Yes, Guest. In the previous chapter, Gaston and Lissa's father was dead. I explained in Chapter 5. Some Hero, what happened to him. He was robbed and murdered one night by highway men, on his way to another village. Lissa was 11 at the time.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

You all guessed right about Lissa's new home! But she still doesn't know that yet. She would gladly live with Maurice, if even in the old house. But she is in for a big surprise!

Maurice had arrived to help Lissa pack her things into the wagon. With Lefou's help, she was able to sell the house to the local baker's nephew, who was planning to marry a girl named Grace, who had been one of the forgotten servants at the Beast's castle, formerly a flower vase when the curse was cast. They'd been engaged before the curse but he didn't remember his sweetheart until the spell was broken. Lissa had spent a good long time inside the house, saying her tearful but also relieved goodbyes and was ready to move to her new home when Stanley showed up. "Stanley, what brings you here?" Lissa asked.

"I'll fetch the horses." Maurice said, making himself scarce from one his former tormentors.

"Where are you off to?" Stanley asked Lissa.

"Does it matter?" Lissa asked back.

"Just curious."

"I'm moving. I've sold the house to Horace. He and his new bride plan to raise their family in it." Lissa said.

"Hmm. I see. It's hard to imagine this place not belonging to Gaston."

"Or...a place to play dirty tricks on people." Lissa cleared her throat, narrowing her eyes.

"Look, I said I'm sorry. And I've been trying to do better!" Stanley huffed defensively.

"I know. And I've noticed, you have been acting differently."

"Oh, good. You know, this isn't easy, being actually nice to people!"

"But doesn't it make you feel better inside?" Lissa cocked her head.

"Oh, yeah! It's nice, but so awkward not to act the way I used to."

"Well, if it makes you feel good inside, it's worth it." Lissa said.

"It wasn't just Lefou's words that made me change my mind." Stanley said sheepishly. "I guess I finally got tired of getting chewed up and knocked around almost every time we went after you." He grinned, fiddling his fingers where she'd bitten them the night of the battle. Lissa couldn't help smirking.

"Well, it's about time!" She teased, but dead serious in her mind.

"Ohh. Please." Stanley grimaced. "It's a wonder you didn't put my eyes out with the way you kept throwing rocks at me."

"It took you long enough to figure that out." Lissa said sarcastically.

"Stop it!" Stanley moaned. "Well, good luck to you." He tipped his hat and departed. Maurice came up, leading Magnifique and Brisa to the wagon.

"Everything all right?" Maurice asked concerned.

"I suppose." Lissa nodded. She came to Magnifique. "I know you'll miss this place, boy. We have a lot of memories here, don't we? But, I hope you'll cheer up when we go to our new home."

Lefou appeared. "Monsieur Lefou. Hello." Maurice smiled.

"Maurice." Lefou nodded. "All packed up, I see."

"Mmm-hmm." Lissa sighed.

"Did you say your goodbyes?"

"Yes, I did." Lissa said. "It feels like I'm moving far away, but I'll only be on the West Side of the village!" Lefou cleared his throat. He knew better. Maurice had told him, but they wanted to keep it a surprise.

"I'm gonna miss you around here." Lefou sighed.

"What?" Lissa looked confused.

"I, uh...I mean...you know, I'm used to visiting here. It's going to feel so different with new owners of the house." Lefou said quickly.

"Right." Lissa agreed. "I know. You know, if we had been happier here the passed few years, it would be harder for me to let go. But with the way things were, it's a little easier than I ever expected."

"I'm sure it is." Lefou said. "Well..." He gave Lissa a hug. "I hope you'll be happy in your new home."

"Oh, I will! Thank you." Lissa smiled.

"I'll see you later." Lefou gulped, trying to keep his eyes dry.

"All right. Hey, it's all right." Lissa said encouragingly. Lefou cleared his throat.

"Are you ready, my dear?" Maurice asked gently.

Taking a deep breath, Lissa smiled. "Yes, I'm ready." Maurice helped her mount into the wagon then joined her in the seat. Lefou watched them wistfully.

"Good day, Lefou." Maurice smiled. "Let's go, Philippe." The horse obeyed and began walking down the street. Lissa looked back at the home of her childhood, and waved happily, slightly teary-eyed to Lefou. He slowly waved back. He felt like he was letting go of a family member.

"Why do I feel like I'm not going to see him again for a long time?" Lissa slightly laughed, wiping her eyes. She was trying to keep down the lump in her throat.

"Oh, you'll see him again soon." Maurice said encouragingly.

"Maurice, thank you for letting me come into your home." Lissa said wistfully.

"It's my pleasure, Lissa child." Maurice smiled warmly. "You've always been a good friend to Belle and me."

"And you've always been the best friends I could ask for." Lissa returned heartily. "And now you'll be my family! That's something I've always wanted."

"Really?"

"Really." Lissa said. She grew very confused though when instead of directing the horse toward the other side of the village, Maurice turned Philippe onto the path leading out, into the forest! "Uhh..." Lissa furrowed her brows. "Where are we going, Maurice? Your house is that way!"

Maurice chuckled. "Well, it's a new day for you. I thought a nice, long drive in the country before you officially move would be nice."

"Oh. Thank you." Lissa sat back easily. She pulled out her diary and began writing:

"Well, here we are! I can't believe it! Today I have left the house of my childhood, for good, and am moving in with Maurice, the father of my best friend, a man I love with all my heart, who has always been the sweetest person ever! It will be so different living with him, but I can't put into words how wonderful it feels. I will miss our old home, and the good memories there, very much. But after the recent memories, I'm glad to be leaving those behind. And now I can visit Belle at the castle more. I'll get to watch Maurice work on his beautiful music boxes and paintings. And it is such a beautiful day outside. Could it possibly get any better?"

"Lissa, I want to thank you again for how much you tried to protect me." Maurice said seriously. "Lefou told me about the night Gaston abandoned me in the woods. That was very brave of you! I'm so sorry for how Gaston treated you and what happened, but I'm thankful to know I have such a good friend."

"You and Belle have always been there for me in the past, Maurice. It was my way of saying thank you." Lissa replied. "And you didn't do anything wrong. It was very brave of you to turn down Gaston like that, to his face! Especially after the way he'd hollered in your face and threatened you! You were the fearless one. I'm afraid I was angry more than anything and I let it consume me."

"You were trying to stop your brother from making a serious mistake. And there is nothing wrong in that."

"I still wish he'd listened." Lissa whimpered, tears coming to her eyes at the vivid memory of that awful night. Maurice touched her hand.

"I'm sorry for bringing it up." He said. "Just try to relax and enjoy the ride."

Lissa became so absorbed in her diary that she didn't realize how much time had passed during the drive, and before she knew it, they were really far away from the village. "Maurice, where are we?" She asked. "This is pretty familiar."

Maurice grinned widely. They were very close now! "Close your eyes!"