Chapter 21-Staff Meeting

Not quite an hour later both Mrs. Potts and Lumiere had been summoned to the Beast's room. There was no reason given, but they both assumed it was to discuss the current situation, which based on the history of the castles gossip line was already known by all. But Mrs. Potts was much more interested in straight given facts and a single raised eyebrow was all it took to obtain this. The Beast was pacing in front of the rose when they arrived and likely had been since Belle left. His face held a look of confusion but it quickly changed to guilt once the story came out.

"It wasn't my fault…not entirely. She…I told her not to…. Who knows what might have happened if she had touched the rose!" he stammered out this pitiful explanation

"But she didn't." Mrs. Potts spoke plainly "and I take it that made little difference on your reaction when you confronted her?"

"No….it didn't." he almost whispered

"And then what? Did just go ahead with your assumptions and frighten the poor thing?" Mrs. Potts had never abided for the mistreatment of others.
The Beast nodded miserably "I didn't mean too...I thought she would cause more petals to fall…I was just afraid I guess… and I made a mistake."

"You could call it that." Lumiere muttered softly. Still they we both taken back a bit, never before had either seen their Master look more ashamed of his actions than he did now. It was almost hard for Mrs. Potts to keep a firm tone. "I understand that, but the question remains what is to happen now?"

That was a key thought, she knew now about the rose at least. He couldn't be sure what effect this might have on things. She hadn't ask him anything about it, so for the moment he would let this go without mentioning. No reason to create a panic among the servants. Instead he tried to regain some sort of support. "I did say…I was sorry…for losing my temper."

"You mean she forgave you?" that was really not surprising, this girl didn't seem the unforgiving type.

"She must somehow, since she says wants to…help me." That was true, she had said just that.

"Really! How is that?" Lumiere inquired with a show of much interest

"To feel less angry, less like a monster." It sounded almost comical, as he was still certain she would never amount to this task.

"And will you let her?" Mrs. Potts now took back the lead in questioning

The Beast looked at her dumbly, did she honestly think it was possible. This was Mrs. Potts giving her opinion and he would never expect anything but the truth from her. Now he became thoughtful, "She said that she doesn't judge me by my form, that it doesn't bother her."

"And do you believe her?" Mrs. Potts continued to press him.

The Beast was very uncertain what to think at this point as he replied "I want to, but…I just don't understand why she would want anything to do with me." He was more aware than ever of how dangerous his temper was becoming, how he had to fight back lashing out at another living being. He would not let his guard down again, not at the expense of hurting an innocent ever again.

The others did not know this part of the story, nor did they know he had granted her freedom to leave the castle. Still it was fine that they be aware of only what the main topic now was and there could be no more dragging out the issue, what needed to be done was point blank as far as the staff was concerned.

"I suggest that you let her help you. Really at this point you hardly have much left to lose. Instead of the debating her reasons just let yourself accept any help she is willing to provide and be thankful for it!" and on that final word the matter was officially closed.

The rose was still there as all this was taking place. Once alone the Beast returned to his unnamed post beside it. It seemed that for once it wasn't mocking him, but instead perhaps for the very first time it held some hope. Before Belle had made her appearance he had figured all hope was long lost, but then he had been so afraid to see it harmed. Then when he almost let her leave, and the fear that had filled him, for anything to cause the spell to become final. This was again something he had already accepted would happen, but he had still acted to protect it. Could this really mean that somehow a part of him believed that he might have a chance and if so could he carry on to this ounce of hope as though it was a lifeline?