At last the end of the day had finally come. While it had not been a particularly busy day for the store, Belle found herself running about trying to get everything done that needed it. She had been up since 6:00am going to look at the roses in the greenhouse, then back to the house for 7:30am to get her father up and make breakfast. She then had to be at the store for 8:30am where she would unlock the store and rebuff Gaston's attempts a flirting. From then on she had been at the shop preparing flowers and bouquets for people to give to their special someone. But finally 5:30pm came and Belle was free for the rest of the weekend. Tonight was her night to cut loose and enjoy herself. She had been instructed by Ruby to do so.
Brushing back her lose brown hair and tucking it behind her ear she smiled at the clock which read back to her closing time. As if running towards the door she quickly locked it and immediately began shutting off the lights. The money was counted and the plants were watered. All that was left was for her to slip into her dress and into her little heels and away she would go.
Turning around, a gasp escaped her lips as she had forgotten that Gaston was still there.
"Oh my," She said placing her hand on her chest as if to calm herself. "I forgot you were here."
"Yeah just finishing up." He said wiping his hands off on his jeans.
While there was nothing wrong with Gaston's appearance, as everyone pointed out he was a very fine looking man, Belle just couldn't seem to feel any attraction for him. He had worked in the families shop for as long as she could remember and had been flirting with her since the first day. Her father encouraged him to and constantly reminded Belle about what a handsome fellow he was. Yet there was nothing there. If they did not talk about work there was nothing to discuss. She had made attempts but there was no interest. When she had asked him if he liked reading he responded with "like billboards?".
"Where are you off to tonight?" He asked as he watched her walk into the back and pull from her bag the dress and shoes.
"A bunch of girls are heading to Granny's and then to the bar. Just a small girls night." She said smiling at him as she quickly smoothed out any wrinkles.
"Cool, yeah the guys and I were thinking of heading to the bar too." He said running his hand through his thick black hair. "I hope to see you there."
"Maybe, I am not much of a late night person so I might head home early." She said as politely as she could without making it obvious she did not want to see him.
"Oh ok, yeah will maybe send me a text so I can make sure you get home safe. I know your father would be worried about you walking home at night and well Storybrooke isn't that safe." He said walking towards her a bit.
"Thank you Gaston, I appreciated it but I think I should be ok." She said smiling and walking past him. "I will unlock the door for you, as I might be here a while longer."
"Okay, well have a good night Belle." He said following behind her dragging his feet. "If you do want someone to walk you home let me know and I will be there."
"Thank you," She said opening the door and watching as he walked out. Turning around to face her, she smiled at him one last time. "Good night"
Before a response could be made or heard, Belle closed the door and locked it quickly rushing to the back to change. Tonight was her night of relaxation. She had no one to look after but herself and it was a nice change for her.
Granny's was busy for a Friday night, as always. There were no fast food places in the town and Granny's was the only place that could serve something hot and fast. Granny's was a dependable place where the company was in comparison to the food. Dusk had only just set in and the lanterns outside of the just turned on when Belle reached for the door handle. She could hear the people already from outside.
Being in there not even a second she heard "Belle!" being shouted out from across the restaurant.
Seeing Rudy skip towards her able to balance the drinks in each hand a sense of relaxation immediately came over Belle. She did not need to ask twice for Belle to take the glass as she found herself in immediate need of something strong.
"So…how was your day?" Ruby asked laughing as she equally downed her drink.
"Long and ordinary." Belle smiled quickly as she polished off her drink. "Just as it always is."
"My my we are cheerful today." Ruby said as she walked towards the bar to get another one. "Maybe we should get some food in you before I get you another drink."
"I think that is a wise choice." Belle laughed as she looked to find a table.
Seeing the booth with Mary Margret and Emma, her new roommate and the new town sheriff, Belle was but a second from joining them when she noticed a single person sitting at the very back alone and at a barely lit table. While she was sure the alcohol was settling in already, she figured she would take her chance and see if her suspicious were right. As she approached she could slowly see the image come to light.
Mr. Gold sat there with his book open and his food in front. He did not seem to notice the noise or the people surrounding him. They however noticed him. Everyone avoided the surrounding area, in fear of what he might do if they come close. He seemed to be enjoying his peace, but for his eyes that still held that sadness that Belle noticed the other day.
"Good evening Mr. Gold." Belle said standing over him.
Taking a deep sigh and rolling his eyes slightly to the left, the expression of annoyance immediately crossed his face as he looked up to see who was there. Seeing it was Miss. Belle French, he did not change his expression but inside his mind million questions raced. "Good evening Miss. Belle. What can I do you for?"
"Oh nothing," She said shifting her weight from one side to the other as she quickly realized why people did not speak to him. "It is interesting that you would choose to come to Granny's on a Friday night and read with all this noise around."
"Indeed." He said shutting the book and taking a drink of his tea. "I come here every Friday night. It is a routine that I have one of Granny's burgers and read a bit of my book."
"And what book is that?" Belle asked hoping to get a peek over top of him.
"Why are you here Belle?" He asked with a frustrated tone.
"I…I just wanted to say hello." She said feeling herself become nervous. "I rarely see you around town so…"
"So you figured we were friends?" He said pulling out his wallet and throwing some money on the table. "I think not."
"Well I apologize for being friendly." She said stepping back allowing him to go passed her.
"Go back to your girls," He said grabbing his cane from the booth. "You are young and pretty. Go find something to amuse you."
He could not have walked passed any faster. The scent of roses was all over her and as he passed her the sweet scent flooded him. He could not help but stop as he stood behind her as if to enjoy her scent. He hated the fact that she was so beautiful and how lovely she smelled. He dared not say a word but walked as quickly as he could towards the door. As if he were running out of the restaurant, he knew people watched as he left and as soon as the door closed behind him the noise picked up even louder.
He did not get more than ten feet away from Granny's when he heard that sweet voice call out. "Mr. Gold! Mr. Gold!"
He turned slowly and before he could say anything, Belle reached out and in her hands laid the book. Staring at her and at it, she quickly spoke saying. "Here, I did not want you to forget it."
Handing it off to him, he could not think of anything as she continued. "My mother use to read it to me, and I didn't want to deprive you of the ending." Smiling at him, once more she turned away and as she reached for the door handle she said. "Oh and for your information, you do not scare me Mr. Gold."