Disclaimer: Based on Gail Carson Levine's works.
Chapter VII
Winter turned into spring. It was almost a year that we lived here, and I was sixteen years old. My family celebrated my birthday in a very lukewarm manner, as our minds were still on that winter's night so long ago.
Father did bring mother back home, but she wasn't herself. She hadn't been herself since that night. She was very quiet, and did not joke around as much as she used to. She changed into a completely different person. It was like she had died. We all hoped and prayed that she would get back to normal but we didn't think the phase would last very long.
Well, I did, but no one else in my family did, not even my Father. He said she was like this after she moved with him to Bast, and it was very disconcerting at first but that he got so used to it, he was shocked when she was playful again.
But this wasn't homesickness, this was something else altogether. I had no clue why her real name meant so much to her, and that it caused this personality transplant. She just sat there in her rocking chair and stared out of the window. She didn't even say Happy Birthday to me on my birthday! She wasn't eating, wasn't sleeping. I didn't know what to do.
I decided I had to confront her, but when I went up to her, I realized why she didn't say Happy Birthday.
She was dead.
I stifled a cry. She couldn't have been dead that long, or else she would have been decomposing, I stated to myself rationally. But as I stared at her face that was at one time very alive and joyful, I started to sob.
I wailed and didn't realize I had fell to the floor until Serenity was trying to pull me up.
"Beauty! Beauty! What is the matter with you. . . Oh my."
I nodded, my face in my hands, and tried getting up. I was unsuccessful and I ripped my dress. I started wailing again.
The funeral was held a few days later. The coroner said the cause of death was a disease, so that we should burn all the clothes that she had worn in the past month. My father just stood there in silence, as we took the clothes and placed them in the fire.
He was standing like that at the funeral too. I peeked a look at him. My father was miserable without her. I sniffled a little before stealing a glance at my sisters. Serenity looked calm, but I knew for a fact she wasn't. The past few nights she had been sobbing herself to sleep, just like I was. Pat had been sleeping just fine, but as I looked at her now, she looked like she was ready to jump into her mother's grave.
I knew how she felt. I couldn't imagine life without mother. And yet here she was, gone. Gone from everything but our memories, I thought, starting to cry again.
As the chaplain droned on and on about life and death, I knew I was about to start wailing again. I had to get out of here.
"Excuse me," I said quietly to no one in particular, before walking away slowly towards the woods in the north. I knew most people didn't go in there for fear of the ghost of the prince, which was why I chose it. So I could console myself in peace.
I sat down on a tree stump on the outskirts of the forest, I could see the funeral procession very well from here. I sucked air in gasps, hoping that would calm me down. All it did was give me the hiccups, which made me sob with tears of frustration and sorrow.
Mother was gone, and would never be back, I thought as tears welled up in my eyes. And it was all my fault, I decided. Strangely enough, that thought calmed me down. I had to atone for it, I had to be kinder, and work harder than I ever had before. I even, I started crying again, had to give up my books. That was the only way. I had to emulate Mother by taking care of my family. I have to make sure the wedding goes according to plan, I-
"Beauty? Are you all right?" A tall, dark man approached my stump.
I looked at him, "No, not really Zyslai."
He grinned, "I would hope you wouldn't be all right, or else there would be something wrong with you."
I scowled, why couldn't he leave me alone. I was glad I didn't add be nice to Zyslai on my atonement list, because I knew I wouldn't of been able to handle that one, "Zyslai go away, I came here to get away."
He sat down next to me, and put his large, square hand on my shoulder. I grimaced. "Oh Beauty, I know how to feel. You know, about a year before you guys came here, almost two years ago, my father died."
I gave him a startled glance, and he chuckled, "Yes, and that was my second parent who died. My mother, a Kyrrian, died was I was a babe, so I was an orphan when my father died."
He kept talking about himself, describing his sorrow about losing his father at seventeen, and how his father died helped him become a wonderful hunter, and that he never felt so independent till his father died. He sounded happy about it, I mused, before asking, "How did your Father die anyway?"
He shifted, uncomfortable, "Hunting accident."
I decided I didn't want to know anymore, "Thanks Zyslai, but I don't think I should be away from the funeral procession any longer. I need to get home." I started brushing off the leaves and dirt off my mourning weeds.
Zyslai grabbed my hand, before looking eagerly in my face, "Beauty, I want to take you to the tavern tonight. You know, you are old enough now. Plus, it could help you get your mind off your mother."
"I don't want to get my mind off her," I said quietly, before taking my hand out of his and walking back to my family. I turned my head to see if he was following me back or not. He wasn't, he just stood there watching me. I shuddered involuntarily, before walking a little faster.
"There you are!" Father boomed, "Why did you leave?"
Serenity and Pat glanced at me over Father's shoulders, curiosity marking their features.
I didn't want to deal with this now, but I promised myself that I would take care of the family, "Father, I'm sorry, but I had to get away from everyone. I didn't want to make a scene, and I knew I would have otherwise. I apologize."
He harrumphed, before walking into Rose Cottage and slamming the door. I winced, before turning to my sisters.
"Beauty, are you all right," Serenity asked hesitantly.
"As much as anyone is going to be," I said truthfully.
Pat nodded, "I know what you mean. I thought I was going to throw up during the funeral. That or go in fetal position."
"I'm just glad it's over with," Serenity stated.
I nodded. All of a sudden I was really tired, "I am going to go inside and sleep this sadness off, is anyone with me?"
Pat nodded; I could see the exhaustion in her grey eyes. Serenity yawned in agreement.
As we snuggled into our separate beds, I heard Serenity start speaking, "So Beauty I was really glad when Father sent up Zyslai to get you. I knew he would be able to calm you down."
I sighed, I did not want to get into Zyslai right now, "Actually Serenity, he made everything worse. I hate his guts, and you better make sure he never comes near me again."
Pat snorted, "Serenity will probably help him propose to you."
I sat up, "He's going to what?"
Serenity laughed girlishly, "Oh Beauty, he really loves you and wants to be with you. He thinks you are the most beautiful girl in town, won't it be wonderful when he proposes to you?"
I stifled an urge to scream, "No it won't Serenity! I hate him! I rather marry a cow than him! I rather marry anyone than him. He's" I sputtered, "Evil! Pure Evil! He's selfish and piggish, and stupid, and plots, and Serenity don't help him please!"
She looked at me flabbergasted, "Alright Beauty, if you say so."
The room became silent. I struggled to control the tears coming down my face and that's when I realized something.
I would rather die than marry Zyslai.
None of us had enough time to really develop our feelings about Mother's death. We had a wedding to plan, which Serenity reminded us constantly, as she fretted about our cottage trying to decide which color ribbon would go better with the theme of "Fairies".
I held back a snort, as Pat looked like she was ready to kill Serenity as she made her try dress after dress. If Faerani didn't have Pat stuck in a dress she could barely move in, I had a feeling Serenity would be laying on the floor unconscious.
"Serenity, why don't we stop for the day. I think Pat needs a break," I said calmly, while Pat seethed in the corner.
Serenity had her light brown hair pinned up, as she checked her list, "Oh but we still haven't found the perfect wedding dress!" she pouted.
Faerani chuckled, "Well, Miss Serenity, there is no such thing as a perfect wedding dress. So maybe you should just let Pat decide what she wants to wear on her wedding day."
We all looked up at her with a thoughtful expression. Pat tapped her chin for a minute, "I want to wear breeches."
The room became silent, only to be interrupted by Serenity's laughter, "Oh Pat! You can't wear breeches to your wedding! Even you can't be that stupid!"
Pat's face turned red, "I can too! And I will. Faerani that's what I want. I want to wear white breeches and a white shirt!"
I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing at the image.
Pat glared at me, "What's so funny Beauty?"
"Oh Pat," I said wiping my eyes, "the image of that is so ridiculous. Please don't do that to yourself. Why don't you have Faerani design something for you that has a breeches component and a dress component?"
After a moment Pat nodded pleased with the idea. Faerani even looked pleased with it, "That's a good idea Beauty. Plus it will be a challenge!"
Only Serenity frowned. But she was overruled by everyone in the room. Faerani finished the dress/breeches within the week. But she hid it from Serenity's sight, which was probably the intelligent thing to do, as Serenity would probably screw something up. She didn't let me look at it either to my disappointment.
Faerani then began working on Serenity's dress that she would be wearing at the wedding. I sat in the corner, watching Serenity try it on.
I had never seen her look so beautiful. Her dress was grey, which brought out her grey eyes. This gown was made of silk. Its form-fitting skirt and incidental sleeves are laden with frills and fur-belows, which I wouldn't of liked, but I knew Serenity looked nice in it. She happened to agree, as she beamed at Faerani and spun around. I knew this dress was worth a lot of money, and that it must have cost a lot money to make.
I looked at Faerani, "How much is this dress going to cost?"
Faerani frowned at me, "Me and Serenity already took care of the cost. She's going to be working at my shop for the next year for free."
I looked at Serenity in surprise. She blushed, "Working hard might be the best for me. Especially if I get this dress out of the deal," she plucked at the material.
Pat looked at Serenity with pride, "Ah my baby girl is growing up!" she said, wiping fake tears from her eyes, her mouth turned up at the sides in a smile.
Serenity turned an even deeper red, before telling Pat to shut up.
It was nice to see my eldest sister finally growing up. But, with her working, and Pat married, what on earth was I going to do with myself?
I thought back of my list of atonement. I had kept my promises, even the not reading one. But, I might have to start reading once there is going to be nothing to do. I sighed, unaware that Faerani was about to poke me.
"Ow!" I rubbed my arm, "What on earth was that for?"
She grinned, looking like a clown in the process, "C'mon your turn to be fitted for a dress."
I groaned, "No way! I am wearing one of my old gowns!"
Serenity smirked, "One of your old gowns that aren't going to fit?"
I glared at her, but she just continued to smile. I knew she was right, I was too tall, and too skinny for most of those gowns now.
"Fine," I grimaced, as Faerani led me to her fitting station.
As she poked me with needles and droned on and on about some town gossip, I kept myself occupied by daydreaming. It wasn't until she said, "Done with the fitting! Now I am going to design you a gown, so come back in two weeks to see your dress."
My sisters and I left her brand new shop, and headed back to Rose Cottage. Too bad we ran into Zyslai and his cronies on the way.
"Ah hello, ladies, can't wait to come to the wedding," Zyslai said with a wink towards Serenity.
She invited them? I growled, I refused to be near any of them.
"Well you are Vonandar's friends," Serenity said hesitantly, stealing a glance at my expression, which was disgruntled.
Patience frowned, "Well, don't cause any ruckus at my wedding, or I'll get my sword out and cut you all to pieces."
They all laughed at the image of her cutting them to pieces. I just stared stonily at them. I couldn't forgive them for almost killing Faerani, just to help their stupid friend win my affections.
To speak of the devil Zyslai looked at me, his blue eye scanning me up and down, "Well Beauty, I bet you will be more beautiful than the bride."
I scowled, "No one can be more beautiful than the bride, now if you'll excuse me," I ran off into a store, I didn't know which one it was, nor did I care, I just had to get away.
It happened to be a bookstore.
I groaned, which attracted the attention of Quori.
"Why hello Beauty!" he said cautiously, "I haven't seen you in a while. Why is that?"
I looked at the floor as I answered, "I gave up books."
I could feel his old eyes boring into my skull, "How on earth can you give up books? Why would you give up books?" he said, sounding a little shell-shocked.
I felt like crying, "I needed to atone for my mother's death."
"Beauty, your mother dying wasn't your fault. It was a disease!" he said, almost shouting.
"I know. But. . . I feel like I owe her an apology from something that happened before she died, and I never got a chance to give it to her," I said, tears streaming down my face.
Quori frowned, "And that's why you gave up books."
"Yes."
His frown became deeper, "That doesn't make any sense Beauty."
I nodded, "I know."
He sighed, "Beauty, you were my best customer, regardless of whether you always paid for my books in labor or in coin. Are you going to start reading again?"
I nodded, "I think it was fate that I came in here. I don't think my Mother wants me to suffer without my books." Especially since she loved that part of me, I thought to myself.
He smiled, relieved before grabbing a book from a shelf, "Here, take this as a gift. Its free. I have no use for fairy trifles you know." He laughed becomingly.
I grabbed and it and took a look at the cover, Fairy Tales, the Complete Collection.
I looked in the inside contents. There were only a few titles, which didn't make much sense as it was a "complete" collection. I saw only Snow White, Cinderella, and the Shoemaker and the Elves.
I frowned slightly, "Not very complete is it?"
He laughed again, "No, when I first got the book twenty years ago it was blank. A year later the Shoemaker and the Elves came in the book. About two or three years ago or so, Snow White came in followed by Cinderella. It's definitely magical. But I have no use for a fairy trifle like that."
I looked at him, before grinning, "Well I think it's neat."
He smiled, "I'm glad you like it Beauty. But before you leave, I need to remind you to bring back that book I gave you a while ago."
My once good mood turned sour, "Sure sir," I said bitterly.
Quori didn't notice, "OK good, bring that in within the next week. Oh and am I invited to your sister's wedding?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.
I smiled, "Yes you are, it is in the middle of summer, July 21st, but that may change if the weather is bad."
He nodded, "Of course,"
"Bye!" I shouted before leaving, and I ran to Rose Cottage, happier than I had been since Mother's death.
I suppose new books can make you feel that way.
Especially when that new book is a magic book.
I had to kill of Beauty's mother somehow, because she's never alive in the fairy tale. Plus, I wanted her secret to seemingly die with her. But don't worry, the mystery of Beauty's mother will be solved.
Tell me what you think of this chapter. I'm not that thrilled with it, but yeah. lol.
Next chapter is going to contain a lot. The wedding, some problems with Serenity, Beauty's 17th birthday, and possibly Beauty's father leaving.
I kind of wanted Beauty to be 18 before leaving however, so I don't think Beauty's father will be leaving until two more chapters, when he runs into the beast. I was thinking in that chapter to have it be his POV.
But yeah, Serenity is going to mature more in these next couple chapters, which is good, as she is going to be nineteen a little after the wedding. She needs to mature. I decided that Squire Aubrey is going to make an appearance in the next chapter too. I like his character, and I've been dying to write him a couple of scenes, so yeah, he's going to show up at the wedding, shocking everyone completely. So some interesting things are going to happen.
And the fairy tale book is going to be kind of important. Also, the three fairy tales that it includes all have an important similarity in this world. Try to guess what it is
And that's all folks! Please review!
