Mal's POV.
Urgh! Why did I think this was a good idea? This shopping day is like torture. We are only an hour in and I'm so bored. Shopping with Evie is stressful enough but add in the other three girls and it becomes torture. Don't get me wrong I love them all like family but this is hell on Earth. Not to mention I am tired. I could quite happily curl up in bed and sleep for a week.
Evie had convinced me to try on a few dresses she and Belle had picked out but knowing they were out of my price range I knew I wouldn't be able to get them, even if I did like them. I had told the group I couldn't afford any of them but they insisted I still tried them on. Which is why I was currently in the changing room of our second shop with a collection of dresses. Slipping off my dress I tried on the first one in my pile. It was a knee length dress and was similar to the one Evie made me for my first date with Ben, except this was a lovely shade of dark purple with a royal blue sash around the waist. Belle had picked this one out on our way into the changing room and now I knew why. It had both mine and Ben's signature colours. I took a deep breath as I looked at myself in the mirror after zipping the back of the dress up. I really liked the dress but there was no way I could afford it, I had no money. As I walked out to show the others, for some reason they decided I should go first, I noticed them all smiling. "M, you look lovely in that." Evie told me. I blushed slightly from the compliment. I still wasn't used to it and to be honest I don't think I ever would be. "Yeah, Mal. It's gorgeous on you." I turned toward Jane as she spoke.
It's all well and good them telling me that but I still couldn't afford it. "Yeah guys, I actually really like this one but I don't have enough for it." I told them. All faces dropped as I said this except for Belle's. I looked at her curiously. "Mal, put aside anything you want. You as well Evie." She said turning towards Evie who looked as shocked as I felt. "I'll pay for them." She stated.
I shared a look with Evie before I turned back to Belle. Surely she was joking. But taking another look at her face I realised she was completely serious. "Belle, it's lovely of you to offer but it is really too much. You have already paid for our lunch. This really isn't necessary." I explained. How on earth was she okay with spending this much? It was then I noticed Belle had stood and was walking towards me, waving Evie over as she did so.
Once both Evie and Belle had reached me, Belle spoke. "Now girls, I don't want any complaints okay. You deserve to have things you like bought for you. You are both family and I want to do this for you, okay?" she asked us. I began to tear up for what felt like the millionth time in the past couple of days and looked at Evie noticing her in a similar state. We had never had anyone call us family like that, not even back on the Isle, apart from each other of course. Belle smiled at us and it wasn't long before I stepped forward and hugged her, Evie following my lead.
"Okay so this is for the keep pile?" Belle asked me as the three of us broke apart. Evie laughed as I nodded. Belle went to sit back down and Evie moved to do the same but I quickly grabbed her wrist. "Come with me? I will need your help zipping up the next dress." I told her. It wasn't a total lie but I also wanted to talk to her.
Once back in the changing room Evie unzipped me but began talking before I could. "Did you know? Is that why you invited her?" She asked me. Her disbelief evident in her voice.
"No E, I had no idea. I invited her because I genuinely wanted her to come. I had no clue she was going to do this." I explained. I handed the dress to Evie before I started to put on the next one. "It's weird though." Evie looked at me a little confused so I decided to elaborate. "Having someone willingly call us family, other then the boys, and mean it. Having someone offer to get us things without expecting anything in return." Evie nodded back at me.
"Yeah, I know M. It feels kinda nice thought right?" she asked as I turned and motioned for her to zip me up. This time it was my turn to nod. I looked in the mirror again to find another beautiful dress. This one Evie had picked out. I fell just below my knee and was a gorgeous light purple. We walked out and the reactions were much of the same.
By the time we had finished trying on everything we had picked out for each other it was well into the afternoon. We gathered everything we all wanted to buy and Belle took mine and Evie's. She ended up buying everything we tried on, saying it all looked wonderful. I had heard how stubborn Belle could be from Ben so when Evie tried to persuade Belle to only buy her favourites I kept quiet. Evie gave up after a few minutes, admitting defeat. While Belle was paying for our things I heard my phone ping. I smiled as I looked at the screen and saw a text from Ben.
From Ben: Hey Mal, would you like to have dinner out. Just me and you? Instead of with my parents? Hope your having fun. Love u x
To Ben: Yes I'd love to have dinner with you. Oh yes it's so much fun... Not. Your mom has paid for mine and Evie's things. Did you know she was going to? Love you too x
I text him back. I had a feeling he would have known or at least had an inkling. I got a text back almost immediately.
From Ben: I had an idea she would after you invited her. I may have over heard her talking to dad about buying some things for you both. Since I know you worry about what to wear when we go out a nice dress would be fine x
I smiled at that. Thanks for the heads up Ben. I thought to myself. I text back a quick 'Okay' to let him know I had something to wear. I thought over my new dresses as I took my bags from the counter before Evie or Belle could grab them. Neither were happy but didn't press the issue. It was then I remembered the first dress I tried on. I immediately settled on that for tonight.
After a few more stores it started getting late and we all agreed to head home. Dropping the girls off outside Auradon Prep before heading to the castle. I knew I had plenty of time to get ready since Ben text me earlier that he had some errands to run. It wasn't long before I found myself in my room in the castle preparing things for after I had taken a shower.
Evie's POV.
While we were shopping I had text the boys, including Ben, to meet me in mine and Mal's room. We needed to talk about Mal at school. Mal had told me while we were shopping her and Ben were going on a date tonight so as I reached my dorm I wasn't surprised to find Ben stood outside the door, dressed in his blue suit for his date, with Doug next to him. What I wasn't expecting was for Jay and Carlos to already be with them, I expected to have to wait for them like we usually have to. But I forgot, since Mal had been with us all day, I hadn't had a chance to talk to the girls about it until Lonnie asked "What are the boys doing here?" I decided it was better to wait until we were inside to talk about it. God knows who could hear about it if I told Lonnie and the others in the hall.
Everyone entered the room after I did and made themselves comfy in their usual places as I closed the door. Screw Fairy Godmothers rule of open doors right now. I don't want anyone over hearing this. Doug sat on my bed, Ben on Mal's with Lonnie sitting on one of the chairs near the desk and Jay, Audrey, Carlos and Jane sitting on the floor with their backs against Mal's bed. It amazed the that Carlos and Jane weren't honest about their feelings. They obviously had feelings for each other but refused to admit, even though they spent all their time with each other, that they were dating. I took my seat next to Doug just as Audrey spoke. "I agree with Lonnie's question, why are we all the boys here?" She asked. Okay time to come clean without spilling Ben and Mal's secret. Jeez this could be harder then I thought.
"I asked the boys to come so we could talk about how we can keep Mal safe from Maleficent at school." I explained. Everyone suddenly sat a little straighter. I knew Ben was worried about Mal being alone around campus especially since this is where Mal went missing from. So I began to explain my idea. "Okay so obviously while she at the castle she's not usually alone but Ben?" I asked him causing him to look at me. "It might help for you to let your mom know what's happening so Mal doesn't go wandering alone. You know how stubborn she can be." I told him. However my remark about Mal's stubbornness was met with laughter from Ben, Audrey, Doug, Jane and Lonnie. This confused me.
"Have you seen Belle when she gets something into her head?" Audrey asked me. I shook my head since I hadn't really argued with Belle earlier I just let her pay since it seemed important to her. Seeing my response Audrey elaborated a little more. "Belle can be just as stubborn as Mal, maybe even more so."
This made me chuckle along with them. No wonder they got along so well. They are basically exactly the same. They're both stubborn and love reading. Jeez. "Okay, that's it's probably a very good idea to include Belle then. She is the only person besides Ben I have seen her cave quickly with. Anyway what I thought was we could work out or classes so someone was always with Mal. Walking her to her classes, going with her if she needs to leave classes, that kind of thing. What do you guys think?" Everyone nodded to that. I have never been so relieved. I'm glad they seemed to be on board with the idea but I knew they all just wanted Mal to be safe. It's hard not to tell them the full truth, about the baby, but I understand Mal and Ben's reasons for it. Especially since Ben is King they will get a lot of stick for this. The other royals will have a field day with it. They wanted to avoid that as long as possible.
Ben's voice brought me from my thoughts though. "Okay, so who has what with Mal?" He asked. Obviously hoping to sort this today. If I know Mal she will try and come back to school tomorrow no matter what anyone else says to her. It didn't take long for us to work out a system. Whoever had the next class with Mal would meet her at her previous one and walk with her, which we usually did anyway, so hopefully she wouldn't catch on too quickly. There isn't a single class where Mal is alone thankfully. I had Art with her, Ben had Chemistry with her, She had Audrey in her Poly Sci class, and as well as in her English class with Jay and Doug as well, She was also with Jane for Auradon history and history of royal families, Jane was also in her Maths class with Ben and Carlos. Although Lonnie's last sentence made Ben's face drop.
"And me and Evie have self defence classes with Mal first thing on Thursday's so I can walk with them both after breakfast." I could tell immediately Ben didn't like the idea of Mal being in that class but I couldn't tell Lonnie she probably wouldn't be in it for a while, or everyone would become suspicious, but I had to put Ben's mind at ease somehow so I decided to ask another question.
"Hey, Jane, Audrey don't you have a study period when we have self defence class?" I asked the duo. I knew they did but I asked for Ben's benefit. Seeing them nod he immediately relaxed knowing Mal wouldn't be on her own. But you could tell he was still on edge.
"Don't worry, Ben." Jay told Ben. "Maleficent won't get near Mal again while I'm around. And with Carlos' gadgets I'm sure we will be prepared if she was to try anything." Jay finished as Carlos began to nod next to him. Ben seemed more settled now, knowing Jay and Carlos were fully on board. I knew they, much like I would, would protect Mal with their lives if need be and would never leave her alone once they learned about the baby. Ben probably just needed to hear it out loud for it to calm him. I'm just glad with Mal back he had his temper in check again. I dread to think what kind of mood he would have been in had she not have come back yesterday. Hell I don't think any of us would have been ourselves. Once everything was worked out everyone excused themselves to go to dinner.
I was about to join them when Ben spoke. "Evie? Can I quickly talk to you a sec?" I nodded and told Doug and the others I would meet them there before I once again closed the door and turned to face Ben. "Thanks for making sure Mal wouldn't be alone once she drops self defence." Again I nodded but didn't talk. I may not have known Ben long but I could tell that wasn't what he wanted to talk about so I waited for him to continue. "So Mal told me, Fairy Godmother and my parents what happened with Maleficent this morning." Thank god she had finally spoke about it. No wonder she seemed a little happier this afternoon. "She also told us Maleficent didn't take her from this room." Ben told me.
This made me confused. "I thought it was here she went missing?" I questioned not fully understanding what Ben was trying to say. I couldn't believe what Ben told me next.
"The reason I don't want Mal going anywhere on her own was Maleficent tricked her into leaving campus." He took a breath before he continued. "She rang Mal pretending to be you to get Mal away from everyone." I couldn't believe it. How could Maleficent do that. "I just felt you should know." Ben said.
After a few minutes I answered Ben. "Thanks for telling me, Ben. I felt like she was hiding something know I know what it probably was. I'm sorry for that." I told him. I wasn't sure what I was apologising for but I didn't know what else to say. Mal was hurt because she thought she was going to help me. "It's not your fault Evie. You know Mal would help anyone." He said to me. She would. Since leaving the Isle she has really come into her own person and would even help a complete stranger now. I smiled as him suddenly feeling a little better. I'm glad Ben told me, Mal probably never would in case it upset me, which okay it kinda did but I know it's not my fault and neither Mal nor Ben blame me so I'm good.
"I need to go or I'm going to be late picking Mal up." Ben told me. I smiled at him as I hugged him goodbye. Ben had become like another brother to me since we have been here. He always believed in the four of us, even when we first came here and we didn't even believe in ourselves. Plus, I saw how happy he made my sister so he was good with me. "Okay, Ben. I'll see you both tomorrow if Mal has her way." I told him. We both shared a laugh knowing I was probably right as Ben left to head to the castle and I went to meet up with the others. I just silently prayed when Mal worked out our plan she didn't do mad at us. I know she likes her independence but we had to keep her safe. For her sake and the babys.
Ben's POV.
As I got into the car to take the short drive back home I began to feel a little guilty. I felt kinda bad for telling a little white lie to Evie. I wasn't going to be late for picking up Mal. I just had to talk to my mom ASAP. I really needed to tell her about what we were doing for Mal at school and see what we could do while Mal was at the castle and around town to make sure nothing happened. Plus, I needed her advice on something.
I had become so lost in my thoughts it felt like I was home in a matter of seconds. I went straight to my mom's study knowing she would be there starting to plan for the New Years Eve Ball we have every year. She always started early. What I hadn't expected was for my dad to be in there helping her. Oh well. I may as well talk to them both. I thought to myself as I sat down and began explaining what we had talked about for Mal and then I led into my other issue not knowing how they would take it.
Mal's POV.
I had almost finished styling my hair when I heard a knock on my bedroom door. "Come in." I called. Expecting it to be Ben. I took another look at my hair and began again to try and get the back of my hair to curl a little better. I was happy I had let my hair grow out a little since being in Auradon. It now fell a little past my shoulders instead of the long bob I had come with, which made it a lot easier to style. Once I got my hair to look a bit more presentable I looked over at the door. I was expecting to see Ben but instead, there stood Belle. I shot her a confused look before I returned to my hair. "Would you like some help?" She asked me. I nodded. I usually had Evie to help me curl my hair and I was slowly loosing my patience with it.
Belle walked over smiling. She took the curling wand from me and in about ten minutes had the back of my hair curled perfectly. "Ben said he will meet you downstairs. He was talking with Adam when I came up but, with me doing your hair, he should be finished by now." She told me. I assumed that was the reason she had come up in the first place. "Okay." I replied as Belle placed my curling wand on my dresser and unplugged them for me. She began walking out of the room but stopped near my door before turning back to me. "You look lovely, Mal." She told me. With that she was out of the door. I couldn't help but smile at the compliment gave me. This was the first date I hadn't had any help from Evie with what to wear and usually that wouldn't bother me but since we were going out to eat I was a little apprehensive.
I headed downstairs and saw Ben stood at the bottom waiting for me. As usual when me and Ben went on a date after getting ready at the castle, Belle took a photo before we left. Seriously, she tool that many photo's I had to wonder where she put them all after they were printed or did she not print them. I had no idea. "You look gorgeous." Ben whispered to me, causing me to blush quite heavily. After saying goodbye to Belle and Adam, Ben led me to the waiting car.
After about ten minutes I felt the car stop. I looked out the window and noticed we had stopped outside a lovely looking restaurant called Tiana's Palace. Ben walked me inside his hand never leaving my own. We were immediately shown to a private table and after pulling my chair out for me Ben went and sat opposite me. A waiter was at the table almost as soon as we sat down. Ben ordered for both myself and him before he reached across the table for my hand. I willingly took it but as I did I remembered something that was bothering me. "Ben?" I called to him. Bringing him out of his thoughts. "What is Christmas?" I asked him. His face quickly turned to one of shock. I felt stupid for asking him now, I should have just used the internet to find out about it.
"Y... You... You don't know what Christmas is?" Ben stuttered out his question. I just shook my head is response feeling incredibly foolish for having to ask him. However, the look of pity I was expecting to see never crossed his face. Instead he just looked shocked and maybe a little upset. "It's one of the two holidays we have at the end of the year. We have a little over three weeks off school for them" He began to explain as our dinner was placed in front of us. Ben released my hand as we started to eat but he carried on his explanation which I was grateful for. "The first holiday is Christmas. It's a day you spend with family and exchange presents."
That worried me. Not only had I only ever bought one present in my entire life, during the summer for Adam's birthday, I had no idea what to get the people who treated us like family. I would also have to tell the others. "Ben. I don't have any money or any idea of what to get your parents or our friends. I mean Evie, Jay and Carlos are easy for me but everyone else I have no idea for." I told him. Ben understood I was uncomfortable and smiled across the table at me. Evie got some money from people paying for her to design/make clothes for them and Carlos split the money he got for fixing people's electronics with Jay, since Jay helped Carlos where he could. They all saved their money in case they ever needed it and Evie had offered to split her money with me but I declined. It just didn't seem fair that Evie did the work but split her money with me when I did nothing to help her.
"Okay so how about we get people joint presents. That means they are from us both. I will pay for them, okay?" I reluctantly nodded. Happy to have Ben's help but unsure of him paying since I had no idea how much it would all come to. "Oh and I have an idea for my parents." I looked at him waiting for him to elaborate. When he didn't I gave him a pointed glare causing him to chuckle before carrying on. "When I was passing by mom's study the other day I heard her tell dad she wanted a portrait of her, dad, me and you to hang over the mantle piece in the family sitting room. I was wondering if you would paint one? Then we can buy a nice frame to put it in?" He asked me. I smiled at that idea. It also gave me an idea for something for Ben.
"Yeah, I like that idea." I said to him making him smile again. "What's the other holiday?" I asked. Realising he had only mentioned one.
He placed his fork down having finished him meal. I was still working through mine. Don't get me wrong it was lovely. Ben had ordered me chicken with mash and various vegetables but I didn't want to kick off my morning sickness off by eating to fast. I have been lucky today and didn't want to risk it. "Oh right. The other holiday is New Years eve and day. My parents have a ball every year to welcome the new year in and we have a firework display at midnight." He explained.
"Oh so that's why I would see fireworks going off late on a night every year. I used to watch them when I was on the Isle." I told him, placing my own knife and fork down having had enough. Ben just nodded. I could tell he didn't quite know what to say to that so I decided to change the topic back to Christmas which Ben seemed to like. "So any ideas what to get our friends for Christmas?"
Thankfully my plan worked and Ben started smiling again. "Yeah a few. Maybe we can start shopping early? Avoid the rush?" He asked. I nodded happy to avoid large crowds of people. "What made you bring it up anyway?" Ben asked me. I knew he was going to eventually ask that.
"Your mom mentioned getting some early Christmas shopping done this afternoon if we had time. I hadn't heard about Christmas so I decided to ask you when I saw you." I told him. Okay what was it about Ben and Belle. They always managed to get the truth out of me, even if I don't want to tell them. I knew it would only be a matter of time before they managed to get me to tell them about what Maleficent said about the baby, maybe I should tell them before they worm it out of me. I saw Ben nod at me and decided to ask him before I lost me nerve. "Ben? Can we talk later?" I asked him. "I need to tell you something but I really don't want to talk about it here."
"Sure. Is everything okay, Mal?" He asked me. I could tell he was worried now so I smiled before I answered him. "Everything is fine, Ben. I just need to tell you something." I could see his concern on his face but it quickly changed to a smile. It was a few seconds later I realised why when the waiter came back with a large bowl of chocolate covered strawberries. "So it was you that told Mrs Potts to bring me then yesterday then." I stated as I reached for a strawberry. Seriously whoever thought of covering them in chocolate is an absolute genius.
"Guilty as charged." He told me as he reached for a strawberry of his own. "I thought you might like to try them like this since you love strawberries so much." he explained causing me to smile as I ate another strawberry. Between the two of us we finished the bowl in a very short amount of time. "Ready to head back home?" He asked.
"Sure, just give me a sec." I said as I got up from the table. I saw him sending a text, I assumed to the driver to tell him we were ready to head home, as I headed to the restroom. After quickly using the toilet I stood and stared at myself in the mirror as I washed my hands. If you looked closely you could still see the bruises on my neck but thanks to some of Evie's make up she left at the castle for me to use I managed to cover it up. It is only noticeable if you really look. Still I was on edge about going home. I knew I would have to tell Ben now since I already told him I wanted to talk to him.
Hopefully he could help me find some kind of solution to stop Maleficent. I knew I would have to face her eventually, but the thought of her near our baby made me feel physically sick when I know what she put me through. I couldn't even think of that happening to my baby. I just hope he wont be mad that I didn't tell him straight away. I had hoped I could find a way around it myself but I couldn't think of anything. I didn't even want to go anywhere by myself in case she turned up. That's one of the main reasons I invited Belle earlier if I'm honest. Because I knew I wouldn't ever be on my own with her there. I hadn't realised how long I had been there until my phone pinged.
From Ben: Car is here. Where are you? X
I checked the time as I closed the message and noticed I had been in here for over ten minutes. I put my phone back into my purse and headed to the front of the restaurant where Ben was paying for the meal. "Sorry." I said as I reached him. His hand found mine as he smiled at me and led me back to the car letting me get in first before he sat beside me.
The car arrived back at the castle far too quickly for my liking. I was nervous about how he would take this. I knew he had a right to now since it concerned our baby but he is going to go absolutely ballistic when I tell him. As we got into the castle I led Ben to the sitting room, sitting us down on the couch after seeing Belle and Adam weren't in there. I really didn't need there reactions as well right now. "Ben." I started. "I need to tell you something Maleficent told me but I need you to let me tell you everything before you say anything. Okay?" I asked. I knew if I didn't explain that he would interrupt and he needed to know everything. He would interrupt as soon as I tell him I lied and I wouldn't be able to finish. Seeing Ben nod I took his hands in mine and continued. "Ben I lied to you." I just glared at him when he moved to speak and he quickly shut his mouth again letting me continue. "Maleficent told me something else on Friday. She knows about the baby and wants to take the baby after it's born and raise it to be, as she says, 'as evil as I should have been'."
Ben's reaction was instantaneous. "What!" He shouted. I was sure everyone in the castle heard it but he didn't stop there. "That evil witch! I'll kill her myself for threatening my family!" He shouted as he began growling. I had never seen Ben so angry. I didn't even know I had started to tear up until I felt the tears escape my eyes when Ben started to repeatedly punch the wall nearest to him. A few moments later Belle and Adam were in the room with us. They must have been in one of their offices to get here that quickly. After a quick look at each other, Belle came straight to me and hugged me close while Adam went to calm Ben down. I leaned into Belle's embrace as much as I could while I kept my eyes on Ben. I saw Adam grab Ben's wrists, turning Ben to face him as he did so. But Ben still wasn't looking at Adam. In fact he was looking anywhere else but at his dad. I hadn't thought his reaction would be this bad. To make matters worse wasn't sure if it was me he has mad at for not telling him or what Maleficent had said in the first place.
"Ben!" Adam shouted to finally gain his sons attention. When Ben finally stopped struggling to get his fists free his dad's hold and looked at him, Adam spoke to him "What the hell is going on?" He asked. Ben took a breath to try and calm himself and it worked a little as I saw Adam move his hands from Ben's wrists and place them on his shoulders.
"Maleficent" He spat her name out "Told Mal on Friday she is going to kidnap our baby and raise it to be evil." Ben growled out to Adam. I could tell he was still seriously angry and that made me cry harder. I hated upsetting Ben or seeing him upset. It was at that moment I couldn't look at him anymore as I turned into Belle and sobbed as I heard Belle gasp at what Ben had said. I also heard a growl that most definitely wasn't from Ben. I felt Belle hold me a little tighter before she asked "Is this true Mal?" I could only nod my response as I cried harder. I couldn't have stopped myself from crying even if I tried. Everything was just too much right now. This seemed to break Ben out of his anger as seconds later I felt him put his hand on my back and saw him kneel in front of me and Belle out of the corner of my eye.
"Mal, I'm sorry I upset you. I'm not mad at you. I'm just mad that she threatened my family." He explained to me. That made me feel a little better knowing he wasn't mad at me but it did nothing to ease my worries. The baby wasn't even here yet and I was already failing as a mother. I turned slightly to look at Ben and noticed straight away he was still very angry but his concern for me showed in his eyes. It was then I noticed Belle refused to let me go. She kept a tight hold on me and to be honest I welcomed it and lent back into her a little. Usually Ben is the person I go to when I'm upset but right now, the motherly comfort coming from Belle is exactly what I needed. I don't even care if I look weak.
It was then Adam cleared his throat, causing all three of us to look at him. As soon as I looked at his face I could tell he was just as angry as Ben. Seeing he had our attention he spoke. "Mal, you might not like this but I don't want you going anywhere on your own. Even if you just want to go into town Ben will go with you. If Ben isn't free I will go with you." He told me.
"Adam, I can't let you do that. You have responsibilities the same as Ben. Besides I don't want to cause any trouble for you." I explained to him. It was nice of him to offer but I couldn't expect him to drop everything just because I wanted to go somewhere.
He came and sat next to me and Belle before he answered me. "Mal, you are part of this family now and I protect my family. If that means I need to leave a little paperwork until later in the day then so be it, okay? It is no trouble at all." I couldn't believe this. I looked between the three people surrounding me and I couldn't help but feel loved and protected. Yep. I thought to myself. Choosing good is the best thing I have ever done. Adam waited until I nodded my agreement to this before he began talking again. "And since I most definitely don't trust Maleficent, Belle if you go anywhere by yourself or if the two of you decide to go shopping you take one of our guards with you if me and Ben aren't free or if you don't want us there. I'm not risking anything." Seeing Ben nod his agreement with Adams statement both myself and Belle agreed. His tone of voice left no room for arguments anyway. With that both Adam and Ben said they were going to calm down but wouldn't be far away. Belle nodded to them telling them she would stay with me until Ben came back. I was kinda glad of this. I most certainly didn't want to be alone right now. As Ben and Adam left the room I noticed Belle was crying herself and I wrapped my arms around her waist as she pulled me into her a little more.
"Belle?" I said as I moved my head back a little to look at her. "I'm scared." I admitted before I could stop myself. Why the hell did I just say that! What is it about her that just makes me start admitting things?
"Thing's will be okay, Mal. Like Adam said, you're family and we won't let anything happen to you." She responded. I just leaned back into her. It's strange having people care like this. Back home, I mean the Isle. That place isn't home anymore, Auradon is my home. Back on the Isle if you showed you cared about anyone you were in deep trouble. Here it's different, everyone is openly caring and kind. Well I may as well come clean. "Not just about Maleficent. About being a mother as well. I'm not even two months along yet and I'm already failing." I explained to Belle.
"Mal, you are not already failing as a mother. Don't ever think that. I know you will be an amazing mom, just like I know Ben will be an amazing dad. Okay?" She asked me. It's weird but the way she said it, it kinda made me believe her. "I have to ask though, when did you start calling her Maleficent?"
"Yesterday, I realised she has never loved me and never will. As far as I'm concerned, she gave birth to me but is in no way my mother." I told her. Belle nodded that she understood before we fell into a comfortable silence.
Author's Note: This chapter is longer then I have been writing but I couldn't find a good stopping place to split the chapter in half. So Mal's secret and some feelings are out in the open now. What do you guys think? Hope you like the chapter and story. Again thank you to everyone who has reviewed my story so far :). I honestly thought I would be writing this for myself so to get the kind of review I have gotten have been wonderful.