I'm back darlings! So sorry for the prolonged chapters, but I have my reasons. Here they are:

I am currently working on an action/drama/romance/fantasy series that I'm really excited about, and am working on getting it finished the best I can so I can possibly self-publish it. It has always been my dream to be a professional author, you see.

So, that's why this is so late, and the other chapters are also most likely going to be really late. I hope you understand.

Thank you to Nimara and ShyandStarryEyed for your reviews! They are always appreciated.

…

Chapter 10

Moving On

Babette's eyes were sore and bloodshot when she awoke. Was I truly crying the entire night? I must have fallen asleep at some point, but it feels as though I have not slept at all.

Cogsworth suddenly barked from the other side of her closed door. "Rise and shine Miss Roux!"

The maid rose from her bed, "Oui monsieur. I will be there shortly."

Obviously taken aback by this response, the Head of Household answered. "I…will see you in a moment."

Ignoring his reply, the young woman walked over to the closet. Picking out her uniform, she blinked back a few tears. Her heart still ached from the events of the previous day. Lumiere…had left her. He had looked her in the eyes and left her like she was nothing.

Dressing quickly, she swallowed her distress. She mustn't dwell on what had happened. She must simply focus on her duties.

Walking out of her room, Babette curtsied to the Head of Household, "Bonjour monsieur. Have my duties been changed at all today?"

Cogsworth cleared his throat, "No. However, would it be an inconvenience if you came with me to the kitchens this morning?"

The maid stilled. "Oui, it would."

The Englishman raised an eyebrow, "Are you disobeying me? That's not like you."

She crossed her arms. "Very well, I will go."

Reluctantly, the young woman arrived at the kitchens, walking behind the Head of Household. Her foul mood turned to awkwardness upon sighting Lumiere. He was supervising his staff, and occasionally barked orders.

Cogsworth called him over, and the Frenchman stood in the doorway. "Oui?" he asked. Babette could sense that he was deliberately avoiding her.

"I…just happened to notice that you were not quite yourself today. Is there any reason?" questioned his friend.

From behind him, the young maid's heart skipped a beat as Lumiere met her eyes. His own were cold and stern, as well as his voice. "It is none of your concern. The matter has been forgotten and I have moved on."

Babette swallowed her tears. It was clear that the last part had been intended for her. Why was he being so cruel? Had her words the night before hurt him that badly? Stepping forward, the maid started, "Lumiere, I…"

He cut her off with a growl. "Hush. There is nothing you can say. I have moved on, and I suggest you do the same."

She narrowed her eyes at his behaviour. "If you desire to end our relationship, then so be it. I will not be miserable or wait around for you to come back to me."

The Frenchman nodded, "Good. Because I do not recall giving a reason for you to wait."

Babette tried to not to cry as the kitchen door slammed behind him as he walked back in. His words had hurt. Far more then she had thought they would. Clenching her fists, she muttered, "He is right. I should not wait for him. If he is moving on, then I will as well."

As if on cue, Lucifer walked up to them. "I could not help but overhear the little argument between you and señor Lumiere. Is everything alright?"

The young woman replied firmly, "Oui. Come with me."

Following her down to the hall, the nobleman smiled. Lumiere had taken the faked ordeal with the bracelet horribly…just as planned. Knowing Babette to be a vengeful woman, he could only imagine what she would do.

But he was still completely surprised when she turned and kissed him.

Breaking it gently, the Spaniard questioned softly. "Why did you do that?"

The maid bit her lip. "Because….because I need…I want…to go away with you."

Hiding his excitement with a mask of worry, Lucifer asked. "Is something wrong with your life here?"

"Oui," she replied.

Not giving her a chance to rethink her decision, Lucifer placed a hand on her shoulder, "Very well. Shall we leave tonight?"

The young woman nodded, "The faster we can leave the place, the better."

Lumiere walked towards Babette's room that evening. He had no idea why. He just had to see her again before he could forget about her. Why is this so difficult? I have moved on from many women before, and I have to do this.

Cogsworth suddenly ran up to him, "Lumiere! I've been looking for you everywhere! This is urgent!"

The maitre'd questioned curiously, "What is it mon ami?"

He stopped in front of the tall man, panting. "It's…about….Babette…"

"Then I don't wish to hear it," the Frenchman snarled.

The Head of Household shook his head. "You don't understand. She told me what had caused you to end their relationship. You must believe me when I say that the accusations regarding the bracelet were false. I had caught Babette wearing the bracelet when she was not supposed to, and was going to keep it safe myself, but the Lucifer suggested that he should take it to her room. The man obviously took it to you, along with a tall tale."

The young man narrowed his eyes, "Ce salaud," he hissed. Walking past Cogsworth, he muttered, "Excuse me mon ami, but I must correct my dreadful mistake regarding my dearest Babette."

Reaching the young maid's door, he asked, "Babette, may we speak?"

Opening the door, she glowered furiously. "No. You said yourself that I should move on. I have. Lucifer and I leave in the morning."

"That is what I wanted to speak of, cheri. I was deceived into ending our relationship, by Lucifer," he replied.

The maid snorted. "I cannot believe you! Even now, you continue to let your jealousy run free. I do not have time for such things."

Lumiere sighed as she slammed the door. He had been too late. She had made up her mind. Resting his head against the door, the Frenchman sighed once more. He had to get her back. He had to keep trying.

Lucifer, watching the scene from nearby, frowned. Lumiere was still a possibly large threat to his plans. Large threats had to be taken care of. His hand creeping towards the knife in his pocket, the nobleman nodded. It will be done tonight, before Babette and I leave. Tonight, I will take care of the Frenchman…permanently.

…

*covers mouth* Oh God! No!

What did everyone think? I personally think that Lucifer was pretty chilling at the end *shudders*. I'd love to hear your feedback!

As I said, my darlings, I will be focusing on my own career as an author for a little while. But, I promise I won't forget about this story.

-Babetteisawesome :)