A/N: Sorry this took so long guys, I was having lack of inspiration. Plus lack of computer time and other personal issues. But I'm back, and will write as often as I can for you guys.

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS PURELY FANMADE. ALL RIGHTS GO TO THEIR RESPECTFUL OWNERS. PLEASE DO NOT STEAL. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN USING ANY PART OF/OR ADOPTING THIS STORY, PLEASE PM ME FOR PERMISSION.

Chapter 2: A Great Success

Belle came running up the dirt pathway that led to her cottage. She quickly followed the trail of smoke that emitted from her father's workshop. Belle opened the doors to his workshop, having to shield her face from the clouds of dust and smoke that swirled around the room.

"Papa?" Belle called, coughing as the smoke choked her.

Why he decided to build his workshop in the cellar, she would never know.

"Papa?" she called again.

"Dog gone it!" he exclaimed in frustration.

The clouds of smoke finally cleared, and Belle could start to make out her father's short stout form. She had to stifle a laugh when his pants slid down his legs, revealing his poka-dot underwear.

"Are you alright, Papa?" Belle asked.

"I'm about to give up on this hunk of junk," he grumbled, giving his latest project a good hard kick. Belle slightly jumped at her father's small action, which caused the contraption to go a foot off the ground, and come back down with a thundering crash.

Belle shook her head. She had heard this many times before.

"You always say that."

"I mean it this time," Maurice retorted, "I'll never get this blasted thing to work!"

Belle shrugged her shoulders and heaved a heavy sigh. She didn't know how many more times she could get her father out of his creative slumps, and persuade him to start working again.

Belle's father wanted to make a living as an inventor. He recently got a big opportunity to invent something for a family who happened to be passing though town. They saw one of his earlier inventions, and asked if he would make a wood chopping contraption for them.

The father was starting to become his age, and certain tasks were proving to have greater difficulty than they did before. This included, chopping wood for various things.

Maurice was more than happy to help a family in need. So he agreed to make the invention, but little did he know how difficult it was going to be.

"Yes you will, and you'll make that family really happy," Belle said, reminding him of his reason for doing this in the first place. She placed her hands on her father's shoulders and added, "And everyone will know what a great inventor you are."

"You really think so?"

"I know so."

"Well, what in the world are we waiting for? I'll have this thing in no time!" Maurice exclaimed, "Could you hand me that wrench over there?"

Belle smiled at her father's newly restored confidence. She turned around and proceeded to make her way over to her father's toolbox, and fish out the tool he had asked for.

"So, did you have a good time in town today?" Maurice asked, trying to make simple conversation with his daughter.

"I got a new book," Belle said, trying to sound cheerful.

Maurice could hear the sadness in his daughter's voice, "Oh no, what happened?"

Belle heaved a heavy sigh, "It's just…." She tailed off, not wanting to finish her sentence.

Maurice could the hear hesitation in his daughter's voice. He knew that things had been hard for her ever since Gaston had been so cruel to her.

"Was it Gaston again?" Maurice asked, his voice muffled as he lay underneath his invention.

Belle didn't say a word, but that was all the confirmation he needed. Maurice had harsh feelings towards the man after he had hurt his daughter like he did. He would make sure that man stayed away from her. At least, not if he could help it.

"Papa, am I ugly?" Belle asked softly, gently touching the side of her face that was scarred. It would be a permanent reminder of what had happened, and she would be forever haunted by it.

"My daughter, ugly? Why on earth would you think that?" he asked, "Besides, it's what on the inside that truly matters."

"Maybe you're right," Belle sighed heavily, "I just feel like I don't belong here anymore."

"Well, don't you worry," Maurice reassured her.

He got up, and put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze, "This invention is going to be the start of a new life for us."

Belle gave him a small smile and went to stand next to her father.

"I think that's done it," he said proudly, "Let's give it a try."

Maurice pulled the lever, and the contraption let a loud whistle followed by a puff of steam. Belle was prepared for anything as her father's invention began to creak. She let a huge smile spread across as the axe attachment began to chop the wood set out for testing, and successfully landed in the woodpile across the room.

"It works!" she exclaimed.

"It does?" he questioned, almost finding it hard to believe.

They ducked another piece of wood came flying in their direction.

"It does!"

"You did it. You really did it!"

Maurice could do nothing but smile. His invention was finally a success.

"You're sure you'll be alright here by yourself?" Maurice asked, worried that Gaston might take advantage of him being gone, and proceed to hurt Belle even further.

"Don't worry Papa, I'll be fine," she replied.

"If you're sure,"

"I'm sure," she smiled,"No go, they're waiting for you."

"Alright." he finally gave in and climbed on to Philippe, the family horse.

"Goodbye Papa, good luck," Belle waved, as he began riding down the dirt path.

"Bye Belle, take care while I'm gone," he called back over his shoulder as he rode off into the beginning twilight.

A/N: Finally! Sorry again. It takes me longer than the normal person to write a chapter. So, I'm gonna let you guys decide. Shorter chapters and more frequent updates. Or longer chapters, and longer time between updates. Also, I will start putting references to other versions in Chapter 6. Anyway, hope you guys like it, and Read and Review.