Chapter 10 Confidence Boosters
The building was large and echoed badly. Robby had come early, not only to drive the graduate, but to also gain a good seat where he could attempt to take a picture and also aid him in being the most out of the way that he could possibly be. He had taken a seat at the very end of the row-kept his cane nestled close to his chair, yet he was constantly worried that someone would need to get up for some reason (which had happened already, only ten minutes into the graduation as a mother with two toddlers needed frequent exits, apparently), and he worried that he would somehow trip someone with his cane, sending them sprawling and causing a scene-which would be the worst part of the entire imagination induced ordeal.
Belle had told him he needn't go. They could celebrate together, by themselves, afterwards or he was very welcome to hang out with her and Ruby, and the whole gaggle of girls and their friends, at Ruby's place. Robby had only liked the option where it was just he and Belle, but this wasn't about him. This was about Belle, and how hard she had worked throughout highschool, despite losing her mom, to make good grades so that way she could gain a free ride to college. This was about Belle gaining the ability to work full time and gain more independence, this was about the woman who had made it her mission over the last three months(and if he was being honest, she had been doing it longer than that, unbeknownst to him at the time), to make him as comfortable as possible-the least he could do was be a little (or a lot, as they case might be) uncomfortable for her.
He found, even, that he was doing better than he would have done those months ago when both she and he went through the charade of him being mute (again, to make him comfortable, he reminded himself). He wasn't sweating through his clothes, and his head wasn't buzzing too badly, and if his chest would settle, he wouldn't be so bad off. He focused on Belle-made himself focus on why he was there, and it helped any panic trying to surge beneath the surface.
It had been a process-where he was now and where he was before. The day Belle came to work with him was probably what started things, really.
Two and half months ago
'So is this 'bring your girlfriend to work' day, and why did I not get the memo?' Jeff's eyes danced mischievously.
'I didn't think you would have a girlfriend to bring.' Robby couldn't help but smirk, gaining a giggle from Belle which made Robby's heart swell. He made Belle giggle-stupid quip or no.
'Wow-harsh, Gramps. So-you stickin' around very long, Belle?' Jeff said with no hidden malice, so it wasn't taken harshly.
'All day, if you don't mind too much-I promise I won't get in the way. You know, I was shown the exhibit earlier when Robby was telling me what he does here-maybe you could give me an official tour of the actual exhibits?' Belle had played the entire thing off in lighthearted fashion-you would never know by her warm smiles and laughing eyes that she was there because she was frightened to go home. He wished he had that sort of bravery about him.
Jeff gladly stood by her side and took her through the exhibit room before the building officially opened. Robby had the unfortunate opportunity to hear what they said before they disappeared into the exhibit room.
'You know, I've been thinking about introducing you to my friend's roommate, Emma.'
'Yeah?'
'Yes, I think you both would go well together.' Belle said resolutely.
'Alright-double date it is then!' Jeff squealed, never realizing that a limping Robby stilled and stood a good five minutes allowing nervous panic to seize him at the idea alone.
Belle later told him that they needn't do that, that Jeff could very easily go on his own, but she did say she had a wish to introduce the two.
'He might not interfere with our love life if he had his own.' She had giggled, and Robby, enamored over her use of the word 'love life', had agreed to whatever she suggested.
The day of the double date had come and though he was filled with terrorizing nerves, he found that the calming presence of Belle had such an effect that he even mustered a few more words than just 'yes' and 'no', which were his normal go to words he could manage with strangers. She kept one hand under the table the entire time and squeezed it from time to time to reassure him that she was there. And when the seemingly successful dinner was over, and he walked her to her car she looked at him with such pride and happiness and that he would have immediately agreed to meet whomever she wanted him to.
The next hurdle was meeting Ruby-the wild child who seemed to only know how to dress in one color. Where Belle was softness, warmth, and light-Ruby had edges of jagged steel and he pitied the person who made it their mission to go against her, for she had no issues mowing the person down with sharp words, and most likely sharper fists if the situation called for it. She was a friend to Belle and seemed to extend that same sort of fierce protectiveness to the entire pack of girls that resided with her, so Robby had nothing against her.
Not saying he wasn't shaking once the whole interrogation-well, Belle would have called an introduction-was over. How old was he again? How did they meet? He wasn't just some creep, was he? Did he know Belle was so kind hearted that she wouldn't say no to anyone?
Belle had bristled at a few of these questions for him.
'Ruby!' She had interjected with each question, and attempted to interrupt Ruby at the pass and answer some without Robby having to panickly search for the right answer that wouldn't have Ruby accusing him of being a creep, and also would be something he could conceivably say. Belle was there again, every step of the way. Smoothing things over, interjecting, keeping a tight hold on him, infusing some of her calm bravery to him, looking at him with a 'you did it' smile whenever he answered in a complete sentence. He might have thought himself even more pathetic than before if it had been anyone other than Belle. When she looked at him, she did so as if he was the most wonderful person in the world (a good portion of it might be imagined, but it helped him survive the ordeal, so he held firmly this observation) not like a puppy in need of a treat when the sad mutt did anything worth rewarding. Each smile buoyed him for the question ahead and finally he made it out on the other side.
Belle had been a bit peeved at her friend's line of questioning, and felt that for the sanity of all, perhaps he and Ruby not be in too close a vicinity, if possible.
As far as Belle's living situation, fortunately, one of Ruby's roommates had gotten themselves in a tiff with Ruby (no surprise to Robby once he met the fiery girl) and left the overcrowded house. Belle was offered the empty room, and Robby let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding since the first time he saw the pile of rubbish Belle was forced to call home. He had been there to help her pack and leave, cowardly he may be, but he was ready to do whatever it took to get her away from the situation, and if her father had made too much of a fuss, he would have defended her-he was sure of it. So he helped her carry her meager belongings and was both angry that her father didn't even notice her leaving, and thankful that there were no awkward confrontations. She was moved in, and told him that she didn't even notice a difference in the money it cost her to live. She had been keeping the cabinets full and the fridge with fresh food there at her father's, and Ruby's room was so inexpensive that she hardly noticed at all. Belle was noticeably happier and Robby wasn't always on edge-well not for that reason anymore, anyway.
Three months-three beautiful months of getting to know each other. There were difficult moments, of course. There was the time when she wanted to know about his childhood. When he shared with her things he had shared with no one before, she cried and threw her arms around him in comfort.
'I see no coward, Robby.' And she had kissed away the horrible memories that had oppressed him for so long, and though he still technically remembered them, the emotions that were associated with them, were somehow made less severe for Belle now helping him make new and wonderful ones.
Belle had done that. At another point in time, she had told him stories of her own childhood. How in her own childish mind it had been picturesque, though her father had never shown her much attention, she had a devoted mother who smoothed all the younger memories into one sweet recollection. As an adult looking back, Belle sighed that her mother had shielded her from so much, and therefore must have suffered a great deal.
'But she had you, Belle, and you must have been a great comfort to her.' Belle had shrugged wistfully, but given him a sad, yet hopeful sort of smile.
When Belle shed tears at the memory of her mother's death, it was Robby's turn to hold her in an embrace of hopefully some comfort. How he wished he could give the same sort of warmth that Belle always gave!
Now he was sitting here, waiting on the names to begin. He readied his phone camera, not wanting to be too 'boomerish' and somehow mess the whole procedure up, and he willed his hands not to shake as he pulled it up when her name was finally called. He did not hoop or holler, but he hoped she knew how very proud he was of her accomplishment. And as proud of her as he was, he couldn't contain a smile at the heels she had chosen to walk in, no doubt trying not to look like the shortest one there. He was afraid the heels brought her to a good five foot two, so they did little to aid her in her goal. He loved every aspect of Belle, including her tiny, compact size.
He waited by the doorway, hoping to blend in with the wall, but still be visible enough that Belle would see him once she came through.
'There you are Gramps! I didn't know if she would convince you to come or not.' Jeff's loud voice was like nails on a chalkboard when a person was trying to be invisible to the general public.
'Wouldn't have missed it.' He managed, thankful he sounded coherent, though significantly quieter than Jeff. He cast darting glances around the area to make sure no one was watching their exchange. Seeing that he was just being overly anxious, as always, and no one actually cared about two random people speaking by a doorway, he breathed a little and Jeff continued.
'Good for you, good for you.' And he slapped him good naturedly on the back, causing him to frantically balance with his cane to keep from falling. He sent Jeff an annoyed glance and Jeff had the good sense to look sheepish about it nearly causing a cripple person to fall.
'And I'm guessing you are here for Emma?'
The boy child beamed. The couple had gotten off to a good, if not somewhat rocky start. They fought like cats and dogs, but seemed to enjoy the banter, so he assumed they were happy in their arguing.
'You coming to the party after this?'
'No, no, Belle assures me she doesn't want to go. I hope she means it.' Robby sighed. He had tried to put all selfish tendencies to the side for her, but when she insisted she would rather they celebrate together than go to Ruby's crazy party, he couldn't help being relieved.
'I'm sure she does. This is the girl that likes to just sit in an art building and read. She doesn't seem to be the partying type.'
'Thank goodness.' Robby muttered. Jeff laughed and told him he would see him at work, and left Robby to once again try to make himself invisible.
Belle found him and she was all smiles and cheerfulness. Robby's panic rose a little with the knowledge of what he had planned for the two of them that evening.
'Alright-so dinner? I'm starved! Also, I am so glad I threw some flats in the car-please tell future me not to torture myself the next time I think wearing four inch heels is a good idea, okay?'
All the words were so joyfully spoken that it made Robby's pulsing heart slow to normal levels and he let out a chuckle.
'Come along then, sweetheart.' The term of endearment had come out by accident only three weeks into their dating relationship. He had been mortified that the way he thought of her inwardly had been brought out into the open. Belle said she quite liked it, so he had used it ever since.
They got in the car and the long thought out plan was put into motion.
Author's note: Finally posting this chapter! I had started this the day I posted the previous chapter, then caused my wrist to be sore on Sunday. I was playing a piano solo(yep-and I used to be a piano teacher too, and still somehow played with my hands in a wrong position or something-who knew you could injure yourself playing the piano, hahaha). I waited a day and then began on the chapter again. All this amidst trying to get Christmas gifts shopped for, and all the other things this season for church. I say all that to say-I don't know how many days it will be before I can update again. I have the chapter planned in my head, thankfully, it's just finding time to sit and type it out.
Also, fun fact. I always make Belle my height in my stories, since she is on the short side to begin with-a whole four foot eleven inches (really ten and a half, but I like to just round up, lol)