Chapter 3
Flashback: When Sir Maurice's wife, Marie, had passed away he was not only devastated, but found he could not raise his daughter on his own. He could not prepare her for the responsibilities of becoming the future Lady of the castle taking her mother's place on the throne. When he heard about St. Elizabeth's Finishing School for Young Maidens he sought out the opportunity. Every autumn until spring Belle lived at the school until she would come of age to take the throne. Maurice missed his daughter terribly, but it was necessary and she would return during the holidays to visit. Besides, her father had other political matters to attend to such as forming an alliance with a neighboring kingdom through marrying his daughter to Sir Gaston, and then there were the Ogre attacks on the kingdom.
Belle sat on the window seat writing down her inner thoughts in her journal. She had been in the middle of reading Shakespeare's Hamlet when a thought came to her that she had to write about in her journal. She had had a dream about when she was a child and meeting a strange man with gold skin, but she could not remember the rest of the details just that she found him very compelling, and that she wanted to meet him. Unfortunately, she woke up before she could find out who the mysterious man was.
Belle shared a dormitory with several other girls including Princess Aurora. Aurora did not share Belle's dreams of adventure rather Aurora enjoyed wearing the latest fashions, and in Belle's opinion was a bit of a snob She came bursting into the room with a huge grin upon her face mostly likely because of Philip. She began to sing happily out loud a lovely tune, but Belle chose to ignore her and returned to trying to describe her dream. "I just have the most wonderful news," Aurora exclaimed happily, "Philip and I are to be betrothed."
"Congratulations. I am very happy for you," Belle stated politely. "You could be a little more thrilled for me," Aurora snapped angrily.
Belle put down her journal and quill. "I am happy for you truly, but you've only known him for a month now, and I just think you should at least spend a year or longer together. Get to know him better." "Yes, well I do know him! He is a good man and very kind, and this will unite our kingdoms," Aurora once again snapped back. She crossed her arms in triumphant feeling that Belle would have nothing else to say.
Belle just shook her head. "Don't you want to marry someone you love truly and feel connected to? Not just politically, but emotionally," Belle asked. Aurora just rolled her eyes. "I do love him! Now, if you don't mind I have some friends who will actually be happy for me." Belle sighed in defeat, and having finished writing returned to reading Hamlet.
Aurora left irritated by Belle's lack of excitement for her. She hated when her feelings of happiness were ruined. Her footsteps echoed as she walked down what appeared to be a vacant hallway making her feel very nervous. She heard a swishing sound behind her, and quickly she turned to see what was behind her, but nothing was there. She returned to face the front, but what she came face to face with was a shrouded figure. The hallway had grown dark; the torches began to extinguish one by one a cold chill filling the air around her. Panic had set in as the figure came closer to her and reached for her and recovering from paralyzed fear Aurora screamed.
She suddenly felt her body become light in weight and looking down at her hands they were luminescent and faded looking. She gasped as she studied her form and looking up she saw her body standing in front of her unconscious, but separate. Had she died from fear? No that was ridiculous, she thought shaking her head. Looking past her physical body she noticed the cloaked figure had just been one of the boys, James, who loved to tease and pick on the younger students. He knew how easily he could scare many of the girls, but she saw he was currently on the ground with Belle standing over him.
Belle had heard Aurora's scream so dropping her book she hurried out into the hallway to find her roommate had astral projected out of her body. She did not have time to react to Aurora's magical act but only to deal with whatever scared her friend. Belle witnessed a cloaked figure coming towards Aurora but the figure was snickering. With a wave of her hand Belle sent the figure flying across the floor. Coming towards the figure, who turned out to be King George's son Prince James, she glared at him. "How dare you! Are you really that immature and arrogant James that you think you have the right pick on those of us who are younger than you," she asked in stern voice. "Why should I care what you think witch," it was question but it had an undertone of accusation, but she ignored it for she was use to the false accusations of being a witch of the dark arts. She knew she had the potential to be a witch of the darks arts, but Belle refused to give into that. She narrowed her eyes threateningly at James for he was one of the few she sometimes was tempted punish with her magic, but she refused to give into the darkness that she believed was inside of her. "Just go James before you anger me," she warned and he pulled himself up trying to act as if she did not just throw him on his ass.
Rolling her eyes Belle returned her attention to Aurora who had come back to her body and was trying to recover from the shock. She smiled at Aurora, but Aurora just back away from her in fear. "Aurora it's alright. I know what you can do. You can astral project; you have magic like me," she said in a kindly way. Aurora just shook her head. "I'm not like you! I'm not a witch, I'm just a girl," she insisted continuing to back away.
"Not all witches are bad it just depends on how you use your magic. In fact, we forbid ourselves to use the darks arts. Please, just meet me and my coven at midnight in the dungeons if you want to understand your powers better there's a place in forests behind the castle where we meet. Please come," she almost pleaded, but not waiting for Aurora's answer she gave her one last look of hope that Aurora would come and then returned to their room.
Present:
The morning was cloudy, which was the norm for Storybrooke it seemed, but Belle did not let the weather dampen her spirits for she was in a good mood. With Emma and Mary Margaret back Rumple and Belle could spend some alone time together, and hopefully no more interruptions. Ever since their first date and what happened in the library the other day when he had stopped by to teach her how to use the computer she had been anticipating their next date. After getting dressed and ready for the day she walked across the street hungry for one of Granny's delicious breakfasts.
Upon entering the diner at first glance she knew Ruby had not arrived yet so she made her way to her booth. Sitting down she took out a new book, having finished Dracula, but no sooner had Belle finished the first page the smell of pancakes reached her nostrils. Granny placed her plate of food in front of her. "I figured you would want your usual. Unfortunately, my granddaughter has not arrived yet so I thought I would bring it to you." Belle could detect an irritated tone despite the kind smile, but she knew it was not directed at her, but at her best friend not being here to do her job. Belle returned the smile though. "Where is Ruby," she inquired. Granny just shook her head. "I don't know she's late again. You would think at this point she would know to come to work on time," she replied with a note of frustration as she put her hands on her hips. She suddenly looked at the window by the booth behindBelle and hurried over to the door. "Oh gods is she talking to dogs again?" "Ruby can talk to dogs," Belle exclaimed as Granny walked past her booth, but Granny looked down at her quizzically. "Who told you that?" Confused, Belle asked, "Didn't you just say that?"Granny shook her head making Belle feel unnerved and bewildered as Granny said, "No, but I was thinking about that." The older woman walked away returning to the kitchen to retrieve and give other customers their food.
As Belle took a sip of her ice tea she began to wonder if she was just being paranoid or had she heard someone else's thoughts just like the other day with Ruby. It was the second time, and she was uncertain at this point, but suddenly she heard another's voice. She recognized the "voice" as belonging to her friend Dreamy—now it was Grumpy—and was he "saying", 'Can you believe that witch actually had the nerve show up at the party last night! I don't know why Emma thinks she can change when clearly Regina doesn't care about anyone, but herself.'There was a harshness there that for a second Belle almost felt sorry for Regina, but it faded quickly as she remembered what Regina had put her through.
Soon other people's thoughts crept into her mind. Some were thinking about what they were eating, Ashley was thinking about how she didn't get enough sleep, and she even heard Emma's concerns about taking full responsibility of Henry. The constant thoughts whirring in her head gave her a head ache, and she needed to calm herself. She needed to find a place to ease her mind, a sanctuary, and she could only think of one place and one person who could easily do that for her. She left a quick tip and hurried out the door brushing past a bewildered Ruby, but she did not say anything to her. Though, she did hear a snippet of Ruby's thoughts which sounded worried and upset about something. Belle was too distracted to question her best friend and would probably talk to her about it later. Briskly walking she tried to ignore the chatter in her head as she passed by random people. Did this mean the other day she had heard Ruby's thoughts? Suddenly, she paused when she saw her father.
She watched as her father was loading up his truck with flowers. "Hello papa," she said hoping hearing her call him papa would soften his heart and start them on the road to reconnection. "How are you? You look well. Are you?" Belle had forgiven him a while back after separating herself emotionally from her father, but lately he had become cold towards. It made her angry how unfair he was being for he had no right to be the one upset, but she always tried to be the better person. "I'm well," he replied curtly nodding as he returned to loading his truck.
Sighing she returned to walking, but his thoughts stopped her. "That girl is not my daughter! How could she choose that monster over me, her own father? Why couldn't she just marry Gaston and be happy?" Without considering the fact he only thought this that he did not speak it out loud Belle jerked around to face him and shouted, "Because I didn't love Gaston, and he didn't love me! We would have made each other miserable. He would only be happy once I gave him sons. He would have had a kingdom and an heir—correction heirs—and then he would get bored of me. I want to be happy, I want more out of my marriage as you and mother had. I have that with Rumple! We are happy and we love each other. Why can't you see?!" Not giving him a chance to respond she spun on her heel and left him gaping after her. Neither noticed the crack in the glass window display behind them.
Belle shut the door to her apartment sighing in frustration at what just happened between her and her father. He anger towards him freshly renewed in her mind she felt fresh tears streamed down her cheeks as she stood there in front of her front door arms crossed in anger. How could he be so stubborn and hateful? Why could he not understand and be happy for her? Looking up at the clock on the wall she saw it was 12:30, and she was starving. She had not eaten much of her breakfast and she still wanted to see Rumple so pulling out her cell phone she dialed his number.
Taking a few breaths she made her voice sound as natural and casual as possible so when she spoke he would not detect something was bothering her. She did not want to think about things she just wanted to be with him and did not want him to ask questions for she knew how angry and protective Rumple could get if he heard someone had hurt in anyway. "Hey Belle," he answered after the second ring and just the sound of his voice sent tingles down her spine. "Can I come by? I can bring lunch," she asked hoping she did not sound distressed or anything just wanting to spend some time together. "Of course sweetheart, I definitely wouldn't mind the company," he replied lightening Belle's mood considerably. After hearing his reply she said, "I'll right I will be over in ten minutes." "Belle, are you alright," he asked before she got a chance to hang up. Oh the Gods, she thought, he could hear it in her voice, but she just continued to lie, "I'm fine I just miss you." He accepted that, but Belle guessed he had his suspicions so she quickly told him again she would see him soon and hung up.
Walking down the street to Rumple's shop Belle was more relaxed and at ease with herself. She had not passed anyone to hear thoughts and could once again think clearly about what happened with her father. He was still heartbroken over losing his little girl—after all she was his only child—and as much as Belle hated to admit it Rumple did have a reputation for being dangerous and her father wanted to protect her. Belle also knew Rumple's wicked behavior and sinister actions were what Archie told her, defense mechanisms. They were a way to protect himself and hide his pain. It was just a way for him to cover up his broken heart and anger about what happened between him and Baelfire. He knew no other way to protect Baelfire then to taken on the power of The Dark One, and that power made him invincible, immortal, and a threat to those who hurt his loved ones. Both of her men were stubborn and one day she would have to get them to talk like normal men, but it would be a long time before that could happen.
She was greeted by the familiar sound of a jingling bell, but Rumple was not at the front display case where he usually stood to conduct business as she had assumed he would be. Instead she heard the sounds of shuffling coming from the room in the back so she decided to wait patiently for him and wandered around the shop. She loved examining the strange items his shelves, walls, and glass containers held. There was always something new to discover and a story to go with each item so she set the basket down on the counter to observe what new items his shop might contain. As she wandered aimlessly about the shop she was curious to know if anything he had here was new or was just something she had not noticed before. Lost in her own curiosity she had not heard or seen him coming out of the back room.
Feeling Rumple's arms suddenly around her waist she began to tremble, and she closed her eyes inhaling deeply taking in the feel of his hands touching her body."Good afternoon," he said softly in her ear. It took her a moment to respond due to the distraction of him being this close touching her this way, but she was able to get the words out, "Hello to you too. I was just admiring your collection wondering if there was anything new." She turned to face him putting her arms around his neck waiting for him to answer. He just shook his head. "Nope, nothing you haven't seen before." "Ah, well I am sure there plenty of stories I haven't heard yet," she said. He chuckled as he kissed her forehead. "Probably not so I am guessing you will want to hear some of those." She nodded and he placed his lips upon hers kissing her sweetly. Releasing them he pressed his forehead against hers as she sighed deeply. "We should probably take a look at what you brought for lunch and eat it," he said, his voice almost sounding like a whisper. She nodded smiling, but reluctant to part even a few feet.
He wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked over to the counter to look over what was in her basket. "So what did you bring for lunch," he asked as he walked around to the other side of the display case. "Well," she began, "we have all your basic food groups." She pretended to display the basket as if it were for show. "Sandwiches with meat and cheese, grapes and pears—no apples of course-, carrots and celery, and strawberries with chocolate to dip them in for desert," she explained smiling proudly at her what she had put together. "Well, it looks delicious," he complimented returning her smile. She was about to kiss him again, but they were interrupted by the sound of the bell jingling behind them.
"Nothing warms the heart more than a family reunited. You have your mother's chin, Ms. Swan," he replied greeting Emma and her parents with one of his usual sarcastic quips, and Belle tried to hide the slight twitch of the smile that had appeared on her mouth. Emma did not waste time with any pretense. "We know you killed him." "And your father's tact," he replied and as Belle rolled her eyes but still smiled. "Do tell Dearie who is that I supposedly killed," Rumple asked, not bothering to hide the sarcasm. "Dr. Hopper. Now who else could have done it if you didn't," Emma questioned making it sound more as if she had made up her mind that Rumple was guilty already. "Dr. Hopper was killed by magic and only two people use magic on a regular basis for selfish purposes…and murderous in this town," Belle heard Emma thinking knowing what she was implying and Belle clenched her fist angrily. She did not even notice the shaking objects on the wall or the glass on the display case cracking.
Before Rumple could defend himself Belle asked, her voice steady, as she stepped forward holding his hand, "And you don't think Regina is capable of doing something like this?" "She was framed," Emma stated truly believing it. In Emma's mind Belle heard Emma's determined words that Regina had to be innocent, and that was trying so hard to be good. Belle still had her doubts about Regina's innocence though.
"I don't know if Regina is innocent, but I do have an alibi for last night," Rumple explained surprising Emma and her parents, squeezing Belle's hand comfortingly. Emma raised her eyebrows. "Which is?" "I was with Belle." Belle nodded in agreement wrapping her arms around his waist as she leaned against him affectionately not at all embarrassed to show to display her affection towards her Rumple.
She could hear in Emma's thoughts that she was suspicious, David accepted it seemed, but it was Mary Margaret's thoughts that got Belle's attention. "This explains what he said when I first met him when he gave me the potion to help me forget Charming! He loved Belle, but something had happened. Maybe she didn't love him, but that didn't seem like the case now for she could see clearly how much Belle loved Rumple. It could be a spell, but she knew the difference between true love and an illusion of love. Maybe they had been separated, but the fact he said 'love makes us sick. It haunts our dreams, destroys our days' makes me all the more curious about what happened between Belle and Rumple. Currently, I have to focus on Archie's murdered, though. That person needs to be brought to justice and despite how evil Rumple can seem I still say it was Regina. I will let Emma try to prove us wrong because I had to learn the hard way there is no hope for Regina, and Emma needs to learn this too." Belle's curiosity was piqued by Snow's thoughts as she hoped Rumple did not think that way about love now. She still did not know why he reacted the way he did when she kissed him the first time, but she guessed it had something to do with his son, and his son's mother and Regina.
Once again Rumple surprised everyone and suggested "If you don't believe me we could ask the witness," and as if on the cue Pongo came trotting out his tail wagging as if he were saying how grateful he was to have someone to take care of him. Belle was pleasantly surprised as she watched Rumple affectionately caress Pongo. "I didn't know you were such a dog person!" "I knew a sheep dog in my time whose company I did enjoy," he admitted.
Ignoring the intimate exchange between couple Emma pointed out, "Well unless you speak dog I doubt Pongo would be a very good witness." Rolling his eyes Rumple said, "Very observant Ms. Swan, but we aren't here to verbally find out what Pongo saw, but extract his memories of the event." "You can do that," Emma asked caught off guard. "Yes, with magic Dearie," he said and retrieved a dream catcher from behind the counter. Before anyone could say anything David, studying Rumple and the dream catcher with suspicion, asked, "And how do we know you won't trick us, and set it up in your favor?"
His distrusting thoughts irritated Belle, but just as she was about to defend him again there was crash. All five people turned to see a glass jar containing a dead rat had fallen to the ground, and the stench of decaying flesh filled the room. "Is that a dead rat?" Emma stared at the body of the dead rat in disgust holding her nose to fight off the stench of it. "Yes it is Ms. Swan. I would use it for potions and such," he explained as if this were perfectly natural. Wanting to not waste time Mary Margaret went over to pick up the dead rat and broken glass, but Mr. Gold said, "I will take care of that later. Let us retrieve the information from the witness so you can leave." It was obvious he wanted to get rid of them as much as they wanted to leave so putting down what bits and pieces they had picked up Mary Margaret rejoined the group.
"As I was saying," Mr. Gold continued, "I'm not the one who is going to be using magic. Your daughter will be." Emma started at the suggestion. "I can't use magic. Yeah somehow Cora wasn't able to take my heart, but I barely understand it and how it works," she exclaimed. "It's simple Dearie," he started to explain as he slowly waved the dream-catcher over Pongo's head and down his back, "You will just have to focus and picture what you want to know and see in your head."
All four eyes stared as a gold colored light filled the center of the dream-catcher. This was the kind of magic Belle was comfortable with for it was safe and not at all dangerous. In fact, it was amazing to watch as Emma took the dream-catcher concentrating on it. It took her some time, but a scene slowly began to unfold before their eyes. It reminded Belle of the moving pictures Ruby had told her about. In the scene they saw Dr. Hopper was welcoming Regina into his office in his usual friendly way, but something did not seem right or feel right about, but maybe that was because it was Regina. The two talked for a few seconds as Archie went to get something from a cabinet and Regina came up right behind him grabbing his neck she lifted him in air choking him to death.
Belle was sickened at the sight of Regina murdering Archie who was completely innocent, and had done nothing wrong in, Belle's opinion, to deserve that kind of fate from Regina. She kept her anger at the woman in check until Emma and her parents left. She had not failed to notice Emma's defeated and disappointed expression for Emma had to admit Regina was the guilty party. She had been so hopeful that Regina was innocent, and Belle could not understand that, not completely. "How can I tell Henry that Regina murdered someone? He hoped he would be enough to motivate her to change, and it really seemed that she was changing. I can't do this I can't tell Henry his adopted mother hasn't changed, That she killed Archie"
Emma thoughts came across Belle, and now she realized it was Henry she was thinking about just like in the diner. Regina was Henry's adopted mother, and he wanted her to become better. Belle understood that very much so. The idea of loving someone who has done "evil" things in the past and so badly wanting for them to become a better person, a good person, is not easy. It would be heartbreaking to found out your love is not strong enough to change them for the better, but to be the person to tell them can be just as bad. She did not want to be in Emma's place, but it also was not easy being in the place Emma was in right now. In spite of Rumple's actions still refused to tell let anyone talk her out of loving him and having faith, and Henry still had faith in Regina.
Rumple did not hide his relief that Emma and her parents had left, and Regina might be permanently no longer a threat, but as he was picking up the glass and the dead rat Belle noticed his expression change to puzzlement. "What is it," she inquired her head cocking to one side in curiosity. He seemed lost deep in thought and for a moment he did not answer her question. "It's just strange that Regina would do something like this. Not that what happens to her would concern me. I just don't think it was her," he explained as he stood up to throw the glass he had picked up away. Belle just stared at him in slight disbelief. "The evidence was right in front of us! You don't think she did this," Belle asked, bewildered. He shook his head. "No, Regina maybe capable of murder, but this is not her style. She wouldn't murder someone in cold-blood unless she had reason and motivation. Regina may find Dr. Hopper a bit annoying, but she wouldn't just kill him unless he did something to her," he reasoned. "Maybe he did do something to provoke her," Belle shrugged. Rumple had a good point, though considering what he said and if Regina was innocent it wouldn't be right for her to be convicted for a crime she did not commit, but then again how could they argue with what was right in front of them. She was terribly conflicted she felt a deep dislike for this woman, but Rumple was right and usually when it came to things like this. How could she wish this fate on Regina if she was innocent?
Chapter 3
Flashback: When Sir Maurice's wife, Marie, had passed away he was not only devastated, but found he could not raise his daughter on his own. He could not prepare her for the responsibilities of becoming the future Lady of the castle taking her mother's place on the throne. When he heard about St. Elizabeth's Finishing School for Young Maidens he sought out the opportunity. Every autumn until spring Belle lived at the school until she would come of age to take the throne. Maurice missed his daughter terribly, but it was necessary and she would return during the holidays to visit. Besides, her father had other political matters to attend to such as forming an alliance with a neighboring kingdom through marrying his daughter to Sir Gaston, and then there were the Ogre attacks on the kingdom.
Belle sat on the window seat writing down her inner thoughts in her journal. She had been in the middle of reading Shakespeare's Hamlet when a thought came to her that she had to write about in her journal. She had had a dream about when she was a child and meeting a strange man with gold skin, but she could not remember the rest of the details just that she found him very compelling, and that she wanted to meet him. Unfortunately, she woke up before she could find out who the mysterious man was.
Belle shared a dormitory with several other girls including Princess Aurora. Aurora did not share Belle's dreams of adventure rather Aurora enjoyed wearing the latest fashions, and in Belle's opinion was a bit of a snob She came bursting into the room with a huge grin upon her face mostly likely because of Philip. She began to sing happily out loud a lovely tune, but Belle chose to ignore her and returned to trying to describe her dream. "I just have the most wonderful news," Aurora exclaimed happily, "Philip and I are to be betrothed."
"Congratulations. I am very happy for you," Belle stated politely. "You could be a little more thrilled for me," Aurora snapped angrily.
Belle put down her journal and quill. "I am happy for you truly, but you've only known him for a month now, and I just think you should at least spend a year or longer together. Get to know him better." "Yes, well I do know him! He is a good man and very kind, and this will unite our kingdoms," Aurora once again snapped back. She crossed her arms in triumphant feeling that Belle would have nothing else to say.
Belle just shook her head. "Don't you want to marry someone you love truly and feel connected to? Not just politically, but emotionally," Belle asked. Aurora just rolled her eyes. "I do love him! Now, if you don't mind I have some friends who will actually be happy for me." Belle sighed in defeat, and having finished writing returned to reading Hamlet.
Aurora left irritated by Belle's lack of excitement for her. She hated when her feelings of happiness were ruined. Her footsteps echoed as she walked down what appeared to be a vacant hallway making her feel very nervous. She heard a swishing sound behind her, and quickly she turned to see what was behind her, but nothing was there. She returned to face the front, but what she came face to face with was a shrouded figure. The hallway had grown dark; the torches began to extinguish one by one a cold chill filling the air around her. Panic had set in as the figure came closer to her and reached for her and recovering from paralyzed fear Aurora screamed.
She suddenly felt her body become light in weight and looking down at her hands they were luminescent and faded looking. She gasped as she studied her form and looking up she saw her body standing in front of her unconscious, but separate. Had she died from fear? No that was ridiculous, she thought shaking her head. Looking past her physical body she noticed the cloaked figure had just been one of the boys, James, who loved to tease and pick on the younger students. He knew how easily he could scare many of the girls, but she saw he was currently on the ground with Belle standing over him.
Belle had heard Aurora's scream so dropping her book she hurried out into the hallway to find her roommate had astral projected out of her body. She did not have time to react to Aurora's magical act but only to deal with whatever scared her friend. Belle witnessed a cloaked figure coming towards Aurora but the figure was snickering. With a wave of her hand Belle sent the figure flying across the floor. Coming towards the figure, who turned out to be King George's son Prince James, she glared at him. "How dare you! Are you really that immature and arrogant James that you think you have the right pick on those of us who are younger than you," she asked in stern voice. "Why should I care what you think witch," it was question but it had an undertone of accusation, but she ignored it for she was use to the false accusations of being a witch of the dark arts. She knew she had the potential to be a witch of the darks arts, but Belle refused to give into that. She narrowed her eyes threateningly at James for he was one of the few she sometimes was tempted punish with her magic, but she refused to give into the darkness that she believed was inside of her. "Just go James before you anger me," she warned and he pulled himself up trying to act as if she did not just throw him on his ass.
Rolling her eyes Belle returned her attention to Aurora who had come back to her body and was trying to recover from the shock. She smiled at Aurora, but Aurora just back away from her in fear. "Aurora it's alright. I know what you can do. You can astral project; you have magic like me," she said in a kindly way. Aurora just shook her head. "I'm not like you! I'm not a witch, I'm just a girl," she insisted continuing to back away.
"Not all witches are bad it just depends on how you use your magic. In fact, we forbid ourselves to use the darks arts. Please, just meet me and my coven at midnight in the dungeons if you want to understand your powers better there's a place in forests behind the castle where we meet. Please come," she almost pleaded, but not waiting for Aurora's answer she gave her one last look of hope that Aurora would come and then returned to their room.
Present:
The morning was cloudy, which was the norm for Storybrooke it seemed, but Belle did not let the weather dampen her spirits for she was in a good mood. With Emma and Mary Margaret back Rumple and Belle could spend some alone time together, and hopefully no more interruptions. Ever since their first date and what happened in the library the other day when he had stopped by to teach her how to use the computer she had been anticipating their next date. After getting dressed and ready for the day she walked across the street hungry for one of Granny's delicious breakfasts.
Upon entering the diner at first glance she knew Ruby had not arrived yet so she made her way to her booth. Sitting down she took out a new book, having finished Dracula, but no sooner had Belle finished the first page the smell of pancakes reached her nostrils. Granny placed her plate of food in front of her. "I figured you would want your usual. Unfortunately, my granddaughter has not arrived yet so I thought I would bring it to you." Belle could detect an irritated tone despite the kind smile, but she knew it was not directed at her, but at her best friend not being here to do her job. Belle returned the smile though. "Where is Ruby," she inquired. Granny just shook her head. "I don't know she's late again. You would think at this point she would know to come to work on time," she replied with a note of frustration as she put her hands on her hips. She suddenly looked at the window by the booth behindBelle and hurried over to the door. "Oh gods is she talking to dogs again?" "Ruby can talk to dogs," Belle exclaimed as Granny walked past her booth, but Granny looked down at her quizzically. "Who told you that?" Confused, Belle asked, "Didn't you just say that?"Granny shook her head making Belle feel unnerved and bewildered as Granny said, "No, but I was thinking about that." The older woman walked away returning to the kitchen to retrieve and give other customers their food.
As Belle took a sip of her ice tea she began to wonder if she was just being paranoid or had she heard someone else's thoughts just like the other day with Ruby. It was the second time, and she was uncertain at this point, but suddenly she heard another's voice. She recognized the "voice" as belonging to her friend Dreamy—now it was Grumpy—and was he "saying", 'Can you believe that witch actually had the nerve show up at the party last night! I don't know why Emma thinks she can change when clearly Regina doesn't care about anyone, but herself.'There was a harshness there that for a second Belle almost felt sorry for Regina, but it faded quickly as she remembered what Regina had put her through.
Soon other people's thoughts crept into her mind. Some were thinking about what they were eating, Ashley was thinking about how she didn't get enough sleep, and she even heard Emma's concerns about taking full responsibility of Henry. The constant thoughts whirring in her head gave her a head ache, and she needed to calm herself. She needed to find a place to ease her mind, a sanctuary, and she could only think of one place and one person who could easily do that for her. She left a quick tip and hurried out the door brushing past a bewildered Ruby, but she did not say anything to her. Though, she did hear a snippet of Ruby's thoughts which sounded worried and upset about something. Belle was too distracted to question her best friend and would probably talk to her about it later. Briskly walking she tried to ignore the chatter in her head as she passed by random people. Did this mean the other day she had heard Ruby's thoughts? Suddenly, she paused when she saw her father.
She watched as her father was loading up his truck with flowers. "Hello papa," she said hoping hearing her call him papa would soften his heart and start them on the road to reconnection. "How are you? You look well. Are you?" Belle had forgiven him a while back after separating herself emotionally from her father, but lately he had become cold towards. It made her angry how unfair he was being for he had no right to be the one upset, but she always tried to be the better person. "I'm well," he replied curtly nodding as he returned to loading his truck.
Sighing she returned to walking, but his thoughts stopped her. "That girl is not my daughter! How could she choose that monster over me, her own father? Why couldn't she just marry Gaston and be happy?" Without considering the fact he only thought this that he did not speak it out loud Belle jerked around to face him and shouted, "Because I didn't love Gaston, and he didn't love me! We would have made each other miserable. He would only be happy once I gave him sons. He would have had a kingdom and an heir—correction heirs—and then he would get bored of me. I want to be happy, I want more out of my marriage as you and mother had. I have that with Rumple! We are happy and we love each other. Why can't you see?!" Not giving him a chance to respond she spun on her heel and left him gaping after her. Neither noticed the crack in the glass window display behind them.
Belle shut the door to her apartment sighing in frustration at what just happened between her and her father. He anger towards him freshly renewed in her mind she felt fresh tears streamed down her cheeks as she stood there in front of her front door arms crossed in anger. How could he be so stubborn and hateful? Why could he not understand and be happy for her? Looking up at the clock on the wall she saw it was 12:30, and she was starving. She had not eaten much of her breakfast and she still wanted to see Rumple so pulling out her cell phone she dialed his number.
Taking a few breaths she made her voice sound as natural and casual as possible so when she spoke he would not detect something was bothering her. She did not want to think about things she just wanted to be with him and did not want him to ask questions for she knew how angry and protective Rumple could get if he heard someone had hurt in anyway. "Hey Belle," he answered after the second ring and just the sound of his voice sent tingles down her spine. "Can I come by? I can bring lunch," she asked hoping she did not sound distressed or anything just wanting to spend some time together. "Of course sweetheart, I definitely wouldn't mind the company," he replied lightening Belle's mood considerably. After hearing his reply she said, "I'll right I will be over in ten minutes." "Belle, are you alright," he asked before she got a chance to hang up. Oh the Gods, she thought, he could hear it in her voice, but she just continued to lie, "I'm fine I just miss you." He accepted that, but Belle guessed he had his suspicions so she quickly told him again she would see him soon and hung up.
Walking down the street to Rumple's shop Belle was more relaxed and at ease with herself. She had not passed anyone to hear thoughts and could once again think clearly about what happened with her father. He was still heartbroken over losing his little girl—after all she was his only child—and as much as Belle hated to admit it Rumple did have a reputation for being dangerous and her father wanted to protect her. Belle also knew Rumple's wicked behavior and sinister actions were what Archie told her, defense mechanisms. They were a way to protect himself and hide his pain. It was just a way for him to cover up his broken heart and anger about what happened between him and Baelfire. He knew no other way to protect Baelfire then to taken on the power of The Dark One, and that power made him invincible, immortal, and a threat to those who hurt his loved ones. Both of her men were stubborn and one day she would have to get them to talk like normal men, but it would be a long time before that could happen.
She was greeted by the familiar sound of a jingling bell, but Rumple was not at the front display case where he usually stood to conduct business as she had assumed he would be. Instead she heard the sounds of shuffling coming from the room in the back so she decided to wait patiently for him and wandered around the shop. She loved examining the strange items his shelves, walls, and glass containers held. There was always something new to discover and a story to go with each item so she set the basket down on the counter to observe what new items his shop might contain. As she wandered aimlessly about the shop she was curious to know if anything he had here was new or was just something she had not noticed before. Lost in her own curiosity she had not heard or seen him coming out of the back room.
Feeling Rumple's arms suddenly around her waist she began to tremble, and she closed her eyes inhaling deeply taking in the feel of his hands touching her body."Good afternoon," he said softly in her ear. It took her a moment to respond due to the distraction of him being this close touching her this way, but she was able to get the words out, "Hello to you too. I was just admiring your collection wondering if there was anything new." She turned to face him putting her arms around his neck waiting for him to answer. He just shook his head. "Nope, nothing you haven't seen before." "Ah, well I am sure there plenty of stories I haven't heard yet," she said. He chuckled as he kissed her forehead. "Probably not so I am guessing you will want to hear some of those." She nodded and he placed his lips upon hers kissing her sweetly. Releasing them he pressed his forehead against hers as she sighed deeply. "We should probably take a look at what you brought for lunch and eat it," he said, his voice almost sounding like a whisper. She nodded smiling, but reluctant to part even a few feet.
He wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked over to the counter to look over what was in her basket. "So what did you bring for lunch," he asked as he walked around to the other side of the display case. "Well," she began, "we have all your basic food groups." She pretended to display the basket as if it were for show. "Sandwiches with meat and cheese, grapes and pears—no apples of course-, carrots and celery, and strawberries with chocolate to dip them in for desert," she explained smiling proudly at her what she had put together. "Well, it looks delicious," he complimented returning her smile. She was about to kiss him again, but they were interrupted by the sound of the bell jingling behind them.
"Nothing warms the heart more than a family reunited. You have your mother's chin, Ms. Swan," he replied greeting Emma and her parents with one of his usual sarcastic quips, and Belle tried to hide the slight twitch of the smile that had appeared on her mouth. Emma did not waste time with any pretense. "We know you killed him." "And your father's tact," he replied and as Belle rolled her eyes but still smiled. "Do tell Dearie who is that I supposedly killed," Rumple asked, not bothering to hide the sarcasm. "Dr. Hopper. Now who else could have done it if you didn't," Emma questioned making it sound more as if she had made up her mind that Rumple was guilty already. "Dr. Hopper was killed by magic and only two people use magic on a regular basis for selfish purposes…and murderous in this town," Belle heard Emma thinking knowing what she was implying and Belle clenched her fist angrily. She did not even notice the shaking objects on the wall or the glass on the display case cracking.
Before Rumple could defend himself Belle asked, her voice steady, as she stepped forward holding his hand, "And you don't think Regina is capable of doing something like this?" "She was framed," Emma stated truly believing it. In Emma's mind Belle heard Emma's determined words that Regina had to be innocent, and that was trying so hard to be good. Belle still had her doubts about Regina's innocence though.
"I don't know if Regina is innocent, but I do have an alibi for last night," Rumple explained surprising Emma and her parents, squeezing Belle's hand comfortingly. Emma raised her eyebrows. "Which is?" "I was with Belle." Belle nodded in agreement wrapping her arms around his waist as she leaned against him affectionately not at all embarrassed to show to display her affection towards her Rumple.
She could hear in Emma's thoughts that she was suspicious, David accepted it seemed, but it was Mary Margaret's thoughts that got Belle's attention. "This explains what he said when I first met him when he gave me the potion to help me forget Charming! He loved Belle, but something had happened. Maybe she didn't love him, but that didn't seem like the case now for she could see clearly how much Belle loved Rumple. It could be a spell, but she knew the difference between true love and an illusion of love. Maybe they had been separated, but the fact he said 'love makes us sick. It haunts our dreams, destroys our days' makes me all the more curious about what happened between Belle and Rumple. Currently, I have to focus on Archie's murdered, though. That person needs to be brought to justice and despite how evil Rumple can seem I still say it was Regina. I will let Emma try to prove us wrong because I had to learn the hard way there is no hope for Regina, and Emma needs to learn this too." Belle's curiosity was piqued by Snow's thoughts as she hoped Rumple did not think that way about love now. She still did not know why he reacted the way he did when she kissed him the first time, but she guessed it had something to do with his son, and his son's mother and Regina.
Once again Rumple surprised everyone and suggested "If you don't believe me we could ask the witness," and as if on the cue Pongo came trotting out his tail wagging as if he were saying how grateful he was to have someone to take care of him. Belle was pleasantly surprised as she watched Rumple affectionately caress Pongo. "I didn't know you were such a dog person!" "I knew a sheep dog in my time whose company I did enjoy," he admitted.
Ignoring the intimate exchange between couple Emma pointed out, "Well unless you speak dog I doubt Pongo would be a very good witness." Rolling his eyes Rumple said, "Very observant Ms. Swan, but we aren't here to verbally find out what Pongo saw, but extract his memories of the event." "You can do that," Emma asked caught off guard. "Yes, with magic Dearie," he said and retrieved a dream catcher from behind the counter. Before anyone could say anything David, studying Rumple and the dream catcher with suspicion, asked, "And how do we know you won't trick us, and set it up in your favor?"
His distrusting thoughts irritated Belle, but just as she was about to defend him again there was crash. All five people turned to see a glass jar containing a dead rat had fallen to the ground, and the stench of decaying flesh filled the room. "Is that a dead rat?" Emma stared at the body of the dead rat in disgust holding her nose to fight off the stench of it. "Yes it is Ms. Swan. I would use it for potions and such," he explained as if this were perfectly natural. Wanting to not waste time Mary Margaret went over to pick up the dead rat and broken glass, but Mr. Gold said, "I will take care of that later. Let us retrieve the information from the witness so you can leave." It was obvious he wanted to get rid of them as much as they wanted to leave so putting down what bits and pieces they had picked up Mary Margaret rejoined the group.
"As I was saying," Mr. Gold continued, "I'm not the one who is going to be using magic. Your daughter will be." Emma started at the suggestion. "I can't use magic. Yeah somehow Cora wasn't able to take my heart, but I barely understand it and how it works," she exclaimed. "It's simple Dearie," he started to explain as he slowly waved the dream-catcher over Pongo's head and down his back, "You will just have to focus and picture what you want to know and see in your head."
All four eyes stared as a gold colored light filled the center of the dream-catcher. This was the kind of magic Belle was comfortable with for it was safe and not at all dangerous. In fact, it was amazing to watch as Emma took the dream-catcher concentrating on it. It took her some time, but a scene slowly began to unfold before their eyes. It reminded Belle of the moving pictures Ruby had told her about. In the scene they saw Dr. Hopper was welcoming Regina into his office in his usual friendly way, but something did not seem right or feel right about, but maybe that was because it was Regina. The two talked for a few seconds as Archie went to get something from a cabinet and Regina came up right behind him grabbing his neck she lifted him in air choking him to death.
Belle was sickened at the sight of Regina murdering Archie who was completely innocent, and had done nothing wrong in, Belle's opinion, to deserve that kind of fate from Regina. She kept her anger at the woman in check until Emma and her parents left. She had not failed to notice Emma's defeated and disappointed expression for Emma had to admit Regina was the guilty party. She had been so hopeful that Regina was innocent, and Belle could not understand that, not completely. "How can I tell Henry that Regina murdered someone? He hoped he would be enough to motivate her to change, and it really seemed that she was changing. I can't do this I can't tell Henry his adopted mother hasn't changed, That she killed Archie"
Emma thoughts came across Belle, and now she realized it was Henry she was thinking about just like in the diner. Regina was Henry's adopted mother, and he wanted her to become better. Belle understood that very much so. The idea of loving someone who has done "evil" things in the past and so badly wanting for them to become a better person, a good person, is not easy. It would be heartbreaking to found out your love is not strong enough to change them for the better, but to be the person to tell them can be just as bad. She did not want to be in Emma's place, but it also was not easy being in the place Emma was in right now. In spite of Rumple's actions still refused to tell let anyone talk her out of loving him and having faith, and Henry still had faith in Regina.
Rumple did not hide his relief that Emma and her parents had left, and Regina might be permanently no longer a threat, but as he was picking up the glass and the dead rat Belle noticed his expression change to puzzlement. "What is it," she inquired her head cocking to one side in curiosity. He seemed lost deep in thought and for a moment he did not answer her question. "It's just strange that Regina would do something like this. Not that what happens to her would concern me. I just don't think it was her," he explained as he stood up to throw the glass he had picked up away. Belle just stared at him in slight disbelief. "The evidence was right in front of us! You don't think she did this," Belle asked, bewildered. He shook his head. "No, Regina maybe capable of murder, but this is not her style. She wouldn't murder someone in cold-blood unless she had reason and motivation. Regina may find Dr. Hopper a bit annoying, but she wouldn't just kill him unless he did something to her," he reasoned. "Maybe he did do something to provoke her," Belle shrugged. Rumple had a good point, though considering what he said and if Regina was innocent it wouldn't be right for her to be convicted for a crime she did not commit, but then again how could they argue with what was right in front of them. She was terribly conflicted she felt a deep dislike for this woman, but Rumple was right and usually when it came to things like this. How could she wish this fate on Regina if she was innocent?