a heart full of love

“Thank you, ma’am. Would you so happen to be the person who won Basket 12 at the auction?” He inquired, straightening the lapel of his vest. He stood and held out his hand to her. He wondered if she was as nervous about this experience as he was. He had to admit though, the prospect of meeting new people and making new friends had outweighed anything that he could think of. Befriending the citizens of Ever After was something that he loved to do, and he loved every chance he had to fulfill that wish.

Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. He seemed like a good person, there was not reason for Belle to panic, she needed to let things happen. It’s not like he knew what she had done, there was not way it would come up. “So do you mind if I ask how you picked this place?” she said turning around to see their surroundings, “I didn’t know there was a willow tree here...” she said reaching for the tree’s trunk and running her hand over a heart someone had drew.

Scott lifted his head up, looking at the roof. “Oh. I’m going to kill the assholes that built this roof. Incompetent shitheads is what they are. Thank you, for informing me.”

“Maybe it’s not their fault... it could be the materials, or ... something else...” the last thing she wanted was to get someone in trouble. 

“It’s medium sized. One should have a poetry book sticking out of it.”

“How’s the book?” she asked before she was able to stop herself. 

“Why would they be disappointed? You’re a sweet person to be around, I can’t really think of anyone who’d be disappointed unless they’re unpleasant themselves. I wasn’t planning on bidding, but maybe I’ll bid for 3. Or maybe I’ll bid a little on all the baskets. Just to help raise more money. I quite like Fire & Ice after all.”

“I’ve heard that the owner is very kind, and the girls really love working here. And I’ve heard people really enjoy being here. So helping them out seems like a good thing to do, we need more place where people enjoy themselves in town.”

Not a problem at all, Miss Isabelle. I’m George, it’s lovely to have met you.

“Might want to change those shoes.  It could get muddy.  …Perhaps your clothes too, for that matter.  The worst that could possibly happen is you fall into the water.”

“Clothes like the kind I don’t ming getting dirty?” she said thinking about using the clothes she wore for gardening. “Where should I met you sir?”

Leaning over her, he looked down at the address and nodded. “I know where that is. Follow me and let me carry that for you,” Hans offered. He had a few hours before he had to be anywhere and figured it was the perfect time to escort a pretty girl somewhere.

“You are a life saver!” she said maybe a little too excited, but getting this package on time meant that the shop would not get in trouble. “Ohh... I-... thank you... it’s not that heavy, but thank you...” she said before handing the package to him. “Lead the way sir” she said with a smile. 

Isabelle’s words hit Henry hard. He didn’t know what to say or how to feel. To know that somewhere out there were your  parents but you knew nothing of them, hurt. It hurt him every single day, but he didn’t want anyone to have to experience that. They shouldn’t have to worry about how it might feel. Henry wasn’t going to make himself sad, he couldn’t. “Thank you, very much,” he stated, his cheeks turning a bright red. All he had ever wanted was to make them happy, even if they didn’t know who he had become. Nodding with a bright smile, he looked at her, just admiring that small moment that he could connect to someone and hope that they were alright. “You’re welcome.” He held out his hands and pulled her into a hug, just holding onto her. Henry was much bigger than her, but she seemed to fit for that moment and just held onto her and would continue to do so for as long as she wanted to. Isabelle deserved to be hugged. She deserved to know just exactly how much people did care about her and that no matter what, he would continue to be there, because now, she was his friend. Henry had to protect his friends.

Isabelle was used to being the small person in a hug, but not like this. This was different, in this moment she felt as if nothing could harm her. She felt safe. Belle pressed her face against Henry’s chest and heard his heart beating. She concentrated in the beat. Isabelle felt her arms tighten around him, she knew they would be good friends from here on. You don’t share your memories, specially painful ones, with someone without becoming friends. “Thank you...” she couldn’t stop saying. Kindness was something rare in this town, something that should be treasured. 

“Yes, well I suppose he’s right actually. We all have our own little quirks.”

“That’s what makes us human I guess...”

“I don’t believe the caterer wants to be the caterer right now.”

“Certainly. I mean what could possibly compel someone to mess up the catering of an event such as this one?”