fairytales & firesides .

Sally lowered her head, wringing her hands, biting her lip to restrain her grin a bit. A girl’s trip, it reminded of when Ollie had offered to help her with the flower crowns, when she had gone to their place to prepare everything for their amazing outfit design. This was rather different, though –a full-fledged trip, a journey to the city… What would her father say about it? Sally’s smile faded. Knowing him, he would complain that his daughter was just searching for excuses to leave him alone to his own devices. And who would take care of him, if she left, even if it was for a couple of days…? Sally remembered the deal she had made. A caretaker… Maybe that could be good for them both, maybe it could give her a chance to stay away from Redwood Hollow, from the house and from the father for a while. A little break. Just that. Though, keeping that in mind, Miss Di Rossi had made that deal with her in exchange for work, not to spend it on fun holidays in the city…

“I don’t know a lot about photographers though,” Sally admitted, pushing those thoughts out of her mind as best she could, at least for the moment. “So I guess this would be a good opportunity to start learning.”

A knot formed on the seamstress’ throat. Belle had never shown anyone what she had written? Oh, this was a big responsability. Sally sincerely hoped she could be able to live up to her new friend’s expectations of her. “I got a feeling I’ll like it,” Sally said with a smile. Belle was a smart woman; even if the writing itself needed some tweaking, Sally was certain that, at the very least, the concepts she would bring up in her work would be fascinating.

     THE OTHER WOMAN SEEMED LOST IN THOUGHT, SO BELLE LET HER FOR A MOMENT, EYES DRIFTING TO THE DANCE FLOOR AS SHE DRANK. Still, it was nice to have a companion, especially one that seemed to excited to go to her home town. Belle wouldn’t mind the trip, really. A part of her missed her small New York apartment; missed the feeling that had come after she started college. What Sally was feeling now was so fleeting, and she was certain the other woman would have a blast. “I’ll even take you to my favorite burger joint,” Belle grinned. “It’s this tiny little place. Hidden in a fancy hotel, behind a red curtain. It’s a gem, really.” Whenever family had visited, Belle had always taken them there. Her little hole in the wall. Her stomach grumbled at the thought of one.

     “Now is as good a time as any,” she said, smiling. “I’m sure Redwood has some books on photographers in our library.” Despite being so small, the town had an impressive selection. Now that she had the space, Belle was building her own, small library as well. Maybe one day, she’d even open a book shop. 

Anna smiled excited to have Belle around the rink. “My sister might be a better teacher, I  also fall on my butt all the time.” She chuckled, Anna wasn’t exactly gracious on ice, that was for certainly Elsa’s element.

She tilted her head and looked at her friend, I don’t know, wasn’t exactly the answer she was looking forward, but it made her even more curious. “Do not worry about it, I love talking about boys almost as much as I love talking about books, you can Elsa about it.” Anna smiled, in the end she truly just loved to talk, and she could talk about anything. “Well, I wouldn’t judge him much on a bad first date.” Anna didn’t knew why the date had been bad, in her head it was because the guy was nervous and that was natural. “Me and my ex had a very good first date, and we still broke up.” Giving that he asked to be her boyfriend in the same day they meet, she considered that a very good date. “It is not like he’s asking to marry you, you can give him another chance, and if it doesn’t work out, well, we can make a slumber party, you can tell me about the horrible date, we can make jokes about him, and I will even punch him if you want.” Anna chuckled happily about that last part, people didn’t expected, since she was cute and small, but she had a very good punch.

     THE THOUGHT OF ICE SKATING WAS BOTH TERRIFYING AND EXCITING ALL AT ONCE. She’d been a few times on the rink outside the Rockefeller center for Christmas festivities, but otherwise, she stayed away. “Well, both of you teaching me might be helpful,” she said with a laugh. “Although, if that’s the case we might be falling down a lot.”

     THE LECTURE HAD GONE PARTICULARLY WELL TODAY.  Belle wasn’t certain what had put the students in a good mood, but it was easy to get responses out of them, and a part of her was glad to see them responding to this week’s chapters of the Iliad. It was nice to know that the book was getting them to think; getting them excited. It was a lecture class, so Belle had to temper her expectations, but it seemed they were finally starting to find their rythm. So was she, really, and now she started to notice certain students. The one who always chewed gum in the fourth row. The one who always asked questions about the reading that would prove they at least read something. 

    And the woman in the back, who sat with her head down, but who Belle could still tell was staying attentino. She wasn’t there all the time, which made Belle wonder if this was actually a class she was taking. Still, even if she wasn’t, Belle admired that. She would’ve done something similar when she was in school. So, at the end of the lecture, Belle approached her, and gave a warm smile, leaning against the wall by the exit she was about to go out of. “Mind if you stay behind for a second?” she asked, as the other students piled out. “I’ve got a quick question for you.” Quickly, she added, “Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble, but I’m fairly certain you’re not actually on my roster, are you?”

There was no way Belle would have guessed how her brief comment had made Sally’s day. She felt her hands buzzing with excitement, her cheeks stretched by that old goofy grin she couldn’t quite stop. “I’d… Yes, sure, you could ask, I… I would also like to think this isn’t the last time we talked.” Belle was a cultured, elegant, smart city woman, and for some reason, she had seen something in her, Sally, to have chosen to be her friend. Perhaps she was being too generous with the label; and yet, so far the professor had been nothing but kind and sweet to her. Perhaps she was simply like this with everyone, like Ella was this beacon of goodness in Redwood Hollow. In any case, it was a pretty great honor.

Sally’s heart skipped a beat and she gasped in an unseemly fashion, but it really wasn’t as if she could just contain herself. “You’d –you’d show me the city!? I –I –I’d love to –my goodness, I’d –it’s what I’ve wanted for so long…!” she chuckled nervously. “This would be absolutely amazing for our theater… For the whole arts scene in Redwood, truly… You’d be –you’d be helping so many people get their chance to shine!” This was something bigger than just her having a few more opportunities for fun costume design and specific musical suggestions: this could help all sorts of artists in town to get to show off their talents, play their songs, act their emotions, paint their scenery, write the words…

“Oh –I’d love to read any dabbling you might have written!” Sally exclaimed excitedly. “I’m trying to get to reading more plays than, you know, Shakespeare and Sophocles and Strindberg… Of course, only if you’re okay with it,” she immediately backpedalled. Despite her usual faux-pas Sally was not dumb –she knew that asking to read something someone else made, or to witness any kind of creative endeavor, was an act of deep vulnerability. And, to assure Belle that it was alright to entrust her with her creation, she smiled and bowed her head slightly. “You know, we’re always trying to give local artists a chance at the Community Center. And you’re already going to do so much for me… If you’d like, I could try to get a play of yours approved for the Redwood Hollow stage. it wouldn’t be the sort of great productions from New York, but… Well, it’d be something, I’m sure.”

...

     A SOFT SMILE FELL ON BELLE’S LIPS AS SALLY AGREED THAT THEY WERE BECOMING FRIENDS. While she had never really had troubles being kind to people, Belle had never really found her people. It had always felt like she was floating at the surface, barely making it past small smiles and fake laughter. Here, though, Belle had found her place. Had found people who finally felt like they liked her for her intricacies. She was glad to have found another one of those people in Sally. “Good, I’m glad,” she said, genuinely, meeting Sally’s eyes and raising her glass ever so slightly before taking a small. sip.

     Sally as so excited that Belle wished they could go this weekend. Truthfully, the city was nothing special to her, but it was nice to see people light up about something they loved. “Of course,” she said, laughing ever so slightly. “It’s not too far of a drive, you know. We could go whenever you’d like. Make it a girl’s trip.” A grin followed those words, because she thought a trip with Sally would be rather fun. After all, they both seemed to like the same things. “We could even go to the Met... I think they have an exhibit dedicated to photography right now...” Belle was useless when it came to artists names, but she was certain she remembered seeing that before she moved. 

Paulo couldn’t help but grin at her words. “You should! That’s some very good advice,” he agreed, giving a firm and supportive nod. PJ, watching his father do this, also gave a nod, though he just liked to copy his old man. Of course, not understanding the conversation, he then started to entertain himself by sticking his hand in his mouth.

It was interesting hearing her speak about her profession and he honestly wanted to know more. “What exactly do you teach?” He asked. “I mean, the reason we keep these books in the archives are for their own preservation. If we kept them out for anyone to touch and read as they pleased, it would likely lead to damage and fading. Of course, we don’t want to hide them from the world, which is why we offer the collaboration. To share the knowledge to those who want it while also protecting the artifacts themselves,” he explained. While she seemed to worry about herself going on and on, Paulo had no such qualms, letting his passion flow from himself freely. If anyone ever thought it was too much (and they often did), that was something they had to deal with.

He looked over the painting with awe and admiration, his chest swelling as he thought about the meaning and history behind it. “Right? Honestly, the stories behind everything we keep here at the museum is often more captivating to me than the objects themselves. But that’s what’s great about it–everyone can find something different to enjoy here.”

He smiled at her introduction. “It’s nice to meet you, Belle! I’m Paulo–well, you already knew that, I introduced myself at the beginning. But still. This is the first time I’ve seen you on this tour, did you just start working at the college recently?”

...

     BELLE COULDN’T HELP BUT NOTICE PJ COPYING HIS FATHER, AND A SMALL GRIN BROKE OUT ON HER FACE. It was sweet, really, that his son could be here with his dad while he worked. Belle wasn’t sure if she really wanted children, but she’d always had a soft spot for parents with their fathers. For a second, she realized he had spoken and she hadn’t replied yet. “Sorry, he’s so adorable,” she said with a laugh, looking up at his dad. 

     “I teach literature,” she said in answer to his question. “Specifically myths and fairytales. Folklore. I specialize in Greek and Roman mythology but I dabble in just about anything. I want to teach a fairytale class next semester, hopefully. I’ve been talking to the dean about putting it on the roster. I’d love to include some local tales, since it seems the town is so rich with them.” While she had done her research on Redwood Hollow before moving, ti seemed she’d missed the history behind the town; behind its people. She wished she had known before, although truthfully, it was nice to find out. It made her decision to move here feel more solid.   

    Belle’s eyes flickered back to the painting, and she nodded along with what he was saying. “A good story can’t be beat,” she agreed, smiling at home. “And it seems to me these stories are a bit older, which to me, makes them a bit more powerful. They hold weight.” At his next question, she couldn’t help but shake her head. “I moved a few months ago, but really haven’t had the chance to get to museum with classes and all. I’m finally starting to settle in, though. And everyone’s so nice...”

“Ah, well that’s a start at least,” Nani replied, upon sliding Belle the flyer. “The Sunday evening I’d recommend if you’re a bit more confident on your feet. Thursday is a bit closer to a beginner, drop in type of class.” With that, she loaded up the computer that sat on the end of the counter.

Nani smiled. She and her sister, Lilo, had danced since they were children. It was a tradition where they were born to learn their national dance from a young age, and though Nani had an on-and-off journey with the art, Lilo had stuck with it forever, so she was always in the life somehow. That being said, there was something to be said for those who wanted to begin their dancing life later. There was a different sort of passion in it that Nani often missed herself, but it was one that she greatly admired. “Don’t tell me– Angelina Ballerina?” Nani laughed. “Honestly, I don’t think it matters where you get the idea from or what sparks your interest, as long as you’re interested and are open to trying it!”

     BELLE WAS GLAD THAT NANI WASN’T LOOKING DOWN ON HER FOR NOT HAVING A LOT OF PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE.  It was nice to know that they’ll teach all ages and all levels, and Belle could feel her shoulders slumping a bit at the thought of not being judged. “The Thursday class sounds nice,” she admitted, with a small laugh. “Honestly, I’m so nervous to get into that I think even if I was confident I’d try the Thursday class first.”

“When I was little, I wanted to be a photographer… I know, it’s a bit strange of an aspiration for a kid,” she said with a little embarrassed shrug. “I loved the idea of preserving something, a little moment… Making it last forever. My father used to be really into entomology –that’s the, uh, study of insects… And the house is filled with these pinned and spread collections of bugs. I think I got my fascination with, you know, that sort of suspension of life, from him…”

Sally smiled, happy to have hit the jackpot with the question. It was as if someone asked her which was her favorite song, or her favorite food. They always changed depending on what she was feeling or needing. “Oh, I’ve read the Iliad and the Odyssey!” she said proudly. After all, her father did know his classic literature, and he would be damned if he would allow his own daughter to go about in life without properly being educated on it. “I do prefer the Odyssey, I think… I haven’t heard of Schwab, though. I’ll try my best to remember that name.”

Guys and Dolls, Sally thought, wondering where she had heard of it… And she smiled when she remembered. “Ask me how do I feel, little me with my quiet upbringing… Well sir, all I can say is if I were a gate I’d be swinging,” she sang quietly before bursting into laugh. “So, Sarah? That’s not an easy role,” Sally commented with a chuckle. “You must have a pretty strong voice.”

...

     IT WAS NICE, LEARNING MORE ABOUT SALLY. Truly, it felt like she was finally making more friends in the town, outside of Mary, Anna, and Adam. “That’s not strange at all,” she said, with a shrug. “I mean that’s why my father always liked being a mechanic. He had a way of preserving something. Pictures, though, there’s something special about them, isn’t there? I think it’s great that you had such a connection to that.”

     Belle was so glad when Sally said she’d read the books, mostly because she didn’t have to explain the part. “You have?” she asked, excitedly. “A lot of people haven’t read them all the way through, due to them being a bit long. The Iliad too can be a bit... well, flowery, and it was translated, so that makes it more difficult.” A sheepish smile followed afterwards, and she was unable to keep her mouth shut when it came to her favorite books. “The Odyssey is lovely. I’ve actually been teaching it right now in my classes and I just love hearing the different takes the students give...” Belle shrugged before adding, “Well, if you ever want to borrow my books...”

     Sally started singing and Belle couldn’t help but laugh, a small blush forming as she joined in towards the end. “Yes, that’s the one!” she said, grinning. “I had to pretend I was drunk and dance around the stage. It was quite fun, really.” Sally shook her head. “You have a lovely voice. And you said you’ve never acted before?”

Gaspard could notice her smile and the more he spoke, the more she actually pay attention to him and less on the book, he knew the book was his biggest challenge after all, it gave her company, it took her to exciting places, was her oldest friend, reliable, not at all like him.

“I want another chance.” He said, he knew it wouldn’t be that simple, but in the end it was what he wanted, he didn’t wanted to spend time with her just as friends, he honestly would prefer for her to stay angry at him and avoid him than just being her friend.

“And I also wanted to give you this.” He said grabbing an old book that was tied with a red bow, Gaspard was getting rid of his father stuff what was now his house, in the middle of the mess he found a few things that belonged to his mother, jewelry, dresses, and that book was in one of her things, she purchased the book when he still was a baby, it had a few of the classics histories from the museum, a limited edition with the tales the people came to listen the most, she used to read to him every night, that was until his father started to stay home, and thought that the stories would make him soft, on the first page there was his mother signature and a small note to him. Never forget to dream.

...

     BELLE DIDN’T WANT TO BE INTRIGUED BY WHAT HE WAS SAYING. Still, she couldn’t help it; couldn’t help but want to find the person under the awful manners that had occurred on their first date. Maybe she was making an exception for him; maybe it was ridiculous, but she still couldn’t help but feel like there was something more to Gaspard. Still, maybe there was something there. Maybe she could get past the cover, that he seemed to be keeping up.

     “Right,” she said, sighing. “I don’t know what you think--” And then she was cut off by the book, and Belle couldn’t think. Belle reached out with tentative fingers, quickly latching on to the book as if it were a treasure she might drop. For a moment, she was overtaken by the gesture. But, she itched to open the book, as the cover was absolutely beautiful. It lured her in and she couldn’t help but look up at him from under her lashes, quietly asking, “Can I open it?”

    It felt like a strange question, maybe, but Belle didn’t know how special this book was to him. It felt old, though, and it smelled older still. She couldn’t help but feel like he was passing her a part of himself, and that was something Belle hadn’t been expecting. Gently, she ran a finger along the spine and shook her head, trying to find the words to ask him, but of course nothing was coming to mind. Instead, all she said was, “Why? I mean... this is a very sweet gift. And you heard me, about the myths. But why?”

Looking around the room, Ollie felt a flush rush to their cheeks. Had they really been that spaced out. Sitting up a bit in their seat, Ollie nodded their head. Running a hand down their face, Ollie shook the stars from their head as best they could. “Uh, right I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t really remember what I wrote, I’ve been so tired lately.” 

...

     BELLE SMILED GENTLY, PULLING THE PAPER OUT FROM HER DESK AND HOLDING IT OUT FOR THEM. Truthfully, it was one of the best in her batch, but Belle couldn’t help but be a little concerned about the fact Ollie was so tired. “It was about how Odysseus wasn’t the hero of the book at all,” she said, with a shrug. “You built an interesting case, truly.” A pause followed and Belle tilted her head a bit before asking, “Are you doing alright? I don’t mean to pry, so if you don’t feel comfortable... But if I could help in any way, I’d like to help.”

Anna smiled, she didn’t thought she looked like Elsa, her sister was beautiful and perfect, she was at the best a mess. “I’m glad you got to meet her, you should stop by the rink, and we can all have hot chocolate together.” Anna offered.

She was always happy to hear about a new fairy tale, those were certainly her favorite stories, everything working out in the end, the princess marrying the prince, finding her true love. When she heard the name Gaspard, Anna had to think for a while, the name sounded familiar, but it wasn’t someone she hanged out with, maybe it was someone she met because of Hans. As much as Anna was focused on trying to remember how she knew him, she did not miss the way Belle behaved after saying his name. “is he someone special?” Anna asked.

      THE THOUGHT OF HAVING A GOOD GROUP OF FRIENDS HERE EXCITED BELLE. She’d never really had friends before now, and it seemed the town had brought out her social side. “She was wonderful,” Belle said. “And I would absolutely love that! You’d have to teach me to skate, though. I mean I have a few times out in New York, but I almost fell on my butt every time.”

Victor had spent the time passing throwing the ball for Sultan to bring it back only for him to wrestle the dog every time he had to get the ball from his mouth before he could throw it again. Sultan had grasped the chasing after the ball and bringing it back, he’s yet to master the passing it over for it to be thrown again.

His attention was caught by a voice nearby. He gave her a wave and offered a smile when he spotted it was Belle. “Yeah, he’s cute, but he’s a troublemaker” he chuckled, watching fondly as the dog bounded around with the ball. “Do you have the space now? If not, what about a smaller breed of dog?” Victor suggested. A dog was great company to have around, hopefully Belle would be able to get the dog she always wanted. “He’s called Sultan. The name was already given when I adopted him and I didn’t want to confuse the guy”

...

     A LAUGH FOLLOWED VICTOR’S MENTION OF THE DOG BEING A TROUBLEMAKER. Truthfully, despite the fact that she knew dogs could be a handful, she doubted she’d ever see one as a troublemaker. “Oh, I believe it,” she teased, shaking her head at Sultan as he ran after the ball once more. “I do,... The New York apartment still lives in me, though, so I forget sometimes that I actually have the space now.” A small chuckle left her lips as she crossed her arms over her chest.

     “Sultan,” she repeated, getting a look from the dog, ears raised. Belle gave him a slight scratch behind the ears, smiling again. “Well, I think it’s great. I suppose I should go to the adoption center soon, maybe after finals. Things have been crazy and I just want to make sure I have enough time, you know? But I’ve always wanted a big dog. Like a German Shepherd or a Great Dane...” Belle trailed off, shaking her head ever so slightly. 

@bellegedeon​

Ollie tapped a pencil against the top of the book they were supposed to be focusing on. They knew there was someone talking to them, but their mind was else where. Pulling from their haze, Ollie’s eyes flitted around before focusing on their professor. “I uh, sorry I wasn’t paying attention. What did you ask me?” 

...

      BELLE WAS STARTING TO REALIZE WHEN HER STUDENTS DRIFTED OFF. Of course, some of them were more obvious than others, but when the rest of the class had filed out and Ollie remained, Belle found herself at their desk, a soft smile on her lips. “I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind staying a few minutes,” she asked, nodding her head at them. “I had a few questions, following reading your essay.” Belle smiled a bit. “It was quite good, really, but I was wondering where you got the idea for the thesis from.”

Amelia smiled, with the way the other talk it was easy to guess, teacher or writer. “I teach Maritime sciences, how about you?” she asked curious about what topic the other would teach, by the way she looked at the castle, maybe it had something to do with history.

She smiled and looked at the stained glass. “It looks by far the hardest thing to do.” She said, but maybe it was for her, Amelia could paint an ocean with her eyes closed, she was also very good with the sky and star positions, but that was all the art she had on her.

...

     IT WAS NICE, GETTING TO KNOW ANOTHER PROFESSOR. She hadn’t met many yet, burying herself in her own work and at the Red Rose cafe. “Maritime sciences!” Belle exclaimed, grinning. “That’s lovely. I mean... it would probably go completely over my head but I can imagine you teach some very interesting classes. I teach Literature, mostly in classics and mythology. I’m a big Odyssey fan, if that counts towards my knowledge of maritime sciences.”

     Belle laughed at her words, before nodding at the stained glass. “Any of this seems nearly impossible to me,” she admitted. “I’ve never been good with paint. But, give me a wrench and I could fix your car.”

Anna was always happy to make a new friend, specially one that seemed to like to much of the same things she did, between the festival, looking after PJ, crafting her new necklace with the flowers Kristoff gave her,  thinking about going to college, and trying to find her mother’s diary, she didn’t had much time to read as much as she did, but it didn’t matter, she loved spending time with Belle.

“Belle!” She said happily seeing that her friend was already there, she hugged Belle and kissed her cheek before joining her. “I can never say no to hot chocolate.” She smiled, even if the weather was hot, Anna would still drink hot chocolate, specially the one from the cafe since it was perfect. “How was your week?” she asked curious.

...

     BELLE KNEW THAT THE WEEK HAD BEEN DRAINING, BUT STILL FUN. Despite her exhaustion, it was nice to finally feel like she was getting her footing in this town. “Good for every season,” Belle agreed, grinning. “Well, I met your sister at the market during the festival. She’s lovely, really, and you two look so much alike. I mean, minus the hair of course.” Quite frankly, Belle was shocked that she hadn’t seen Anna’s face in Elsa’s the moment they met. They might as well have been twins, in her book.  

     “And, I do have a book to share. It’s a new fairytale, sort-of. But first I just--This is so random, but do you... do you know Gaspard Erikkson?” she asked, tilting her head ever so slightly. The question was out before she really knew she asked it, and Belle felt a flush come to her cheeks. She brought her cup to her lips to try and hide the look that was clearly on her face at this point. 

He was glad when she finally close the book and looked at him, but her question wasn’t exactly something easy to answer, there was the answer he thought she wanted to hear, a mix of what she wanted to hear and part of the true, and the real true, that last answer unfortunately wasn’t something he was prepared to say out loud, so he decided to go with the second option. “First I asked you out because you were hot.” That was the half honest part, she knew she might not be happy with his answer, and might not be what she wanted to hear, but for him to make her believe he was being 100% honestly, he needed to give the answer that was expected of him.

“But on our date I realized you were different, you’re way more than just a pretty face, you’re smart, you try to do what’s best for other people even not being what’s best for you.” He said scratching the back of his neck pretending to be nervous. “I ask you out expecting nothing more than a few hours of shallow fun, but as you said, you’re way more than just a one-night stand, unfortunately it took me after the date started to realize that.” Gaspard took a deep breath.

“I didn’t exactly had a date planned, I was going to take you to see a movie or something, so we could make out during the movie, and went it was over, take you to my place.” Since it was what he normally did with one night stands. “You deserved a better date, I should have brought you flowers, planned a picnic, something for us to actually get to know each other, but I didn’t, so I basically panicked, just took you to the park and flirted with everyone I saw, because I knew you were already disappointed with me and I didn’t want to face that.”

...

     BELLE WASN’T SURE WHAT SHE WAS TO BELIEVE. Truthfully, she didn’t entirely believe him, although she was shocked by his candor. At least he was being half truthful, or at the very least telling a version of the truth. There was no reason for him to say what he’d said, otherwise, she figured. Still, she had her finger tucked in the crease of her book, and was tapping as he spoke to try and keep the questions down. It was confusing sure, but it was less confusing than the date had been. At least, here, now, he was being real.

     “Thank you,” she said, nodding her head. “Telling me the truth, I mean. And what you said about me being more than my looks.” Belle closed her eyes for a moment, trying to regain her footing, because she felt like she had been spun around quite a bit by his words. “I wasn’t disappointed in you, though, not until you started doing all the other... well, bullshit, for lack of a better word.” Belle couldn’t help the small smile that was on her lips, though. “I quite like the movies, really. I still went to go see it, afterwards and you missed out.”

     Movies, to her, were like books brought to life. She always liked them, even if she preferred a book and a cozy reading chair most days. “Look, Gaspard, I appreciate this, really,” she said, shaking her head. “But I don’t know what you were expecting me to say...” Belle’s hand left her book now, as she looked up at met his eyes. “What do you want?”

Alice was utterly intrigued by Belle’s story, and glad to find that someone might actually be on the same wavelength as them. From what Alice could remember of the few classes of Belle’s they had taken, they found her to be a wonderful storyteller, which Alice didn’t bestow lightly. It took a lot to stop them daydreaming. “I’ve read some part of it,” Alice replied with a nod, wholeheartedly agreeing (and committing the fact they did not finish the version they read because the book had no interesting illustrations to accompany it.) “I like to find the smaller parts that complete the puzzle.”

With a pleasant smile, Alice replied. “And you too. Miss… Gedeon, isn’t it? I am, yes. I don’t think I’ve contributed much to your classes yet, which may be why.” This was again on account of the daydreaming. They nodded then, enthusiastically, and led the way. “I really hope they let us look. Thank you for coming with me. They’re probably tired of me asking stupid questions by now, and you look a touch more responsible than me.”

...

      BELLE COULDN’T HELP BUT FEEL A BIT OF A KINDRED SPIRIT IN THIS YOUNG PERSON. They understood, it seemed, the looking between the lines; the reading between the spaces. It was nice to know that someone so young could understand so easily what she was trying to say. “Me too,” she said, with a small nod. “I think it’s more interesting that way. You can make your own story within the story.” And now, she figured, that was both what they were looking for, especially because they were both looking at this mysterious book. This book hidden behind glass walls. Belle wondered if it was true, what she had said, or if there was something else going on that they didn’t know about. 

     “Yes, but please call me Belle,” she said, with a laugh. “Ms. Gedeon makes me feel old outside of class.” A shake of her head followed Alice’s words, and she smiled a bit. “You should. Contribute more. I think you’d have a unique point of view.” Truthfully, Belle wished more people would talk more in her classes. She was just teaching larger style lectures right now, and it was hard to inspire people to speak. “Oh, there is no such thing as a stupid question,” she said, shaking her head. “And, I’m happy to help. Although, I think anyone should be able to see the book, no matter who they are.”

Elsa enjoyed speaking to Belle, she was very softhearted and easy to speak with. She seemed to have a gentle nature and seemed very bright, quite the opposite of the stoic Elsabeth. “You are certainly welcome.” Elsa giggled softly. “New York City, that’s cool!” She certainly was impressed. “I’ve lived here all my life but due to competitions my parents and Anna went from place to place.” Denmark, Norway they were some of the places Elsa had been iceskating. “I just haven’t attented in the hootenanny in years.” Not since their parents passed away. “I should follow my own advice, I have been locked up in my room for a long time, only going to work when i had to.” Elsabeth admitted. “I guess I will, I’ll get a green one for my sister as well.”

...

     THE CITY NEVER LEFT HER, EVEN THOUGH SHE STOOD IN REDWOOD HOLLOW NOW. Belle grinned at Elsa’s enthusiasm, though, knowing that the city meant something to people who had never lived there. She’d always found that fascinating, that a city could grip people who had never even stepped foot in it. “It was my home for almost thirty years,” Belle said, with a laugh. “I miss it sometimes, but I don’t miss having to walk everywhere. The car is nice.” She raised a brow as Elsa mentioned a competition. “You competed? What did you do?” 

     As they moved through the booth, Belle picked up a yellow crown for herself and gently placed it on her head. “What do you think of this one?” she asked, grinning ever so slightly and then nodding her head. “I understand that. I barely... I mean, my dad got sick a few years back so I was often home or at the shop. He’s a mechanic.” Belle explained, smiling softly. “It’s nice to get to see some of the world now, isn’t it?” She paused, as Elsa mentioned her sister. “Oh? Who’s your sister?”