Chapter 3-Hidden from the World
To any who dwelled on the outside, this village would likely appear very charming. Upon first arrival Belle had even thought so herself. It was truthfully, in appearance anyway. The houses were surrounded with blooms of wildflowers and a stone path that made its way around the village, forming a loop around the local well. It was a commonplace area where you were bound to encounter any number of folks, even the village shepherds would often make an appearance. A crossed from this was the location of the town tavern and a few shops of different variety. One was a supplier of cloth and fabrics but every so often they were known to stock a few fully sewn dresses. Nothing that could be deemed as fancy but still a lovely array of patterns with a dash of lace.
Belle had often found herself drawn to admire such displays. They seemed to her the sort of attire of some character from her books. It was a way to further expand these tales into her reality and give her further comfort when she needed it. Every day that passed it seemed was the same as the one before. Living a never ending repeat of a life that was deeper than unfulfilling.
Strangely no one seemed at all bothered by this, each carrying on in their own daily routine. Despite her withdrawal, for Belle, this wasn't as easy. Even after these five years she felt the dissatisfaction, and knew it all had to do with once having a part in a life worth living. Where things weren't just played out with the same ending, and anything could be expected to change at a moment's notice. Back then you could freely speak your mind and share your dreams and idea's. If being here all this time had taught her one thing, it was how now to keep her mouth shut and opinions silent. That was how you got yourself judged by everyone and if you had a different frame of mind, if you had your own thoughts on how things should be, then it was seen as nothing than a sin against all of humanity.
So she carried on and did her part, taking the eggs to the store each morning and doing nothing to draw attention. Unlike Gaston who would often take to entertaining those willing to listen with his times of encountering the dangers of the woods. As she was continuing down the road on one such day, she caught sight of someone half hidden in the shadows between two buildings.
There she could see him sitting there, with his eyes cast downward, his clothes looking more ragged than a few days before. His hair was white as cotton, and very untidy, blowing around his face, keeping most of his facial features concealed. Who he was, Belle had no idea, but it had not gone unnoticed that he had always had been one soul who hadn't sent taunting looks her way. He appeared as though he had gone through far more than his share of bad luck and had, more than likely been yet another victim of the town's ways.
The idea of leaving had come to her many times, and yet it still wasn't as easy as just going. Even If she were to take Philippe and go, the question remained, where could she go? There was no family anywhere and the money from her old house and anything that was sold with it had been spent either on her father's attempts to redeem himself, or on the medicines used to try and save his life.
The money made off of the chicken's eggs was enough for her to get by, but there was little else for her to do. Then again she could always dream, and it really was like a wonderful fantasy of her mind to head out into the world and take a journey to some distance land, and then spend the rest of her days living one adventure after another. She stole a glance back at the old man and couldn't help but wonder if he had ever had the same dream as her, and yet also was trapped with no way out.
It was this that distracted her, causing her to never really learn whatever it was that caused her to trip. All she knew was suddenly she was falling and the eggs went sent out into midair. Before she could react she landed on them, causing them to break into pieces beneath her. Since those who were interested in what Gaston had to say, were already nearby they had a close viewpoint of the aftermath and her dress now covered in egg. It was barely even a minute before their laughter filled the air. They all jeered at this sight, although Gaston made it a point to shout out "I've told her this is why she needs a man in her life, now we can't even call her a pretty little thing, a just sticky one." Their laughter only increased tenfold and there was nothing for Belle to do but gather up the basket and the last of her pride. Then she began the walk back to the cottage.