Chuckle-in answer to Guest's question, to be honest, I haven't specified in my mind just how Gaston hurt his leg. All I can say is working outdoors in the grounds and in the stables, with lots of different gadgets, stones, and tools, and people bumping into each other, it's not too rare for someone to cut themselves.

Hope you all enjoy this chapter! Oh, and it will include some more Gaston and Adam conversations.


Laboring around the castle was invigorating to Gaston, like a sled dog hauling freight. It gave him a sense of purpose. He still felt humiliated when he had to be shut up back in his cell, but he had to slowly admit, he was getting used to it. He still wished he could go about as he pleased, any time he wanted. But there was a label hanging over his head marked "CRIMINAL", and it would go with him anywhere he went for the rest of his life. He swallowed it, but it was bitter.

Being up in the tower was isolating, but it was safe. Gaston endlessly pondered very single day what kind of life he and Lissa would have when he was released and they returned to their home in the village. He pictured all kinds of ugly scenarios: used-to-be neighbors throwing rocks through their windows, possibly getting them hurt; unsavory guys like Tom and Dick harassing Lissa in public; everybody giving him the cold shoulder-which he accepted because he deserved it-; some of the shop owners refusing to do business with him or his sister; the list went on and on. Gaston often wondered if it would be better if they spent the rest of their lives like this, safe at the castle. Would it be suicidal or just worthless to return to the home of their childhood?

"If only I had had the sense to consider consequences before I selfishly, stupidly acted in haste!" Gaston abashed himself constantly. He was no hero! All those 'heroic' deeds he'd committed for years, all for a sense of glory and control had gotten him in trouble and done nothing but put his sister in danger. She constantly told him that God had forgiven him, but Gaston still couldn't believe how that was possible.

"I'll admit, having this for my quarters is a welcome break when I'm worn out from a day's work." Gaston said to Adam one night. "It's quiet from all the bustle and noise. Not saying I like it!" He frowned. "But, it can be refreshing, I'll grant you that."

"It certainly gives you lots of time to think." Adam stated.

"Your...Adam, I...I'm concerned about when my sentence is up." Gaston said dismally. "What are we going to do? Where am I going to go?"

"I thought you and your sister had a place." Adam interjected.

"We do...we did, but..." Gaston shook his head. "Is it wise to go back? I have hurt many people who trusted me. What if they haven't forgiven me?"

"It won't be easy, to say the least! But perhaps you can try to earn back their trust and respect." Adam said encouragingly.

"How!?" Gaston blurted out. "It's impossible."

"I once felt the same way." Adam said sympathetically. "I felt I didn't deserve love. And...it was true, I didn't. But somebody gave me a chance to do better. And I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for that."

"The truth is, I'm...I'm very concerned that they might take out their impulsive emotions on Lissa. And I can't let that happen!" Gaston exclaimed. "My sister has been through enough already, because of me. I won't have her paying for my crimes!"

"Don't worry. She's part of the family now. We won't let anything happen to her." Adam said.

"Adam? How do you do it? How do you live with yourself every day, knowing what you used to be like? Aren't you ever afraid of slipping back into it?" Gaston asked longingly.

Adam smiled. "Yes, there are times that I really am afraid of regressing."

"I don't know what that word means." Gaston grumbled.

"It means to fall back into a habit, mostly bad." Adam chuckled. "My family accepts me for who I am. But even when I was still cruel and cold, they kept trying point back to the straight and narrow. And they never quit on me! They keep saying that I'm different. My main goal in life now is to always prove them right! I don't ever want them to have to say otherwise ever again. Each day I'm grateful for another chance to do better. I know I will blunder and make mistakes, but I'm not alone now. And now I know that I will keep trying to do better!"

Gaston smiled sadly, his eyes growing misty. "Thank you, Adam." He said gratefully.

"It's all right...Gaston. That's what friends do, rejoice in triumphs and pull back to standing tall when life hits like a tidal wave." Adam smiled warmly.

"You...you really think of me as a friend?" Gaston's eyes lit up.

"I do." Adam said seriously. "I see so much of my old self in you, and I understand how you feel. And I know how crucially important it is, to have a chance to do things better. But even more important is to have someone to help you do it. You're not alone anymore, Gaston. We're here to help you. We will help you, if you let us. As long as you keep trying, we'll be there for you."

"Thank you." Gaston sniffled. "I'm eternally grateful to you all for your mercy. You, your family, and Lefou. You're the closest friends I've got!"

"I don't feel sorry for you, for the things you did. I do feel bad for you in that you're being responsible now and feel like your efforts to make things right are fruitless." Adam told him. "Keep doing the right thing and be patient. In time, you'll see some of your good deeds come back to you."

Gaston felt much better after talking to Adam. Though the burdens still lingered on his heart, they were again eased after being encouraged by someone who truly understood. It was true, Gaston had friends and loved ones to help him keep doing right. But yet, it wasn't enough. Maybe it never would be. Adam had said that it was important to have someone beside you to help you. Gaston was pretty sure he was referring to a soul mate. But what woman in her right mind could ever choose to love him, of her own free will? It'd have to be someone very, very special! Gaston remembered Sarah, and their dance. Even if he never found true love, he would always remember that Christmas night, when she chose to get to know him in spite of gossip. He would treasure those moments forever.

Gaston felt guilty for feeling down in the midst of so much kindness, but there was one desire that ran deeply through him all the time: he was lonely. It could really get him down, but he accepted that he deserved to be an outcast.


Sarah and her cousins were visiting the castle today. Belle spoke with the girls about the fundamentals of horse-back riding while Sarah looked through Maurice's music boxes. They took a stroll outside, and Sarah found herself venturing toward the stables. She smiled at the beautiful steeds grazing in the pasture. She was grateful she'd worn her new pair of shoes today: a sturdy pair of black boots-not party ones-, perfect for this mud and cold dirt at the stables. She'd watched Belle wearing boots often and had asked her why she did when no other women wore them. Belle had told her they were comfortable and practical for doing housework and travel in. Sarah had decided to try it, and she was glad she did. She wouldn't want to tarnish her favorite dancing slippers!

"Pardon me, Ma'am! Comin' through!" Came a booming voice from behind her. Sarah looked back and stepped out of the way as a tall man in a thick coat strode passed her with a wheelbarrow full of horse manure.

"Oh, pardon me!" She sputtered.

"The pardon's all mine. Wouldn't want to ruin that pretty frock with this garbage!" The man replied with a chuckle.

"No! Thank you." Sarah giggled back. She stared closely at his face. She'd seen that guy before, but where? When? Then he looked up at her so as not to appear rude, and be more polite by addressing her to her face. The two of them were stunned. "You!" Sarah exclaimed.

"Uh..." Gaston gaped. He was at a loss for words. He'd forgotten how much prettier she was up close. His heart fluttered excitedly. He gave a nervous grin and a grunted chuckle. "H-hello?" Gaston stammered.

"So, we meet again. You recognized me." Sarah grinned shyly.

"Of course!" Gaston blurted out, rising to his full height. Sarah had forgotten just how tall he was. She became lost in his face, those tired gray eyes, the worn lines that defined his cheeks, and the slight wrinkles that pulled at his eyes. "We met at the Christmas ball. You asked me to dance."

"Yes." Sarah blushed, looking down at her feet. Gaston cocked his head, trying to see more of her face, of those ocean blue eyes. "I'm afraid I stirred up quite a hornet's nest in town with my ignorance."

"Oh. Well, don't let that get to you." Gaston sighed. "The village is quite small. The people can become worked up about almost anything! I hope they haven't bothered you."

"Not too badly." Sarah shook her head. "No one's harassed me as the headmaster did." Gaston frowned when she mentioned him. He clenched his fist. To think the horrid man had taken the indecent notion to so blatantly mistreat a sweet lass like Sarah was beyond him! Gaston was grateful that Adam had given what for to that old goat. But yet, he was still ticked that Adam had let the man go. Gaston had wanted to help with the process! He vowed to never forgive his new good friend for sending the headmaster away...without a 'special' goodbye from his 'favorite' pupil!

"That's good. I'm sorry that happened." Gaston said sympathetically.

"It wasn't your doing." Sarah told him. "Was it?" She arched her eyebrows.

Gaston felt bad that she'd put it that way, but he tried to brush it off. "Probably." He shrugged casually. Sarah giggled. Gaston gazed at her thoughtfully. He'd made her laugh! Him, of all people. He didn't realize how widely he was smiling. He really enjoyed to hear her laugh.

"So, this is what you do for a living?" Sarah asked.

"Hmm? Oh. I'm afraid so, at least for now." Gaston sighed. Foul-smelling business. Why, of all things, did she have to bring this up? I could think of much prettier things to talk about!

"I didn't know you worked with horses."

"Oh, I've been around horses my whole life. They're good company. Steady and reliable. And handy when your soles grow weary." Gaston stated.

"Can't argue with that." Sarah smiled again. Gaston didn't seem to hear her words. His stomach was having an earthquake of flutters right now. That smile of hers...it just wouldn't leave him alone.

"You, uh...really shouldn't be over here, you know." He told her. "It's pretty grisly, and it stinks!"

"I'm a guest. I can go anywhere I please." Sarah retorted back.

"Well, it's not the typical place I'd expect to find a lady."

"Oh? Were you looking for one?" Sarah teased.

"What? No! I mean, well..." Gaston fumbled over his words. "That's not what I meant."

"I should hope not." Sarah smirked. Gaston blushed and his face grew hot. "Well, it looks like you have some important work to do. I'll get out of your way."

"No! No, it's all right." Gaston blurted quickly. "I...I mean, you don't have to worry about my work schedule. Unless, you have somewhere else you would like to be."

"Well, it is chilly out here."

"Right." Gaston nodded. He was about to say something else when he was sorely interrupted by an eager voice. He wanted to curl out a growl, but decided not to. He did permit himself a grunt of frustration.

"Gaston! Gaston!" Lissa called excitedly, running to him as quickly as she could.

This is NOT a good time, sis. Scram! He wanted so badly to chase her away like a kid, but he restrained himself. "What is it?" He asked lightly, throwing his head back.

"Gaston, wait till you hear..." Lissa panted giddily. "I...oh, hello, Sarah. I didn't know you were here."

"Yes." Sarah managed a polite smile, though she too didn't relish in the idea of having her conversation with Gaston disturbed.

"Did I interrupt your talk?" Lissa asked innocently.

"Well, as a matter of fact..." Gaston started to say.

"It's fine." Sarah smiled. Gaston pursed his lips.

If it's not Lefou, it's my kid sister, he groaned in thought. Never fails. Out with it, girl. "This better be important, sis!" Gaston warned her with his hands on his hips.

"I'll say it's important!" Lissa was bouncing again. "It happened! It finally happened! I did it, Gaston! I wrote a book!"

"Of course you did." Gaston said dryly with a smile.

"No, silly. I mean the real thing! I've written a book! We sent my children's book back to the man at the publishing house, and he has agreed to publish it as is!" Lissa announced. Gaston's eyes widened.

Well, I never...He smiled proudly. "Oh, sis. That's great." He said cheerfully, and twirled her around in the air. She laughed like a little girl. "I'm proud of you." Gaston said when he set her back down. "I knew you could do it."

"Excuse me?" Lissa teased. "And weren't you the one who said it was forbidden for girls to write?"

Gaston bit his lip sheepishly. "I said that's what everyone else said." He said defensively. "I never mentioned that I agreed with it!" Sarah snickered at his embarrassed face.

"They said we should be receiving the first shipment of copies by spring." Lissa said.

"That's good, Lissie. You're something else." Gaston said fondly.

"That's wonderful." Sarah spoke up.

"And it was wonderful of Gaston to present it to a publisher behind my back when I was very ill." Lissa said proudly. "I had no idea he'd done it. Wasn't that nice of him?" Lissa looked up at him.

"You're embarrassing me." Gaston whispered, leaning his head down close to her ear.

"That was." Sarah agreed.

Gaston might have been embarrassed by the way Lissa just wouldn't shut up, but he was grateful that she had mentioned one of his few virtues to Sarah. At least now she knew that he was capable if doing something decent. He grinned heartily and clasped Lissa's neck with his large hand. "Would you mind getting lost?" He hinted in a whisper. Lissa glanced back at him curiously. She raised her eyebrows.

Oohh...She smiled. So that's the way it is, is it? "Uh, if you'll excuse me." She smirked, stepping back. "I have something to do."

"Certainly." Gaston said quickly.

"I'll say goodbye when we leave." Sarah told her.

"All right." Lissa smiled cheekily. She couldn't help smirking at Gaston as she slowly left the two of them alone. "I cannot believe it!" She told herself as she struggled to pry herself away.

"Well, I hate to say this, but I should probably let you get back to your job." Sarah said reluctantly. She hoped he would beg her to stay, but he did have to earn a living.

"Ohh." His smiled faltered. Sarah's feet tingled at how disappointed he sounded. He wanted her to stay a little longer. And she wanted to.

"You know? Mistakes can be painful to learn from, but we become stronger if we do learn from them." Sarah said solemnly, but with a warm smile. Gaston creased his eyebrows in curiosity mingled with confusion.

"You're right." He managed to say. "It's hard sometimes though."

"Aye. Difficult, but not impossible." She said. "Well, I hope to see you again."

"I hope so too!" Gaston told her anxiously. Maybe a little too anxiously.

"Well, good day, err...what was your name again?"

"Gaston." Gaston muttered, as if his name was a drab brown sackcloth. "What was yours?"

"Sarah." Sarah said.

"Sarah..." Gaston sighed. Easy on the tongue as well as the eyes. "Well, good day, Sarah." He tipped his hat. "Please watch your step!"

"Oh, yes." Sarah chuckled. "Good day, Gaston." Their eyes didn't break away until she was out of sight as she returned inside the castle.

Gaston just stood there...pining. She's gorgeous! He thought. So sweet, but very honest.

"Ahem!" Adam dashed his dream world. He'd seen everything. He couldn't help smiling that Gaston seemed smitten with the young lady. Maybe there was something there no one had expected before. However…"I'm not granting you privileges for standing like a bean pole." Adam joked.

"I know." Gaston said absent-mindedly. He wasn't really listening. Adam tried to stifle a snort of laughter.

"On your feet, man! There's work to be done!" Adam huffed in mock sternness, jerking Gaston's arm, trying to shake him back to planet earth.

"Right! Right." Gaston nodded quickly. "I'll get to it right away." He briskly grabbed hold of the wheelbarrow handles and made his way forward. But he didn't keep his eyes on where he was going. He was watching in the distance, hoping to catch one last glimpse of Sarah's departing silhouette before she disappeared entirely.

"Oh, Bon sang de bonsoir." Adam laughed with his arms crossed. He could not help himself. Gaston was getting nowhere. He was marching his legs up and down but did not realize that his wheelbarrow was completely stopped up against one of the castle concrete walls! He kept his eyes on Sarah. He never noticed the snickering crowd of onlookers he was attracting!