A/N- Hey lovelies. Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. It has been school holidays here in NZ and I could not log in here at FF until now. I'm so excited to get the next chapter to you! It is going to be beautiful.
Belle couldn't stop smiling. She was stunning when she smiled like this, with true happiness that reached her pale blue eyes.
"Well there is nothing to tell really, He lives on a houseboat, travels mostly. He has an accent that is hard to place. I believe he was born in Ireland."
"...and the dreams?, has seeing Archie helped with those?" Belle raised her eyebrows at me over the delicious smelling sauce she was stirring.
" Archie is fantastic, the dreams have begun to stop. I no longer get them every night but I still get them regularly. Killian is leaving soon, I'm hoping the dreams will go completely then."
"Where is he going?" Belle poured some cream into the sauce and I had to stop myself from pouncing for the plate. I realized I was starving, and that sauce smelled like heaven in a saucepan.
" I don't know exactly, I'll ask him tomorrow." I watched her carefully, trying to gauge her reaction.
"Your turn, spill"
Belle looked up at me, her eyes catching the light and twinkling.
"He is a little older than me, very charismatic and well spoken. His name is Rumple, but everyone calls him Gold, he has a very unusual last name. Anything unusual seems to suit him perfectly"
"...What does he do for a living?, where did you meet him?" I prompted. I could tell by watching her that she was already in deep with this RumpleGold, and hoped he was not going to break her heart.
Belle had been involved with only two men ever and she had never fallen this hard before, I could see it clear as day and wondered if she knew it too. It worried me. I made a mental note to check him out and see what I could find out about this guy from other sources.
"He is an antique trader mostly, although he owns quite a bit of real estate. Ruby will be home any minute now, Can you help set the table?" Belle nodded towards a pile of napkins and plates that had already been set out on the back bench top.
"We have all night to discuss each others love lives" She flashed her pretty smile as she started to pile up the platters.
I was about to taste a piece of the crispy crumbed chicken strips when we both heard the clop clop of Ruby's heels.
Ruby whooshed in the door in a flurry of perfectly styled long black hair and impeccable make up.
I could never understand how she always looked like she had stepped off magazine pages at the end of the day. It was no wonder she had men begging for her attention at every turn.
" Oh my goodness Belle! Dinner looks amazing, as do you both!" Ruby gave us both a hug and settled at the table with her glass of wine.
"Lets get this dinner started shall we ladies?" Belle sat down for the first time since I had arrived home and we piled our plates high with the mind blowing array of dishes in front of us.
The food tasted amazing and the company was even better. I wished every night was like this one.
Archie had been right when he advised me to enjoy the time left with the loved ones my life, for it could change in the blink of an eye.
"It is not a date!" I insisted for the umpteenth time.
Ruby and Belle were coming in and out of my room like it was grand central station and they were the trains. Depositing piles of dresses, shoes and jewellery on my bed, instead of passengers at a platform.
I stood by helplessly, mentally kicking myself for telling them about Killians dinner invitation. As soon as it passed my lips I could tell by the way they looked at each other I stood no chance before them. Confirming that I was going to wing it with my outfit was the clincher.
I now had two very tipsy, never take no for an answer, stylists who were intent on making me look 'perfect' and the remnants of our feast were left on the table alone.
"Regardless, indulge us!" Ruby called from the bottom of her closet.
Belle came running at me giggling "I love this! We must make this girls night in a regular date!" Squealing, she ran-hugged me so fast we both fell back onto the pile of evening dresses laughing.
Ruby came in holding up an old camera "I found it! My old polaroid! Emma, try on the dresses pleeeease."
"Oooh, The green one first!" Belle grabbed the top dress and handed it to me. I didn't have a chance to protest as she nudged me towards the bathroom.
I did wonder where I was going to sleep now my bed had been turned into a giant clothing rack.
Seven complete outfit changes later and I was determined this would be the last one. I could hardly hold myself up now.
I finished fiddeling with insanely thin strap of the heels Ruby had insisted must be worn with this dress and steeled myself to tell them both this is the end of the catwalk line tonight.
Holding my head up high I walked out of the bathroom and into my bedroom turned walk in closet.
" I know.." I started "Shhh!" Belle exclaimed, interrupting me. Ruby started to circle around me with narrowed eyes.
"Emma" Belle almost breathed. "This is the ONE!, You are … "
"Flawless" Ruby finished for her.
"Yes, simply flawless." Belle agreed
"Phew, I am so relieved. I have never worn so many different outfits in one day"
"Trust me, It was worth it, this dress is made for you." said Belle
"..And technically, it is not one day, it has been officially morning for thirty five minutes." Ruby pointed at her watch.
"Oh it is time for bed me thinks." Belle started wonky walking toward her room. " Get some sleep Emma, You have a DATE tonight!"
"It is NOT A DATE!" I yelled down the hall before I used my arms as a makeshift bulldozer and swept the clothing that had taken over my bed onto the floor.
Snuggling in, I repeated myself softly until I fell into a long dreamless sleep.
