No One Bites Like Gaston

“Well, then I suppose I shall see you then.” Belle nodded before closing the gate to her little house and entering. The meal her father had been preparing was much heartier than just bread and cheese. Her father had brewed tea and made a wonderful, creamy soup with vegetables and chicken. She was also surprised at the caliber of extravaganza that her father had went to.

Gaston was right on time, with military precision. Belle opened the door. She had changed into a simpler outfit. “Welcome, Gaston… How pleasant of you to arrive… And” She took a moment to look him over, “You brought a very large bouqet of flowers. Bigger than this afternoon. How wonderful.” She shook her head. “Come in…”

After he had left Belle alone he went for his own way. He made sure to get dressed in something better, something more noble. He bought another boquet of flowers, much bigger than the one he already got her. He picked it out, making sure it was special and unique, just like Belle.

Gil instantly jumped up and bounced up and down like an excited puppy.

“What do we need?” He asked

He had truly struck a nerve with his words. Did he not understand her? Did he not understand what she had meant? He had backtracked and had tried to make it better, but it was no use. Phillipe continued his slow pace as they trotted back towards the village.

“In your own, twisted way I suppose.” She said softly, shaking her head. “Do you remember before the war? When you weren’t so preocupied with what they thought of you? Can you not revert back to that Gaston? Humble, kind and uncaring of appearances Gaston?” Belle stopped Phillipe for a moment.

“I will not sit idly by and conform to their small minded way of thinking. It is ridiculous.”

Gaston heard her words but could only frown. “That Gaston was weak.” he said. He could remember his old self. Weak, emotional and no spirit to enjoy life. Yesm before war everything was easier. He wouldn’t have his nightamres now, the fear of getting shot, seeing people die in front of you and not being able to save them. Yes, he had his own package to carry but he would never talk about it. And that was actually the reason why he loved all the attention he got. 

“Yup.” stated Gil before looking outside to see it was still light out he groaned flopping onto his bed in a dramatic state “That will take forever!”

“Well- I suppose since you are so sure, you could join us for one meal. It won’t be as grand as you are used to, I am sure.” Belle held her books tightly in one arm, awkwardly standing before the gate to the house. “It will probably be just bread and cheese if your refined palatte can handle something so simple?”

“No, it isn’t, Gaston… no matter how much I love you- it will never be enough.” She was hurt, truly. He had given her his hand and she had taken it. Then why did it feel like it did not matter that she was his wife? She was not Belle- she was only Gaston’s wife. She pulled Phillipe up next to Gaston’s white mare.

“You should only care about the love of one person.” She said softly, looking into his eyes before flicking her reigns and having Phillipe trot slowly down the hill, back towards the village.

Gaston looked over at Belle, a confused look on his face. “Why are you acting suddenly like that?” he questioned. “You know how much i like being loved by them. Just as much as I love being loved by you.” he spoke. Wow, wrong words. “I mean, you’re the most important person in my life.” he said. “you know I love you.”

    Sin wasn’t sure what to do with flowers. They were pretty enough, but flowers weren’t really up their ally. Unless they were daisies. Sin always had time for Daisies.

     “Well, thank you, then. It’s always the thought that counts I suppose. And– I don’t really have anything going on tonight. But I’m not going to be around very long. So don’t do something stupid like fall in love with me. That was lame. Ignore that. So what was your name again?”

“I find it the most interesting of my options,” she returned the smile and tucked the book into her bag, “What do you do? I was going to buy some things from the market if you’d like to join.”

Gil nodded looking excited like a small puppy

“I really want to, I want to learn how to shoot, and hunt and skin the catch to make pelts and how to cook the meat.” Stated Gil all but bouncing in his seat “I want to learn it all.”

    “These are great, but I don’t think you’d be very satisfied with me. Look, I don’t know you, but I’m pretty sure you have better options than a traveler passing through.”

“How sweet…” Belle said softly, biting her lip. Belle took the flowers, not quite sure what to say, “I’m afraid my father would not be accommodating to a third party at dinner, Gaston.”

Sophia rolled her eyes then smirked up at the man, “My law books, the exam isn’t far from now and I’ll need to score well to even be considered. What are you up to today?” Clsoing her vook she stood and glanced around the old town, “Awfully quiet today.”

Belle lifted her hood back unto her head. Gaston and she had been on holiday and they were finally set to return back to the village. It frustrated Belle. She had tried to influence him as best she could, trying to pry him from the useless ideals the village had infested him with.

“On the contrary, Gaston. I wish we could go back on holiday. I enjoyed time away from the little village.” Belle shook her head as it began to snow lightly, “And why does it matter if everyone loves you? Is it not enough that you are loved by one special person?”

"Because..” Gaston started but stopped for a moment. Why was it so important to him to be loved by everyone. Maybe because it was all he had. He knew no one truly loved him. Not his parent sback then, neither anyone else. But he returned as a hero and everyone suddenly looked up to him. They loved him.