Authors Note: Hello Readers! Welcome back to the story! Got a new chapter here for you hot off the presses since I wrote half this chapter yesterday and the next half earlier today. Hope you're enjoying the story thus far. I gotta say I've loved all the "provinces" of Disney in the story, but I gotta say I'm really enjoying Beauty and the Beast segment. Well, without further ado... enjoy! :)

~Chapter 27~

Several weeks went by for Belle and I still stuck at the beast's castle, but over time, we both got to know the beast better. I think his bullying stemmed from loneliness and anger regarding his situation. Though who could blame him for feeling that way, he had been dealt a terrible hand regardless of the reason. Joel came as often as he promised though he was delayed a few visits due to severe snowstorms. For the most part though, nothing could stop him. The beast softened his demeanor when Joel would come, but still I tried my best to keep those two apart. Belle would also do her part in distracting the beast with random activities. I appreciated her efforts more than she realized.

The snow covered as far as the eye could see in any direction. We had just had three straight days of heavy snowfall and today was the first day any of us ventured outside. Antsy to get out there, Belle and I raced to the tree trunk at the edge of the back gardens. She beat me there only because I tripped and fell about midway.

"You've been cooped up too long, Noella." Belle winked, "I'm surprised I outran you."

"Honestly, so am I."

We both started laughing as we walked together among the frozen landscape that formerly was gardens. Sultan joined us barking loudly running around excitedly. I peered back toward an upper balcony of the castle and I saw the beast staring at us with Cogsworth and Lumiere beside him. I didn't like the idea of somebody watching us, but instead of feeling annoyed I chose to ignore it. Clearly the beast hadn't been around people since we showed up, so manners of course go first. However, he could be making sure we don't runaway. If that's the case, I'd have to have another talk with him later to set the record straight.

"Noella, think fast!" Belle shouted sucking me out of my thoughts.

As I snapped my attention to Belle, I got pelted in the face with a snowball.

"Direct hit." Belle laughed.

"Good one, but I will have the last laugh." I grinned as I bent over forming a big snowball in my hands and immediately chucked it at her. She tried to dodge it, but it landed hitting her square in the back. Sultan kept barking running around in circles excitedly around us. We kept up the fight for several minutes until we got tired.

"I haven't done that in years." Belle remarked as she leaned against the bare tree trunk to catch her breath.

"Riley and I make it a tradition every winter." I smiled thinking of all those memories. Thinking about such things really stung and so I quickly changed subject not wanting to dwell on it.

"I still can't believe we haven't found the mirror." Belle commented, "It has to be in the West Wing somewhere."

"Now, don't start that again." I smirked.

"What? You need to find it, so you can find your mom and then get home." Belle insisted, "Maybe if we just ask outright instead of sneaking up there since that worked so well last time."

"That would be an amazing gift." I shrugged.

"Christmas is right around the corner and it kind of snuck up on me. Plus, it doesn't feel like the holidays without Papa." Belle said glumly.

"I completely understand." I said putting my hand on her shoulder, "Also hard to feel festive with no decorations inside."

"So…" Belle said suddenly perking up, "You up for ice skating today?"

"It's been awhile, but sure. I'll go get a couple pairs of skates."

I returned inside and ran into Mrs. Potts as she was doing some chores in the kitchen.

"Hi Noella, can I help you with something?" She asked curiously.

"Happen to know where you might have some ice skates?"

"Afraid not dear, but I'd ask Cogsworth. He might know where we have some."

"Thanks." I smiled.

I returned to the main hall rounding the corner down the long stretch of red carpet where the rows of armor stood. This hall always gave me the creeps. I called out for Cogsworth and every armor in the vicinity turned and pointed. The sudden movement made me jump. I knew they moved occasionally, but still it caught me off guard. Moving on, I headed upstairs following the sounds of voices. Eventually, I found all three of them. The beast, Cogsworth, Lumiere were all hauled up in one of the staterooms that had a balcony overlooking the backside of the castle. They didn't hear me come in and I was curious as to what they were discussing so privately.

"Listen…" The beast grumbled, "What could I possibly do for her?"

"It's almost Christmas after all master, surely you can think of something." Lumiere pressed.

"You know I don't like that stupid holiday, but this year it's different." The beast replied.

"Because of our guests?" Cogsworth questioned. "Come now, master. You're overthinking."

"Mrs. Potts gave me an idea for Noella, but for Belle, I'm stumped."

"Well, there's flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep." Cogsworth added sternly.

Finally, I stepped out onto the balcony making my presence known.

"You know, I might be helpful in addressing your problem." I commented.

"Noella, we didn't hear you come in." Cogsworth said sheepishly.

The beast looked at me waiting my answer to his problem and I got in his face.

"You're telling me, we have been here almost a couple months and you don't know anything Belle likes? What peaks her interest or anything?" I asked raising a brow.

"Well, I know she likes spending time with you." The beast answered.

Lumiere, Cogsworth, and I all shook our heads. I bent down towards Lumiere to give my idea to give the beast. He would probably accept it easier coming from a member of his staff rather than me. Lumiere's face lit up as I told him my idea.

"Oh it's brilliant, Noella." Lumiere smiled broadly after hearing the suggestion.

The beast looked curious, but slunk his shoulders down impatiently waiting.

"Hey Cogsworth, might Belle and I borrow some skates?" I asked.

"Sure thing, Noella. I'll show you. Right this way."

As Cogsworth hopped off the balcony railing, I looked at the beast as I stared down at Belle in the snow.

"You know, you could join us." I offered.

The beast turned looking at me staring incredulously.

"Me? Ice skate? You're joking." He replied.

"Just a thought." I shrugged.

"No, I'll stay here." He replied sliding down sitting on all fours.

"Suit yourself." I answered, "Though when I come back in, I have a question regarding a Christmas gift…"

"Just ask Cogsworth about that." The beast shrugged.

"No, it should be you. I'll be back." I nodded and left out the door with Cogsworth.

Belle and I skated the afternoon away. My muscles were sore when we came inside for dinner. After we ate, I asked the beast my couple of questions and he actually was surprisingly cooperative with the matter. Mrs. Potts drew me a hot bath to relax my muscles before bed. I would forever be grateful for that simple kindness. A few nights passed and it was Christmas Eve before any of us knew it. It would have been an exciting experience to spend a Christmas holiday in a decked out decorated enchanted castle. Though no such luck. The beast hated the holiday and he constantly reminded us all of that. So the castle remained its usual ambiance. Joel surprised me late that night by tapping on the doors to the balcony. I opened then excitedly honestly not sure if he was going to show tonight, but I was glad he did.

"Evening ladies." Joel greeted, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you Joel." Belle replied smiling.

Joel pulled out a beautiful red rose from his jacket handing it to Belle.

"It's not much, but after all, it's Christmas." Joel shrugged.

Belle shook her head as tears began to well up in her eyes.

"It's so thoughtful. Thank you." Belle replied giving Joel a quick hug.

Afterward, I excused Joel and I to go onto our balcony though not before Violette handed me a thick coat. The moon was full and bright tonight. It was beautiful. As I turned to face Joel, he held out a rose for me smiling broadly.

"What? You think I wouldn't get you anything?" He teased.

"I'm just glad you were able to come. Though give my best to Eugene when you get back."

"He's fine. He had some errands to take care of and told me to go it alone tonight." Joel shrugged.

"I see. Well, it's your turn now." I smiled handing him a gift box.

"Noella, did you sneak out and do some shopping while I've been away?" Joel teased.

"Believe it or not, I was given a few options courtesy of the beast…" I shrugged.

Joel looked curious and opened up the box and pulled out a hunting knife. His eyes widened as he looked at my gift quickly noticing a specific detail.

"It's engraved. How did you manage that?" He asked curiously.

"I had Eugene's help with that one last time he came." I smirked.

"How did you two manage that without me noticing?"

"We're stealthy." I winked.

"Thank you, Noella." He said looking at me with a warm smile. "Okay, well back to your gift. It's not over yet."

"It's not?" I asked raising a brow, "Seriously, I love the rose."

Joel pulled out a small wrapped gift box presenting it to me.

"Merry Christmas Noella." He smiled.

I was so touched. For a few moments, I was speechless just staring at the gift.

"Are you going to stare all night or open it?" Joel teased.

I laughed snapping back to my senses and opened the red box wrapped in silver ribbon. Inside there was an all too familiar mirror. It was Joel's mirror and laying right beside it was a beautiful silver bracelet. I took out the jewelry and handed it to Joel.

"Can you put it on for me?" I asked eagerly.

Joel nodded draping the bracelet around my wrist and securing the clasp.

"I grew up on a farm, so I don't know much about jewelry, but I hope you like it."

"Thank you so much Joel." I smiled.

"You're welcome."

"But what's with the mirror? Did it fall in while you were wrapping?" I teased.

"I thought you might want to check in on your sister, so you might feel some sense of normalcy seeing your home this Christmas Eve." Joel replied.

"Seriously?" I asked in complete surprise. After all, Joel had never let me use his mirror before now. He had always been so private about it.

"Just tell the mirror who you want to see." Joel nodded.

I spoke my sisters name as I stared at my reflection in the mirror, but then my reflection faded away and I saw Riley with Uncle Mark. Though the house, wasn't decorated or anything. Then I remembered.

"Time doesn't pass the same between our worlds. It's not Christmas back home." I said glumly.

"Oh I'm sorry. Guess my plan was a bust." Joel shrugged.

I quickly grabbed his hand giving it a gentle squeeze.

"It was very thoughtful." I smiled, "here's your mirror back." I said handing it to him.

We talked for awhile after that discussing Christmas and family traditions. It was nice hearing Joel talk about his family. We had been traveling together for months and he rarely ever talked about himself much.

"Maybe once we find my mother, I could meet your family." I shrugged.

Joel inhaled sharply as if my comment caught him off guard. He took a few moments to answer.

"Yeah…" He shrugged not looking at me, "Maybe someday."

It got much later and the wind began to pick up sending a shiver down my spine.

"It's late. You should get inside." Joel pressed.

"You sure you don't want to stay this time?" I asked, "It's pretty late and you can always head back to town first thing in the morning." I reasoned.

"Thanks, but I'll be fine." Joel nodded confidently.

"Suit yourself. Just don't become an abominable snowman for Christmas alright?"

"A abonimable what?" He asked curiously.

"Nevermind." I smiled holding back a laugh.

Joel opened the balcony door for me as we said our goodbyes.

"See you soon." Joel said.

"Be careful." I replied nervously.

He nodded wishing me Merry Christmas one more time before disappearing off the edge of the balcony. I got changed for bed finally being as quiet as I could since Belle already was asleep. When I finally shimmied underneath my bed covers, I glanced at the clock on the nearest wall. It was midnight.

"Merry Christmas Noella." Belle whispered.

The next morning, we got a cheerful wake up call from Mrs. Potts and Chip.

"Merry Christmas, my loves!" Mrs. Potts exclaimed excitedly.

Belle and I sat up groggily and I stretched out my arms.

"Come downstairs quickly ladies, it's a Christmas miracle." Mrs. Potts said before glancing at Violette. "Get them dressed promptly." Mrs. Potts directed.

"Yes mam." Violette answered.

As Mrs. Potts and her son left, Belle and I were gifted two beautiful dresses courtesy of Violette. Belle's dress was a long Emerald green one and in perfect Christmas fashion, my dress was a long crimson beauty. We thanked Violette and rushed downstairs curious to see what all the fuss was about. Belle and I got downstairs to find the main hall completely decorated from floor to ceiling in Christmas decor. There was even a Christmas tree strewn with lights and ornaments. It was quite tall probably at least seven or eight feet high. Belle and I looked on in amazement at the splendor of the room. There were twinkling lights strewn from the ceiling among other decorations. Eventually, the beast suddenly joined us from around the corner. He had cleaned himself up a bit wearing a black cape with a red fastener in the front. It was a nice change for him.

"How did you pull this off?" Belle asked him.

"My staff, naturally. It's just the main hall." The beast shrugged, "There was not enough time to cover it all…"

"It's amazing!" I smiled.

"I did it for you both." The beast replied.

"Even though you hate Christmas?" Belle asked incredulously.

"This isn't about me." He replied.

His response might as well have knocked me over. Did the beast really just say that?

"Everything is beautiful." Belle said.

"This was all the master's idea." Lumiere chimed in giving credit.

"I had a lot of help." The beast shrugged, "Anyways, on with the morning."

All the servants and staff began cheering loudly. The beast walked up to me smiling like a child who had a big secret.

"Follow me, Noella. For your Christmas gift." He instructed.

I did so and Belle followed as he lead me down the hall outside a room I had never been inside of since it was locked. Then he told me to hold out my hand and gave me the key to the room.

"A little birdie told me a hobby of yours and I want you to have and enjoy everything in this room." The beast told me.

Eagerly, I stuck the key in the lock and turned it pushing the door open. Inside I was stunned to find myself in a music room of sorts. In the center was a grand piano and in one corner a standing base and the adjacent corner, a harp. I turned toward him my eyes still wide with shock.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"Mrs. Potts mentioned you loved music and hadn't got to play for some time. So I just figured...do you approve?"

"Approve? I'm stunned."

"I'm curious though, why haven't you played?" The beast asked.

The sudden question hit that place in my heart that tended to sting when talked about.

"Playing the piano was something my dad always did with me. After he died, I didn't feel like playing music anymore." I answered, my tone growing glum.

"Noella." Belle said sympathetically putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Well, I hope you will for our sake." The beast replied, "After all we haven't heard music in these halls for many years. Might do us some good. Please." The beast said pulling out the piano stool for me. I sat down and nervously raised my hands up onto the keys. Sitting here just reminded me of fond memories with my dad. It made me emotional. Christmas was daddy's favorite and carols were memorized for me early on. As my hands danced over the keys, I began to play "We wish you a Merry Christmas." I played like I had never stopped and Belle began to sing as I played. After the song was done, I got up and even to my surprise though no hesitation, I hugged the beast. He probably thought nothing of it, but it meant the world to me. After all, he gave me a piece of myself that I thought I'd lost long ago. I continued to play through my musical repertoire, but soon the beast wanted to move onto Belle's gift. I followed behind as the beast led Belle toward a pair of doors further down the hallway. He stopped just outside the doors.

"Belle, I want to show you something, but you gotta close your eyes." The beast requested and Belle gave him a dubious look.

"It's a surprise." He nodded.

She gave in closing her eyes as the beast opened the doors leading her inside. Curiously, I hung out in the doorway and beast lead her into the center of the room. I couldn't make heads or tails of this place and my eyes weren't even closed.

"Can I open them?" Belle asked.

The beast laughed lightly.

"No, not yet." He replied letting go of her hands.

He ran around the room throwing open the window draperies to brighten up the room. I didn't know for sure, but it looked like the beast had gone with my idea, but he really ran with it.

"Now can I open?" Belle asked.

"Alright, now." He replied.

As Belle opened her eyes, she looked around her in awe stunned that she was standing in the center of a humongous library.

"I've never seen so many…" Belle muttered as she glanced around.

"You like it?" The beast asked.

Belle sighed heavily smiling broadly.

"It's wonderful." She replied.

"Then it's yours." The beast grinned.

Belle turned back toward him stunned.

"Ah, thank you so much." She replied grabbing his paws.

Moments later, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts and Chip were all standing behind me watching Belle and beast curiously.

"Well this is promising, I must say." Cogsworth piped up.

"I told you, mon ami." Lumiere grinned with a wink.

"This is exciting." Mrs. Potts added.

"What?" Chip asked curiously.

"What are you three talking about?" I asked feeling like Chip did, apparently left out.

"Nothing." The three of them chimed in together.

I rolled my eyes knowing my friends still had their secrets that were still unknown even after all this time. I walked into the library smiling broadly at the beast.

"I suggested a book and by the looks of things, you outdid yourself." I laughed.

"This gift is so thoughtful and now it's your turn." Belle smiled handing him a gift wrapped box in green paper and a red bow. The beast spared no time and ripped it wide open pulling out a book.

"Hey, look at that you collaborated." I winked.

"Lumiere got this for me after I requested it to read and he mentioned you had never heard the story...so I just figured, ya know?" Belle shrugged.

The beast slid his hand over the cover hesitating looking sad.

"I-I can't read this." He muttered.

"C'mon beast, it's a Christmas gift." I pressed.

"I want to, but it's been so long…" He replied.

"Well, I can help. I don't mind." Belle smiled.

We walked over to the fireplace and they cozied up on the couch, while I sat across from them in a reading chair.

"So, what's the story beast?" I asked curiously ready to listen.

"A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens." The beast replied.

"Ooh, a classic." I nodded.

"One of my favorites." Belle added, she grabbed the beast's arm as he continued.

Mar-" The beast paused, "Marley was dead." The beast began slowly.

"Good, sound it out." Belle replied.

He kept going stumbling here and there, but for the most part, he didn't need much help except when pronouncing the main protagonist of the story. Belle read it for him once. To be fair, Ebenezer Scrooge is a unique name. The beast read like a champ. It must have been like riding a bike. He just needed someone to cheer him on.

Further in the story, Scrooge in the story is shown memories of his childhood and the beast seemed to struggle. In the story, Scrooge had a rough childhood. It wasn't the worst by any means, but the beast responded to this section of the story with hesitancy and almost pain in his eyes. He stopped reading suddenly giving the book to Belle.

"You finish it. I-I can't." He said standing up acting unusually agitated.

"Whatever is the matter?" Belle asked sympathetically, "I didn't think a book would upset you so...I'm sorry."

The beast started pacing eventually stopping in front of the nearby window looking out.

"I never have related to a story before…" He muttered as he turned around to face us.

"Is that so bad?" I asked curiously.

"My father, the late king, was a man who prioritized the crown more than anything. Even his own family. My mother, the queen, was the kindest soul you could ever know. She married my father for love, not for power or the crown that she would inevitably inherit. When I was eight, she passed away due to some foreign illness. Naturally, it hit my father and I hard and with my mother now gone, I didn't receive any love or admonishment from him. After mother died, it was like all the love and care in my world died with her. My father made it his goal to teach me everything about being the eventual heir to the throne. He was so strict about rules and regulations. After a few years, I grew frustrated and angry honestly not wanting to inherit the crown at all. My last celebrated Christmas was several years ago and that was the night, this castle was put under this awful spell…" The beasts voice trailed off trying to compose his thoughts.

"No wonder you don't like Christmas." I replied.

"But it's not forever." Belle added, "Surely, there's a way to break your spell."

"It's a work in progress." The beast replied.

"I'm curious, what was your name before all this?" Belle suddenly asked.

The beast returned to his seat taking several long moments to think about the question.

"It would be nice to call you by your real name." I smiled.

Then suddenly the beast's eyes widened in recognition.

"M-My name is Adam." His ears perked up upon saying it, "Wow, that's incredible."

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Adam." Belle replied.

"I want to find out what happens to Scrooge." He said.

"Here." Belle smiled placing the book in his lap.

He did just that. Adam read the story cover to cover.

"Can we read it again?" Adam asked eagerly, "I think I have it now."

"Sure." Belle smiled.

As Adam and Belle read the story once more, Cogsworth came in announcing Christmas lunch would be ready in a half-hour. Since there was time to spare, I challenged Cogsworth to a game of Chess. I was terrible at it, but like I figured, Cogsworth loved the game. He beat me four times before lunch was ready.

After our lovely Christmas lunch, Belle and I wanted to go outside. There was still plenty of snow giving us a white Christmas and it was beautiful, but it wasn't as cold so it was beginning to melt. That didn't stop us from enjoying it. Today, surprising us both, Adam joined us. Belle had brought some bird seed with her today since the weather was not as cold and birds were out in spades flying around. I watched as Belle would lay out some seed and Adam would try too, but the birds would fly away. He grew frustrated, but then Belle showed him a gentler way of putting out the seeds and before long, Adam had the birds eating from his paws. Once the seed was all gone, we had a snowball fight against Adam. He lost miserably since he wasn't as used to being out in the snow as we were. Plus we had more practice in our throwing skills. I was decent, but Riley was always the athlete of my family. We beat Adam four to one. After Adam lost he grew frustrated and wanted to head back inside. We ate dinner together that night. It was a delicious Christmas dinner that I wouldn't soon forget. Finally, we gathered around the tree in the main hall as Adam read the Christmas Carol aloud for everyone once more. It was a fun end to a fulfilling day. It would have been perfect if I could have shared it with my family.

Authors Note: I really enjoyed giving A Christmas Carol acknowledgement in this chapter. It was fun. Please review and send me your thoughts. It really helps a writer grow. I should get out another chapter before the week is up, but I also don't like to pressure myself with deadlines. However, at the pace I'm going, it will be this week for sure! Until next time...see you soon. :)