Chapter II—Christmas Miracles

For the entire month of November, Gaston and his two "yes-man" had to serve detention. The Beast also had to serve detention, even though he came to Belle's defense. The Bimbettes weren't touching or hurting Belle, so they got off and Belle was acting in self-defense, so she was off the hook.

Part of serving the detention was the option of helping me after school. Both boys went for it. Belle and I had extra help in the library. Gaston would pretend to be doing something, but in reality, he was staring at Belle. Belle and the Beast were a good team. Using her knowledge of books and his knowledge of computers, they soon set out on a task to put every book onto an online catalogue. Gaston was stuck carrying books, straightening them up, and other things.

Belle and the Beast's work made great progress, both in the library and for their friendship. The project allowed them to talk more, to find out more about each other. I found that Belle brought the Beast's social side out a little more. He was friendlier than I had known him in the four years he attended Enchanted Falls High.

Even Polly knew the difference. I overheard her conversation with Belle one day. "Ross has changed."

"I know."

"He was like he was when we were kids."

"You knew him as a child?" Belle asked, surprised. Polly chuckled.

"Of course, dear. We're cousins. Family. My mother and his father are brother- sister. We live a block away. He was so polite, so happy before his mother left."

"She left?"

"Just left. For a younger guy. She claimed she had more freedom with him."

"Oh."

"Then Ross just changed. I became the only girl he really trusted. Now he has you and me!" Polly said. I always knew Polly was like a mother to the Beast, always fussing over him. Never before did I wonder why.

Belle was the best thing to happen to Beast. Even his already good grades went up tying him with Belle and Gaston for valedictorian. His style on the wrestling mats hadn't changed and he was leading the team to state victory. I called these all "little miracles". Yet, the biggest one came around Christmas...

The Beast walked through halls, smiling and saying hi to those he knew. Lance and Chris noticed the changes in their friend. He talked to them and they could now tell him anything. He was still a little cold when it came to girls, turning back into his old self with them.

Lance hatched a plan. "Chris, what if we got Ross and Belle to go out? Maybe he would be even nicer. It would be good for him to have some other female companionship besides Polly. Besides, he scares away all the girls that I could have!" Lance, the Casanova of the group, was worried. He hadn't had a date in a month. Yes, a whole month!

Chris was a perfectionist, wanted everything done proper and for the right reason. "I agree with you, on two accounts. The last account is totally absurd!"

"I haven't had a date in a month!"

"A month? Oh my! That is such a long time. Ha! I haven't had a date since the beginning of last year! A month, please, spare me. Right now, Lance, let's concentrate on Belle and Ross. Then you can go after all the girls you wish, okay?"

"Deal. And if our plan works, mon ami, I will also get you a date!" Chris nodded.

Later that day, Belle was crossing the parking lot to her car. "Belle! Belle!" she heard Lance screaming.

"What is it Lance? I have to go home. My father needs my help with something," she said.

"I just wanted to know if you are going to the Christmas party next week."

"Why yes. Are you asking me out? Because you know that we agreed to go together, mister," Belle said, poking her rather skinny friend.

"No, I just wanted to make sure."

"Why?"

"Why? Because I, er, wanted the group there. That's it, I want the group there. It would be a shame if you didn't come. The Christmas party is spectacular and this IS your only chance to experience all the magic of the party and maybe fall in love," Lance replied.

"Lance Jacobs, what are you hiding from me?"

"Hiding? Why do you assume I was hiding something?"

"Lance, I'm not dumb. Tell me!"

"Oh look at the time, you have to go right? I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, Belle!" Lance said, before running off. Belle, looking slightly bemused, got into her car.

Lance stopped at the gym door. He had to be more careful now; Belle suspected. Boy was he a fool! Now he had to hope that Ross wouldn't notice. The door swung open and out stepped the Beast. "Hey, Ross, mon ami!" Lance called.

"Lance, why do you always say 'mon ami' even though you aren't French? You don't even take French for crying out loud!"

"But I like the sound of it. The chicks dig it!"

"Girls, Lance, girls."

"You sound like Polly right now."

"Well, she is-"

"Your cousin," Lance finished. "Anyway, I was wondering if you were going to the Christmas party this year."

"Yes, I am. Polly is dragging me to it again. Why do you ask?"

"I just wanted to make sure you were going. I mean, this is our senior year and it would be a pity if you didn't go to your last Christmas party at school and..."

"Lance, what are you hiding?"

"Hiding? Me? Mon ami, why do you think I am hiding something from you?"

"Because I know you too well, Lance, too well."

"Well," Lance said, suddenly nervous, "I guess I must go. Math homework to do. Ta!" Lance went running across the football field.

"Lance!" the Beast called. "We don't have math homework tonight!"

The night of the Christmas party arrived. I was alone in the corner, making sure that Gaston didn't repeat his mistake at the Halloween party. From what I saw, he started to pursue Belle at a further distance.

Belle and Polly were busy laughing at Lance's weak attempts to pick up girls, and yelling at Chris for trying to stop Lance. The Beast had yet to arrive. The music picked up and Lance made his way to the dance floor, dragging Belle and Polly.

The latter were trying not to laugh, and were having a difficult time of doing so. As Chris went out to the dance floor, the Beast walked in and joined up with his friend. I smiled, glad that for once the Beast was having fun again.

A slow song came on and I anxiously watched Gaston, remembering the slow song that sparked the Halloween incident. Gaston's month of library duty must've taught him his lesson. He took Julie out onto the dance floor. Julie giggled and smiled at her friends, who were equally excited for her. I knew that once Christmas break was over, Gaston would probably date Julie to make Belle jealous.

I knew then that it wouldn't work, especially looking at the other couples. Lance had coaxed a young sophomore name Francine into dancing with him, while Chris and Polly had joined up to stay on the dance floor. The most surprising couple, I found, was Belle and the Beast. They were dancing and talking, like old friends. At of the corner of my eye, I saw Gaston looking jealous and Lance looking extremely pleased with himself.

As the party ended, the Student Council brought out a surprise to all couples: mistletoe. They hung it in the doorways, every single one. Julie and Gaston left, paused and kissed. Lance and Francine ran straight to the door. I had to eventually move them.

Polly and Chris left through separate doors. I saw Belle and the Beast walk through the door. Kelly, Student Council head, stopped them and pointed to the mistletoe. Both people blushed bright, bright red. The Beast leaned and kissed Belle, before turning and running away. I was left with an exhilarant Belle. She hugged me and ran after Polly. As I watched them leave, I knew that the rest of the year was going to be very interesting.