three of
you to forgive and forget. Move on with your life and don't let this fester
into something that may explode one day."
A wealth of good sense, and from such a wise and caring woman. That
was Clarice's take but Évrard was not swayed. Right after the New
World woman left for home, Évrard Ouimet exploded! He forbade Orry
from ever visiting Nisha's pied a terre; he even banned the very mention
of the woman's name. He fussed and fumed over how Claude Frollo "won",
and he blamed Philippe along with Jehan Frollo for turning Danisha against
him. Every night since then, Évrard griped endlessly about his lost
love and how it pained him to break off a lifelong friendship with Claude
Frollo.
Humph!, thought the gentleman from Marseilles, Claude Frollo has had women by the scores. That's what Philippe told me. And now, years after siring that child, Claude has yet to marry Nadine's mother....
As always, these painful nightly sessions would find cousins Clarice and Anseau Flambert playing counsel to a fuming Évrard: "Évrard, if you don't stop this brooding and blustering! Let it all come to a close. Can't you see? The woman is not in love with you; she's committed to another, and they have a child. My dear cousin, let it go! Think of your own son for a change! He's so brokenhearted that you've forbidden him to see Nadine ever again, " said Clarice in an exasperated voice.
Her husband Anseau took another approach. "Never mind, Clarice. If he wants to spend the rest of his life damning the very man who, incidentally, is the key to his prosperity, let him do so!"
The Flamberts' hearts went out to Orry, who, at this moment, chose to retire early. Perhaps, as Anseau reasoned with his wife, the boy simply needed to get out from under the rants and raves of his heartbroken father.
~~~~~~
So Orry, alone in his room, took out the peculiar looking device. It
was his good fortune that Quasimodo diverted his attentions elsewhere.
It was all the opportunity Orry needed to lift that device he found amongst
the bell ringer's belongings. Orry, taking advantage of Quasimodo's absence,
quickly and quietly searched the man's quarters.
That's when he found a few items: that odd looking battle scene complete
with little soldiers dressed in blue and gray certainly caught his eye.
Consequently, these figures didn't quite register with Orry. They looked
like soldiers but so unlike the armored men he was used to seeing. Then
he found
that! That curious little item that Quasimodo had carefully
stashed away. What is this thing? What does it do?
Orry remembered observing Quasi using the device, although the bell
ringer never suspected he was being watched. Now that device was in Orry's
possession and Quasimodo had yet to miss it. The boy examined the device,
a curious little box that boasted many buttons. What are all these buttons
and how do they work? Surely this has to be the "secret" Mlle Danisha and
Claude Frollo protect with such fierceness. Certainly this has to be one
of those marvelous New World inventions. Suddenly, and to Orry's surprise,
the thing began to flash and beep. The child was filled with such awe and
wonderment. Now what? What do I do? What makes it do this? Within seconds
a message scrolled across the black screen:
Hi Quasi:Orry's eyes lit up; he repeatedly watched the message scroll past. He let out a soft whimper, partially out of fear and confusion, partially out of frustration. Orry re-read the message over and over, still trying to fathom it all.Just a quick message to inform that Claude Frollo arrived safe and sound. I leave for New York City in a few days but want to ask a favor. Do you mind helping me pack to move, that is, if this new job pans out? It's a big job since I have so much stuff. I need all the help I can get (smile)...
One more thing...Nadine is coming to Paris while I'm gone...Cherie is bringing her so save a seat up in the bell tower for both of them.
Thank you for the birthday present. I truly enjoy it, and I'm so glad you'll be able to attend my party...When I return from my trip, I'll bring back presents for everyone. Something that screams "Noo Yawk" (smile).Hugs,
NishaP.S.
If and when you see Orry Ouimet, tell him not to feel responsible for what happened between his father and me. He's such a sweet little boy; any woman would be proud to have him as a son...I just hope Évrard will come around so we can all be friends.
At that moment, Orry heard a knock on the bedroom door, then a voice. "Master Orry? Do you require anything?"
That was Imbert, Orry's personal attendant, a man the child thoroughly
hated. All during the "Dottie Ducharme" adventure, the child had hoped
that his father and "Dorothy" had married; then Imbert would simply have
to leave.
Orry was told by "Dottie" that, "I don't trust that man, Orry. Why
does your father keep him?" Months later, Danisha Wood would tell the boy
the same thing, yet Orry knew his father would never let Imbert go. After
all, reasoned Évrard Ouimet, Imbert had been in service to his family
for years -- First with Évrard's in-laws, then as attendant to both
him and Rixende. "Imbert is, my son," said his father, "the sole link to
your mother. She died so young, when you were barely prattling..."
Orry was jolted back to the present as Imbert called again. "Do you
require anything, Master Orry?"
"Er...No, Imbert. I'm going to sleep now...Tell my father 'Good Night'..."
Ever so silently the child crept to the door and listen for Imbert's departure; he cracked the door open just enough to make sure. Oh yes, the servant was already gone for the night.
Orry wrinkled his nose in disgust, thinking, "Ewww, he's probably going to that tavern again to see that awful woman...I really should tell Father, but..."
Pushing those thoughts from his mind Orry, now fully dressed, slipped
out of his room, crept down the hall, then stood just short of the landing.
He heard them again: the cousins Anseau and Clarice trying to talk sense
into a still-fuming Évrard. Orry started to cry but fought back
those tears successfully.
It was now or never he thought as he quickly found his way to the backstairs,
the lower level, then out the door.
Once outside, Orry had intended to go to Danisha's pied a terre; he
wanted to search that house where he had hoped to uncover many secrets.
Suddenly the boy heard a noise emanating from far down the darkened
alley. Whew! Nothing more than a stray dog searching for food, thought
Orry. The child started up the narrow passageway that led to Nisha's
courtyard. Yes, Orry had been to the house many times, even after his father
forbade the child from ever again setting foot on the property. Again,
that sense of panic kicked in; Orry's heart pounded and his palms perspired
profusely.
What if Imbert discovers me gone? What if my father finds out I've been sneaking to see Nadine Frollo even after he's ordered me not to? Unable to stand his sweaty hands, Orry pulled a cloth from his brown doublet, inadvertently dropping that wondrous device.
Oh no! Don't tell me I broke it?!
In his haste to examine the device, and without anticipating the consequences,
Orry began to wipe the screen, then pushed buttons. What a shock! When
Orry depressed that red button he found himself engulfed by a blindingly
white light.
********
"Where is it! I know I had it here somewhere!"
Quasimodo spent much of the evening fretting and searching. Something
was amiss the moment he returned from his duties. He noticed several items
out of place -- items that Quasimodo could share with no one. A few pieces
of that model battle scene, which depicted events that would not happen
for nearly 400 years, were not replaced correctly. A few books had been
opened.
All right, so what's wrong with the books? The bellringer kept books
up here all the time. No, the differences with these books were the dates
of publication. Not the 1400s or before, but the 1800s and beyond.
Quasimodo thought long and hard over who could've disturbed these items. The only persons up here all day were Phoebus, Orry Ouimet, then Claude Frollo. No, thought the bell ringer, couldn't have been Phoebus 'cause he came by this morning and disturbed nothing. Besides, the ex-soldier sees these things all the time. And it definitely wasn't Claude Frollo, so it had to be...
"Orry? But why? Why would he...?"
Without hesitation, Quasimodo donned a black woolen cloak then hastily exited the cathedral. He hated to call on the Ouimets at so late an hour, but he had to get that item from Orry. On the way, Quasi shuddered at the thought of that boy actually using it, and the resultant consequences.
"No! He can't do that!"
********
Where was he? What is this place?
For all practical purposes it looked like a child's bedchamber, but
unlike any Orry had seen before. The poor kid was confused enough: All
he could remember was standing in that alley, then being engulfed in a
sudden flash of light. Now he was inside someone's house, but whose?
Even in the dim, dusky early evening hours, Orry could make out the
bed, the many chairs and playthings. It looks like it might belong to a
little girl. The room was rather dark but Orry was able to negotiate his
way to the window.
What is this? This isn't Paris....It's not even...The houses, the streets, those odd things traveling along the road. What are those things? Looks like there are people inside...
It hit him all at once. "The New World! I'm in the New World!"
~~~~~
When Orry emerged from the room, he was so amazed with everything he
saw. This house is so grand, far grander than anything he'd ever before
seen. Although the upper story was dark, he could tell that the house was
unlike most homes of his 15th Century world.
He ventured into another room, the bathroom this time, and was overtaken
with such awe. What sort room is this? The fixtures were totally foreign
to him: the commode, the bathtub, the basin. It was an attractive room
to be sure, but fascinating all the same. Orry tentatively looked at the
basin and its plumbing fixtures. He touched the faucet handle, turned it,
asking himself,
"What does this do?"
No sooner had he spoke when water spewed forth from the faucet. And it was hot! Running water! We don't have this back home! Orry was filled with awe; he immediately surmised that the rumors about the "New World" were all true. This country is a Paradise. Wonder if anyone's home? I don't hear voices...
But soon Orry heard just that: voices coming from the first floor. He wandered down the corridor then found the backstairs. He stopped and listened. Surely enough, he heard and immediately recognized those voices-- Danisha, Nadine, and....
Claude Frollo!
How did Frollo get here so fast? He was in Paris, talking to Tante Clarice
just this afternoon! Ah, he has one of these wonderful things too! Orry
pulled the device from his pocket and carefully examined it again. So,
this is the secret that no one would talk about. No wonder that select
circle of Parisians wouldn't tell Orry's father everything. Orry presently
worried how to return to his own home; surely he would be missed by now.
But what does it matter? He finally discovered -- or at least partially
discovered -- the secret Frollo and friends had so carefully guarded all
these years.
The boy's thoughts turned to someone else: Quasimodo. Surely the bell
ringer would discover the wondrous device missing; Frollo would surely
and severely chastise Quasi. Orry recalled Uncle Philippe's stories of
Claude Frollo's unusual relationship with the bell ringer, and how that
forced bond became strained at times.
No, find a way to return home, Orry said silently, but I really want to explore this house, perhaps see Nadine.
Quickly he made his way down the darkened hallway back to the bedroom.
Once there he tried to locate a candle or lantern. If he was to examine
that device and find a way to send himself home, then he'd need light to
see.
Where's the candles? Surely these New World people use them. How else
can they see at night?
Suddenly the room illuminated with a brightness that almost resembled daylight. A barely audible gasp came from behind -- a young but very familiar voice at that. Orry wheel around only to look into the face he'd long to see more than anything.
"Nadine," he said in hushed tones; then he showed the girl the magical device. She recognized it at once.
"Ooh, Orry. Did Quasi let you use that?"
"No, I took it. He doesn't know it's missing."
The two kids looked at each other for a while; then, without further words, embraced each other. Two friends were at last reunited, but at what price? Nadine was fully aware of the consequences if her parents ever discovered Orry here.
"Orry, you're to hide in the basement. You can spend the night but you have to go home tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll show you how. I have one of those things too."
With that, Nadine Frollo, mindful that her parents were still outside chatting with Grandma, very stealthly made it to the basement with her unexpected, precious cargo. She brought Orry food and tried to explain to him the "truth" about her parents.
Orry Ouimet, within the span of eighteen hours, received an unforgettable
crash course on life and culture in the 21st Century. However, as Nadine
cautioned, he could never reveal his experiences. That silence cost Orry
dearly once he returned home.
Copyright©2001 by FrolloFreak® aka "The FanFiction Diva"