Hello Readers! Here's another chapter for your reading pleasure. Hope you're enjoying the story as much as I am writing it! And here we go... :)
~Chapter 28~
Just as the holidays came and went, so did the snow. It warmed up pretty quickly and soon we could see green outside. The sudden change was surprising to all of us, but it offered easier opportunities to be outside the castle. Belle and Adam had gotten so close in recent weeks. One sunny afternoon, Belle planned a picnic and invited me to come along with them, but I decided to have a sick day. The last thing I wanted was to be a third wheel. Joel was often on my mind as well. I wondered what he did when he wasn't visiting here. Regardless of the change in Adam's behavior, Joel still pushed us to find the mirror. With Joel's latest visit, he gave alarming news that Maurice's mild cough never went away and Eugene fetched the doctor. The doctor confirmed that it was pneumonia. With Maurice's age and how it was left untreated for awhile, it didn't help the situation. I had to tell Belle. She had to know and coming from someone who lost her father too young, I didn't want her to experience that same heartache.
Though tonight, Adam had formally invited Belle and I for dinner and dancing. It was so random, but with how formal it all seemed, Adam had put much thought and effort into planning this evening. Knowing that tonight was going to be special, I knew I couldn't tell Belle tonight. I vowed first thing tomorrow morning. This couldn't wait for long and I knew that, but I was determined not to spoil anything tonight for Adam's sake.
Violette was given specific instructions to not let Belle or I come downstairs until we were all "dolled up". This job for Violette she took seriously as she was a very thorough stylist. Belle and I were given beautiful ball gowns for the evening. Belle fit in this yellow gown like a glove, which was easy because it was satin. My dress was an off the shoulder, navy blue also satin, but for the skirt portion a sparkly material was added. I felt like a walking starry night sky. This formal dress, while beautiful, made me feel overwhelmed and a bit out of my element, but what girl doesn't like an excuse to dress up for once. Our hair was done up as well. Belle got a beautiful half up half down style with her hair cascading down around her left shoulder. Mine was pinned into an updo bun. The finishing touch was our gloves. Belle got yellow ones matching her dress and I got black. As we slid them up our arms, Cogsworth knocked on our door. Upon entry approval, he came in clapping excitedly.
"Dinner is served." He grinned. "Follow me please."
Belle glanced at me brightly smiling as we headed out into the hallway to head downstairs. Before we came down the next set of stairs, Belle and I were stunned to see Adam across the way standing proudly as he waited our arrival. His animal hair was pulled back in a low ponytail and he wore black pants trimmed in gold with a blue ballroom tailcoat also trimmed in gold and poking out of his coat, a white cravat. I must say he looked handsome and I think Belle noticed too. He cleared his throat nervously as he came down the stairs joining us at the bottom of the steps.
"You both look beautiful." He smiled bowing politely.
Belle began to bow to follow suit and I followed her lead as well. Adam offered us each an arm as we adjourned to the dining room for dinner. The table housed plenty of food and most especially too much for only three people. It was like thanksgiving dinner there was turkey, potatoes, flakey croissants, and green beans smothered in butter. As one of the kitchen staff carved the turkey, our soup course was brought out. I was hungrier than I realized and ate quickly. I watched in amazement at Adam's reformed table manners. He had protruding teeth and animal jowls to work with, but those hadn't phased him for weeks now. The walking coatrack came in playing violin and Belle and I listened to the beautiful music. The turkey was just being served when Belle got up pulling Adam from his seat taking him by the arm into the ballroom. I watched them as they left me alone and I glanced back at my plate of food and got up not wanting to miss what was going on in the ballroom. I walked in standing beside all my friends here as we all lined the wall. Mrs. Potts began to sing a beautiful tune and maybe it was memories of my sister singing in my head, but I swear this song sounded familiar.
Adam looked nervous as Belle smiled placing his hands one on her shoulder and the other at her waist. She began slowly to get Adam familiar again, but soon it didn't take him long to take the lead. He twirled her around all over the floor with confidence. At one point, Belle leaned on his shoulder and he looked over at me with a big smile on his face and I winked at him giving him two thumbs up. As Adam and Belle took over the ballroom floor, Chip started bouncing around getting my attention.
"Noella, will you dance with me?" Chip asked excitedly hopping up and down.
"I'd be honored." I smiled warmly.
I cupped my hands holding them out for Chip to hop into. He did so and I walked myself out onto the floor and started twirling around. Ordinarily, I would have felt awkward doing this, but Chip was laughing and smiling so much. For being in the predicament he was in as a kid, he had a good head on his shoulders. I continued twirling around with Chip until Mrs. Potts called me over insisting Chip head to bed.
"Thanks for dancing with me." Chip grinned widely.
"No, thank you for being a terrific dance partner. I can only imagine how accomplished you'll be once you grow up." I winked.
As Chip hopped out of my hands and left the ballroom, I walked over to Mrs. Potts.
"Thanks for doing that with my son." Mrs. Potts said with her eyes getting glossy, "He's just a boy and given our situation...I bet…" Her voice broke as a single tear slid down her porcelain cheek. "I bet you gave him quite the treat. Thank you, dear."
"Not at all." I nodded, "Though Mrs. Potts, May I please ask what are the details of the spell you're under?" I pressed eagerly. This question among others had been poking curiously in my brain for months. It was about time I found out. The more I knew...maybe I could help.
"Tell her, mon cheri." Lumiere chimed in.
"Yes, fine." Cogsworth added, "It's about time we told her."
"The spell is broken once the master learns to love and that person loves him in return. Then we all will become human again." Mrs. Potts exclaimed.
"Well, I see why it was a challenge for a while considering how charming Adam was when we first came here, but I mean look at them…" I said gesturing awkwardly to an empty ballroom, "Where'd they go?"
"Just outside the doors there." Lumiere pointed out.
"It clearly shows tonight that the spell should be over. I mean, you saw what I did, right?"
"Of course we did." Mrs. Potts agreed, "But these things take time. Feelings must be sorted out between them, which is why we aren't human yet. So try as we must, we are patient."
"How long do you have?" I asked.
"There's an enchanted rose in the master's room...you know, the one that Belle told you about…" Cogsworth replied.
"Oh right, I had wondered about that. Belle told me how protective Adam was about it."
"The rose, that's the time table. We have until the last petal falls otherwise we will never be human again." Cogsworth answered.
"Well now that I know the truth, I want to help however I can. I promise you I'll do all that I am able to." I told them confidently.
With much gratefulness from my friends, I rejoined Adam and Belle outside. They were sitting down quite close to each other. I overheard their conversation before I joined them.
"Are you happy here with me?" Adam asked Belle.
"Of course…" Her voice trailed off as she looked off in the distance. Adam frowned nervously.
"That's not the face of someone who's happy...what's wrong?" Adam asked.
"Don't misunderstand...I am happy, but it's just I miss my father so much."
Adam looked at her sympathetically, but then his eyes perked up clearly thinking up an idea.
"I might be able to help with that." Adam said pulling Belle onto her feet.
I finally made my presence known joining them.
"Not interrupting am I?" I winked.
"Not at all." Belle smiled.
"Actually, it's perfect timing Noella." Adam nodded, "Follow me, there's something you both should see."
We followed him as he led us upstairs, but to our complete surprise, the West Wing. For months I had wondered what was up here and finally that question was answered. On a small table in this room, rested a brightly shining rose underneath a glass dome. Beside that was a handheld, but beautifully ornate mirror. The glass seemed to have an iridescence about it.
"Here…" Adam said handing the mirror to Belle, "This mirror is magical and will show you anything you would like to see."
"Thank you, that's kind, but I want Noella to use it." She nodded handing the mirror to me. Adam looked surprised, but nodded his approval.
"So be it." He agreed.
I flipped the mirror around a couple times not knowing if this was the mirror I had been searching for. There was only one way to find out.
"Come forth!" I commanded.
Soon, my reflection vanished and a familiar face entity appeared.
"What does thou want of me?" The mirror snapped almost sounding angry.
"Please, I've followed the direction of your brethren, where is the next one located?"
"I can see you've spoken to five of the seven, are you not glad we don't go to eleven? Beyond the barrier to the east is where my next brother resides. Though on your journey you'll meet a young man in that desert city of Agrabah, who will be your faithful guide. By one powerful source, he is known as a diamond in the rough. Will your journey prove too tough?"
As cryptic as always, I thanked the mirror and asked another question.
"My mother is here right? I'm on the right track?"
"Yes, I see her face clearly in my sights. Though I'm not sure finding her will be a delight."
"What does that mean?" I pressed.
Though the mirror faded and frustratedly I handed it back to Belle. I glanced at Adam thanking him for letting me use it. Belle was right that the mirror was in the West Wing the whole time. As Belle used the mirror, she requested to see her father of course and I watched Belle's face go from curious to terrified in seconds. I wasn't looking at the mirror, but I could hear Maurice coughing loudly with also a terrible wheezing.
"No, papa! He's sick." She said nervously.
"He's not alone Belle. Joel and Eugene are there." I nodded reassuringly.
"I appreciate it, but I should be there." Belle pressed.
Adam had turned his back to gaze at his rose and sighed heavily.
"You both should go." He muttered.
"What did you say?" Belle said as shocked as I was.
"I can't be selfish here. You must go now." Adam pressed.
"We're free?" I asked in amazement.
"Yes." Adam nodded simply though I could clearly see the pain and anguish in his face.
Belle put her hand on Adam's face.
"Thank you for realizing how much he needs me." Belle nodded as she handed the mirror back to Adam.
"No, take it with you. So you can remember me." Adam muttered as he gently swept his fingers through her hair sweetly. Belle looked sympathetically at Adam one last time putting her hand to his cheek before leaving the room. Then he looked at me frowning.
"Goodbye Noella." Was all he managed to say.
I couldn't believe how hard this goodbye was. We all had a rocky start, but over time, Adam became my friend. I walked over to him and threw my arms around him hugging him tight.
"Thank you." I said as I pulled away.
He nodded solemnly. As I walked toward the exit to the room, Cogsworth entered in the room excitedly. I couldn't help it, I hid behind the corner and listened to their conversation.
"Well master, that was a smashing good evening. Wouldn't you say?" Cogsworth said with a huge smile, "We are no match for a wilting rose. We'll be human again quite soon."
"I let them go…" Adam muttered sadly.
Cogsworths eyes widened in shock.
"You what? But why?" Cogsworth pressed.
"Because Noella forgave me when she became my friend …" Adam replied.
"And Belle?" Cogsworth asked.
"Because I love her." Adam replied staring longingly at the rose.
I finally took my leave after hearing this moment. Adam had finally admitted it, but nothing happened, which meant there was a hitch on Belle's end. Surely, she had felt the same way. I hated leaving like this, but too much time was spent here already. Quickly I returned to my room to change into traveling clothes. I was desperate to find my mom, but I also didn't like leaving like this, so I made a decision. I would feel better just going on ahead and bringing down the next barrier, but then I had every intention on returning to the castle to finally help free Adam, my friend, of his spell.
The iconic ballroom scene with creative liberties taken ;) So much fun! Anyways, reviews appreciated :) It helps keep me going. Should have chapter 29 up before the weekend.