Isabelle Durant

When he recognized Belle, Flynn bat his eyelashes as if innocent, but he couldn’t look more guilty, “I mentioned this was apple juice right?”

Resisting the urge to push him off his stool, Isabelle sighed. “You’re a terrible liar, Flynn.” Belle told him resolutely, coming to sit beside him. “What’s going on?”

Beej shrugged, maybe she was right, though he wasn’t sure if what he had was confidence or too much energy. “Yeah, yeah, whatever. I only went there because I’m broke and it was the only place I could find these awesome mom jeans.”

Good? Me? Pff, I’m not good, I’m a badass.

“Belle…It’s nice to meet you Belle.” He cracked a small smile, a genuine smile as he continued to dance, his moves less…sporadic. “Why do you like the 20’s so much? Don’t get me wrong, you’re pulling it off, I just don’t know shi- anything about that era.” He said, for once watching his language, but he couldn’t pin point why.

“Mhm...” Belle commented, a wry smile playing across her lips. “Well, I still think it was a good choice. The things you find there aren’t generic like what are on the shelves of shops these days and I like different.” She was different after all, at least that’s what she’d been told before... several times over.

“Well I like that the style is beautiful whilst still retaining elegance. Plus... I don’t think I’d be able to dance like this in a ballgown which was very tempting.” She admitted with a laugh. “I don’t know... I suppose there is just something about it and most girls want to be able to wear a flapper dress at some point.” There was a pause. “I’ve also read the Great Gatsby quite a few times so perhaps that had a bit of an influence over my choice of outfit... Daisy Buchanan, Jay Gatsby... Sometimes it’s nice to bring the books to life a little. Create a new world.”

“Good thing, I’ve been trying to find people to dance with all night, but everyone else is either taken or lame.” He joked, even though there was some truth to his words. “And thanks!! This is all courtesy of goodwill baby.” He said, giving a little spin to show it all off. “I’m Bj by the way.”

“I don’t know about lame... perhaps they just don’t have your confidence.” Belle pointed out with a smile. “And goodwill hm? Well cheap, cheerful and reused. The money goes to a good cause as well, you’re full of good surprises. Not enough people are open minded enough to go places like that.” A laugh left her at the others spinning. “Bj hm? Well it’s a pleasure to meet you Bj, I’m Isabelle, though most just call me Belle.” 

“I always knew you weren’t a ‘take no for an answer’ kind of gal, but sometimes I hope you’ll let me off at least once,” Flynn moped, chuckling lightly. “Alright but get ready for me to outshine you. I’ve got some moves– you’d be surprised.”

“Good, then you know me well.” Belle answered with a little laugh, taking hold of the others hand and tugging him over to dance before he could get away or change his mind. “Oh really? What are these moves you speak of? I’m sure you told me you had moves way back when... something about being charming and being able to woo a woman. I don’t recall that living up to expectations either.” She couldn’t help but tease.

Beej was honestly surprised that the girl said yes. He was a weirdo and…well, she was far to pretty and nice to be talking to Bj. “That’s the spirit!!! God there’s so many people who aren’t dancing at a dance. Nice to know there aren’t losers here.” He joked as he pulled the most Rick Astley-esque move possible. “Nice dress, you got the whole Gatsby-flapper girl thing going on, respect.”

Belle couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “Maybe I just have less inhibitions than others.” She offered up as she began to dance. “Thank you! I do think the era was quite beautiful and when I saw this... well I couldn’t resist. I’m enjoying your outfit too though. Very cheerful.”

“I think it’s only a matter of time until I visit your bookstore anyway,” Harry chuckled too. “One can never have too many books.”

“That is true. I’ll look forward to your visit.” And she meant it. The man was enjoyable to talk to and to be given another opportunity to do that, well she wouldn’t turn it down.

“That’s not what I–” Flynn stopped himself, sighing. He would never win. “Alright well good luck getting home on your own then. Can we get that food first though?”

There was a look in Belle’s eyes, as if she was waiting for Flynn to retort so she could give it him back just as good. As it happened though, the other stopped, drawing a little grin from her lips. “Yes, we can get that food first. Come on!” The brunette spoke chirpily, linking their arms.

“It simply shows how passionate you are about them,” Harry nodded. “Do you work in a bookstore? Or the library?”

“The bookstore.” Isabelle admitted, though she didn’t know if that proved his point or not. “I promise I am not trying to drum up customers though.” She assured him with a laugh.

“Next town event. It’s more like I’m running the whole show but if I say that to the wrong person, it could get me into trouble,” Caroline said with a slight laugh, “Uh… a drink sounds great yeah. Just let me clean up here.”

“Well you have always had the ability to take control and make things work.” Isabelle said with a little smile. “No problem, though I could give you a hand with the cleaning if you’d like to make it a little quicker.”