The next day Belle had spent setting up the library for Snow's class. Apparently, they were doing some sort of history project. Snow had been thoughtful enough to give Belle notice ahead of time, but she had been so intrigued by this world's history that she began skimming the books contents. Which of course led to her reading just the introduction to one of the books. Honestly, she let the whole morning go by and if Ruby hadn't brought her lunch, she wouldn't have been prepared at all. Snow's student's had come in their usual whirlwind of energy and laughter but also an eagerness to learn. Belle was all too happy answer their answer questions on where to find books on artists and philosophers. The fact that Belle was able to help the students expand their minds through the pages of her favorite objects filled her with warmth. Maybe one of them would also develop a love of literature.
She was piling up books to be re-shelved when she came across an odd stuffed animal. It seemed to be a gorilla for the most part, but with tail of dinosaur and a robotic arm. Next to the chair was a backpack. The library had been the part of the last class of the day, so the students had left for home from there. Or so she had thought. Apparently, someone had stayed behind. Picking up the toy, Belle wandered down the aisles until she spotted the owner. With an immense volume spread out in front of her, sat a girl about Henry's age in a yellow dress.
"I think your friend was feeling a little lonely." called Belle as she sat down next to the girl and handed her the toy.
"That's Err. He gets that way sometimes. I'm Zoe."
When the girl turned to smile at her, Belle recognized her from the diner.
"I'm Belle-"
"I know. Ruby told me. She said if the the diner was too busy, this was the best place to hang out and you knew all the good books!"
Belle wasn't sure what to say to that, but she felt the heat rise in her cheeks.
"What are you reading about?"
"Galileo. We're learning about the Enlightenment in class. Mom read the Golden Compass to me, it's one of my favorite books."
"And... That helps you understand Galileo?"
"The Church is The Magisterium and Galileo is Lord Asriel."
Belle made a mental note to pick up the book as she heard the doors open.
"Zo? Zoe? Time for dinner!"
"Mom!"
Belle trailed after Zoe and Err with the book. Belle checked out the book while she listened to Zoe tell her mom about her day.
"I'm Skylar, and according to Zoe, you're Belle. Ruby's told me a lot about you." As Belle introduced herself she felt her grow warm. Right after she grabbed a copy of the book, she was going to the diner.