The whole village woke the morning of the horse race with a sense of excitement. It had been years since they'd had anything so socially festive to participate in. Gaston had risen before dawn and given his horse a light workout to loosen him up. Belle had done the same at the castle. Adam still needed to keep his foot elevated and not put any weight on it, but he refused to stay home. He wanted to see Belle show those people what 'undesirables' could do if given the chance. "Are you still sure about this, Adam? I'm not sure this is a good idea." Belle said nervously.
"Of course I am." Adam squeezed her hand. "Did you wonder, is this a good idea when you taught young Melissa to read?"
"No." Belle shook her head.
"Then you will be fine." Adam said confidently. "You know what I'm going to hate about this race?"
"What is that?"
"Not being able to ride with you." Adam pouted.
Belle blushed. It was going to feel awkward riding without Adam by her side, one of their favorite things to do together. "Well, just know that I'll be trying my best to get back to you as quickly as possible!" She smiled.
"I'm gonna hold you to that." Adam replied.
A Couple Hours Later
"Hello." Lissa greeted cheerily as Gaston stepped into her bedroom. She was sitting up in bed on top of her covers.
"Hi." Gaston returned, pleased at her bright spirits. "Sounds like you're feeling better."
"I do." Lissa nodded. "I'm still a little tired, but I feel much better than I did."
"Ah, that's good to hear." Gaston smiled. "It's too bad you can't come to the race."
"Oh, well, it won't be that bad." Lissa shrugged. "I can watch from the windows, besides, I have the looking glass."
"Oh. Well then, we'll put on a race like you've never seen!"
"How come I believe that?" Lissa raised her eyebrows. "Now don't go breaking your neck, big shot!"
"If I didn't know better, I'd say she was worried about me!" Gaston teased.
"Hey, I'm serious." Lissa corrected him. "I know you can win this race with your eyes shut, but it's not worth getting killed over."
"Nobody runs races like Gaston!" He boasted.
"I know. That's what scares me." Lissa grinned, but she meant it.
"What are you doing there?" Gaston asked curiously.
"What does it look like? Polishing your boots of course." Lissa smiled casually, as if this was an everyday occurrence.
Gaston's jaw dropped. He had to have heard wrong! This was not happening. Lissa had never cheerfully polished his boots of her own free will. It had always been important to him to have them shined to perfection, but he had always demanded it with a haughty attitude before. "But… but I...I didn't ask or tell you to." Gaston sputtered.
"I know." Lissa beamed, shrugging. "But you can't ride in a horse race looking like a frump. You should look festive. Here you go." She handed them to him. Gaston stared at them in his hands.
"You...you polished my boots." He said more to himself than to her, growing misty-eyed.
"I've been wanting to do that for years." Lissa smiled, crossing her arms in satisfaction.
"Do what? This? I almost always had to drag you into doing it."
"No, no, no." Lissa shook her head laughing merrily. "I mean without you asking or telling me to! I've always wanted to surprise you with it, but you just never gave me a chance, you silly man." The look on his face was priceless.
"Thank you." Gaston smiled fondly, very moved at her gesture. He'd been so kind to her lately, she'd wanted to do something nice for him but had kept coming up empty-handed. It had to be something important to him, something he would take notice of. Now she could see that she'd made the right choice.
"Well, it's getting late. Are you to going wear them or not?" Lissa prodded.
"I almost hate to wear them now. They're too finely polished. I hate to dirty them up."
Lissa was extremely grateful for the compliment. However, she persisted. "Oh, come now. After all the trouble I went to?" Lissa pretended to pout. Gaston grinned and slipped them on. "There, that's much better."
"Anything else I'm forgetting?" Gaston asked.
"Don't forget your hat!" Lissa reminded him. Gaston tapped it onto his head. "There. Now you look perfect. You look ready to take on the world." Lissa said proudly. Gaston grinned sheepishly, rubbing his nose. He wasn't used to such open praise, and from his sister of all people. He liked it, because maybe it meant he was doing something right. But then it made him feel guilty inside for what a blockhead braggart he used to be, demanding praise from everyone as if he was an emperor.
"Well, I'd better get down there." Gaston sighed. "I severely warned Lefou several times not to sneak Magnifique any sweets before the race. But I have this cringing feeling he's going to do it just to get me riled."
"I don't think so." Lissa disagreed. "I think you're just nervous."
"Me? Nervous? I have nothing to be nervous about! I can do this with my eyes shut. I just..."
"You're just nervous." Lissa finished. "You'd better go. Do your best, which I know is a lot. But remember what you said, it's for fun!"
"I'll try." Gaston gulped. His competitive streak was kicking in and he was trying hard to channel it, afraid of his old bragging habits taking over. "Hey, thanks a lot...for...you know." Lissa looked at his boots.
"You're welcome. Have a good time! And good luck!"
"Thanks." Gaston waved as he left.
Gaston was almost out the front door when he nearly stumbled backward to see Belle standing there. "Belle!" He gasped. "Uh...hi...I mean, good morning...I mean...uh, Bonjour."
"Bonjour, Gaston." Belle replied. "May I see Lissa for a moment?"
"Sure. You know the way." Gaston nodded. "If you'll excuse me, I have a race to win."
"So I see." Belle sighed and went upstairs. "Hello!"
"Belle! Hello." Lissa smiled. This time she rose to her feet to greet her friend.
"How are you?"
"Doing very well, thank you. This is my last day in bed."
"Ah, that's wonderful. I'm so glad you're better."
"So am I." Lissa nodded.
"Oh, Lissa. I'm so nervous!" Belle exclaimed.
"You? About what?" Lissa creased her eyebrows skeptically.
"Adam had a small accident yesterday."
"Oh. Is he all right?"
"Yes. But he is unable to ride in the race today so I must take his place!" Belle explained. Lissa's eyes widened in astonishment. She dropped down onto the bed.
"You're joking!" Lissa gasped.
"Nope. Adam insisted." Belle shook her head.
"Ooo, I've got to see this!" Lissa cheered. "What are you so worried about, Belle? You'll be fine. My Brisa may be a thoroughbred, but you're still a better rider than me. You'll do just fine."
"Everyone is going to think I'm a fool." Belle said glumly.
"It wasn't your idea. And besides, when has my fearless Belle ever been so afraid of what people think? Hmm?" Lissa crossed her arms. "I know it has bothered you, but I've never seen you let it stop you!"
"I'm just nervous." Belle hung her head.
"Belle, listen. If you can ride your horse-trusting his instincts alone-into an unknown territory you've never been to without a second thought, then you can ride passed all those men and win! Even if you don't win, I know you will ride with excellence and that will be something to see!"
"Thank you, Lissa. I hope you're right." Belle slightly smiled. "Good gracious, look at the time. I must go."
"Win or not, will you promise to come see me before you go back home?" Lissa asked.
"That's a promise!" Belle beamed.
"Good. Bye!"
"Wish me luck!" Belle exclaimed as she shut the door.
"Ha, ha. You don't need it!" Lissa called back.
Belle roamed the streets for a breather, trying to act casual, before making her way to the horses. There was a brand new vendor in town that she'd never noticed, even Lissa hadn't know about it yet! A woman with honey colored hair was sitting inside her tent, her shelves filled with jars, mortars and pestles, plants, and other minerals. Belle curiously made her way over. "Good morning, Mademoiselle." She smiled to the lady in the shadows.
"Good morning." The lady responded.
"I don't recall seeing you before. Have you been here long?"
"Not like this." The lady chuckled then looked at Belle. Belle gazed intently at her.
"A-Agathe? Agathe, is that you?" Belle asked in surprise.
"So...you do recognize me?" Agathe grinned.
"The eyes, and your smile, yes. What is all this, Agathe?"
"This is my new business." Agathe replied.
"Really?!"
"Yes, I make up special remedies and medicines like I've heard that the Native Americans do in the United States of America. They work wonders."
"That's wonderful, Agathe! I'm so happy that you have a means of support now. So, how is business so far?" Belle inquired.
"Not very good yet. I think people have come to stare at me more than anything. And they are quite leery of my merchandise."
"How did you get all of this started?"
"I've had resources." Agathe shrugged. "And a brief job as a housekeeper for a while didn't hurt either!"
"I'm glad to hear it. But who did you work for?" Belle asked.
"You're not going to believe this, but it was the Captain."
"Gaston?!" Belle's eyes bulged. "You're right. I don't believe that!"
"He was very glum while his sister was so ill. He offered me a job until she was fully recovered. And he paid me well, I can tell you!"
"Oh." Belle sighed.
"There's something really different about that man. And I've been keeping a sharp eye on him too! So, Belle? Is there anything you feel you need today?" Agathe offered.
A tonic to calm my nerves, Belle thought sarcastically. "Now that you mention it, would you have any rubs or oils for a sprained ankle? For Adam, not me."
"Sprained ankle, hmm?" Agathe grinned. "I thought you'd never ask." She handed Belle a small bottle of liniment. She'd been saving it for Adam's accident.
"Oh, thank you. This will be perfect." Belle said with satisfaction. "How much is it?"
"Nothing." Agathe shook her head, putting her hands on her hips.
"Nothing? I don't understand."
"Just tell him it's a token from an old friend." Agathe said.
"All right." Belle said in confusion. "Well, good day, Agathe. And thank you for this. I will see you later."
Adam was perched on the balcony of the church, his hurt leg lying on a pillowed chair. Lumiere stood next to him. Yes, the servants had been granted permission to come and they'd eagerly accepted. "Like I said before, keep a sharp eye out for any ruffians or the headmaster." Adam reminded him. "They're troublemakers."
"We have remembered your instructions, Sir." Lumiere replied.
"I know you'll do fine, darling." Maurice told Belle. "But it could be dangerous. Please be careful."
"I will, Papa." Belle said confidently. "Try not to worry about that. This whole thing was Adam's idea. And I know that he would never deliberately put me in danger. Try to just enjoy the competition."
"I'll try." Maurice sighed. He kissed her face. "Good luck."
"Thank you." Belle smiled and walked away.
"All racers, mount your entries!" Lumiere shouted. The men obeyed. Belle came to Austin.
"All right, boy. Do your best. If we work together, we should be fine." Belle whispered. "Come on. Let's win this race for Adam!" She quickly mounted.
"Attention, all racers! Please make your way to the town square." Lumiere continued. Several men gathered at the town square. Belle, her stomach doing flip-flops, slowly walked forward to join them.
"Wait, wait, wait a minute!" Stanley grumbled. "What's she doing here!?"
"I'm running in the race." Belle told him firmly. "The prince had an accident, leaving him unable to participate. So I am taking his place." The men were cut off guard. They whispered back and forth. Some laughed, some glared, and others just stared at her.
"No women allowed!" One of them announced.
"Who says?" Lefou cut in.
"It's...it's forbidden!" Johann sputtered.
I knew this was crazy, Belle thought.
"Where does it say in the rule book that a girl can't ride in a horse race?" Lefou grinned.
"But...but...she's a woman!" Frances blurted out.
"So?" Belle frowned. "What's that got to do with it?"
"You're...you're a woman. Women don't ride! They...they just don't!"
"Well, I do." Belle said. "I'm not a case of the bubonic plague, gentlemen."
"It's...it's just not done!" Another guy added. "It just isn't!"
Gaston hadn't said a word this whole time. He didn't know that Belle was planning to ride! And the course could be a bit dangerous. But, all in all, maybe it was better as Belle had been riding for years and Adam was learning how to again. Gaston hoped she wouldn't get hurt, he didn't want to be responsible if she did. But on the other hand, this might be kind of fun. "Gentlemen, gentlemen. Listen to yourselves!" Gaston laughed.
"Yeah." Lefou agreed. "If I didn't know better, it sounds to me as if all you strong, big brutes are scared of losing to a girl!" The crowd gasped and the men were incredibly embarrassed.
"That's ridiculous!" Johann argued.
"I ain't afraid of nothing!" Stanley snapped.
"Well, then? What are you squabbling about?" Lefou grinned. "So...who's going to cross the finish line first?" The men had regained their cockiness and started making their way to the starting line.
"Just stay out of my way." One of them glared at Belle.
"I am not going to play baby-sitter." Fredrick huffed.
"Stay in your own place." Another growled. They all sneered at Belle as they passed her.
Belle sighed. This was ugly. "But I guess I've been in worse situations." Gaston trotted up to her.
"Be careful." He said. "It's a bit bumpy out there."
"Don't worry about me." Belle answered. She didn't want him to swoop in like the hero he always fantasized himself to be. "But thanks for the warning. I'm doing this for Adam."
"Well then," Gaston cocked his head, "May the best rider win."
"Mmm-hmm." Belle grunted. Gaston tipped his hat and rode to the starting line. "That's it?!" Belle whispered. "He didn't tell me that everyone knows who the best rider is! Him! Is he feeling all right? This is definitely not the Gaston I used to dodge. Should he really be riding in the race today? Is he sick or something?"
Belle glanced up at Adam. He smiled encouragingly and blew her a kiss. Lumiere and Maurice were also up there. Belle smiled back. Taking a deep breath, she urged the horse forward.
"Riders? You know the course. Anyone displaying unsportsmanlike conduct will be disqualified!" Lumiere bellowed. "Now...are you ready?"
"Ride like the wind, Gaston." Lissa said, looking outside her window. "Belle, you can do this, but be careful!" Jesse was perched on his hind legs, his front paws hanging over the window sill.
"On your mark..." Lumiere said slowly. "Get set..." The riders leaned forward, each holding their breaths. "GO!" The horses bolted forward from the starting line at the west gate. Belle was toward the back end, but she was riding fearlessly. The racers passed the Legume's home.
"Go, Gaston! Go, go, go!" Lissa cheered. "Run, Belle! Faster! Run, girl, run!" The participants emerged out of the village into the sunny countryside. The villagers cheered and were watching from their roofs, towers, looking glasses, and vantage points.
Gaston was the fourth towards the lead. The invigorating gallop was glorious. And the idea of the competition gave him a thrill. Magnifique also seemed to be enjoying the sport, especially running through the land he knew so well. "Faster, boy!" Gaston commanded. "They know we're onto them. Don't lose them!"
"Can you see Belle?!" Chip called anxiously up to Adam. He was jumping up and down. His father picked him up and set him on his shoulders.
"Yes. Yes, I see her!" Adam replied.
"How's she doing?" Maurice asked.
"Not so good. She's in last place." Adam muttered. "Come on, Belle! I know you can do this!"
"Belle will win!" Chip hollered. "Belle can do anything." His mother smiled, shaking her head. The triplets rolled their eyes at the little boy.
"Such an unrefined spectacle for a princess." Laurrette sneered.
The racers were jumping over small streams, rows of underbrush, and fallen trees. If Gaston had been his pompous old self, he would've cheated and cut across the course. But not this time. He wanted to do his absolute best and hope that it would be enough. Lefou had been watching him closely through the looking glass, hoping he wouldn't cheat. He was very pleased to see how his friend was doing. "That's my buddy!" He smiled.
"What are you holding back for, Gaston?" Lissa groaned, as she watched through her looking glass. "Come on already! You're not that far from first place. Go for it!" Then she saw Belle in seventh place, about to jump over a very large fallen tree. Two other riders had already fallen there. "Belle..." Lissa held her breath. Belle glided over flawlessly and cleared it. "Yes! Hurry, Belle! Hurry and catch up!"
"She cleared the old timber!" Adam exclaimed. Maurice sighed in relief.
Gaston was now in third place, closing in on Dick and Frances. He was just passing them, about to take the lead when Frances smirked at him and socked him in the stomach, making Gaston double over, then gave him a hard push just as they reached another jump! Gaston fought to hold on but flew through the air and met the ground with a loud thud. The two guys laughed in satisfaction as they galloped out of sight. Gaston might be the guy in town who had all of it down, but not this time!
"HEY!" Lissa growled. "You can't do that! Watch who you're shoving around, you mug! You can't mess with my brother like that! Come on, Gaston. Get up! Get back in the race! They can't win!"
"Another rider down!" One of the townspeople announced.
"Who is it?" One of the ladies asked.
"Is it Belle?" Maurice asked worriedly.
"No. It's...it's Gaston!" Lefou gasped.
"What!?" The triplets screamed. "NO, no! Not Gaston! He has to win!"
"He will win!" Claudette yelled.
"No, no, no." Chip protested. "Belle has to win." Adam nodded in agreement.
Gaston tried to get up but he had to catch his breath. He gritted his teeth, rubbing his sore middle and glancing around anxiously for his horse. Rubbing his bread basket, he whistled hard. The other riders passed him, laughing. "No!" Gaston roared and kicked the dirt under his boots. He snatched his hat and threw it to the ground.
"Looking for this fellow?" A sarcastic voice spoke to him. Gaston looked up to see...Belle! She smirked at him, holding Magnifique's reigns, and led him back to Gaston. She handed him the reigns.
"Belle!" Gaston gaped.
"Well, if you're just going to stand there wasting your time, be my guest." Belle shrugged, challenging. "But I am not going to join you." And she cantered away.
Gaston watched her go, then shook his head to regain his bearings. Flipping his hat back on, he hopped onto his horse's back and took charge again. "All right, boy. Let's show them who's boss!" He laughed dangerously.
"She helped him." Maurice smiled proudly as he'd witnessed the exchange. "That's my Belle."
"You are something else." Lissa shook her head, smiling at her friend.
The riders were combing through the woods now. With the narrow trails, surrounded by the thick trees, it was hard to pass one another. Everyone seemed to be in a huddle, until they were out in the open again. "Belle's in fifth place!" Lumiere exclaimed.
"What?!"
Belle was gaining on Johann and Stanley. She passed Stanley, who almost lost his momentum as he was dumbfounded. "What?!" His jaw dropped. "Hey!"
Belle was up to Johann now. She ignored him and kept her eyes fixated on her path ahead. "Get out of my way!" Johann hissed and roughly shoved Belle aside. She hung onto the reigns but slipped down, hanging halfway off of Austin. Johann laughed cruelly and galloped away. Some of the other riders passed her without so much as stopping to help her!
"Oh, no! Belle!" Adam gasped as he watched. He couldn't tell which emotion he felt more rashly: fear for Belle's safety, of his beastly rage at the punk who had deliberately knocked her!
"What? What is it?" Mrs. Potts called.
"She...she..."
"WHAT?!" Maurice cried out anxiously.
"She's still on, Maurice." Adam tried to say more calmly than he felt. "But she's having trouble. She's stuck!"
"Ohh, Belle..." Maurice fought to remain calm.
Lissa gasped loudly when she'd seen that guy knock her friend around. "Why, you...you rat! You dirty rat!" She snarled, shaking her fist at Johann. "Just wait till Adam gets his hands on you! You just paid your ticket to trouble...Joey!"
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa, boy!" Belle struggled to hang on but her horse wouldn't halt. Gaston had quickly caught up and passed her, looking back. He halted Magnifique to a skidding stop. He glanced toward the other racers who were out of sight, then he glanced back at Belle. She was in danger! She needed help! He reached out his arm and yanked Austin's reigns toward him as the horse came alongside him.
"Whoa!" Gaston shouted, and Austin finally stopped. "Easy, boy." Gaston quickly dismounted and hurried to where Belle was. She was grunting in frustration. "Belle, are you all right?" Gaston asked anxiously.
"I'm not hurt..." Belle huffed, "but I am tangled up!"
Gaston hesitated. He was sure he was the last person in the world she'd want help from. "Would you care for a little assistance?" He asked slowly. Belle glanced at him suspiciously.
"That might be helpful." Belle grumbled at her predicament.
"All right. Hold still." Gaston cleared his throat. Belle's arms were tangled up in the reigns and she was hanging upside down. Gaston slid his fingers through the leather and managed to unravel the knots. "I'm not hurting you, am I?" Gaston asked.
"No." Belle shook her head, rolling her eyes. She was embarrassed more than anything.
"Just bear with me. I'll have you out of this in a moment." Gaston told her. Soon Belle's arms were free and she was able to sit up straight again, despite the brief muscle cramps in her back. "There you are. You sure you're not hurt?" Gaston asked.
"No. I'm fine." Belle shook her head.
"I'm really sorry that happened." Gaston sighed.
"You didn't do it." Belle gazed at him. "Th-th-thank you, Gaston." She said slowly. It had taken great effort to say those words.
Gaston just smiled warmly. "Happy to help." He said casually. Then he smacked Austin's flank. "Well, shall we get back on track?" He suggested.
"We should." Belle agreed. She was blown away but his humble attitude. If this had been a couple months ago, he would've stuck to her like a leech, waiting for her to thank him by agreeing to be his wife. But here and now? He almost seemed to be keeping his word that he wouldn't bother her anymore. "Gaston?"
"Hmm?" He grunted as he mounted his steed.
"Thank you for helping me." Belle said softly, nudging Austin's flank.
"You're welcome. Thanks for trusting me." Gaston smiled sheepishly. "Well, I'll see you at the finish line, Miss I'm-going-to-change-the-world."
"We'll see about that!" Belle grinned playfully. "Be prepared to eat my dust, Mr. I-can-do-anything!" She teased as she cantered away, leaving him there gaping.
"Oh, she did not just do that!" Gaston stiffened. "Watch yourself, Princess!" He shouted after her. "We'll see who eats whose dust yet!" And with that, he urged Magnifique back on the course.
"She's back on track!" Adam gasped in relief.
"Thank God." Maurice cried. Lefou nodded, approving of Gaston's gallantry.
"Now that's my brother." Lissa said fondly. Jesse barked in agreement.
"They're running toward the bridge!" Someone yelled. They were almost back to the village. It hadn't taken long for Belle to catch up with Dick and Frances.
"Keep going, Austin!" She told the horse who picked up greater speed. The two guys tried to block her in, but Austin, being a thoroughbred, had faster reflexes, and dodged them swiftly. The men were cursing and hollering but Belle left them in the dust.
Gaston was just passing when Dick knocked Frances off his horse. Gaston shook his head, glad it wasn't him, but at the same time, felt a little satisfaction that the squirt had gotten a taste of his own medicine, after the punch to the gut he'd received. Gaston was ahead of both of them now. He quickly caught up to Belle. She glanced at him incredulously. "May the best rider win!" Gaston challenged her. It was just the two of them now.
"They're crossing the bridge! It's Gaston and Belle. They're neck and neck!" Jean the potter yelled. Everybody raced to the town square to see who would win and they all waited eagerly in anticipation.
"Yay, Belle! Yay, Belle!" Chip bounced up and down.
"You've got this, Gaston." Lefou said.
"Gaston! Gaston!" The triplets screeched.
"Oh, oh, oh..." Lissa held her breath. The ending of this race was going to be close!
Gaston and Belle were neck and neck. Neither looked at the other but kept their eyes peeled straight ahead of them, both urging their horses to go faster. It felt as if in slow motion as side by side, they both dashed across...the finish line! The crowd hollered in excitement.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Lissa jumped in her room cheering. "They did it!" She grabbed Jesse's front paws and twirled with him around the floor.
"Belle won! Belle won!" Chip yelled.
"No, Gaston did!" The triplets interjected. Lefou led the crowd to the two winners. Gaston and Belle looked at each other, panting and chuckling sheepishly. Many of the onlookers crowded Gaston who removed his hat and wiped the sweat off his face with the back of his sleeve. But there others who raced to surround Belle with their congratulations. She dismounted and was showered by her family and other close friends.
"You did it, Belle!" Chip grabbed her skirt excitedly. "You won!"
Belle chuckled. "Well, I'm not sure about that but thank you, Chip."
"You were stupendous, Mademoiselle." Plumette smiled.
"Here, Miss Belle. I made this for you." Little Melissa said as she handed her a woven chain of pink flowers. "It's a crown, for the lady winner. You are going to be a princess, after all." Belle laughed and put the chain of flowers on her head.
Maurice came and wrapped Belle in a tight hug. He was glad at how brave she had been, but he'd been so afraid for her. "I'm fine, Papa." She whispered. Adam walked, rather hobbled up to her. He didn't say a word. He just undid her braid, and running his fingers through her long hair, he swiped them into waves on her shoulders then stood back admiring her. "Adam!" She playfully scolded. "What are you doing?"
"Just admiring my future bride." Adam smiled. Then he took her hand.
They made their way to Gaston who was swarmed by the crowd. He was grinning bashfully and looked as if he wished he could escape, especially with the triplets climbing all over him and smothering him with kisses. He glanced helplessly at Lefou with a pitiful would you give me a hand and get me out of this look. He let out a sigh of relief when the people parted and the girls released him from their barrage to bow before the prince. Gaston blew out a breath. "Too much admiration for you?" Lefou nudged him.
"Too much open affection in public." Gaston dramatically held his chest.
"Captain? Thank you for helping Belle." Adam held out his hand toward him.
"Oh." Gaston stared at him suspiciously. "You're...welcome." He nervously shook his hand.
"And my congratulations. You are a remarkable rider."
"Ohh." Gaston rubbed his face.
"You were amazing, Belle!" Lefou blurted out. "You ride better than I do!"
Belle blushed. "Thank you, but I think it's all in the horse as it is the rider. Austin never cowered. He just kept going."
"Yes. You were wonderful, Belle." Gaston mumbled, looking away. "I'm really embarrassed."
"About what?"
"You're as good a rider as I am. And that's not easy to say out loud." Gaston smiled warmly. Belle stared at him. That was really some compliment, coming from him of all people!
"Thank you." She smiled back. "And so it won't wound your manly appearance, you are not easy to compete against."
"You flatter me." Gaston joked.
"It's not flattery!" Belle corrected him. "I do not flatter." That is reserved for Adam alone and nobody else.
"Oh." Gaston cleared his throat. "Well, if you all will excuse me, I will be back shortly." And he made his way to his house.
Gaston entered Lissa's room and threw his hat aside. "Well?" He asked with his arms wide open. Lissa ran to him. She squealed as he grabbed her off the floor. "Did you see?" He asked.
"I sure did!" Lissa smiled. "You were great! And you and Belle get to split the title." He set her back down on her feet.
"Yeah. I suppose it's for the best." Gaston sighed in resignation.
"What are you talking about? You ran a great, clean race. You have nothing to be ashamed of. I'm proud of you. And thank you for forfeiting the race to help Belle!" Lissa told him in a more serious tone.
"It was the least I could do." Gaston said. "Besides, I owed her a favor. We came close to losing though. The others were way ahead."
"Who cares?" Lissa shook her head. "You did the right thing, and it paid off. Those cheaters? Bleh!" She stuck out her tongue. "They didn't stand a chance. After the way they acted, they deserve to be locked up! I saw what they did to you two, and each other. I was so mad. But Frances sure got what was coming to him."
"I just hope it doesn't go to my head." Gaston said solemnly.
"You're good." Lissa said. "You did a good job. Did you have fun?"
"Yeah, I suppose so." Gaston chuckled. "I haven't had that much fun in a while."
"So, you going to the celebration?"
"Sure am. You want to try to come with me?"
"I'd love to!" Lissa nodded. "Do you really think I can?"
"You feel up to it?"
"Yes! Just let me slip into a dress."
"But if you look or act the least bit faint, I'm bringing you back home." Gaston said seriously. He meant every word of it. "I'll hoist you over my shoulder and carry you that way if you get difficult."
"Uh-huh." Lissa grinned skeptically. "No chance, Mighty Muscles." She gently pushed him out the door to change her clothes. Jesse slipped out with Gaston.
Gaston smiled and knelt down to pet him. "Hey, boy. So, what do you think of these races, huh? You think they're silly? Hmm? Do you?" Gaston teased. "That's just because you have no culture." Lissa was out in a jiffy.
"Let's go." She said excitedly.
"Just don't embarrass me!" Gaston grimaced.
"Excuse me?!" Lissa rolled her eyes. "You have made me feel so humiliated countless times, that I didn't want to be seen in public with you!"
Gaston gulped. "Was I really that bad?" He asked glumly.
Lissa's face fell. "Yes." She bit her lip. Gaston stared at her.
"I'm sorry." He said softly. Lissa smiled at him.
"That was then, this is now. And don't let it ruin your day. Come on."
"Right." Gaston nodded.
"You were right about one thing." Lissa said.
"What?"
"No one runs races like Gaston...except Belle!" Lissa laughed. Gaston let out a hearty chuckle. He couldn't agree more. "Come on, Jesse!"
The townspeople were gathered at the fountain. It sounded like there was a squabble brewing. The Legume siblings saw a familiar dark coat. "Oh no." Lissa groaned loudly. "What does he want?"
"I don't want to know." Gaston huffed. It looked as if Adam and the headmaster were arguing.
Lefou came to his friends. "What's going on, Lefou?"
"The headmaster didn't even let his class out to see the race." Lefou said. "And he found out that Belle participated. He's insulting her." Gaston stiffened and marched forward.
"That old buzzard." Lissa muttered.
Belle had tried to remain calm as she was confronted by the overgrown bully, but he was as mad as a hornet. Adam, who was still ticked for how Belle had been mistreated during the race, was not happy either. And He was giving the headmaster an earful. Belle tried to calm him, but she saw the beastly temper boiling on the surface. "That's it." Adam pursed his lips. "You are fired!"
"How dare you!" The headmaster roared.
"If you can't treat adults this respectfully, I hate to imagine the kind of methods you use on your students." Adam said. The headmaster froze. He didn't know, did he?
"It's pretty unpleasant I can tell you that." Lefou chimed in.
"You shut up!" The old grouch fired at him.
"Sir, you are dismissed." Adam declared. The headmaster's face was crimson. Clenching his fists, he threw Belle a most nasty look.
"You did this to me." He curled his lip. Belle met his gaze with a frown. Adam came to Belle's side and placed his arm around her.
"He's wrong. Don't pay any attention to him. He did this to himself." He told her quietly. Belle silently nodded. The triplets glared and shook their heads.
Gaston saw that his old teacher was approaching, and the older man looked very, very mad. Gaston couldn't help smirking a little and decided to have a little fun. He marched right up to him. "Something wrong, Sir?" He asked cockily. The headmaster looked ready to blow up.
"You keep your mouth shut, you brainless loud mouth!" He yelled at Gaston who just arched his eyebrows. The headmaster stomped away. Gaston walked into the crowd, unable to keep the grin off his face.
"Whew!" He whistled nonchalantly. "Who lit his fuse? He doesn't look very happy." He joked.
"All I can say is good riddance." Adam growled. Belle just wanted to drop the subject.
Lissa ran to Belle and gave her an unexpected hug. "I saw you, Belle!" She smiled. "You had my heart jumping there a few times. But you did it."
"Thank you." Belle nodded. Lissa saw the castle servants and happily greeted them.
"Glad that you could join us." Maurice told her.
Adam wanted to stand on the fountain, but he couldn't with his hurt ankle. So he asked Lumiere to substitute. "Good people of Villeneuve," He said loudly, "standing here are our two winners. It appears that we have a tie! Captain Gaston, and soon to be Lady Belle are hereby declared the finest horseman, and first time finest horsewoman in the kingdom!" Applause erupted. "And now, let the celebration begin!" Gaston was handed a garland of roses. He stared at it.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" He asked incredulously.
"You're supposed to wear it." Lefou smiled.
"You're joking, right?"
"Well, then toss it away and let someone catch it."
"As if I was a bride!" Gaston protested. "You're embarrassing me." Lefou grinned. Gaston walked over to Lissa. "Here, you want this?" He asked. "I ain't got no use for it."
"Sure. Thanks." Lissa grinned. She put it around her neck.
"Well, at least it looks better on you than it would on me." Gaston sighed in relief.
Adam placed the garland around Belle's neck, and smoothed out her hair so that it lay on her shoulders. "I do love you." He whispered, kissing her head.
"I love you too." She said.
"Thank you, Belle. You looked so beautiful out there, your vibrant braid bouncing in the wind, the determined look on your face, it was a wondrous sight. You looked as if you were afraid of nothing."
"Well, since it is you saying it, I'll accept your compliment." Belle smiled.
The entire village joined in the fun. There were stands of a buffet of treats for everyone to snack from, cookies, cakes, scones, souffles. The musicians played in the square and people danced around to the lively tunes. Children played running games, the headmaster's students bursting with energy from being set free, the little girls waving wands with ribbons. Adam wanted to dance with Belle, but he had to keep his leg elevated. "That's all right." Belle told him. "I will gladly forfeit a dance with you today, in exchange for you to follow doctor's order's so you can dance at our wedding."
Adam kissed her hand. "That is a promise!"
The other riders who had shoved and knocked each other off, finally trudged back into the village. They'd taken their own sweet time returning, deeply embarrassed that they'd been outdone by Gaston-no surprises there-, but even worse by Belle, a woman! Lissa was visiting Agathe's new stand when it happened, so she was out of earshot. Adam glared at Johann, Dick, and Frances as they walked into the square, muttering to each other. "You gentlemen, have just crossed the line." He said firmly.
"What?" Johann rolled his eyes.
"Unsportsmanlike conduct. You were warned beforehand." Lumiere frowned at them.
"So we bumped each other around. So what?" Frances shrugged. Stanley walked away, not wanting to be part of this conversation. He was thankful now that he hadn't acted like they had.
"We're guys. It happens." Dick shook his head. Adam rose to his full height.
"You gentlemen were warned, not only today, but the last time I was here!" Adam growled, wishing he still had fangs to use for further intimidation. "I told you what would happen if any of you harassed Belle. But you thought no one was watching. Oh, but we saw you! Not only did you hurt each other during the race, but you really mistreated your future princess! Is that any way to treat a lady?" The crowd was silent, watching wide-eyed.
"You are going to pay for your crimes." Adam glowered. "Constables, take these menaces and lock them up for the night!" The men in black nodded at Adam's command and started to pull away Dick, Johann, and Frances to their modest jail. As the former army captain, Gaston gave them a hand.
"You fellas just really blundered." Gaston huffed.
"Shut up!" Johann hissed. "As if you wouldn't have done the same thing!"
Gaston it his lip. It was true. Had he not been different today, he would've cheated like they did and given them the same treatment they had done to him. "But we're not talking about me." He said firmly.
"And who are you, Mr. High and Mighty Hero?" Frances sneered. "You, the guy in town who's got all of it down. Ha! And weren't you the same one who left Maurice to the wolves?!"
Gaston froze in his tracks. His heart beat deafeningly in his ears. Several bystanders had heard and seen the exchange. Gaston's lip was trembling. "Yeah, you oughtta look scared, pal!" Johann added. "Crazy old Maurice turned you down flat as a suitable winner for his odd daughter's hand, so you decided to feed him to the wolves. Is that not true?"
Belle, Lefou, Maurice, Adam, all eyes now were on Gaston. He sucked in a sharp breath. Suddenly, he felt very, very afraid! Gaston's face became pale as a ghost. He really felt like he was going to throw up. Unable to face the crowd staring at him, he turned on his heel and fled.
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