Chapter 3

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Gaston walked back to the Tavern mostly confused. He could have sworn that young lady was Belle, but he had only seen the two mystery people ride back together and couldn't put his finger on who they were. She was with a young man, who looked same age, or a few years younger as him and knew that Belle wouldn't be with him, for she was his. He leaned on his crutches for support and made his way through the quiet village. Every so often someone standing outside a shop or their house would call out 'get well Gaston' or 'you saved us, Gaston!' And that just inflated his ego even more. By the time he had finished walking through the small village he was back at Belle's house. He decided to go into the cottage, and invite Belle to come to the Tavern with him. He walked up the stone steps with vegetation growing between the cracks and knocked on the door.

A few moments after he knocked, Maurice answered the door, having to look up at Gaston as he spoke.

"Is Belle home?" He asked, trying to look through the door

"Nope." He replied, not giving any recognition of his wounds and started shutting the door, but Gaston caught it and pried it open. "Where is she?" He asked

"Out. She is out with a friend." He said, trying to not but too much emphasis on the word 'friend' and to show a smile. "I'll tell her you stopped by, Gaston. Au revoir." And he shut the door quickly, not letting Gaston speak.

As Gaston turned slowly away, he knew that Belle was not out with a 'friend' whatever that meant, nor was Maurice going to tell her that her stopped by. It was the same every single day, but it made him even more determined to steal Belle away and wed her, but also to lock Maurice up in that asylum for freaks so he couldn't object. He would just have to wait until she returned. For now, he would wait in the Tavern with Lefou. That brought his mind to his little friend. He hadn't seen him around lately and he decided he would go find him. Using his crutches to propel him back to the Tavern he stopped once he was inside to ask one of the Bimbettes where he was. As he entered Claudette was the first one he saw

"Hey!" He said, getting her attention "Where is Lefou?"

After he said that she looked confused. "I thought he was with you!" She exclaimed "I actually haven't seen him around the Tavern much." Then her eyes widened in realization "Oh! He was out doing errands with the money he'd made! He said he was getting us the best bread for tonight!" She clapped her hands excitedly.

Gaston was confused. Lefou never had any money. "How did he get it?" He asked.

She replied happily "he stashed some of the things from the castle before he left! Sold them for beaucoup d'argent" She said

That gave him a great idea. Later, when he was better, he would travel to the abandoned castle and collect some stuff to sell. They would be rich! Even though the Tavern was the biggest source of income in the city, there was always room for more money. If he couldn't get Belle just by asking, like most women, he could most definitely win her over with money.

Now all he had to do was ask Lefou how much they all sold for.

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Belle unsaddled from her dapple grey horse very happy. Her father was coming to the castle, so she didn't have to return to that poor, provincial town. As she stood there, Adam also unsaddled and as he pulled himself onto the ground steadily she could see his fit physique through his shirt. He walked up to her and put out his hand

"M'lady" he said formally

Belle laughed, grabbed his hand and started pulling him along the trail back to the castle. Some servants brought the horses back to the stables to feed and brush them. As they were strolling down the beautiful path that led up to the castle, She stopped at a bush and picked a flower, adding it to her hair. She grabbed another and tucked it in his shirt pocket. Adam smiled and grasped her hand tighter. After a couple more moments of walking she had a great idea "Let's go to the Library!"

For the next couple of hours they lounged in the library, reading books, debating characters and just getting to know each other better. As the sun was starting to set and Mrs. Potts had left just after bringing in their tea. While they were debating a part of a book, Belle had a great idea.

"Adam!" She exclaimed "Let's throw a party!"

The look on Adam's face must have shown what he felt because she started to laugh.

"What do you mean?" He exclaimed "I haven't talked to anyone but household objects for ten years! How am I supposed to be social?"

Belle looked at him sympathetically "I know, I know, just hear me out. It could be a way to announce that your back. That the kingdom is back, and that things are going to change." She looked at him, searching his face for something, what he felt about it now. He looked back uncertainly and after a few moments sighed

"Fine. But I have one condition."

"And what is that?"

"You have to help me plan it, and be my date to the party."

Belle smiled and walked over to him. "Of course" she said and smiled. She leaned over and gave him a kiss while cupping his face. Her lips felt soft against his and this kiss was different than their fist. Less desperate and new, more like a solid, sure kiss. She pulled away and smiled "I'd best get to bed, if we're going to plan a party tomorrow." She walked out of sight and Adam shook his head, dazed and let out a shaky breath. He left and for the first time in weeks, he fell walking down the stairs while walking to his bedroom.

Belle woke up the next morning excited. She was ready and excited to plan the party with Adam. It was her idea, after all. It would be beautiful, decorations and venue perfect, and the entire village would be invited. She walked over to her drapes and pulled them open, letting the summer sunshine light the room. She looked around trying to get a head start on the venue. After a while she decided on the Gardens, the tables would fit perfectly between the multicoloured flowers, and the fountain would be a grand masterpiece. She could picture it all in her head. Talking, drinking and eating in the gardens, while meeting Adam and the servants for the first time in years. Then in the evening everyone would meet in the ballroom and dance. It would be perfect. 'I've got to tell Adam.' She thought.

She walked over to her wardrobe and picked out a simple, pink and white dress and put her hair up in an elegant ponytail. She slipped in some shoes and left the room.

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Adam was already up before the sun rose stressing about the Party. How was he supposed to talk to people other than Belle when for the past years he had only been talking to teacups and clocks! They hadn't even planned it and he was already nervous. He thought of how Belle said she would stay on his arm for the entire party and it gave him a little comfort. At least she would be there. He looked around his room which had been redecorated after his transformation. Instead of having scratches all over the room there was beautiful blue wallpaper and the furniture had all been put back into place. He got dressed and left his hair down. After brushing his teeth he swung open the doors.

He met Belle downstairs for breakfast and after a quick meal they went to the Library to get started. Belle had a huge smile on her face and couldn't wait to get started on their project. She grabbed some parchment and inkwells and wrote a clean title. Her penmanship was impressively clean and proper, and it looked like it was from someone who had a very expensive education, which he knew she hadn't.

"You have very beautiful handwriting, Belle" he said

A blush grew on Belle's face and she smiled shyly. "Really?" She asked

"Very"

"Why thank you."

A small silence occurred and after a few moments Belle spoke again

"I thought of a couple ideas for the party this morning"

"Really? What are they?"

She then explained about the venue and how everything would be set up. Adam was amazed at how amazing it sounded. 'I shouldn't be surprised by now, she is remarkable.' he thought

"Thats sounds amazing, Belle! I just have one question. When would we have it?"

She looked uncertain for a moment than replied "I was thinking in about two weeks. With everyone working hard, we could pull it off." Adam agreed with that and the nodded in agreement. "Sounds perfect." What really sounded perfect was what just gave Adam an idea.

They spent the rest of the day planning the party and by the time they were done it was looking very good. There would be lots of dancing, chatting and fun. Not one of those boring conferences they dared to call parties he had to go to before the curse. By the end of the day the party was planned and they hung by the fire for the rest of the day snuggling and talking. The moon had just risen and finally Belle pulled away

"I'm tired" she said, yawning "I think I'll head up to bed now.

Adam nodded his head "of course, dear. Good night" they kissed quickly and Belle walked back to her room. As soon as Adam knew that Belle was gone he walked to the kitchen because he knew that Mrs. Potts would be in there alone just finishing up cleaning for the day. He knocked on the door and said quietly "Mrs. Potts, it's Adam. Can I talk to you about something?"

Mrs. Potts turned around and smiled "oh course, darling. What is it?"

Adam took a deep breath and began "You know about the Party that Belle and I have been planning?" She nodded "And how it's going to be taking place in two weeks?" She nodded again "I…...um…." he stopped and swallowed "do you think that two weeks is enough time to plan a proposal?" A few moments passed in a stunned silence and Adam felt like he was going to sink into the floor of embarrassment.

Mrs. Potts, on the other hand, looked like she was going to explode 'Happily' He hoped.

Mrs. Potts broke into a gigantic smile and started jumping up and down and clapping her hands. "Oh my Lord! I'm so happy for you!" She exclaimed

"Mrs. Potts…. She doesn't even know yet….. Yet alone said yes!" He said, blushing.

"Nonsense! Of course she'll say yes!" She quickly embraced him, then held his shoulders looking him in the eye. "Now. Let's get to work. We have to design the ring, tell everyone" "Except Belle" Adam added and Mrs. Potts laughed "Of course. Now sit down." She added sternly before going on about the proposal. In those next moments Adam realized that he didn't know what really went into a proposal.

THANKS THANKS SOO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED! I really appreciate your support and sorry for how long it took to put this chapter up! I have a heritage fair project due soon (History project) and I have to prepare for a swim meet coming up but I swear I'm working on the next one right now! I have something special planned for the next chapter and it may or may not be involving Gaston, Belle and the party!

See you soon!

byhwelwk97