Belle walked up to the steps and stood next to Ella as they both waved to Maurice and watched him drive away on his journey. Belle looked at Ella, it was always the same. There were tears in her eyes. Belle encouragingly squeezed her am. Ella hung her head, patted her sister's hand and stepped down. "I'll be back." Ella whispered and slowly walked away, out of the village into the open countryside. Belle watched quietly. It was always the same. Ella would say her good-bye and linger on the porch so that Maurice and Belle could have their moment. Belle would ask him to bring her back a rose. Ella would have already asked him to bring back a branch, the first branch his shoulder brushed against. Once he left, Ella would shed tears and take a walk by herself to get her bearings but also grieve as the familiar memory of her own father's last trip would vividly play over and over again in her mind. Once she returned she would help Belle with the housework. Belle watched then went back inside, trying to figure out what chore she should do.

Belle came up with a clever idea, a way to quicken her workload of laundry and sneak in some reading time as it washed. She gathered her clothes and soap and walked to the village well. Borrowing Jean the potter's mule, she placed her garments and soap shavings into a large barrel she had tied to the mule. She set the mule to walking around the well. It was working! It sure did beat having to scrub each and every outfit by hand! Satisfied with her invention, Belle comfortably sat on the wall and buried her nose in her book.

The prince was passing by and stopped when he saw the odd contraption. He stepped closer for a better look, staring curiously. Belle looked up from her book and noticed him. "Oh, Your Highness." She said in surprise, standing and curtsying.

"Hello." Kit nodded. "May I ask, what is this...this...invention?"

"Oh, I was just trying to cut down on some of the extra time and labor." Belle said sheepishly.

"Well," Kit arched his eyebrows, "I must confess, I have never seen anything like it!"

"Do you think it's crazy?" Belle asked nervously.

"Not at all." Kit shook his head. "It's definitely new. It's different. You could start a whole new industry." He chuckled.

"You really think so?" Belle's eyes lit up.

"Hey, I might be a jester more often than my father would like, but I am not jesting about this." Kit said earnestly.

"Well..." Belle smiled, blown away by such an open mind. "I don't know what to say. But...thank you." Kit smiled warmly. "I hope you don't think I'm being forward, Your Highness..."

"Please, you may call me Kit. Or Mr. Kit as your lovely sister calls me." Kit said. Belle laughed.

"I've been wanting to ask..." She continued. "Have you traveled all over the world?"

"Well, I'm afraid I haven't ventured that far yet!" Kit shook his head. "But my father the king has. He's traveled all over."

"What's it like, seeing far-off places? Are they much different than here?"

"Oh. That is quite a question." Kit stated. "It's very exciting, amazing, it's...I'm not sure how to describe it exactly. Being to places you've never seen before, meeting new people...well, there's nothing like seeing it for yourself. I mean, my father told me all about it, but my first endeavor for myself has been the most epic." Belle listened to every word like a weary traveler savoring fresh, cool water. This had been one of the greatest questions of her life. She couldn't believe she was talking to someone who was listening and gladly answering.

"I see." She said. "Just one more question?"

"What is it?"

"In your village...err, rather kingdom, do women read? Are they allowed to?" Belle asked anxiously. Kit creased his eyebrows.

"Uhh...yes, of course." He couldn't understand why she would ask such a thing. "Unless no one teaches them, that is."

"Thank you." Belle smiled happily. It warmed her heart to know that not all girls in the world were stereotyped or 'put in a box' as the ones in this town!

"Of course." Kit said. "Well, I'd best be going...let you get back to your reading." Belle laughed. "Oh, and please give my regards to your sister and your father!" He waved as he stepped away.

"I will!" Belle waved back from her reading spot. "Oh, but Papa...he's not..." She just remembered that Maurice was on the road by now. She shrugged and started reading again. She didn't know that one of the very young village lasses was watching her curiously.

"What are you doing?" The little girl asked. Belle glanced at her.

"The laundry." She replied. "Come! Come." She eagerly beckoned the little girl. Within moments, Belle was accomplishing something she'd dreamed of all her life: she was teaching another child, another girl in this village how to read! Thrill ran through her whole body as the child formed the words."That was amazing!" Belle praised her as she'd read a whole page. The girl smiled back.

"What do you think you are doing?" A gruff voice spoke from nearby. Belle's heart sank and she frowned. It was the cold tone of the head master. Belle glanced at him unhappily. "Teaching another girl to read?" The head master scowled. "Isn't one enough?" Several other villagers were gathering to see what was going on. Many of them gasped in indignation while others stared in astonishment. Belle tried to ignore him and encouraged the girl to keep going. The villagers hollered in a disgruntled frenzy. And thanks to the approving nod of the head master, several of them grabbed Belle's washing machine and with malicious satisfaction, they dumped it onto the dirty ground her entire wash-load. The head master glared at the little girl Belle had been teaching and scolded her. "We'll teach you little wenches to stay in your place!" He scoffed. The lass's lips quivered. This infuriated Belle.

"It wasn't her fault!" Belle protested. "It was my idea. You have no right to punish her. She hasn't done anything wrong." The little girl looked up at her gratefully. The head master's face grew crimson.

"Go home!" He glared at the little girl who sadly fled. "And you," he snarled at Belle, "I suggest you bite your tongue, you wench. You are trying to ignite corruption in our village. I am here to say it will not happen! Take your clothes and go home." Belle felt her face grow hot.

Fine! She thought angrily. If you people can't learn to be nice, even to an innocent child, then I don't want anything to do with your forms of education! Oh, I'll mind my own business, all right. Why can't you do the same? And if I get the chance to help her again, I will do it again! It's my business that I chose to teach her to read. And if she didn't want to, she didn't have to. Oh, will this provincial life never change? Belle thought as she gathered up her sabotaged efforts. And it wasn't only her laundry plans that had been thwarted.

"You are the wildest, more gorgeous thing I have ever seen." Gaston gushed fondly. "Nobody deserves you. But at least I know our children will be beautiful." He smiled coyly, looking deeply into the eyes. The big goof was talking to his own reflection in the mirror!

"Am I catching you at a bad time?" Lefou asked behind him. Gaston rolled his eyes. His pal was spoiling the moment.

"What is it, Lefou?" He groaned.

"A certain damsel is in distress." Lefou said.

Gaston puffed out his chest and smirked. Straightening his coat, he sighed, "Well, it's hero time," and walked away to go to Belle's rescue.

Kit was heading back to meet his captain when one of his soldiers raced to him, and bowed. "Your Highness."

"My good man, what is it?" Kit asked.

"That letter you were waiting for? Well, here is the reply." The soldier said and handed it to him.

"Oh, thank you!" Kit exclaimed, eagerly taking the letter. "Dismissed." He nodded to the soldier who departed. Kit stared at the envelope addressed to himself. He was anxious to open it, yet afraid to. He certainly hoped his father had given a favorable answer!

The onlookers at the well gloated over the unkind deed they'd done. Pere Robert helped Belle pick up her soiled clothes as whispers and snickers tip-toed across the crowd. Then a shot rang out, startling everyone and making them jump! Belle looked up to see who it was and frowned. It was Gaston, walking proudly through the lane that Lefou had commanded for him. Belle groaned inwardly, knowing that he thought he had come to her rescue. But she had a sinking feeling that it was only to make himself out a hero...again, so that Belle would marry him. Nevertheless, she unhappily watched to see how he would handle this. Gaston proudly took his position at the front of the crowd, where everyone could see him. He puffed out his chest. "This is not how good people behave." He said, winking at Belle as if to say, I've got this! "Everyone go home. Now!" He said firmly. The crowd slowly dissipated. Belle glanced at him, too upset to cry. Maybe he'd done her a favor, but it was practically too late. It couldn't change or bring back what had already been undone. "I'm not sure what's going on here, but I believe I've fixed it!" Gaston boasted with satisfaction. He looked down at Belle, but to his surprise, she sadly just picked up her basket of clothes and walked away. Gaston creased his eyebrows. "Not even a thank you?" He asked out loud. "No 'thank you, Gaston,' or 'you were wonderful'?" He cleared his throat and as usual, marched after her to give his pursuit of his favorite prey.

Belle hurried towards home when she heard an all too familiar voice close behind her. "Not now!" She gritted her teeth. She was very flustered already, and right now having to deal with the giant flirt was the last thing she felt like dealing with. It wouldn't be half as bad if he didn't boast or give her that creepy look every time he talked!

"Belle, wait!" Gaston called eagerly. Belle sighed heavily.

"Yes?" She asked wearily.

"I heard you had trouble with the head master. He never liked me either." Gaston caught up with her and apparently had decided without her consent that it was his duty to escort her home. "Stiff-necked old buzzard." Gaston shook his head.

For once in her life, Belle found herself agreeing with Gaston on something! Yet, she was surprised to hear him use such a statement. Maybe his conversation for once wouldn't be that annoying. But Belle thought that too soon, because the next words out of his mouth were the ones she was used to.

"I was pretty good back there, wasn't I?" Gaston bragged. Belle rolled her eyes. What was the point of complimenting this guy or even thanking him? He always turned out to do it for himself! "Did you see the way those people all went silent and then left when I told them to?"

"I did." Belle nodded. She would grant him at least that much.

"Just like my old war days. Ah, you should have seen me then, Belle! It was glorious..." Gaston said theatrically.

"That was twelve years ago, Gaston." Belle said as she finally reached her yard. She set down the basket of clothes.

"Sad, I know." Gaston sighed. Belle just kept walking and turned into the gate.

"If you'll excuse me, Gaston." Belle sighed. "Th...thank you for at least making sure the villagers left." Gaston's eyes lit up and he literally looked like he was ready to pounce. "Good day." Belle started to close the gate.

"Belle, I know you probably think that I think I have it all, but there's one thing in life that I am desperately missing," Gaston said dramatically. Belle just stared at him warily. He had 'that look' again that always reminded her of a wolf. "Can't you guess what it is?" Gaston asked, leaning in closer, the gate being the only barrier that was protecting Belle.

"I can't imagine. You seem to have everything you want." Belle said dryly.

"A wife." Gaston whispered in a sly voice, leaning in even closer to her! That was it. Belle just frowned at him and silently but with much deliberation officially closed and emphatically locked the gate then walked away. Gaston just stood there for a minute before giving chase again.

This is one of those times I wished Papa would listen to Ella and get us a dog! Belle groaned in thought, Then he could scare or chase off any unsavory characters or trespassers that come on our property uninvited!

"But let me give you some advice about the villagers though. They're never going to trust the kind of change you're trying to bring." Gaston persisted not even caring that he was trampling the cabbages in the garden. He cornered Belle before she could make it to the steps. Belle sighed heavily.

"All I wanted to do was teach a child to read." She moaned. "I meant no harm."

"Of course not." Gaston agreed, smiling.

"What is so terrible about giving someone a chance at something they've never had before?" Belle ranted a little. "Who knew that being nice to an innocent little girl would be looked on as such an unpardonable sin?!"

Gaston's eyes narrowed. This was the opportunity he wanted. "The only children you should concern yourself with are...your own." Belle stared at him suspiciously.

And just what is that supposed to mean? Belle thought to herself, but he was the last person she'd want the answer from! She tried to walk around him but he blocked her, then did it again. "I..." Belle tried to speak. "I'm not ready to have children!" She said and quickly shifted around the other side, hiding behind the gate for protection against the hunter as he was right on her heels.

"Maybe you haven't met the right man." He said.

"It's a small village, Gaston." Belle half-laughed. "I've met them all." Then she hurried to the stairs, for all the good it did because Gaston was still on her trail.

"Well, maybe you should have another look!" He continued excitedly and came right to her.

Time to nip it in the bud! "Gaston," Belle tried to speak politely but her sigh showed her exasperation. "Look, we could never make each other happy. No one can change that much. I'm sorry, but I have no interest in your trophies or your tales of the war." I believe I've heard them all...several times! "And...and without my books, I'd...I'd go insane!"

"Ohh, Belle," Gaston sighed dramatically. "Do you know what happens to spinsters in this town after their fathers die?"

"I have this strong feeling that you're about to tell me." Belle answered.

"They beg for change in the street, like poor Agathe." Gaston pointed out. While he wasn't looking, Belle rolled her eyes.

As if he cares about Agathe, she thought. When he didn't know she was looking, she'd noticed the way he snubbed Agathe at times, not to mention what Ella had observed too!

"This is our whole world, Belle!" Gaston announced. "For simple folk like us, it doesn't get any simpler." And he grabbed her skirt! Belle was appalled and felt so cut down.

"Excuse me!" She huffed, trying to pull her skirt out of his grip. "Look, I might be a farm girl, but I am not simple!" She declared, not hiding the ice in her voice after his behavior. "I think I have learned enough from my father to get by. He's more clever than people think." She backed up to the door and opened it, using it as a shield, but there he was again, leaning on it, with a hungry look on his face! "And, I'm never going to marry you, Gaston. I'm sorry!" Barely missing crunching his nose in the door, she was finally able to pull it shut. There! It was closed and she clung to it like a life preserver.

Gaston smiled to himself and walked away. "Aw, well." He shrugged. "She just doesn't know what she's missing out on. I guess it'll be up to me to change her mind."

Belle stayed behind the door until she saw through the window that he was a safe distance away. Then she poked her head out. "Is he gone? Can you imagine?!" She growled to no one in particular. "He asked me to marry him! Me...the wife of that boorish, brainless..." Right at that moment, Gaston stumbled into a puddle of mud, looking like a dork. "Madame Gaston," Belle rolled her eyes, "What a gruesome thought. Can't you just see it? Madame Gaston, his little wife. UGH! No, sir!" Belle snatched a handful of seeds and flung it out to the chickens. "Not me! I guarantee it, not me! No way. I want much more than this provincial life." And she ran out of the village into the hills to clear her mind. Out there she could talk among the trees and flowers without being put down.

Kit's face dropped as he read his long awaited reply to his heartfelt letter. He'd known that his father would be surprised, but he hadn't expected him to be so displeased or disappointed in him. His father had never censured him so severely since he was a lad and it hurt Kit very much. This is what the letter said:

"My good lad,

I have received and read your letter. And I am sorry to say that I find it most childish! It is ridiculous for you to think of marrying a stranger, and a mere servant girl at that! What are you thinking? Think of your royal position, think of your future, think of your people! Do you have any conception what kind of example you would be setting for them? It is most unheard of. It is unthinkable.

Forget this girl. Forget her and gain wisdom. Do not follow your heart, lad. You are so young, and the heart is incredibly deceptive at such an age. You must learn not to be so naive, not to let yourself be turned so easily by a pretty face. It's the pretty ones who are the most cunning and conniving! This girl is obviously after your fortune, so disregard her.

For the sake of your kingdom and for the sake of respect for your father the king, I implore...no, I command you to not think about this girl. When you return, you are to marry the Princess Chelina of Zaragosa. She is fair to the eyes and it would be a proper marriage.

Do not disgrace your kingdom or your father, young lad! It would be so foolish and irreparable.

The King"

Kit couldn't believe it. His father's words stung hard. Of course the king must have been surprised and taken aback by Kit's news, but he had been so bluntly adamant that it surprised Kit. His father usually at least tried to hear his opinion before telling him he was wrong. Another thing that bothered the young prince, in the letter his father hadn't mentioned any regard for his son's welfare at all. That really hurt Kit. He could not understand that! All his life, even when his father had been at his angriest with his son, Kit had always known or at least been reassured afterward that his father cared for him. But this? Even though he hadn't believed his father would jump for joy right at first, it still just didn't feel like the king's approach. Kit felt more like he had been scolded by a cold head master rather than his father the king. The harsh words left him feeling very disheartened indeed!

"Ah! There you are, Your Highness!" Gaston greeted excitedly as he walked up next to the forlorn prince. His dejected manner was not lost on Gaston. "Hey, what are you so down in the mouth about?" He asked. Kit just silently folded the letter he held in his hand. "Oh. Bad news from home?" Gaston asked, pointing to the envelope.

"I'm afraid so." Kit sighed.

"Nothing serious, I hope!" Gaston exclaimed.

"No," Kit shook his head, "just a difference of opinion."

"Oh," Gaston nodded, patting his shoulder. "Well, don't feel too bad. I know exactly how you feel. It happens to me all the time. Hey, why don't you come to the tavern and relax? You'll feel better."

"Thank you, but...maybe later." Kit said. "Right now I just...I need to think. Excuse me." And he walked away like a sad puppy. Gaston shook his head. He couldn't understand it: everyone he tried to cheer up today seemed to only become more miserable after he suggested what he thought would make them feel better. Was he losing the touch or something? No, what a silly thought. He NEVER lost the touch...according to him!

Lefou spoke up behind him. "What's his problem?" He asked. "He looks rejected."

"Problems back home." Gaston said. "I offered to help him, but he just wants to be alone. Oh, well. I guess this just isn't my day! Come along." And he marched to the tavern for some beer.

Kit was heading back to the lodge when he saw Ella walking through town at a distance. Outwardly, he smiled at the sight of her, but inwardly he felt more discouraged. Ella was a gem, so genuine and kind and not out to get Kit like the other ladies he'd been suggested to court. He heard giggling voices nearby and saw the three triplets batting their eyes at him. Kit stared at the letter in his hand, then looked back up at Ella as she got lost in the crowd. With renewed determination, there was only one thing to do: write another letter! And he rushed inside to do it.

"Hey, you!" One of the villagers hollered at Ella, cutting her off guard as she halted.

"Y-yes?" Ella stammered at the harsh voice.

"You scullery girl!" The man growled. Ella bit her lip. She'd heard that one before, and before she'd ever come to this village. Ella tried to walk away, but then the triplets and others more or less encircled her.

"Riffraff!" Someone spat.

"Nothing but a ragged servant girl." Another huffed smugly.

"Miserable, mangy maid."

"Oddball."

"Stupid."

"You're a disgrace to our town. You and your family!"

"Yeah, go back to where you came from!"

"We don't want your kind here!" And with that, some of the people picked up rocks in their hands and threw them at her. Ella ducked and fled as fast as she could, but not before a few stray rocks hit her ankle heel, bruising it and hitting her shoulder, causing pain. Then she tripped and her arm stung horribly, but she picked up her feet and ran again.

Ella ran and didn't stop until she reached the house and closed the door. She left out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. Then that's when she realized how much her targeted areas were actually hurting. The pain was sharp at first and she had to breathe to make it go away. It would go away, and thankfully, no serious injuries were found, save a burning, bleeding large scrape on her arm. But the cruel words of the townspeople hurt Ella so much more than the rocks they'd thrown at her. She shed a few tears, but then holding her head high, she went about to take care of her wound and figure out what to make for supper.

Belle finally returned home, glad to see a friendly face. "Hello." She sighed as she entered the kitchen.

"Hello." Ella returned quietly.

"Are you all right? What happened?" Belle asked, noticing the bandage on her sister's arm.

"Oh, it'll go away." Ella shrugged. Belle noticed that Ella sounded unhappy and Ella noticed the same about her. "How come you're so upset?"

"I tried to teach a little girl to read, that's all." Belle groaned. "And she was doing beautifully. You should've seen her eyes light up. But apparently, that is considered just plain wickedness in this small village!" Belle huffed, still upset.

"I see." Ella nodded. So that was why the townspeople had gotten all over her case! "I think they find me equally responsible because I live with you." Belle glanced her then gritted her teeth.

"Is that how you ended up with that?!" Belle asked angrily, pointing to the bandage. Ella didn't reply. "Oohh!" Belle growled. "It's just not fair."

"No." Ella quietly shook her head, then tried to change the subject. "Belle, I think we need to set some traps around the garden. I'm afraid a rabbit has been through our cabbages." Ella remarked. Belle stared at her unimpressed.

"A rabbit?" She retorted, remembering Gaston stomping on their vegetables. "More like a weasel."

"A weasel?" Ella asked. "You mean you saw it?"

"Oh, yes!" Belle huffed. "I tried to send him away but he followed me to the door!" Ella stared at her confused at first, then it dawned on her. She knew exactly what weasel her sister was referring to.

"I was planning to use those cabbages for our dinner." Ella muttered. "Well, I'm afraid we'll have to come up with something else...thank you, Monsieur Weaselton!" Ella turned back, speaking to the front door. "I've been suggesting to Father for how long that we really should get a dog!" Belle giggled.

"Come to think of it, a few traps might not be a bad idea!" She announced, her face lighting up.

In case you haven't been able to tell, I do not like the head master from the live-action film.