The Ball
What was she thinking? What was she thinking? That's all Ariel could ask herself as Belle fixed the saddle onto Philippe's back. When Belle asked her if she wanted to go for a ride, she didn't think she was going to be riding a horse. She thought it was going to be like before with the carriage. What if she falls? What does she hold onto? Is she wearing the proper clothes? This wasn't like riding a dolphin at all.
"Are you sure about this?" Belle's voice snapped Ariel back to reality. She glanced between the brunette and the horse, noticing how Philippe looked at her with a sad expression. For years, she has wanted to walk on the human land and do what they do. Riding a horse is clearly one of them. Besides, she has rode on animal's before in the ocean. She also didn't want to pass up Belle's offer. With a sigh, she nodded.
Belle offered her hand to her and Ariel took it, their hands fitting together as if they were made for each other. Belle led her to Philippe and Ariel realized how high up his back was. How was she supposed to get on? She noticed Belle kicking a wooden crate towards her, stopping until it was in front of Ariel.
"Step on it and then swing your leg over his back," Belle explained. Ariel looked down at the crate and back up at Philippe's back. She gulped as she realized this was actually happening. She was actually going to ride a horse. For a moment, a smile lit up her face. She stepped onto the crate, hoping it wouldn't break under her weight, and lifted her right leg up on the horse's back.
She hopped a bit to help herself up and let out an inaudible shriek as she felt her body lose it's balance for a second as she steadied herself on his back. She closed her eyes, biting her lip and hoping Belle would save her if she fell. A soft clap made her open her eyes.
"You did it," Belle stated, before swinging onto Philippe with the ease of someone who has done this multiple times before. Ariel pulled back as Belle sat in front of her. What was she doing? Oh, right. This was her horse so of course she was going to take control. Ariel's eyes widened as she felt gravity pulling back and, as a last resort, gripped Belle's waist in front of her.
She felt Belle's shoulders tense and a gasp leave her mouth. Should she let go? But if she lets go, she's going to fall. She winced as she felt a soft hand pat her own.
"Hold on tight," Belle told her before gripping the reins and signalling for Philippe to move. Ariel burrowed her face into Belle's shoulders, her grip tightening on Belle's green dress, as the trio left the stables and stepped into the outside world.
There wasn't a destination Belle was taking Ariel. She simply wanted to show Ariel how it feels to ride a horse. For the first few minutes, all she could feel was Ariel's white-knuckle grip on her waist and her head in between her shoulders. It made her face warm and she had to tell herself to calm down when she realized her heart was racing. However, once Ariel got comfortable, her grip loosened and her head left Belle's shoulders. Belle glanced over her shoulder to catch Ariel smiling and looking at the world around them. A thought crossed her mind at the sight.
"Hey," Belle said to catch Ariel's attention. "Is it alright if we speed it up? You can just pat me on my shoulder if you want to slow down."
Ariel's grip tightened on Belle's waist at the question and Belle wondered if she was rushing the red-head. However after a few seconds, she felt Ariel's grip loosen and she turned to see Ariel nodding her head. Belle gave her a reassuring smile and snapped the reins, causing Phillipe to go from a trot into a run.
Ariel wrapped her arms around Belle's waist, pulling Belle's body into her own. Belle blushed again as she felt something soft touch her upper back. She looked down at Ariel's arms and thought about slowing down to calm her down, even though she liked the feeling of the two so close together.
"I'll slow down, okay?" Belle told her but was caught off guard at Ariel shaking her head against her shoulder. "You like it?" Ariel nodded in response and Belle bit her lip, deciding to focus on the road instead of the red head behind her.
As the trio continued on, a green field came into view. Ariel's eyes widened as she took in the sight. Surrounded by trees, the field was shaped into a circle and there were flowers and a clear view of the sky right in the middle. She patted Belle's shoulder to get her attention and pointed to the field.
"You want to go in there?" Belle asked. Ariel nodded, though she wasn't sure if Belle could see her. Belle signalled for Philippe to turn to the field, Ariel gripping Belle's waist again as the horse moved, and they made their way to the clearing.
As Ariel got closer, she could see specks of dust or something floating around, as well as some yellow flying things. The sun shined down on the top of her head and she had to use her hand as a cover for her eyes. The flowers beneath her were gorgeous and of so many different colors. She never saw such a beautiful color of green. It looked so deep and rich, yet lively and bright. As soon as Philippe was stopped, Ariel hopped down from his back and fell onto the ground. While others would be in pain, Ariel was in paradise. Who knew such a beautiful place like this existed in the human world?
She sniffed the flowers, the many scents filling her nose. The grass was slightly wet and pricked her skin, but she didn't care. It reminded her that this wasn't a dream and that she was actually laying in this heaven. She saw something small and red on one of the flowers and inched closer to get a better look. She tilted her head as she saw small legs on the side of the red thing.
"It's called a ladybug," Ariel gasped as she heard Belle's voice next to her. She turned to see Belle on her right, kneeling on the ground. She turned back to the ladybug, wondering why it was called that. Was this a lady? Were all ladybugs ladies and that's why they were called that? Why does it have black spots? Oh, how she wished she had her voice.
"They are said to bring good luck," Belle explained, before picking the flower the ladybug was seated on and lifting it up for Ariel to see. "And this is a buttercup."
Ariel took the flower from Belle's hands, twisting it in her own. Why was it called a buttercup? She knew what a cup was and she head an idea of butter because she saw it on her breakfast this morning. Looking at the flower, it did resemble butter in it's yellow color. But why was it called a cup? It didn't look like a cup. It looked more like the plates she had ate out of before. Butterplate? She smiled at the thought.
"It's very peaceful out here," Belle said, a nostalgic smile on her face. Ariel furrowed her brows at the sight.
"When I was younger, my parents and I would go to fields like this and have a picnic everyday on the last day of Spring," Belle reminisced. "We would lay out the blanket and sit together, enjoying the sun and flowers around us. My mama would make the best religieuse. It was these two pastries with custard in the middle covered in ganache."
Ariel noticed how Belle's face seemed brighter, not because of the sun but because of the memory. She looked prettier. Ariel frowned as she remembered Belle telling her that her mom had passed away. She knew the brunette missed her mother, evident by the way her eyes glistened as she spoke of the memory. Ariel remembered a song her mother would sing to her and her sisters to put them to sleep. Her beautiful voice filled Ariel's ears and she could almost feel her mother tucking her into bed and pressing a soft kiss to her cheek as she finished the song. Even though she couldn't remember much of her mother, she knew life in the palace back then was bright, lively, and above all, happy. What would life be like if her mom was alive? Would contact to the human world and merworld still be forbidden? Would she have allowed it?
"My mama told me a story about you," Belle said, snapping Ariel out of her thoughts and causing her to pout in confusion. "Well, moreso about merpeople. She spoke about King Triton and how powerful he is. She spoke about how you could always tell if he is in a good mood or not based on the waves of the ocean."
Ariel looked up at the sky, the same blue the sea resembled. Was he in a good mood? How was he taking her leaving? She knew that he could make the waves obey his wish, but she hadn't seen the waves make a single move when she looked out of her balcony. The ocean was still, almost lifeless. At night, it seemed darker than the sky above. This morning, the ocean didn't seem much brighter. She knew why. He missed her. And she missed him.
She tensed as she felt Belle's arms wrap around her in a hug. Ariel touched her face, shocked to find it wet. Was she crying? Did she even realize it? How many times had she cried in front of Belle already? She had only been in the human world for three days, but she was already missing home. She missed how her sisters would argue with each other or play games together. Like how Aquata got upset over Arista taking her pillow or how Adella had chased her during their morning walk because she tickled her with seaweed. She remembered sneaking away with Alana to go to a club. She remembered when her father brought music back to Atlantica and how all the merpeople joined in a conga line.
Was she a bad mermaid? Was she in the wrong for leaving everyone behind without a goodbye? Her father was extremely overprotective of her and she knew why, she looked almost identical to her mother. But even still, he always came around for her in the end. But he destroyed her grotto. Maybe she hit a nerve that time. She was always the one to go against his orders. She never thought she would miss home as much as she did now, but the tears running down her face and the memories playing in her mind on repeat like a catchy song told her everything.
"You miss home, don't you?" Belle asked her. Numbly, Ariel nodded. "Do you want to go back?"
Did she? But she always wanted to be a human. Wouldn't going back ruin that wish for her? Maybe she could visit. But how? She would have to go down to Ursula but she already had a deal with her she has yet to complete. Besides, if she were to go home, she would end up missing the human world. She would be leaving Eric and Belle. She didn't want to imagine either of them sad over her leaving. Imagining Belle's hazel eyes shining with tears was enough to make her want to hit herself.
"Maybe…" Belle trailed off, making Ariel look up at her to see what she was trying to say. "Maybe we could find a way for you to see your family and friends again."
At the sight of Ariel's blue eyes lighting up with hope, Belle's mind went into overdrive thinking of ways to get Ariel to see her loved ones again. She gasped as she remembered the crab!
"Perhaps you could send the crab down to the sea and we could take a boat out to meet them," Belle suggested. "He could lead them up to the surface and you could see them again!"
The smile that lit up Ariel's face nearly blinded her. Maybe it was the sun, but it didn't change the happiness that was pouring out of Ariel at the suggestion. Ariel wrapped her arms around Belle, pulling her into a bone-crushing hug. Belle smiled as she tightened her hold on the little mermaid. The moment was cut short however by Philippe nudging them with his nose and causing Ariel to fall back on the ground in surprise.
"Let me get this straight," The crab spoke, seeming to rub his face with his claws. "You want me to go back to Atlantica and bring your sisters up the surface so you can see them again? You going to the surface is the reason we're in this mess right now! What game are you playing at, missy?"
As the crab berated Ariel for the suggestion, Belle sat on the corner of the bed fiddling with the fabric of the pink dress she had changed into upon returning. He didn't seem to happy with the idea and she was sure that her being there was making things worse. However, when she got up to leave Ariel had grabbed her hand and pulled her back, clearly not wanting her to go. So now Belle had to listen into a talking crab lecture a human who used to be a mermaid about simply wanting to spend time with her family. She chuckled as she thought of all that has happened since she saw Ariel save Eric that day.
"Remember what happened the last time you and your sisters went against your father's rule?" The crab reminded Ariel. "Do you want that whole thing to repeat again?"
Belle looked over to see Ariel look out the crab with the cutest pout she has ever seen. She folded her hands together and looked up at the red crustacean with pleading eyes and even she could that the crab was breaking just by the look on her face.
"Alright, I'll go. But when?" He asked her. Ariel looked up at Belle for an answer and Belle found herself struggling with an answer. What day would be the best? Tonight or tomorrow? Tomorrow is the ball, they can't possibly meet tomorrow. And Ariel's time as a human is running short. Tonight? But how far is Atlantica? How fast can the crab go? Sighing, she placed her face in her hands. After a few seconds, she lifted her head up to look at the little mermaid. Her expectant blue eyes were piercing and Belle had to force herself to pull away from the gaze. It felt like turning away from a puppy.
"After the ball," Belle suggested, looking to Ariel for an answer. Ariel's eyes seemed to flash with different emotions before she nodded in response. Belle felt a pain in her heart at Ariel's sad expression. She probably thought she could do it tonight. But this night was too risky. Everyone would be running around setting stuff up for the ball and they wouldn't be able to sneak out to the ocean without being caught. After the ball was for the best, usually people would be too tired to get out of bed.
"If that's the case, I'm going back to bed," The crab announced before crawling up to the pillow and going to sleep. Belle forced herself to hide the grimace on her face as she watched the crustacean make himself comfortable on a pillow. Meeting Ariel has surely brought some surprises.
Ariel was upset. She hadn't seen Eric in almost two days nor has she seen Belle since last night. She had ate breakfast alone because she had woke up late and when she went to search for the two, the staff had rushed her back to her room to avoid her getting in the way of setting up. She had offered to set up, as best as she could without a voice, but they refused. Now she was sitting in her room, pouting and lonely. She had received a message that said Carlotta would be by to help her get ready for the ball, but so far the kind servant hasn't made an appearance.
She wondered what the ball was going to be like. How different would it be from the balls held in Atlantica? Would she have to dress up again? Of course, she couldn't attend a formal setting without dressed appropriately. She was going over the moves Belle had taught her before with the waltz. She wish she had more time to practice. Speaking of Belle, she wondered what she would look like tonight. She was going to attend after all. She remembered how beautiful Belle looked in the yellow dress she wore to dinner. It brought out her eyes and complimented her brown hair.
How would Eric dress up? Seeing as he is the heir to the kingdom, he would stand out among everybody. She wondered if he would ask for a dance. Probably not. He didn't have time for someone like her. Would he confess his feelings to her? Would he kiss her? She imagined the multiple ways he would tell her he loves her before kissing her. Then she would stay human forever with Belle and Eric.
"Knock, knock," Ariel jumped as a knock was heard at her door. She quickly got up to pull it open, finding Carlotta standing in front of her with that same motherly grin on her face.
"Time to get you ready for the ball!" Carlotta exclaimed, clapping her hands together. It was almost like she was more excited than Ariel was. That couldn't be. Ariel had never been to a human ball before. No, Ariel was more excited.
Ariel felt her breath leave her with each step she took to the ballroom. The dress was a little too tight, but when she tried to motion to Carlotta the issue, she was ignored. The shoes she had on were uncomfortable and felt like they were swallowing her feet with each step. However, despite these problems, the dress she had on was gorgeous. This dress was green and reminded her of the seaweed she would see back in Atlantica. It was almost as if this dress was meant to be worn on her. It felt like she had a piece of home with her today.
As she followed Carlotta down to the ballroom, she noticed some royals from other countries standing in the halls. As they passed by, she remembered to bow out of respect. All because she wasn't in the ocean, didn't mean she forgot her manners. Some of them bowed their heads in response while others just looked out at her with dark eyes. Well, not everybody is nice.
"Now Ariel, when you enter the ballroom, you must…" Ariel tuned out whatever Carlotta was explaining to her as they rounded a corner to the most beautiful sight she has ever seen. There was Belle in a yellow dress very similar to the one she wore for dinner before. But this one seemed to catch the light of the chandelier better than the other one. She saw how the dress shined as if it was the sun, the sleeves on her arms drooping in an alluring manner. Her hair looked more full and wavy as it was pulled into the same half up-half down style. It was as if she put glitter in her hair too. Ariel was so in shock, she didn't even realize she was standing still until she felt someone tug on her hands, pulling her back to reality.
"Are you alright?" Carlotta asked and Ariel merely nodded, her eyes still trained on Belle. "Is it alright if I leave you? I have to return to my duties." With another nod, Carlotta was off.
Ariel took a deep breath as she looked down at her dress, making sure no dust was on it. She didn't want to look a mess in front of Belle. She stepped closer to the brunette but as she got closer, she felt her breath hitch in her throat.
Belle was talking to someone, a man it appeared. He wore a blue jacket with black pants and his red hair was pulled into a low ponytail. Ariel froze as she saw Belle laugh at something he said and playfully hit him on the arm with her gloved hand. She looked happy. The song that was playing turned to a more slow and romantic tune and Ariel felt lips curl as the guy offered his hand to Belle for a dance. Ariel didn't know why her stomach was burning at the sight, but suddenly she didn't want to see anymore.
Swiftly, she turned and pushed through the herd of people to where the music was playing. All around her, women and men were paired together. They were dancing and smiling at each other. Everyone looked so happy. But why didn't she feel happy? This was her first human ball. She should be happy! But the thought of Belle dancing with that red headed man caused Ariel's chest to ache. But why? Shouldn't she be happy for her friend? Belle was her friend, right? Of course, she was.
Soon, Ariel found herself in front of a beautiful orchestra. They were playing instruments similar to the ones she had saw and heard back in Atlantica. The sound was beautiful and flowed right into Ariel's body, swaying her from side to side. It was almost hypnotic and managed to put any thought of Belle and the red headed man out of her mind. A small smile formed on her face as she remembered watching her mom and dad dance around the throne room when she was younger, both of them so happy and at ease with each other. She closed her eyes as she swayed to the music, startling out of it when a hand touched her shoulder.
She turned to see a tall man with brown eyes and medium brown skin looking at her. Judging by his regal clothing, he was a prince of some country. He gave her a kind smile with teeth that shined almost as bright as the stars in the sky. Not nearly as bright as Belle's though. With his high cheekbones and big, brown eyes, he was handsome. Not nearly as handsome as Eric though. Ariel looked down, staring at his outstretched hand.
"I'm sorry, but I just had to meet you," The man spoke, a foreign accent that intrigued Ariel. "I've never seen such a beautiful woman until tonight. Would you do me the honor of a dance?"
Ariel looked from him to his hand, questioning whether she should or shouldn't. Then the sight of a familiar yellow dress caught her eye and her answer was clear. She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the middle of the ballroom. Hopefully, she wouldn't make a fool of herself. She just had to remember what Belle taught her and let the man lead.
She placed her vacant hand on his shoulder, the fabric of the clothing smoother than anything she has ever touched. Where was this man from? She wish she had her voice.
She attempted to look in his eyes, but something else caught her attention. She glanced over his shoulder to see Belle looking at the two, her brows furrowed and her arms folded. When the two met eyes, Belle gave her a smile though it appeared more forced than kind. Why was she upset? She had no reason to be upset. She was dancing with that red headed man before. Where did he go? Did he leave her? Ariel shook her head of the thoughts and focused on her dance partner. Didn't matter now.
Belle watched as Ariel danced with Prince Hamid. She was in good hands, he wasn't a bad dancer and he was extremely patient. Belle remembered dancing with him two years ago and how he taught her some new moves during it. He was a bit flirtatious for her tastes, but he wasn't as revolting as some other men she has come across.
But why was her stomach burning at the sight of the two dancing? Was it because Belle was worried Hamid might push himself on her? He didn't look like that kind of guy. He wasn't that kind of guy. So why was she upset? She felt her heart begin to race with adrenaline when she saw Ariel give him a smile that shined brighter than all the diamonds the royals wore tonight. What was wrong with her? She looked happy. Sighing, Belle turned to go, however her exit was stopped short as she bumped into a person.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Belle quickly apologized, knowing how some of these royals can get when you don't apologize within 0.1 seconds. She heard a chuckle and looked up to see Prince Adam looking down on her with his kind and soft blue eyes. She breathed a sigh of relief. Better to run into him than someone else.
"It's alright, you're not the first person to run into me," He joked and Belle gave a small giggle more so out of kindness than actual laughter. "Are you alright?"
Belle blinked at his question. Was she that obvious? She suddenly became aware of how her shoulders had risen and her jaw had clenched. She attempted to bring her shoulders down and unclench her jaw but that just made it more obvious that something was bothering her.
"I will be," She decided to tell him the truth. She had no reason to lie to him. The two had met the year before. That night, he was nervous and couldn't seem to talk much to anyone despite being a prince. She had asked him to dance and he told her the story of how he was trapped for ten years inside a nightmare that stopped him from attending any balls or interacting with any human being. She felt pity for the isolated young man, but he had told her the story had a happy ending as he had told her that he was now married to the most beautiful woman that could've ever existed and was helping him become a better man each day. Sadly, she was unable to make it tonight due to her being pregnant and put on bedrest.
She felt his strong hand give her shoulder a tight squeeze that didn't hurt, but felt comforting instead. She looked up to see him giving her an understanding smile and she placed her hand on his in response.
"Don't rush it," He advised her, before holding out a glass. Wordlessly, she took a sip. She wasn't much of a drinker, but at occasions like this, you needed a drink to get through it. She felt eyes watching her and turned her head to see Ariel watching her from where she stood with Prince Hamid. Should she ask Ariel to dance? Then again, two women dancing together would cause quite the stir. It was supposed to be a man and woman. Then again, women weren't supposed to do a lot of things.
"What are you waiting for?" Belle jumped as Adam spoke. She turned to him with a confused expression. He gestured to where Ariel stood, now alone as the dance had finished.
"Talk to her," He told her. Belle looked at the beautiful redhead standing by herself. Should she? Their eyes locked onto each other again and Belle smiled, knowing her answer. She gave the glass back to Adam and swiftly pushed through the crowd with ease, the little mermaid stepping closer to her. Finally, the two stood in front of each other and Belle could actually take in Ariel's appearance.
She had on a sea green dress that shined like the stars in the sky and her hair fell down onto her shoulders in effortless waves. She had a purple clip in the middle of her chest that resembled a seashell. Come to think of it, the entire dress reminded Belle of Ariel's green fishtail. It was as if the dress was made for her. And seeing Ariel's glowing face, she knew the little mermaid thought the same.
"You look beautiful," Belle complimented her. Ariel's cheeks flushed pink as she bowed her head to hide it. Glancing around at the people looking at the two, she worried that people might get the wrong idea. To Belle, they were just two women interacting together at a ball. To them, it was something much more scandalous.
"Have you been having fun?" Belle asked Ariel, who nodded with a smile. She gestured dancing and then pointed in the direction Prince Hamid went. Quickly, Belle took Ariel's pointing hand in her own and pulled it down from anybody's gaze.
"You shouldn't point, it's rude," Belle explained. Ariel snatched her hand from Belle's and rubbed at it, bowing her head. After a few seconds, she looked up at the brunette in front of her and held out her hand. Belle's eyes widened at the sight.
"Y-You want me to dance...with you?" Belle asked, trying to keep her voice level. Ariel nodded and Belle noticed how the song was a common one used for waltz. Maybe the society under the sea wasn't as strict as the one on land and that's why Ariel didn't seem worried. Or maybe she just wanted to dance with her friend. What to do?
Belle looked into Ariel's expectant blue eyes and sighed, placing her hand in Ariel's. She placed her vacant hand on Ariel's waist, who placed her own on the brunette's shoulder. Belle tightened her hold on Ariel and with an assuring smile, began to lead her into a dance.
The murmurs around the two grew louder as they eased around the other couples, both not taking their eyes off each other. A few times, Ariel stumbled over her dress but she steadied herself with a silent laugh that made Belle smile. Dancing with someone else who was wearing a dress also proved to be difficult, but the two quickly learned to maneuver around it. Ariel was so focused on the dance and Belle, that the thought of Eric didn't cross her mind.
"What's wrong with them?"
"Do you think they are...together?"
"A woman with a woman? Impossible."
"They need someone to show them the right way."
The conversations around Ariel reached her ears and caused her to stop abruptly, making Belle nearly crash into her. Did they think she was with Belle? But they're not. They're just friends. That's all. She just wanted to dance with her friend. She didn't think it would be such a problem. And what do they mean by show them the right way? She suddenly became aware of the eyes looking at her with either pity, disappointment, anger, disgust, and something else Ariel didn't want to describe. All the eyes boring into her made her head hurt. It began to throb and she placed her hand on it to calm it down, instead it felt like her heart had traveled to her brain and was thumping against her palm. She needed to get away. She needed to leave.
Vision blurry, Ariel ran from the ball. She didn't know if she bumped into anyone on the way, she didn't even know where she was going. All she knew was that she needed to leave. Running in a dress proved difficult, but she kicked off the heels that tripped her multiple times and moved on. Her head was still hurting, her stomach started to twist. Suddenly, her face felt cold and her hair was blowing behind her. She wiped her eyes and found herself standing at the top of a hill, overlooking the beach.
The beach. The water. The ocean. Atlantica. As if in a daze, she moved down the hill towards the ocean. As she did, memories swam in her mind. Memories of her and her family, along with her mom, playing on top of the surface before her father banned it. Memories of meeting Scuttle and asking him what a human object meant. Looking up at the stars in the sky, wishing to be human for at least a day. Swimming with the dolphins and orcas. Listening to music in an underwater club. Her vision blurred again as the memories overtook her.
She stopped at the edge of the sand, feeling the way it felt under her toes. The grainy feel of it reminded her of how she wanted to spend a day warm on the sand. She looked down to see the ocean rise up, hitting her feet as if saying hello. She kneeled down, a warm smile on her face, and placed her hands in the water. She remembered how her hands felt under the water, her fingers were always wrinkly and her skin felt grainy because of the salt in the water. She cupped her hands and lifted it up, looking at her reflection in the liquid. She closed her eyes and splashed it on her face, smiling at water droplets pouring down.
She looked back out to the water and sighed, the sounds of seagulls flying above her.
"Ariel?" Ariel looked up in surprise at the sound of a familiar voice calling her name. Her smile widened as Scuttle flew down to her, landing on the sand next to her. He's back! He's back!
"How you doing, kid?" He asked her and Ariel wrapped her arms around him, her hold tightening at the feeling of her friend meeting her again. "Okay! Loosen up on the pipe!"
Ariel let him go, wincing as he coughed. Maybe she should have let up earlier.
"Well then, I guess you're doing just fine," Scuttle said. "You look different. Is it the hair? You've been using the dinglehopper, huh?"
Ariel wished she could tell him it was a fork and not a dinglehopper, but decided against it. Instead, she gestured to the dress she had on and Scuttle gave a gasp that made it seem like it was his last breath.
"Look at you!" Scuttle exclaimed. "You lookin' like a real human now."
Real human. She thought about the deal. She had seven days to make Eric fall in love with her and give her the kiss of true love. But she hadn't seen him at the ball, despite him inviting her. She only had three days left. She should have been looking for him. To see if he still wanted to be with her. But instead, she was hanging out with Belle. Not that anything is wrong with that. She loved spending time with the kind beauty. She was kind, patient, smart, understanding, and beautiful. Even when she found out Ariel was a mermaid, she didn't judge her. She accepted her as she was and still does. Whenever she was with Belle, she felt comfortable, like she didn't have to worry about how she acted and what she did. Whether it was learning how to waltz, reading books, or riding a horse. As long as she was with Belle, she didn't care what they did.
Wait. Why was she thinking about Belle? She should be focused on Eric and getting the kiss. She remembered a question Belle had asked her. Did she really love Eric or did she just want to be human? Did she love Eric? What did she love about him? He was handsome and kind. She bit her lip as she tried to think of more. What did she love about Eric? There had to be something. Why couldn't she think? Nothing was coming to mind. Maybe it's because she hadn't been spending much time with as she was with Belle. Yeah, that had to be it.
"ARIEL!" Ariel winced as Scuttle yelled in her ear, nearly falling into the water. "CAN YOU HEAR ME?"
Ariel nodded, patting her ear to see if she could still hear after he nearly burst her ear drums. She really needed to stop zoning out, this wasn't good. Especially for her ears.
Belle followed the little mermaid, who was surprisingly quick on her feet for someone who has only had them for a few days. No matter how fast she ran, she couldn't catch up to her. She had came across her shoes that had fell off in the hallway. Picking them up in her hands, Belle looked towards the exit at the end. A glass door stood there, separating Belle from the beach outside. Beach! Instantly, Belle pushed open the doors, the wind blowing her hair in her face along with her dress. She had to find Ariel.
After a short walk, Belle noticed a familiar figure by the ocean talking to a seagull. It had to be Ariel, there was no other way. Slowly, Belle inched towards the pair, still holding Ariel's shoes in her hands. As she got closer, the seagull looked up at her and let out a loud shriek. Belle winced as Ariel turned to face her, her fair skin shining in the moonlight and her red hair slightly damp and framing her face.
The two stared at each other for a few seconds, neither saying anything. The seagull appeared to tap Ariel to get her attention. The redhead blinked and then, on shaky legs, stood up and approached Belle. In the moonlight, she looked like how she did the first time they spoke. And by the ocean, her expression was relaxed. She looked happy.
Remembering the shoes, Belle held them out to Ariel, who took them without question. However, instead of putting them on, she placed them on the sand next to her. Belle furrowed her brows at this, but Ariel just gave her a mischievous smirk. Belle watched as Ariel bunched the bottom of her dress up in her hands and stepped into the ocean. A nostalgic smile appeared on Ariel's face and she closed her eyes as she took in the feeling of the water on her legs.
After a few seconds, she looked at Belle, nodding her head to the water. Understanding, Belle stepped out of her shoes and followed Ariel's lead, bunching her dress up and walking into the ocean. The liquid soothed Belle's feet as she stepped closer to Ariel, relaxing her. The water was cold but Belle felt warm. She looked into the beautiful blue eyes of her friend and asked a question.
"Are you happy here?" Belle asked. Ariel looked down at the water flowing around her, before raising her head to look at the direction of the palace. An array of emotions appeared on Ariel's face and Belle wondered if she was ever going to get an answer. What seemed like minutes later, Ariel finally faced the brunette and gave her a single nod, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"Why?" Belle questioned. Wouldn't Ariel feel a bit homesick? She clearly missed her home, evident by her tears from yesterday and her standing in the ocean today. Wouldn't she feel alone? Scared? Confused? Why was she happy?
Belle's eyes widened as Ariel grabbed her hands with her own. Belle could feel the dampness from the water on them, but they were still soft and gentle, like a baby's skin. Looking in Ariel's eyes, there was a hint of confusion placed in between the softness. Maybe it was the moon, maybe it was the ocean, maybe it was just her, but a part of Belle knew why she was confused. Because she was confused about the same thing.
Chapter seven. Please leave a review.