A walk around the Library
Chapter 4
The next morning came far too quickly for Belle's taste, it didn't help that she couldn't get much sleep. Around half six, she finally gave in and decided that she might as well lookthat she is ready to meet with Mr. Gold.
She soothed down the skirt, checked her tights for holes and tucked her blouse tightly into her skirt. She picked out her highest heels.
Gold may not be a very tall man but he still towered over her tiny frame.
Satisfied with her appearance, she packed her handbag and decided to get breakfast at Grannies. The burger wasn't half bad, plus she still hadn't had time to find the coffee maker.
Walking down the street she received some very curious looks, but of course she had been expecting as much from a sleepy town like Storybrooke, gossip was hard to come by so when it came the townsfolk would cling to it as tightly as they can.
Belle smiled and waved at everyone that passed her.
Might as well indulge them.
Robin warned her that the people could be merciless with newcomers, but Belle never really cared much for what other people thought of her.
Arriving at the diner she sat down at the counter and pulled out a book from her bag. No Time For Goodbye. It was crime/ mystery novel and was simply amazing. Leaving the photo she used as a bookmark on the counter she dived into the newest chapter.
She was getting really into the book that she gasped loudly at the newest plot twist that she obtained the attention of the waitress.
"You okay there?" the waitress asked
She was a very pretty girl, very tall, she was wearing red short shorts and a white shirt. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail.
"Yes" Belle blushed "Sorry. Great book, librarian, plot twist"
"Oh you're the new librarian? It's great to meet you! I'm Ruby" She exclaimed
"Belle French" Belle smiled warmly
"Honestly, I can't wait, I always loved reading but there isn't a lot of opportunities after the library closed" Ruby told her
"I think a library builds character to any town or city" Belle said thoughtfully
"Yes it does" Ruby agreed "The town library doubles as the clock tower, back in the day it was beautiful"
"Well I look forward to bringing that beauty back" Belle winked
Ruby looked down on the counter and picked up the picture sitting there.
"Cute guy, your boyfriend?" Ruby asked
Belle laughed "Jefferson? He is one of my best friends"
Belle meet Jefferson while going through England. He was exciting and a fantastic friend, which was everything she needed. They just clicked. It didn't take long before they decided to travel together.
"Wait a minute, is that the GREAT WALL OF CHINA behind you?" Ruby exclaimed
Belle blushed "Yea"
"You've been to China? Where else have you been?" Ruby asked enthusiastically
"Practically everywhere" Belle gushed
Ruby leaned down on the counter and squealed "You lucky duck! I want to hear EVERYTHING!"
Belle's smile reached her eyes "Of course"
"RUBY! Stop talking the poor girl's ear off and get back to work!" an older woman shouted at her
Ruby rolled her eyes "UGH. Granny. Relax."
"Would you like to order?" Ruby asked
Belle laughed and ordered a quick breakfast. She needed to leave soon to get the meeting with Gold over with.
Belle said a quick goodbye with a promise that she would be back soon.
Ruby waved goodbye and smiled at the generous tip. She thought it was very nice of Belle, not many people even left her a tip anymore.
She liked Belle, she seemed like a very nice person as well as very interesting.
Ruby turned away and walked over to refill Archie's cup.
"The new librarian seems very nice"
The only response she received from the man was allot of stammering.
Ruby sighed, maybe someday.
xRumBellexOutlawQueenxRedCricketx
Belle stood outside of the pawn shop for a moment, collecting her thoughts. There was no doubt in her mind that as always Robert Gold would be calm and collected.
Flashback
Belle stared at the man in front of her. It had been a week since she had meet Neal Gold and his father but yet here he was sitting in the same chair that his son sat on the week before looking very out of place in his tailored suit in the grungy old diner.
He had come to offer her a job.
"Mr Gold, I think you have made a mistake" Belle protested
"I think otherwise dearie" Gold replied
"Look, Mr Gold I already have a job, two in fact. Although it is very kind of you to offer, I have allot on my plate" Belle told him
Belle didn't want to appear rude but she didn't have time for this.
Gold rubbed his eyes "Miss French, I don't ask for me, I ask for my son"
"Is Neal okay?" Belle asked slightly panicked
"Yes, yes. He misses you" Gold told her
"He just meet me" Belle replied
"And you made quite an impression" Gold quipped "He hasn't stopped talking about you"
"No reason to offer me a job"
"It is exactly the reason!" Gold snapped
Belle flinched
"Please, my boy, he is a lonely lad. He needs a friend" Golds voice soften
"You think offering me a job as a caretaker will help him?" Belle asked
Neal was a sweet boy. She cared for the boy.
"Yes, I think it will" Gold told her
Belle looked at him again with a curious gaze. He clearly cared for his son deeply, but he was still a mystery to her.
"Okay, I'll take the job" Belle said finally "For Neal"
"For Neal" Gold confirmed
End of flashback
Shaking her head, Belle tried to rid herself of the memory, but she was furious at herself for unintentionally working for him again.
Stepping inside the shop, her eyes were overwhelmed with beautiful antiques. He was always a hoarder, she thought.
"Ah, Miss French-" Belle head snapped to the front counter "I was wondering when I would be graced with your company"
Belle smiled nervously and approached the counter.
"Good morning, Mr Gold" She greeted "I was told you required to see me"
He smiled at her, it was his horrible smile, his unkind snare really.
"Yes, I wanted to go over the contracts" Gold told her "Follow me"
She followed him into the back office. Even more antiques where found, mostly broken ones. 'I guess the only thing that he ever wanted to throw away was me' Belle thought darkly.
"Well here they are" Gold gestured to the table, covered with contracts.
Belle walked forward and picked up one of the contracts. She started reading.
Gold quirked an eyebrow. As if she could feel his stare she turned to look at him.
"What? Do you expect me to blindly sign a contract that you've written?" She asked
Gold shrugged, as she turned her attention back to the page in front of her "Fair point, take as long as you need"
He sat down on the nearest chair and examined Belle.
The years have passed, some things have changed about her while others stayed the same.
She was still as beautiful as the day he laid eyes on her- more even, but her hair was longer now- it used to be shoulder length. Now it went down her back, making the curls more distinguished. She dressed more smartly, though he remembered her clothing from yesterday but that could be easily excused- she was making the effort now after all. Her features had matured over the years with only added to her beauty in his opinion.
Yesterday, she took him by surprise. Clumsy girl. Always falling, always needing to be caught.
Sometime later, when Belle was satisfied with the contracts she turned back to face Mr Gold and blushed when she realised that he was staring at her the whole time.
"Satisfied?" Gold asked
"Very, everything seems more than fair" Belle agreed
"Very well, sign?" Gold asked walking closer to the table "The Library the last I checked was in shambles"
"Oh?" Belle asked as she picked up the pen to sign on the dotted line.
"Yes most of the books where either sold off or given to the schools, the space was also used for storage. You have allot of work to do" Gold informed her
Belle smiled as she signed the last contract "Don't worry, Bobby, I've never been scared of a little hard work"
She realised her mistake and moaned "I'm sorry-"
"Mistakes happen, no need to fret Miss French, we have a past" Gold assured her "But we must try and overcome it, unless you wish people to talk- which they will I assure you if this continues"
"Yes of course" Belle agreed
Gold nodded "Tomorrow you will start work"
"If you don't mind, I would like the keys to inspect the library" Belle told him "Please"
Gold inhaled sharply "Very well"
He reached into his pocket and took out the keys. When she reached for them he pulled them away. He jingled them close to his head as she raised an eyebrow.
"Don't wear yourself out, dearie" Gold chuckled
Belle glared at him lightly "I promise"
"My favourite words" He said handing her the keys
"Thank you" Belle said before leaving
Gold smiled, he was correct in thinking that Belle would be an interesting edition to Storybrooke.
Like/dislike?
Okay I am not sure if I wrote Gold right in this chapter but I have plans for better chapters in the future.
HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!