Belle tried to put the encounter with Garrison out of her mind, she honestly didn't remember that much about him so apparently he hadn't made that much of an impression on her in school so why would he now; besides she needed to concentrate on her new job and straightening out her life. Mr. Gold spent the rest of the work day in the back room not doing much talking which left Belle up front to work with the books. Her leg was feeling better and she had abandoned her crutches in favor of a small step-ladder which she was currently seated upon as she examined the many books stacked all around her. There were so many, all different. At first she tried to organize them into some semblance of order but she was too unfamiliar with the authors and the genres to make much headway. She was just beginning to feel the stab of hunger when Mr. Gold's head peeked out from behind the thick curtain making him appear much like the great and powerful wizard of Oz to Belle; she giggled at the thought.
"I'm about ready to call it a day dearie; how are the books coming along?" He shuffled through the barrier and made his way over to where she picked up a large heavy stack preparing to nestle them back into their proper home on the top shelf.
"I just want to get some of these off the floor before I'm done; can't leave them all scattered about can I?"
Mr. Gold watched with a certain fascination as she heaved the books close to her chest turning toward the stool, she used her good leg to hoist herself up on it along with her handful of books. She did however manage to put the first few ones where they belonged but as she pulled up the last of the books, the step-ladder tottered back which sent her one way and her books to scatter everywhere along the floor. Belle knew that her leg was too weak to support her and squeezed her eyes shut knowing she was no doubt going to land on a hard pile of books that lay just behind her, most likely injuring her leg but instead she heard the clatter of a cane and the feel of big, strong hands envelop her; Gold had caught her before she collided with anything that might have potentially caused her harm.
She comically peeped through unbelieving eyes to find herself with one foot on the ground and his arms around her waist holding her up. She sagged against him for a moment feeling the warmth of his jacket and his breath in her hair. He had saved her from what would have most likely been a nasty spill; no one had ever tried to save her from anything before, to make her feel safe. "Are you alright?" His voice sounded as shaky as she felt; she realized that he was as scared as she was. She wrapped her hands around his and gave them a little pat as she found her footing; he didn't immediately let go of her though. She twisted around to her side as she looked at him a bit out of breath with the adrenaline that was flooding through her at the moment.
"Ah, thank you." She had a hard time managing anything else as she tried to clear her thoughts.
Gold kept his place around her waist with his arms for a second or two longer, assuring himself that she wouldn't sink to the floor when he let go, before releasing her and pretending to straighten his jacket, "No matter; I just don't want you to re injure your leg, it seems like it's recovering good and I don't my new employee injuring herself on the very first day." Belle smiled with a nod as she felt a little chill from where he had only seconds ago had holding her. His hands had been so warm and there was no perversion in his touch, he simply was looking out for her well-being; that was why she felt comforted by it, his touch meant friendship, trust.
"Why don't we get home and you can give that ankle a rest and an ice-pack; don't want you over doing it and I thought I'd cook us something special to celebrate your fist day on the job." Belle watched as Mr. Gold bent down slowly to fish his cane out of the floor before standing back up tapping the cane on the ground a few times; making sure it was in good order, after all he had dropped it in quite a hurry when he caught her in mid-air.
"Shouldn't we fix the mess I just caused?" She looked at the dropped books but Gold just waved the thought away.
"I'm sure they will wait, let's get you home."
Belle turned around to find her crutches and when she looked back she found Mr. Gold standing there with his arm out for her to take a hold of and a smile on his face just for her. She knew his smiles were a rare thing and was surprised to find that he seemed to appear much younger and more care free that way, he looked almost happy Belle thought. She accepted his offer and together they turned off the lights and locked up the little store; both anxious to find their way home after a taxing day. Belle was tired and her back ached from being hunched over examining all those lovely books.
Once home she retrieved her clean clothes from the dryer and as Gold poured himself a drink she decided that a hot bath was just what she needed. At the shelter showers were limited to under ten minutes and usually that meant some impatient person was waiting for you to be done so that they might get their ten minutes as well; so it was like a little bit of heaven that Belle got to fill a deep tub full of hot water and then relax as long as she wanted to in it. She had milled around and found a razor in one of the small drawers on the vanity and liquid soap in the closet. After shedding her clothes she piled her hair up on top of her head, securing it with a pin before dipping down in the hot water, sighing as she lay back; her body aching to be fully submerged. Her lids felt heavy as she rested her head against the back of the tub; she would have no trouble sleeping tonight, well she hoped anyway.
Gold slid into his overstuffed chair and took a few leisurely sips off his scotch; It felt good to be home. He listened to the sound of Belle running her a bath as he let his head roll back and his eyes close for a minute while he loosened his tie. He had said he would cook a meal tonight, but he hadn't thought to lay anything out; maybe she wouldn't mind if he called the chinese restaurant in town; they had great noodles. He was a bachelor after all and it was a lot easier to just pick something up on the way home or have it delivered than prepare a meal for one.
With a sigh he took another sip of his drink before kicking off his shoes and hauling himself up with his cane, limping into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and was not surprised to be greeted by a bunch of condiments and very little actual food. Yep, chinese it was; or at least something Belle liked. He went into the hallway and lightly tapped on the bathroom door. "Belle?" He heard the slosh of water and the sound of Belle as she hurriedly got out of the bath.
"I'm uh, just getting out, sorry."
Belle grabbed one of the towels and wrapped it around herself, of course he wanted to take a shower too, how thoughtless of her to hog the bathroom without even thinking that he would care. "Give me just a minute" she called out as she picked up her clothes.
Gold knocked again, "I wasn't trying to hurry you up dearie take all the time you need; I simply wanted to know if you cared for chinese; seems I need to go to the grocery before I make a meal."
"Oh" Belle sounded relieved. She thought he was angry because she was taking a bath and he was just seeing if she was hungry. Of course she liked chinese, who didn't? The Nolans had arranged for chinese one night at the shelter, some deal with the chinese restaurant in town, it had been delicious.
"I love chinese" she timidly called from the other side of the door. Gold nodded, she seemed to agree with that idea, he could breathe easier now. he pulled his cell phone out of his pants pocket.
"What would you like?" He didn't want to order anything she wouldn't eat. Belle had only ever had that one dish before, but she had liked it so she figured that a plate of noodles would work wonders after she finished with her bath.
Gold shook his head when he found out Beef lo mien was all she had ever tasted so he took it upon himself to order all his favorites, she could see which ones she liked.
After he hung up he walked into his bedroom and shut the door. He took off his suit and dress shirt opting for more casual attire. His mind went over the events of the day. Belle had proved to be a hard worker, she never had a complaint, in fact she seemed thrilled to be in the shop. He had to admit that even though they hadn't done much talking he had enjoyed the presence of another person being there as well. He thought about the young man that had approached her, he wondered just who he was and what exactly did he want with Belle?
She hadn't seemed afraid just perhaps a little uneasy or caught unaware. He was secretly glad she hadn't revealed where she worked at and he didn't recall ever seeing the man in town before, although he obviously was from there because he knew Belle. There was something that just didn't strike Gold right about the young man, although he had appeared quite friendly; maybe it was his eyes.
After Gold dressed in something a little more comfortable he went back in the living room to retrieve his scotch. He noticed that Belle was still busy in the bathroom, he was glad she didn't get out when he had knocked on the door. He hadn't meant to scare her or make her think that he was unhappy with her taking a bath as long as she wanted in there; she needed those things, she needed to enjoy herself. He twisted the cap on the bottle of scotch and poured a bit more over the ice in his glass when the doorbell went off.
He groped around for his wallet only to discover he had left it in his suit pants. He opened the door and waved the person in holding the bags of food. After retrieving his money and tipping the kid generously for his quickness with their dinner, Gold fetched a couple of plates, two sets of chop sticks and a bottle of chilled wine out of the fridge. Belle opened the door to the bathroom feeling clean and refreshed. Her hair was damp around the edges so she just decided to keep it pinned up and out of the way. she drew in a happy breath when she saw the set up Gold had prepared for them.
"Wow, you didn't have to go to all this trouble; and there is so much food, I don't even know what half of this is." She looked at the various open boxes, some with chicken others with vegetables or rice;it all looked so good, her mouth and stomach were both urging her to sit down and enjoy it. Gold poured her a glass of white wine as she pulled up a pillow to sit down across from him in the livingroom floor; they sat at the coffee table of all things.
"Wasn't the kitchen table good enough" she laughed as Gold pulled noodles out of one of the boxes; steam whiffed out bringing a heavenly smell out along with it.
"I just thought it would be more comfortable in here; I never get to eat in here and I always wanted too, I just needed a reason." Belle picked up a box and upon discovering the beef lo mein she had requested she drug some out on her plate.
"Was somebody stopping you or where you afraid you would look ridiculous eating on the livingroom floor by yourself." Belle took her first bite and closed her eyes savoring the flavor that burst in her mouth. Gold watched her with a smile, she was certainly enjoying herself; he handed her some of the chicken and cashews which she took.
"Everything is so good, thank you so much for all of this, for everything." Belle wanted to put her arms around him and give him a hug, but she resisted the urge. He didn't really look like the type that welcomed physical contact and in truth Belle wasn't either, she took a drink of her wine, "this is good" she said as she swirled the golden liquid around in the stunning glass.
"I'm glad everything meets with your approval." They both ate as much as they could with plenty left to spare before they both lay back, one propped against the couch the other against the sofa with the coffee table of left overs between them as they sipped the wine and talked.
"If I may ask, the man in the diner today, are you familiar with him?" Belle took a small sip as she considered the question.
"Well, I know who he is if that's what your asking." Gold was secretly wondering if perhaps Garrison was a client of hers, but he would have cut his tongue out before asking such a question, Belle cleared her throat, she could practically guess what he was thinking as she watched him try to not look interested in her response; it was only natural to question she guessed.
"I went to school with him before I dropped out; I remember very little actually." Gold nodded his head slowly as he listened. He was not surprised to learn that Belle had dropped out of school, he wondered if she ever thought of returning for her diploma.
For a while after she had commented about the man in the diner they sat silent, each lost in their own thoughts about the day. Belle yawned, the meal had done her in, she sat down her empty glass. "I think I'll turn in if that's alright; long day tomorrow I take it." Gold watched her stand and begin to pick up the left overs.
"Don't worry about that, your tired go on to bed, I'll take care of it tonight." She kept right on cleaning up the half-empty boxes of Chinese on the coffee table as Gold climbed to his feet to help.
"I helped make the mess, it's only fair. Surely your as tired as I am." Belle and Gold took everything in the kitchen; Belle began filling up the dishwasher with the bowls and cups. Gold threw everything in the trash and tied it up to take outside. he had never had anyone to help him before, it was kind of nice to not to be alone. He looked up when he heard Belle humming a tune under her breath.
"I've never heard that tune before dearie, what are you singing?" Belle looked up from her task as she started the dishwasher, "Oh I don't remember the name, something my Mom used to sing to me I guess." Gold washed his hands in the sink before drying them with a towel.
"Why don't you go on to bed, I'll finish up in here; besides I hardly ever sleep it'll give me something to do. Belle knew quite a bit about no sleeping but tonight might be the exception. Before she left the room she decided to do something she had never done to anyone before, she walked over and wrapped her arms around Gold and squeezed.
Gold froze; no one had ever hugged him before. If they had he didn't remember. Belle layed her cheek against his shoulder as she closed her eyes.
"Thank you for everything, I'll never be able to repay your kindness." Gold wasn't real sure what he was suppost to do so he awkwardly patted her back when she didn't immediately let go.
"It's quite alright dearie. Actually I was just hoping you didn't sue me when I brought you home." Belle's eyes flew open; she stepped back.
"You thought I would sue you? " Much to Gold's amazement she broke out into fits of laughter. Gold figured that his off handed comment would have angered her if anything and almost cringed as it left his mouth but instead he was amazed to find that he had somehow amused her.
Belle held her hand over her mouth trying in vain to stifle her giggles; sue HIM? How could she sue him? first of all she wouldn't have the slightest idea of how to sue someone and never, even if she could would she ever do anything like that to him, he was the kindest most generous man she had ever met "Well, I think your safe from me." Gold gave a little chuckle of his own, he guessed it did sound a little ridiculous now that he had thought it through.
Belle shook her head, he was worse than she was with trust issues, "We are quite the pair aren't we," it wasn't a question; more like an observation. Gold looked confused, he was nothing like her, he lived alone because he simply accepted that it was the way things were. She on the other hand would hopefully get over her problems and go one to live a normal life with marriage and children, he had happiness and had chosen to waste it; she had never known a happy day in her life, she deserved happiness; it was too late for him.
By the time he was done with his pondering, Belle had mumbled a soft good night and went off to her bedroom leaving him standing alone in the kitchen.
After turning all the lights out and climbing into bed he found that he was having a hard time sleeping; maybe it was that aggravating security light that shone through his blinds, that thing had a will of it's own. Somehow no matter how dark the blinds were or how heavy the curtains he paid good money for to guarantee that no light could filter through, the light somehow would always manage to find its way into his bedroom at night; tomorrow he would nail the bloody curtains to the wall and see if that helped.
He tossed and turned until finally finding a comfortable spot and settling down. He was almost asleep when a small distant sound woke him. He listened but didn't hear anything; must have been from outside. He turned over to his other side but before long a sound alerted him once more, he sat up in bed trying to decipher what it was. He thought perhaps Belle was awake or maybe she had turned on the television. No light shone under the door that would indicate she had gotten up but when he went to lay back down he heard it once more, and this time it was unmistakably what the noise was; it was crying.
Gold opened the door just a creak and listened. It was coming from her room; he wondered if she were having another nightmare or maybe she was just upset. He hoped she wasn't offended by his earlier comment. He looked down at his night clothes, a pair of red and black plaid boxers and a white t-shirt. He shrugged, it was fine he guessed, he just wanted to assure himself that she was alright. As he neared her door he could plainly hear her, it sounded as if she were crying in her sleep. He turned the handle and opened the door.
It was dark; the only light was the clock radio on the night stand by her bed. It emitted a soft glow so that Gold could make out her outline in the darkness of the room. Of course there was no sign of that unholy security light on this side of the house he thought as he quietly stood by her bed looking down at her. He started once to turn away when he discovered that Belle was asleep on top of her blankets in only her bra and white cotton panties. she lay on her stomach with her head turned to the side away from him. He felt like he was definitely invading her privacy as he stood there, his feet rooted to the spot, he wasn't sure what to do. She was obviously in the throes of some kind of bad dream. He set down on the side of the bed and tentatively rubbed small circles on her bare shoulder. He had always heard that it wasn't good to wake a person suddenly up from a dream. Belle gave a small frightened cry in her sleep when Gold touched her. He didn't know what he should do but knew he couldnt leave her like this. She would just have to forgive him coming into her room without her say so, with her so under dressed. He pulled her hair back from her face, soothing it over her shoulders and down her back. It felt amazingly soft and silky as he tried to think of soothing things to say so as not to startle her when she did awaken. The faint glow of the clock seemed to illuminate her bra making her skin to appear dark against the white fabric. Gold tried not to look at it. There was no mistaking that Belle was a very beautiful girl but Gold was not some dirty old man who preyed upon helpless little girls; he was not some pervert who was taking advantage of her in hopes of sexual favors like all the other men she had ever known; but maybe he should close his eyes after all. Belle whimpered, deep in her nightmare.
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The bedroom door closed behind the doctor as he entered Belle's room. She pulled the worn blanket tighter against herself; knowing what he had come for. although his visits had become regular over the months, Belle lapsed into panic attacks whenever she was faced with Thursdays knowing that the weekend would be there too soon and along with it his visits into her room.
Whale rubbed her shoulder as he joined her in the bed before he let his hand slid around her waist pulling her closer. His breath felt warm against her ear and with each exhale her hair tickled her cheek. She closed her eyes, hoping he would finish quickly tonight and leave.
"Your father told me some most grevious news that I'm sure he hasn't shared with you, but I'm going to tell you Belle because I think of us as friends. He has lost a lot of money; a lot of money, and he has no way of paying back the loans he took out. Seems you will be getting more visitors this weekend. If I understood him correctly; which it was hard because he was so drunk, that tomorrow night's poker game will be featuring you as house entertainment." His hand splayed across her belly tightly before he moved it down to cup her; she whimpered in fear; her heart beat wildly in her throat.
"Now I've grown very fond of our visits Belle and I think you have too; don't lie because I've seen looks on your face that have no doubt been pleasure although I have yet to make you come, but I feel that it isn't long before you will." Belle felt as if she were going to vomit. She had no idea of what he was speaking of, only men did that; it was disgusting and messy. Her mind tried to think of other things when he was on top of her grunting like a pig in her ear. She would try to just go blank, closing her eyes, imagining that she was in a different land; somewhere magical where she was a princess perhaps; a large castle where she was safe, but she would always find herself back in her small bed when he was finished with her; alone and scared until he left and she could clean herself up and curl up in a tight ball and cry herself to sleep.
His voice was low as he spoke, 'I'm going to try something a little different tonight and I think it may be just what the doctor ordered," he chuckled. His fingers brushed her panties aside as they traced her sex; a tear slid down her cheek. He kissed her shoulder before moving lower to her elbow, "Just relax" he whispered as he moved to pull her gently to her back, continuously placing kisses on her body. His hands pulled up her shirt as he bared her breasts before kissing them both, she bit her bottom lip to stifle a cry; she hated him. He dove into her belly button with his tongue as his fingers hooked slowly into her panties dragging them down to her knees then off. "I think this is just what you need, I think this is going to send you right over that edge you've been teetering on for so long. Bet your daddy never did this, did he?" The doctor's mouth felt warm and wet as he buried his face between Belle's thighs; then the nightmare changed.
She could hear voices; men and they were laughing with her father. She quickly dressed, stuffing her only other pair of worn jeans down into her pillow case along with a brush and a necklace that belonged to her mother. She shook with fright as she unlocked the window. another loud noise out in the living room made her jump in fear as she almost abandoned her plan to leave; where would she go? she had no idea, but living in the woods was better than what awaited her here.
She slowly raised the window trying hard not to let it squeak, it stuck several times but she finally got it far enough that she would be able to climb through. There were bushes in front of her window and as she pulled herself out the branches scratched at her arms. Her feet hit the ground and she was sure that her father had heard her, it sounded deafening to her ears; her heart pounded. She clutched her pillow case to her chest and hunkered down behind the bush. She was almost free; a dog barked as a car drove by. She looked around before darting into the neighbors yard.
Someone's security light came on across the street as she made a break for the woods not daring to look back. Just as she was almost out of sight she heard her father's voice hollering for her; she had been discovered, her feet pounded the Pavement as her name got softer and softer in her ear, "Belle, Belle."
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"Belle, Belle; wake up dearie, it's only a dream." Her eyes flew open. She screamed. Somehow she had been transported back to that filthy old bed and Whale was there, his hand touching her shoulder; she recoiled from his touch and squeezed her eyes shut trying to will him away.
"It's only me Belle, your safe; it was a dream." Belle bolted upright in the bed and turned around to see only Gold sitting there with a very worried look on his face; she let out a sob before burying her face in her hands. She heard him whispering a soft "Shh" to her as he touched her hands. "You scared me; I just wanted to make sure you were alright, otherwise I would have never come in your room." Gold got up and picked up a small throw blanket from off the end of the bed; he brought it back to her and wrapped it around her shoulders to preserve her modesty.
Her shoulders shook, she wiped the tears away from her face; she was awake and it was just a dream. She was used to them. She was glad this wasn't one of those that made her sick; she would have been so embarrassed. She clutched the blanket around her as he took a seat beside her on the bed; His face still etched with worry. "I can go if you want" Belle shook her head; somehow his presence comforted her.
She leaned towards him and placed her forehead on his shoulder trying to gather her scrambled brain. "No stay a moment if you don't mind; I'm sorry." Gold patted her shoulders.
"What on earth would you have to be sorry for dearie?" He leaned back and raised her chin with his fingers to bring her face up to meet his, "Would you like to talk about it; I could make us some tea if you like." Belle nodded; the tea sounded good but she wasn't sure if talking about it would help.
"Tea sounds nice. It was just a dream; it doesn't mean anything." She swallowed loudly; trying to swallow the lump that remained in her throat before wiping at her nose, it had been so vivid; she hated him, them; she hated all of them.
Gold nodded silently before standing and going into the kitchen to boil some water giving Belle some privacy to pull on some clothes and join him. Although he could only guess at what she had dreamed he suspected it had something to do with Whale and Belle's father and as soon as it was light he would be making some inquires into Whale's future as a doctor and Maurice's future as a free man.
