A/N: I changed Alexandrie's name to Marie, since I realized it was so close to Alexandre, the prince/beast. I didn't want to confuse the readers.
The Monster Within
Chapter One
"I want a new dress, Father!" said Marie.
"Oh, yes, Father!" said Evette. "And new shoes!"
Monsieur Bruchard smiled. He was going on another one of his business trips in the morning and he was asking his children what they wanted when he returned.
"I shall get you your new dresses and shoes," said Monsieur Bruchard. He turned to his youngest daughter. "And you, Rosalie? What would you like?"
"W-what I always w-want," said Rosalie softly, with her usual stutter, "for y-you to come gome s-safe, Papa."
"Now, Rosalie," said Monsieur Bruchard smiling, "I want to get you a real present. You may pick from anything in this whole world, no matter the cost. I shall make sure that you get it."
Rosalie thought for a moment.
"A, a rose," said Rosalie. "O-one single rose. B-but I do not w-want you to go t-to exteme legnths t-to find it."
Rosalie had a love for roses, and she always had. Yet she hated that in winter, they were gone. All she asked for on her birthday was to be with her birthday and a bouquet of eight roses. One for herself, one for each of her siblings, one for her father, and one for her mother, who, although was not with her physically, was always there spirtually.
"Very well, my dearest child," said Monsieur Bruchard. "You shall recieve your rose."
Rosalie smiled.
"D-do n-not g-go to e-exremes," said Rosalie.
...
Rosalie awoke the next morning, earlier than anyone else, except her father. She always wanted to see her father off.
"I, I'll miss you, Papa," said Rosalie as her father got onto his horse attached to a cart. "I, I cannot wait u-until y-you return."
"I shall think of you everyday, my darling," said Monsieur Bruchard.
"G-goodbye, Papa," said Rosalie. "I, I l-love y-you."
"As do I, my dearest," said Monsieur Bruchard. "Goodbye."
Monsieur Bruchard urged the horse to go. Soon he was out of sight. Rosalie had waved to him until he was out of sight.
"Rosalie!"
Rosalie turned at the mention of her name and saw Célia Merandeau, her best friend, was walking towards.
Célia, with golden blonde hair and sparkling blue-grey eyes, was almost as beautiful as Rosalie. She had more money than Rosalie, but just enough to make her middle class, not rich.
"C-Célia," said Rosalie, embracing her friend, "w-what are you doing up s-so e-early?"
"I woke up and couldn't fall back asleep," said Célia. "I knew your father was leaving today, and I know how you like to se him off."
Rosalie smiled at Célia.
"I, I d-don't have time t-to ch-chatter," said Rosalie. "I, I ough t-to start w-working."
"You're always working," said Célia.
"Th-there's a l-lot to do," said Rosalie.
"Your sisters could help," said Célia.
"I, I c-couldn't as th-them that," said Rosalie. "G-goodbye, Célia."
"Goodbye, Rosalie," said Célia, walking away.
Rosalie turned and walked int the house, starting on her chores.