~Chapter 30~

Noella

Finding and bringing down the next barrier beyond Adam's castle was easy. This. This was much harder. Joel pushed me out of the way as hundreds of pounds of stone crumbled down on top of him. It should have been me! Desperately, I began pulling away at the stone. For a few minutes I couldn't find him, there was so much debris. Finally, I saw his hand. It was scraped up pretty good and I grabbed it beginning to pull. There was still too much stone on top and I removed several more pieces. Finally, I pulled again and I got half of Joel out from the rubble. In this frantic state, I couldn't tell if he was breathing or not. Calm down Noella, I told myself, remember what the nursing program taught you. Remember your skills and take a deep breath. Once I regained my focus after getting him out at least, I surveyed the damage. His shoulder dislocated along with many scrapes and bruising. I bent my head down turning to put my ear by his mouth to listen for breathing. It was staggered and faint, but it was there at least. I was so thankful. There he was unconscious in my lap thinking I had just lost him. The only man I had ever really loved. Tears escaped my eyes trying to figure out what I was going to do from this point. My mom was still out there and I had to find her. Adam's mirror confirmed it again for me that she was here. However, how could I leave Joel behind after everything?

As my anxiety started to really reign in, I saw Belle poke her head in.

"Noella?"

I looked up not even attempting to smile, but that changed as soon as a new face entered the room putting his arm around Belle. He wore a ripped up shirt and pants and there was a blood stain on the shirt. His golden brown hair was long hitting his shoulders. Though his intense blue eyes are what confirmed my suspicions.

"Adam?' I asked incredulously.

"Hey Noella." He smiled warmly.

"Wow, you look great. I'm so happy I get to meet the real you." I nodded.

"C'mon let's move somewhere else…" Adam pressed.

"I'm afraid to move him." I muttered.

Adam bent down putting a hand on my shoulder and I nodded in understanding. We needed to move, of course we did. As I carefully moved Joel off my lap getting on my feet, Eugene and Maurice came in. Both looking surprised by the rubble and unconscious Joel laying on the ground.

"What happened?" Eugene asked.

"Later…" I insisted, "Can you help us move him?" I asked.

Eugene nodded pulling Joel's feet out of the remaining rubble and ready to lift up at his ankles. I was standing at the head preparing to lift up from under his arms, but Adam gently put his hand on my shoulder again.

"We got him, Noella." He nodded.

I weakly smiled my thanks holding back all the emotion I was feeling. The guys took Joel into a large bedroom down the hall placing him gently on the bed. Joel hadn't stirred yet. Soon, I was reintroduced to my friends Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, and Cogsworth who all filed in the room even Sultan the dog came bounding in. I hugged them all so excited they were human again. We all returned attention to Joel as his eyes suddenly popped open as he gasped for air. His airways almost sounded blocked. I sat on my knees beside the bed as everyone gathered around, but not too close not wanting to crowd.

"Joel...I...my mom...I have to go." I said as I quickly wiped a tear from my eye.

Joel reached out holding my hand weakly not applying much pressure.

"I know." He muttered barely audible.

"You'll be okay. We'll see each other soon." I nodded smiling weakly.

He didn't reply, but brought his hand to my cheek stroking my face with his thumb sweetly. Though seconds later, his hand went limp dropping from my face as he fell unconscious again. My decision was made and I'm glad I got verbal confirmation from Joel that he understood, but I still hated to leave him like this. Adam and Belle walked up to me together smiling warmly.

"He'll recuperate here, Noella. He'll be safe and well taken care of." Belle nodded.

"For as long as he needs." Adam added.

"Thank you!" I said hugging them both.

As I was getting my stuff to leave again, securing my backpack with a change of clothes from Violette and food for the road, I pulled that magic bean from a small pocket in my pack. The one I got from Merryweather months ago. I was tempted to summon her right here and now to heal Joel, so he could wake and come with me, but what if I found my mom out there and she was in worse condition than Joel. Here at Adam's castle, Joel has friends and is well cared for. I don't know my mom's condition, so I decided to keep hanging onto that little bean returning it to my backpack pocket. Belle begged me to stay the night before I go so I wasn't traveling at night, but honestly, after today, I wasn't tired and I could cover more ground traveling through the night anyway. Eugene was set on coming with me, so I wasn't alone, but I was adamant that he stay with Joel. So after an exchange of hugs and supplies for the road, I left the castle behind me. Now back in pursuit of mom. I could only hope that she was okay and in the meantime, I would find the next mirror with ease.

AN:Alas comes the conclusion of the Beauty and the Beast province. I have to say this province I've thoroughly enjoyed probably since B&B is one of my favorites ;)

Curious about the magic bean from Merryweather? Stay Tuned.

Next chapter...new province...Let's do this! Until next time readers. Review if so inclined and thanks for the support of this story!