It's over! Wagh!

Although, I must admit, I am kinda relieved. This story took waaay to long to write.

NewFoundglory-I know, I know, Annette's being stupid. But hey, Annett'e's a drama queen and rather impulsive. Actually I don't like Annette that much, to be honest. Anyway. I'd wait it out too. But Annette's stupid and it makes for good cliffhanger fodder.

Also thanks to Luv and Peace.

THE CONCLUSION OF...

Viva la Revolution

Chapter Fifteen: Conclusion

Annette squeezed her eyes shut, wincing as she held the blade to her chest.

The door slowly creaked open, and the room was bathed in candle-light.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Came Garnier's drawl. Annette started and turned to look at her new husband, standing in the doorway.

"You can not stop me." Annette said defiantly. "I refuse to spend my life with you, you awful man!" She again put the dagger to her heart.

"Annette!" Garnier cried suddenly. "Please!" Annette was thrown off my his sudden change. He had lost his snobbish, cold demeanor as he ran to her and kneeled. "Please, Annette, I love you and even though you do not realize it, I know you love me too! Please, Annette, do not do this!"

Annette tried to struggle away but Garnier embraced her.

"Annette, look at me! Look me in the eye!" Garnier said pleadingly. Annette refused at first, but his voice sounded familiar.

His eyes-they were different. Not Garnier's usual cold, hard eyes, but warm and soft...Annette had seen those eyes before.

"Paul!" she screamed, and kissed him. She feel into his arms and wept for a quarter of an hour. She looked up at him, realizing that it made so much sense now. Sophie said she knew Garnier, because they were one and the same...Paul saying she wouldn't marry a man she didn't love. She hadn't. "Why, Paul?"

The young man sighed, looking at her.

"It's a long story."

"We have all the time in the world."

Paul cleared his throat and began.

"It all started when I was born. My mother, she was a prostitute, and my father...well, I didn't know him. My mother then died when I was eight and I was sent to work for aristos.

"I was eight years old and slaving for these wealthy people. I grew to hate them bitterly. So at fifteen, I ran away. If you have not already guessed, I worked for your parents."

"I suspected that."

"Yes. Anyhow, I ran away at fifteen..."

Annette had a vision. A rainy night...a shadowy figure...a dark orchard.

"I remember! I was seven, I think. I saw you and it scared me."

"Ahh, yes, that was you?"

"I remember it clearly. But please continue."

"So I ran away and soon this movement started in Paris...I am sure you know what I am talking of."

"I do. The movement that overthrew the monarchy."

"Precisely. I became involved, and when the revolution began in 1789, I began to work for the cause. I moved up the ranks and ignored the feeling that I was a murderer. Until one day I met this woman, who was speaking to her friend about how she felt about the revolution."

"Oh dear."

"Yes, Annette. The minute I saw you I loved you. I loved you so desperately that just one sentence from you made me realize how horrible I'd been. From that day forward I led a double life-half as Garnier, the government official, and half as Paul, the common man who rescues Aristos. I vowed one day I would tell you of my work, but you always hated me and refused to listen."

"Oh my Paul, I am so sorry!" Annette said. She could feel the tears running down her cheeks. The droplets ran into her mouth and she could taste the salt. She kissed her husband again...my husband, she thought happily. My dear husband Paul.

"Do you love me, Annette?" he asked, holding her closely.

Annette looked up into his eyes. "You know I do."