A walk around the Library
Chapter 2
Flashback
Growing up all Belle ever wanted was adventure. When she moved from Sydney Australia, to Boston America it was her first taste of adventure. The flight that took her family and her to America was in her eyes was something out of a modern day fairy-tale, it was magical. When she first met Robin, he was so much like her- still is in some ways- he loved adventure.
They were both very imaginative children, often running away with their wild fantasies much to the annoyance of Belle's father.
When Belles mother had passed away it was Robin that provided her with the comfort that her father negated to give her. No instead Moe French sought out comfort in the bottom of whiskey bottle. He was never the same man again.
Before he was a loving man, a good father- a better husband- but the passing of his beloved Collette had broken something unfixable inside of him. He became abusive both emotionally and physically.
It drove his only daughter away from him.
When it came time for Belle to pick a university it felt like a no brainier when the thought of venturing as far away from her father as possible.
Remembering how her mother spoke so passionately of her time at a Scottish university it felt like the right choice.
Leaving was the best choice for her but it didn't mean that she wouldn't miss her friends, especially Robin, but she knew that he was going to okay. He had their friends and he was chasing a new girl every five minutes.
Belle loved Scotland. It was a beautiful place and after three years of studying there she decides to stay on and try and find work.
But what can you do with creative writing degree with minor journalism?
Not much.
So Belle started picking up work where she could. She waitressed at diner at night and cleaned an elder woman's house and ran earns for her. Lastly she wrote for a magazine giving advice to teenagers.
The few hours that she did have free when she was not resting, Belle was writing her own book.
Belle's life was basically running from one job to another that she never saw Robert Gold coming.
It was late one night and there was only one costumer in the diner.
Belle was not sure but she doubted that the boy was older then thirteen.
As usual it was only Belle and the cook.
The boy was not ordering anything other than a coke.
It was empty.
He was looking down sadly. He looked hungry.
Belle was used to homeless people walking into the diner enough to know that he was most likely a new runaway.
She quickly made up two toasted sandwiches and put two cokes in her apron.
"Hey" She said gently
Belle placed the plate and coke in front of the boy.
"I didn't order this" The kid whispered "I can't pay for this"
Belle could see his mouth watering.
"I can" Belle replied
That seemed to be the only permission that he needed. He devoured the sandwich. He clearly had not eaten in a while. She slide the second plate towards him.
"Runaway huh?" Belle asked
The boy looked down at his plate, embarrassed.
"I runaway once… I was fourteen? I packed myself a couple of books, food and I travelled to the next town. After three days sleeping at a bus stop, I realised how much I missed my bed… and no matter how hard things got at home, I always did have a bed"
"What happened when you got home?" The boy asked
"My Dad… he didn't even notice I was gone" Belle told him
"What about your mum?" He asked
It was Belle's turn to look down.
"She passed away when I was seven"
"I'm sorry" the kid said
"So what brings you here?" Belle asked
"I'm trying to get my Dad's attention" He said
"Oh"
"He is always working" he told Belle
"Can I ask you a question?" Belle asked
"Sure" he responded
"Has your dad ever hurt you?" Belle asked
"NO! He is not a monster!" He defended
Belle got the impression that he had to do that allot.
"What's your name?" Belle asked
"Neal" He answered
"Well Neal, I'm Belle. My shift's over in an hour, can I bring you home and talk to your dad for you?" she asked again
"Why would you want to do that?" Neal asked
"Sometimes adults need help to see things further then the tip of their nose"
"Okay… I should warn you through, my father may not be a monster but he can act… beastly"
Neal looked down grimly at the two empty plates.
End of flashback
"Belle" Gold inhaled sharply
Belle pushed Gold away.
Gold concealed his own look of surprise.
"I should have known!" Belle exclaimed in frustration
All Belle wanted to do was run away and wrap herself up in a blanket. Safe.
"So you are the new librarian that the Mayor's lap dog keeps blabbering on about?" Gold sneered
"Don't talk about my friend like that!" Belle snapped
"Same old Belle France. Loyal. To. A. Fault" Gold spat out each word
Belle crossed her arms across her chest. She glared at him.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded
"I live here" Gold replied shortly
Belle snorted "Since when?"
"Since always, I have property in many places, Dearie" Gold smirked
"Well here's to you having a LONG trip, very soon" Belle stated, she raised a hand in mock toast
She walked past him, towards the diner. Robin was staring at her trough the window.
"I'm sorry to disappoint, Dearie, but that won't be happening anytime in the foreseeable future" Gold called after her
Belle twirled around, exasperated.
"An apology? Really Bobby? Several year too late for that" Belle told him
She turned her back to him and walked up to the door of grannies and disappeared inside. Gold raised an eyebrow and smirked. This was going to be interesting.
Belle closed the door behind her and breathed a deep sigh of relief. Looking up at her friend she smiled weakly.
"Belle? What was that about? Are you okay?" Robin asked, worried
"You were right" she whispered "He is beastly"