"Tonight is the night sir! Are you ready?!" Bill asked, grabbing the comb off the dark vanity.
Ratigan rubbed the towel over his wet hair, in his dark bath robe, his eyes nervously darted around the room. He noticed Alex digging through his cravat drawer. Alex popped his head out of the drawer, holding dozens of the same cravat "Are you kidding me? You have twelve of the same cravat?" pulling out the pink and purple satin cravats "This trademark needs to stop!"
Ratigan watched the boy throw the cravats in the waste basket. The rat quickly darted to the waste basket, pulling the cravats out "I enjoy wearing these!"
Fidget walked through his massive closet, pulling on a dark blue coat that was hanging far too high for him. The coat slipped and fell on him, he smiled "How about this one boss!" he gazed at the gold etchings on the coat and gasped "Oooo shiny!"
"Is it accompanied with a cape?"
"NO!" Alex moaned "No cape!" Alex plopped on the cushion next to the vanity where his uncle finally sat. P.J was playing and crawling within the ties and cravats. He suddenly started gumming on a gold cravat, that would perfectly match the coat that Fidget picked. Bill grinned and grabbed the cravat from the baby "How about this cravat?"
Ratigan combed his hair and waved the comment away quickly "Yes yes." slicking back his hair. Alex spun in the chair "Now, you must be bold! Daring!"
Ratigan raised a brow confidently and grinned "Yes! Bold!"
Bill appeared at his side "You don't have time to be timid! There will be nothing but perfect ambiance for you sir!" He grinned and nudged him "I'm playin my fiddle nice and easy.. And we got those nice candles we stole!"
Fidget nodded in approval "Right! Are you gonna kiss her tonight?"
Alex laughed and Ratigan lightly smacked the bat on the head "Hush.." he nervously looked himself in the mirror, beginning to button up the white dress shirt and slip the tie around his neck "Yes, I can-" He slumped down, "No.. I can't."
Bill helped his boss tie the cravat "Sure you can! You care for the girl don't you?" he asked. Ratigan looked himself in the mirror, his dark features, his yellow eyes, his rough fur "More than anything." he admitted "I don't know... what if-"
Fidget sat on the vanity's table "You need to stop thinking about all the bad things and think of all the good that can happen!"
Alex leaned in "Plus, imagine how nervous she is too!"
In Rosalie's room, she was cutting different fabrics, many little facets and buttons were on the floor scattered, tulle and silks cut out to specific patterns. Victoria jumped with joy "This dress is gonna look so pretty!"
Rosalie nodded "Yes, I'm gonna be happy with how it comes out."
Victoria sat in the chair across from her walk in closet where Rosalie changed "Do you like us?"
Rosalie laughed "Of course I do! What a question.."
"Do you like our uncle?"
There was a hesitation "Yes.." she said "I enjoy him, despite what he's done.."
"But he's not bad?"
"No.." she thought for a moment "He's not.."
Victoria grinned "Well, we all like you! Very much..." she jumped up and hugged Rosalie, she quickly caught the girl and squeezed her tightly "Oh you mean the world to me!" Victoria pointed to the hidden gown "Now let's finish that gown!"
Ratigan walked out of his fine looking barrel, his dark blue coat shined like new, the gold etchings shining in the light of the even dimly lit barrel behind him. A voice echoed. Victoria skipped out and cleared her throat "Your lady, awaits!"
Rosalie slowly stepped out, the beginnings of her gown coming out in the light. Ratigan's eyes widened, including the boys in wonder.
The dress was a beautiful gold color, many petticoats placed underneath to help flare out the dress. The waist had small pink peonies attached gently. The bodice included a yellow marigold lace and wide puffy yellow sleeves that slipped gently off her shoulders. The organza fabric had hints of pink and pale magenta, swirling into the bright gold of the dress. Even her hair, twisted into a chignon bun, and curled gently on her shoulders. Her hair was adorned with the same pink flowers as the waist. Her mothers gold necklace completed the look: she looked absolutley...
"Beautiful.." Ratigan whispered "You look beautiful."
She blushed "Thank you.." She took notice of his coat "You look very handsome."
Victoria gasped "Oh, I almost forgot!" she reached into the pocket of her simple grey dress and pulled out a small pair of earrings "I made these with the boys for you!" Rosalie reached out with her gold gloved hands "Oh! They're beautiful!" they were glass peonies, the same magenta color as the dress "How did you do it!?" she slipped them on her ears as they jingled. Victoria grinned "I learned how to fire up glass with Bill!"
Ratigan laughed "A jack of all trades he is..." Laying out his arm, he offered it to her "Shall we?"
She happily took his arm, the group watching them walk into the lair. Bill nodded "Game time!"
Tale as old as time...
True as it can be...
Barely even friends, then somebody bends... unexpectedly.
As they sat at the long dining table, Bill pulled out his fiddle, and began playing it gently.
Just a little change...
Ratigan smiled at her as she grinned at the beautiful melody..
Small to say the least.
Both a little scared, neither one prepared.. Beauty and the Beast..
Ratigan got out of his seat and walked to her, pulling out his hands "Will you dance with me?" he offered. Rosalie hesitated, then took his hands in hers "Alright." as they reached the dancefloor, he pulled her in by the waist, feeling goosebumps run down her spine she nervously grinned.
Ever just the same!
Ever a surprise..
Ever as before, ever just as sure..
As the sun will rise!
Soon, Rosalie got the hang of the dancing, being swept around by such a wonderful partner. She stopped looking at the floor and into his eyes.
Tale as old as time...
Tune as old as song..
Bitter sweet and strange! Finding you can change! Learning you were wrong.
They were dancing along the floor, the children and the boys watching in admiration. This was it. Such a tender moment shared between them. He spun her out, her long gold skirts flowing like liquid. As the music swelled, he dipped her gently, both of them staring intently into eachother's gaze.
Certain as the sun.. Rising in the east
Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme.. Beauty and the beast..
Rosalie leaned her head on his chest, feeling so much comfort in her partner. Ratigan's eyes widened as he saw the boys silently cheering him on. She felt him spin her out again, she felt nothing but bliss with him.
Tale as old as time... song as old as rhyme.. Beauty and the beast..
Walking out of the barrel, they began to go into the music room, and Ratigan shut the door softly. Alex grinned wildly "Now we wait!"
Ratigan sat Rosalie down, she adjusted her gown. Ratigan took a breath to himself, and sat next to ehr on the bench. There was a pause "Dinner was wonderful.." she added "In all my years, no one has ever done anything like that for me.."
Another pause. The light from the stain glass ceiling providing a beautiful glow above them. "Rosalie," he began "Are you... happy here?"
"Yes." she plainly answered "Everyone's been so kind.. Not what I expected when I first got here. and the children.. They are the best-"
"With me?" he added. Rosalie paused, then grabbed his hand softly "Yes." she answered, convinced with her answer. He scooted closer to her, taking her hands in his "I've enjoyed having you here, you're very wonderful..."
"I've enjoyed you.."
"I want to thank you for all you've done."
"And I want to thank you.. I never would have discovered all this strength I have without you." her eyes turned sad, and he noticed this "What is it?" he asked, his brows raising. Rosalie sighed "I just wish I could see my aunt and Nora... just for a moment.. I miss them so much."
The door burst open, it was Andrew, holding a newspaper in his hand "ROSALIE! RATIGAN!"
Ratigan's brows narrowed "What?! This better be good!"
Andrew handed Rosalie the paper "I think you should see this.."
The paper read in large lettering "NELLINDA PLUNKET IN FINAL MOMENTS; HEALTH DETERIORATING."
She gasped "Oh no..." she read aloud "Nellie Plunket struck heartbroken over missing niece, on her deathbed making final requests." tears began to fall "Oh no... she's sick.. And she's all alone! This is all my fault...She's probably dying.. It's because of me."
Ratigan, for the first time in a while felt a twinge in his chest. A pain he couldn't describe "Thank you Andrew.. Now go prepare Felicia.." he added. Andrew nodded and walked off "You must go to her." he turned away, hands folded behind him. He couldn't bear to look at her. Rosalie's eyes widened "What did you say?"
"You're no longer my prisoner.. You haven't been in a long time."
She stepped forward "You mean.. I-I'm free?"
"Yes." he said, choking up. He couldn't take it "Your aunt is in trouble, you must go to her."
"Oh thank you..." she looked at the paper "I have to go prepare.. Don't worry Nellie, I'm coming!" she began off, but turned to Ratigan, turning his face with her gloved hand. He touched it in return, sensing his sadness. She touched him gently "Thank you for understanding how much they need me." he pulled a hand through her hair, getting one last touch, this was his chance "Rosalie.."
"Yes?"
"I..." he started, eager to get the words out.
"Yes?!" she was secretly longing for the words too.. Ratigan shook his head "Now go... go prepare.."
She started off, hesitation in her steps. Bill walked in after her "Tonight is going swimmingly sir! Can't wait to hear all about it."
"I let her go." his eyes locked to the floor.
Bill stopped in his steps "You did—why would you do that?!"
"I had to..."
"WHY?!" Bill demanded.
He watched his boss turn slowly "Because... I love her."
Soon, Rosalie had her blue gown on, the cloak hiding her face. The children quickly hugged her tightly, knowing she had to leave. Victoria, with tears in her eyes held her hand "Keep the earrings. They'll bring you lots of luck!"
Alex wiped his eyes "I'm gonna miss you." Even P.J, his sad tired eyes hugging Rosalie forcefully in a loving squeeze.
Even the boys gave her lots of hugs, Bill and Fidget even made her paper flowers. Rosalie gasped and hugged them tightly as well. She grinned somberly "I'll miss you all.. Thank you so much." Ratigan, in his same blue coat, handed Rosalie the golden bell "Take it with you... so you'll have a way to look back.. And remember me."
She touched his hand again "I would never forget you.." she gently kissed him on the cheek, a soft moment for both of them a kiss that would stay engrained with them forever. It was all for not, she was about to leave. Ratigan sadly commented "She'll take you wherever you need to go.."
Nodding, she boarded the cat, but stopped and looked back, her eyes beginning to well with soft tears. Her voice cracked "Goodbye.." boarding Felicia, the cat mewed in a melancholic way.. As if she knew too, that the bright light Rosalie gave was about to leave.
The children ran off to their room, the sound of a door shutting. Andrew dusted off his hands "Well, that takes care of that." he walked off, whistling happily.
Bill patted his back "Sir?"
He looked up "I'll never see her again."
yall this chapter made me mad sad... anyway... next a song from Ratigan himself!
Review and follow!