Mal felt hardened the next day. She had cried herself to sleep until it felt like there was no water left in her body. She was so so tired on the drive back but couldn't fall asleep, so she pretended.
When Ben noticed her "falling asleep" he pulled her to rest on his chest. She couldn't fight it because then he would know she was awake. Mal felt lucky she had cried so much she didn't have tears left otherwise she would have feared of letting them go right now in front of him and his parents. He gently shook her "awake" when they arrived back home and she pretended to slowly open her eyes.
As they exited the car Belle stopped Mal. "Mal would you like to grab a quick lunch in the sitting room before you go back?" Mal absolutely wanted to be alone but she couldn't refuse Belle. She was silently happy when Ben was whisked away with royal duties and couldn't join them. He could always see right through her.
"I know you must be so tired dear. This is a lot to adjust to so be patient with yourself." The warmth coming from Belle's voice as they sat in the living room with tea Mrs. Potts had made them took Mal aback. Not that she was surprised Belle would be a warm or kind person. The feeling of shock came more from that Belle would take the time to try to help her fit in better. It was again so foreign. Her own mother would never show concern for her like this. Even though it was such a small simple statement, Mal felt a little emotional about it.
Belle sipped her tea, trying to read Mal's expression. But Mal was very good at putting on the brave face. Unlike her son, Belle didn't know Mal well enough to be able to decipher what was underneath it. She plastered a smile on her face, "Let's go over the upcoming tour schedule shall we? I can help give you some pointers about preparing for it."
Mal felt a little hurt that Belle had noticed she needed pointers. It made a touch of anger flare up in her. Then it was gone quicker than it came. "Thank you" Mal's voice came out softly.
Belle studied her quickly, trying not to give the girl the impression she was on trial. "This isn't easy for anyone. I didn't come from royalty at all myself. I was quite the misfit in my town. Assimilating to this world takes practice from all of us."
Belle's words touched Mal. She couldn't express her gratitude because that meant showing vulnerability. But she could show Belle her gratitude with a real smile and giving her her full attention. Mal could feel her heart start to heal as Belle explained the tour schedule and gave her tips on staying organized for it. It struck Mal that while she herself doubted she was the right person for Ben, his own mother was spending her time supporting their relationship. Belle didn't have to show Mal this kindness, but she was. Mal realized this meant a lot.
She left the castle and strolled back to her dorm with a newfound determination. She could do this. She would do this. Ben meant so much to her she wanted to fit in. She wanted to hide her horrid past and be the kind of lady he deserved.
Upon entering her and Evie's room she found it devoid of her best friend. The only noise coming from the room was the TV. It's contended re-souring Mal's mood. It showed footage from the luncheon at Eric and Ariel's castle. Mal's bright hair snd leather dress both sticking out like sore thumbs amounts all the royals. She was clearly blinking and stuttering an absolute disaster. Mal felt distraught again. Emotions bubbling up in her. She whirled around and kicked the nearest object with all her might. It just happened to be a shelf and she sent boxes toppling all over the floor and spilling the contents of them.
"Fuck" Mal cursed under her breath at the mess she had made. She dropped down to start cleaning up from her momentary tantrum. Trying not to let her watered up eyes tear again. When her hand landed on a book she stopped in her tracks. It was her old spell book. Sitting open on the floor, calling to her like a siren.
The minute she touched it pieces of memories from the isle flashed quickly. But to her surprise they weren't bad memories. The feeling she was left with was strength and confidence. She was fearsome. Why was she letting a bunch of prissy stiffs make her feel badly. She was stronger than any of them could be.
Mal looked back up at the TV and an idea sparked. She quickly flipped through the book until she found the spell she desired. A couple quick swishes of her finger and it was done.
A huge grin spread across Mal's face as she felt the magic flow through her. She felt real joy for the first time in a couple days and hopped up lightning fast to take a look at her handiwork.
Once again her heart skipped a beat when she first saw herself in the mirror. She hated it. No more purple locks. White blonde now blended right in with her pasty skin. She felt grossed out at how prissy she looked. She zapped a little lavender onto the ends hoping it would help. It didn't really. But she took a deep breath, and then another. She looked normal. She fit in. She looked like someone fit to be Ben's lady. She could do this.