eternal love

“Relax, it’s just a book. I would have thought Belle’s daughter would love books.”

“No, I — I do. What book is it?”

“Oh, don’t be such a worry wart, Stella.  It’s not weird at all. It’s actually really cool, or at least it is in my eyes.. Do you remember when mom described her favorite book to us? Well, I found it. And.. I wanted you to read it first. Clearly you are not interested, though..”

Stella’s eyebrows shot up and the girl snatched the book from her sister’s hands. “You did not!” she said with a gasp and looked from the book to her sister and back. “I am interested. Don’t pretend I’m not. You knew I would be!”

“I can’t imagine anyone leaving and going off to college. We grow up far too fast. Your turn to reign will come soon enough – and you needn’t worry. You’ll have good people by your side.” He smiled, gently patting her on the back. “Ooh! Ze library – you must give me ze library tour immediately!”

“Me neither! It’s so weird to think about. We really do. Hm, I hope so. As long as I get to choose who I have by my side, I’ll be fine.” she smiled back and nod. “Oui! My favorite part of the school. I’ll show you my favorite books, too. Follow me!”

“You will, I have no doubt. Ah, your father can be very scary to those who do not know him. Yes, it will come whenever it comes – sometimes when you least expect it! Oui, I’m glad to see you here too, rather than somewhere else. When is school not rough? We’ll survive, we’re almost old enough to graduate.”

“If only they got to know him. I know! Love is a funny thing. Anyway, the thought of graduating makes me nauseous. After graduation comes college, and then — you know, it’s my turn.” she sighed and shrugged. “But oh well. I’ll survive. And so will you! — Ah, here’s the library.” the girl held the door and smiled.

“I will let him know once you introduce me to ze lucky man. Zey are both difficult languages to learn – I zink I might just stick with French. Ah, life has been better, but it has also been far worse, non? And yourself?”

“I will, once I actually meet someone. I think boys are a little intimidated by my dad sometimes — or something like that. Oh well, love will come whenever it comes. Yeah, me too. I mean, I like French. It’s been better? That’s good! I mean, I’m sure glad to see you here instead of you know — somewhere else. But let’s not talk about that right now. I’ve been decent! School’s rough sometimes, but eh. It’s all good.”

“French is a prettier language zan German. Italian would be a fun language to learn – it is a beautiful language to speak. You’re welcome, Stella. It has been a while, it’s good to be back with friends.”

“French will always be the way to my heart — let my future husband know to propose to me in French, will you?” she chuckled and nodded. “I don’t like German. It’s angry. I like Italian, but it’s so hard! How’s life been treating you?”

“I have my parents’ accent, zat is for sure.” He laughed as they turned a corner. “I love ze springtime – all ze flowers are in bloom and it smells just delicious outside. Do not ask you father zen! We will have today for ourselves!”

“Yes, yes you do. Good thing I was raised bilingual, otherwise I’d probably have that accent, too. Not that I’d be complaining, though. I like it.” Stella smiled and nodded. “I won’t then. Thank you for hanging out with me. It’s been a while! I’ve missed you.”

“Schoolwork does make life awful busy. Ze library it is zen! You are definitely your mother’s daughter. Zen we can go to ze garden right after. I’ve got nothing but free time today, Stella.”

“It really does. Oh, alright, amazing! I mean, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. We like some of the same things I guess, reading being one of them.. Great! All the flowers are in bloom right now, it’s gorgeous. I’m sure my dad has a job for me or something if I ask, but if I don’t ask, I’ll be free all day, too.” 

“I suppose zat is true.” He sighed, holding out his arm for hers to link through. “A daily walk does sound quite pleasant. Show me your favorite parts of Auradon Prep, mademoiselle. It would make my day.”

“It is.” she smiled at him and linked her arm through his. “It does, honestly, but sometimes I’m just a little too busy. My favorite parts? Oh goodness. I don’t even know. I mean, I love the library. Mom made sure we had a great one. We can check that out first? Or maybe the garden..”