Ok so ALOT happens in this chapter...someone suggested I make the chapters longer so I hope this is long enough.

Please, Please, Please REVIEW! Even if you don't like the story, tell me what I should fix...I really want to improve this story and your feedback is my best tool...thank you!

Chapter 9: Family

2 months later

The Priest continued his sermon, the words falling on his audience like hail. It was a Sunday, oh how the children deplored Sundays. There they sat fourth pew from the front (apparently you were closer to God there.) The Priest stood in the pulpit towering above them like an angry storm cloud. He wasn't the regular speaker, no he was a younger much more zealous incarnation recently arrived from Rome with a desire to cleanse the countryside of its wickedness and vice. So far he had only managed to bore his captives to tears.

Of their many struggles during Gaston and Belle's married life religion had been one in which Belle had won with relative ease. If anything Gaston gave in almost willingly to Belle's ever increasing religious devotion. After all it was very befitting if not admirable to have a devout wife. And having her raise his children in such a redeeming light reflected well on his standing within the community. One point he was not on board for however was his involvement in the whole process. Prayers were for women and children, not for men!

He had flat out refused to join them in going to mass or any other ceremony that would take him away from his precious tavern. As a result the "Happy Couple" had the most heated argument of their domestic career. Conviction aren't easy too bully away and Belle wasn't giving up hers without one hell of a fight. Belle was no fool she knew her children and if their father presented an uninvolved front then she would never be able to convince them of the merits of religion.

She had felt utterly alone after the death of her beloved papa. Like a boat that lost its tether, she felt she would drift away. God had become her new comfort, her strength, as he often does for the weary and oppressed. It gave her a peace she hadn't felt in years. And she wished to share her new found meaning to life with her family, fight it as they may.

Gaston had fought tooth and nail, but Belle's powers of persuasion proved the superior in this (rare) instance. So there they sat one happy family. They took up the whole row.

First Belle on the inner isle, her face glowing with a holy interest. On her lap sat two year old Maurice, finding his thumb a far more interesting entertainment then the scary bald man on the pulpit. Sitting next to his mother was three year old Pierre who had backed himself as far into the wooden seat as he could manage. His eyes large with fear as the Priest shouted and ranted from on high, sending the fear of God right into the little boy's soul. Next four year old Albert, who was busy attempting to carve the likeness of a bear into the back of the pew in front of them. Then nine year old Jacqueline, who had been charged with the task of keeping the twins from each other's throats for the remainder of the service. She had no tolerance for the incomprehensible boredom of sitting for what felt like eternity listening to this stupid man! She also was making no attempt to conceal her contempt. Arms crossed with a scowl on her face that could kill if the intended recipient bothered to make eye contact with her.

Next to her lounged four year old Henri who had fought the urge of sleep valiantly for a little boy, but he had finally succumbed. He was drooling down his shirt as he leaned against his sister's shoulder, who kept trying to elbow him off but he was a hard sleeper. Six year old Jacques sat next to Henri and was attempting to make him sneeze by tickling his nose with a feather he found on the floor. That is until his sister noticed what he was doing and smacked the feather out of his hand. A sleeping Henri was far less irritating then an awake Henri. That however resulted in a silent fight of impromptu sign language between the two that wound up waking up the four year old anyway. Which in turn became a three way slap fest.

The other worshipers began to take notice as small hands flew and insults were hissed. Belle whispered for the children to be quite but they took no notice. They finally stopped as each experienced the dull pain of a slap in the back of the head. Gaston Sr. reached his large hand across the row and gave each a solid whack that managed to achieve a cease fire.

Little Gaston smirked at his siblings from his seat next to papa. Gaston Sr. place his hand proudly on the eight year old's shoulder who's back strained under the excessive weight. With the fiasco concluded both Gaston Sr. and little Gaston's faces returned to twin pictures of resentful boredom.

At last the Priest concluded! The congregation was dismissed and the children bolted like freed horses. Racing out the door to play in the sunshine that had been calling to them. Gaston dutifully offered his wife a hand as she stood balancing Maurice on her hip. Once on her feet his hand dropped back and the two exited the church in icy silence. There was little between them save duty, even on Gaston's part. He had finally realized that there clashing personalities could never harmoniously coexist. Belle would never truly be the wife he wanted, just as he had been unable to match even her low expectations. (Though he was unaware of this and continued to believe that she had disappointed him and not the other way around.)

Their marriage continued of course, it was simply what was done. Even unpleasant habits tend not to break. Once outside he marched towards his tavern (his true love.) His ownership of it had resulted in his being the wealthiest person in the village. Not that you would have known that from the way his family lived. In Gaston's mind his money was his. He never thought of sharing it with his wife.

As he walked away Belle watched him go. Wondering if he would look back, knowing he wouldn't. Taking Pierre by the hand she walked towards the cottage. She wasn't even sure if she cared.

The rest of Belle's children ran free and wild for the remainder of the day. Running through the village with their friends, playing games and getting into mischief. It was glorious. As the sun set they made their trek back home. Jacqueline's friend Josephine (Sef) walked with her most of the way. Her house was the closest to theirs so she could spare the time without being too far from her mother's call.

Jacqueline liked Sef well enough. She didn't talk too much which she appreciated. Jacqueline didn't get along with most of the other children. Not so much because they didn't like her. She had confidence and the air of a natural leader. The other children flocked to her like hens to corn. But she found them irritating and dull. Most of the other little girls struck her as dim witted and far too giggly. The boys weren't much better though it was fun to beat them in a races. Sef though was the exception. She genuinely enjoyed her company. She was clever and funny when she volunteered her opinion. And best of all Sef could keep her mouth shut. Many were the times that she had been Jacqueline's accomplice, and a listening ear when life became too overwhelming.

As they neared Sef's house she could hear the girl's father's gruff voice yelling her name into the street. Jacqueline saw the fear in her friend's eyes as she froze in the street. Once again her name echoed through the village. Yet still she didn't move. Sef's brown eyes were the size of saucers, filled with dread. Jacqueline put a protective arm around her friend's shoulder.

"You don't have to go Sef…you can come to my house."

Her friend shook her head no but once again failed to move. The street flooded with light as the front door to Sef's cottage opened. A fat shadow filled the light as her father stood menacingly in the doorway.

"JOSEPHINE! Get in HERE!"

Finally she moved. Jacqueline watched as her friend walked with trepidation towards her house. Jacqueline looked at Sef's father with pure hatred as he slammed the door behind them. Despite how unfair her life could be Jacqueline knew it was nothing compared to Sef's.

She wished she could march up those stairs and punch that man in the face! But she couldn't, so she went home.

That Evening

Belle sat in her rocking chair holding a sleeping Pierre in her arms. Around her feet were cluttered the joys of her heart, her children. Little Gaston lounged in his papa's chair as if he were king of some great realm. Henri and Albert lay on the floor resting their elbows on a pillow they had brought from upstairs. Jacques was leaning against the hound dog that slept in front of the fire. Maurice was sleeping upstairs and Jacqueline sat on the rug with her legs crossed, leaning on her arms hanging on her mother's every word. Belle was telling them the story of Joseph and his brothers, and she was about to get to the best part.

"And Joseph's brothers fell to their knees! Fear coursing through their limbs…Joseph was alive? Was he angry? What would he do to them?"

"Is he going to kill them?" Jacques asked, only to be shushed by his brothers and sister. While one of them (he didn't know which one) thru the pillow at his head.

"No…he brought them and their families to Egypt so they could survive the famine."

"And then Moses came!" Announced Albert who was also quickly shushed.

Belle chuckled. "Yes but that is a story for another time. Now off to bed all of you."

"Aww! Please just one more!"

"No it far past time you were all asleep."

They knew arguing was futile (but that didn't mean they were suddenly happy about it.) One by one they filed past their mama. Kissing her goodnight before heading up the creaky stairs to the room they all shared.

Jacqueline was the last up. She liked being last, it made her feel like the last moments with mama were all hers. Well except for Pierre but he was asleep so that didn't count. Once upstairs the small bedroom was a flurry of relatively hushed activity as they all prepared for bed. Maurice was already asleep in his cradle and it would do none of them any good to wake him. So they were attempting to be as quiet as they could be crawling into bed. The squeaky floor wasn't helping but luckily they all seemed to genetically be hard sleeping, Maurice included.

Two relatively small beds sat at either ends of the room. In the one on the left slept Henri, Albert, and Pierre. Maurice's cradle was at the foot of the bed. In the one on the right was Gaston and Jacques. Jacqueline's trundle lay between the two so she was always the last in bed.

As they laid down the normal half asleep whispered chatter began to arise.

"Albert, move your foot!"

"I will once you give me the blanket."

"I can't Pierre fell asleep on it."

"Well kick him off!"

"I can't he's too heavy, you do it!"

"Shut UP both of you!"

"You SHUT UP!"

"Gaston you're on my side!"

"Your side?! This is MY BED!"

"EVERYONE BE QUIET!"

"Stay out of this Jacqueline!"

"Ya, or we'll throw you down a well and sell you like Joseph!"

(Muffled laughter)

"Ugh! You're all fools!"

Suddenly the sound of the creaking door interrupted them. Immediately all pretended to be asleep while simultaneously peeking through covers to see which parent was checking on them. As soon as they could make out the heavy boots of their father little eye lids snapped shut.

"Quiet all of you!"

The door closed, Jacqueline rolled over on her side. Closing her eyes she attempted to control her dreams by imagining the story she wanted her self-conscious to finish.

"It's still my bed."

"SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

1 year later

"Madame…Madame Gaston, can you hear me?"

Belle struggled to open her eyes. They felt heavy, like lead. Oh she was tired…so very tired.

"Madame?"

Just go away! Please, let me sleep…

"BELLE!"

The faint sound of a baby's cry reached her through the fog, it was soft and thin, like a reed flute.

A baby? Whose baby is that?

It took all her energy but somehow she managed to open her eyes. She looked into the concerned eyes of an elderly man. It took a while for her muddled mind to piece together who he was.

"Madame, do you know who I am?"

She tried to nod but when her head wouldn't comply she tried to answer instead. But the words came out hoarse and soft, the man had to lean his ear next to her mouth in order to hear her.

"Bonjour, doctor."

A relieved smile formed on his face, but it was short lived. Belle wondered what was going on. What happened to that baby who was crying?

Baby...That's right I was having a baby!

Her anxiety rose as memories came flooding back. She was having a baby! That had been her baby crying…why did it stop crying? What was wrong? Where was her baby?!

With new strength she tried to sit up, only to be held down with very little difficulty by the midwife standing beside her bed.

"Don't worry Madame, your son is alright."

Relief flood through her as she willingly gave up the struggle and laid back against the pillow.

Another boy? Gaston will be pleased…

A second midwife came into view, this one was younger Belle didn't remember seeing her before. In her arms was a small bundle in a white blanket. The bundle looked too small to be a baby…

The midwife laid the bundle beside her and Belle lifted a hand to pull back the blanket so she could see him.

He was small…much too small. His hands were perfectly formed but tiny. She watched his little chest rise and fall, laboring for every shallow breath. He looked so fragile it broke her heart. Belle was gripped with a fear that at any moment he would stop breathing in her arms.

"I know he is small, but he really is a good size for being so early. I have every reason to believe he will live." The doctor said.

She nodded trying to ignore the tears of uncertainty in her eyes.

"Merci."

The midwife took the baby away to warm him by the fire downstairs and to present him to his father. Belle gave him to her unwillingly but knew it would be warmer downstairs. Once she had left the doctor turned his attention back to Belle.

"Madame, you cannot have any more babies."

Belle stared at him blankly.

"I mean it, you were extremely lucky this time. Extremely lucky."

Still she stared blankly no understanding visible on her face.

"Please listen to me, eight children is enough for any woman…no more!"

Belle looked at the doctor not knowing what say.

Yes Monsieur, eight children are enough for any woman…but what about her husband?

3 months later

Jacqueline struggled to carry the water bucket to the large wash tub. Water sloshed down her dress as she poured it in. After two such trips she decided there had to be an easier way. Belle watched her study it for a while before coming up with a plan. Belle chuckled as she watched her daughter bolt back into the house to retrieve the broom. Placing two buckets on either end of the broom she laced the handle through the bucket handles. Next she proceeded to fill two buckets with water, placed the broomstick over her shoulders and carry it to the tub. Filling it twice as fast with half the struggle.

A bitter sweet smile spread across Belle's face as she watched.

Just like papa.

Truth be told she was quite surprised that Jacqueline was being so helpful. There were few things that her daughter loathed as much as housework. It wasn't that she was lazy, it was just that she couldn't stand the mind numbing repetitive tasks that were associated with "women's work." As a result she often rushed through her tasks and left them half done or genuinely was unaware of how to do them correctly because she couldn't stand still long enough to learn. But today was a day for miracles…and washing clothes.

The sunshine shone brightly as the pair hung the clothes on the line. Half way through the chore the sound of a baby's cry sent Belle bolting into the house to tend to baby Louis. Jacqueline watched her through those large violet eyes.

Louis wasn't as strong as most babies but his lungs seemed fine as far as Jacqueline could tell.

Using mama's leave of absence as an excuse Jacqueline began to climb the large oak tree. She loved to climb and every time she managed to climb higher than before. Depositing herself on the highest branch she could reach with confidence she swung her legs astride the branch and watched the people crossing the street below.

Madame d'Aboville crossed swiftly with a basket of apples on her arm.

Off to spread gossip no doubt.

Next went the tailor his arms piled high with bolts of cloth. Papa's friend LeFou could be seen in the distance carrying an oversized rifle.

Papa's no doubt…

Her friend Sef walked by along with that twit Charles. Sef had eyes for him, Jacqueline thought him nice enough but she found him a bit too dull for her tastes. But the boy worshipped Sef and followed her around like a puppy. She was too kind to take advantage of him but Jacqueline would never have tired of sending the boy to do menial tasks.

Mama had come back outside and was calling her name but Jacqueline ignored her. She had never been much of one for guilt and the day was far too beautiful to be wasted on laundry. Eventually mama gave up her search and went back to work.

Jacqueline continued to watch the street. A small crowed was gathering by the fountain in the square. Strain as she might she just couldn't see what the main attraction was. Curiosity got the better of her so she swung down and landed gracefully in the street below. Scurrying before she got caught sneaking off she made her way towards the crowd.

Weaving her way through arms and legs she managed to fight her way to the center and see what all the excitement was about. What she found was the most exciting thing her young heart had ever experienced. ACROBATS!

Two handsome Gypsy boys were flipping through the air with the greatest of ease to the applause of their audience. She watched fascinated as they flew through the air, doing somersaults and back flips.

When the gypsy boys had finished a woman took center stage. She was beautiful with dark skin and brown eyes. From somewhere a guitar began to play as she bent and swayed to the rhythm of the music. Leaping and twirling like a top!

Jacqueline watched fascinated as the woman's feet moved with the speed of lightning. As the music picked up speed so did the dance until she was spinning so fast her dress fanned out around her in a continuous circle of color.

Jacqueline decided right then that she wanted to learn how to dance like this fascinating enchantress and began to practice whenever a free moment presented itself. No longer did she walk anywhere, instead she danced up and down the street while on her mama's errands. She spun as she swept floors, and she practiced her new techniques and routines for the amusement of the passerby's on the street. She already had a natural talent, but now it was combined with unrelenting focus and a creative mind. The result? Jacqueline became the best dancer that any in her small village had ever seen. And if she had ever taken the opportunity to leave she would have gained fame that would have exceeded France itself.

2 year later

"LEAVE HIM ALONE EUGENE!"

"Stay out of this Jacqueline!"

"I will not! You insulted my brother!"

"HE STOLE MY APPLE!"

Jacqueline rounded on Henri and looked him strait in the eye.

"Did you?"

"No!"

Jacqueline turned back around.

"There you have it, now apologize!"

"I WON'T! He is lying and you know it!"

The truth was Henri probably was lying but that wasn't the point in question. It was a matter of family honor. Jacqueline didn't care for her brother, but she cared for Eugene d'Aboville even less. She had come upon the scene with Eugene accusing Henri of stealing his apple and threatening to give him a black eye. Now she was all for teaching Henri a lesson, but only she could beat up her brothers, no one else. So here she was defending the Rat!

"You don't even like your brothers Jacqueline!"

"True but I like you even less!"

"Well I am not apologizing."

"Yes you are!"

"NO!"

"DO IT!"

"NO!"

Purple fire flashed in her eyes as her hand clenched into a fist. Next thing anyone knew Eugene was laying on his back with blood pouring from his nose. The crowd of children that had gathered stared in shock.

Jacqueline shook her hand to try and lessen the throbbing that had resulted from the blow she had delivered.

"SAY YOUR SORRY EUGENE!"

Instead of doing as she commanded the big cry baby let out a scream that could wake the dead. The other children covered their ears as they ran away from the adult that was sure to show up at any moment.

Cowards. Jacqueline thought.

Just then a hand pushed her out of the way as a flurry of skirts rushed by. Madeleine d'Aboville knelt down by her still wailing son.

"MY DARLING! What has happened?"

Madame d'Aboville clutched Eugene to her voluptuous chest and practically smothered him. She only released him after he screamed from the pressure put on his still bleeding nose.

"What have you done!?" Madame yelled accusingly at Jacqueline

"Taught your brat a lesson!"

"Savage!" Eugene bit out at her.

Jacqueline lunged at him ready to do even more damage but was stopped by Madame. Jacqueline was tall for her age but rather scrawny so she was unable to put up much of a fight against the much larger Madeleine d'Aboville!

Taking her by the back of the neck Madame marched her towards her house whilst Eugene followed behind still sniffling while holding a handkerchief to his face. As they walked it began to rain, and by the time they arrived at the cottage it was pouring.

The door banged open as Madame d'Aboville pushed her through the door. Belle jumped at the sound. Jacqueline saw through clumps of wet hair that Henri and Albert had managed to beat them home and were already relaying the details to papa who sat in his chair.

"I trust you will take care of this!" Madame announced as she pushed the child into the room and then slammed the door behind her as she left. Eager to have the doctor examine her poor Eugene's nose.

Jacqueline shivered as she looked at papa's stern face. For the first time that day she felt fear (but not regret.)

Gaston motioned for her to stand before him. She slipped slightly on the floor as she made her way to stand before the mammoth chair where her father glared down at her. Henri and Albert were standing to the side with large grins on their faces, while little Gaston stood (as always) at their papa's side.

"What happened?" Gaston asked

Jacqueline was shocked that she was being invited to speak and decided to make the opportunity count.

"Eugene said Henri was a thief and liar so I taught him a lesson." Her chin rose with pride.

"What did you do?" Gaston asked

She hesitated looking at mama and then back, before deciding that she still did not regret her actions, no matter what happened.

"I broke his nose."

There was complete silence. For what felt like eternity Papa's eyes bore into hers, looking at her with an expression she could not identify. To her utter surprise a large grin spread across his face followed by laughter.

Everyone looked on in complete shock as Gaston laughed until tears rolled down his cheeks in mirth.

"Jacqueline you are a wonder!"

Gaston continued to chuckle as he patted her head in affection. Jacqueline's heart sored with the praise. At last she was being acknowledged, and NOT for her short comings!

"Tell me daughter did you make him cry?"

"GASTON!" Belle exclaimed looking at her husband in horror.

"What?"

"This kind of behavior should not be encouraged."

"What do you mean!? She was defending the family honor! She's my daughter what do you expect? Madeleine coddles the boy, if anything Jacqueline did her a favor!"

"You can't be serious!"

"I most certainly am! Jacqueline my girl I am proud of you!"

Little Gaston looked on in shock at the attention being shown his sister. His mind simply didn't know how to process such an unprecedented moment.

For one shining moment she had what she always wanted. Her father's undivided attention. Unfortunately it was an occasion that was not likely to repeat itself.

1 years later

Belle stood terrified at the edge of the dark forest. She hadn't gone near it in 20 years, but she had walked aimlessly and now found herself staring into the pure darkness beyond its edge.

She was so scared, what was going to happen? Slowly she sat on the wet grass. The dew from early morning had not yet evaporated. Drawing her knees to her chest she looked without seeing at the ground before her.

No more babies…No more babies…No more…but there will be one more…what will happen? What about my children?

Tears filled her eyes, she hadn't had a choice. What was she going to do?

There is nothing you can do…Dear God help me!

She was pregnant…and she was terrified.

7 months later

Jacques struggled to free himself from his mother's embrace.

"MAMA!"

Belle smiled and kissed him on the forehead before releasing him from her embrace. The ten year old wiped her kiss away with the back of his hand. Belle smiled and playfully pushed him out the door to play. Jacques joined the rest of his brothers and sister out in the snow and the pack took off to enjoy the magic of the snow covered village.

Belle watched them disappear into the distance laughing as twelve year old Jacqueline dragged three year old Louis through the snow.

Peace and quiet was a rare thing for her, she wasn't entirely sure what to do with herself.

Deciding some socializing with adults would be a pleasant change of pace she put on her hat and coat and grabbed her basket.

As She walked through the village, her heart grew heavy when she passed the closed up book shop, but she put it out of her mind. After all when was the last time she had a chance to read? She continued to walk as a light dusting of snow began to fall, the whole scene was magical.

She entered the tailor's shop and began to look around at the various fabrics. Pierre would need a new suit of clothes soon.

"Ah Madame Gaston, is there anything I can help you with?"

Belle smiled kindly at the tailor but shook her head.

"No thank you, when I find something I like I will let you know."

The Tailor nodded and scurried off to attend to other customers.

As Belle examined a stack of dyed wool she couldn't help but overhear two women behind her who were deep in conversation and apparently oblivious to her presence.

"I can't believe it! I mean the scandal! Can you imagine such a thing?"

"I know." Replied the second.

"Her husband has sent her away…of course you cannot blame the man, it was the only fitting thing to do."

"So what will become of Paulette now?"

"Well her sister has taken her in, Laurette."

"Is she the one who wears the red dress?"

"No you fool that's Claudette, Laurette wears the amber dress."

"I thought Paulette was the one in amber?"

"No she is the one who wears the green dress. Good heavens Elisabeth don't you pay attention to anything?"

"Well I can't help it after all they are triplets! But wait isn't Laurette married? What does her husband think of this?"

"Yes well you know that Philippe is a saint who would do anything she asked of him. Besides their farm is a ways from the village and very out of sight. It would be the most seemly place for her."

"tsk, tsk, tsk, I just can't believe it Margarita. I mean to be carrying another man's baby."

"And a married man at that."

"Really? You know I never did learn who the father was."

"Honestly Elisabeth you are a fool! Anyone with eyes knows whose it is."

"Who my dear? Oh don't leave me on tender hooks!"

"Why Gaston of course!"

Belle felt as if the world had suddenly stopped turning. She grabbed the edge of the table to steady herself as her stomach lurched violently. The two women continued still not aware of her presence.

"Oh my! But I suppose that does make sense, after all she has carried a torch for him for years."

"Yes indeed. Besides who could blame him. After all he is a virile man. And I don't imagine he receives much affection married to Belle. A colder woman I never saw. "

"Yes, he did a good thing marrying her, but she is just so odd. It was no wonder he looked elsewhere."

"Indeed, I don't imagine she was quite the wife he hoped she would be. But now there is poor Paulette, seven months pregnant and abandoned by practically all."

"Tis her own fault for such a sin. Seducing a married man, why I heard…"

Belle could no longer hear the hateful women's speech. She had gone deaf to the whole world. Paulette was seven months pregnant? She was seven months pregnant! And by Gaston, her husband. How many others where there? How many women had he needed because she wasn't enough?

Blindly she stumbled into the snow. She couldn't think, she couldn't breathe. She just had to get out of there. She ran all the way back home. Slamming the door behind her she took in great gulps of air, trying to calm her beating heart.

This can't be happening…this isn't happening!

But it was, she knew it was true. She had been blind to it for years because she had refused to look. Clinging to the last fragment of a lie she had never wanted to accept.

Walking to the mirror that hung on the wall she looked at her reflection. The woman looking back at her was not one she recognized. This woman was old. She was tired, with a gaunt face and grey hairs beginning appear. There were dark circles under her eyes which were listless and dull. No part of her resembled the beauty of 17 who had married Gaston. Not her face, not her figure, and not her character. She was changed…utterly and completely changed. And she couldn't bear to look.

Then she thought of Gaston. Still as handsome as the day they met. His arm was dark as night, his blue eyes sparkling, and his arms strong and large. The only difference was now he sported a full beard that added to his commanding presence. He was 40 years old but looked and acted no differently than 20 years before.

Looking back into the mirror she faced her reflection…..She was 37…her own mother had never lived to see such an age…and here she was…she was old and he had tired of her…apparently long ago.

That night

The wind howled against the shutters making them creak and whistle. Belle sat at the table, a shawl wrapped around her as she watched the flicker of the candle dance.

She didn't know how long she had sat there…hours probably…She finally heard the sound she had been waiting for. The loud groan of the front door opening, followed by the clomp of boots and a gust of wind that threatened to blow the candle out.

The door creaked closed and she turned dead eyes to him.

He strained to remove his boots and promptly threw them on the floor like he had done for 20 years. She watched them fall, they would remain there waiting for her to pick them up. She once again directed her gaze at him.

He looked at her and she thought that indeed he was handsome. By far the most handsome man she had ever seen…but it ran only as deep as appearances.

His brow knit in frustration as he saw her study him.

"What's wrong now!" he barked

She continued to study him. She thought of how he had tricked her into marrying him. She thought of how angry he had been at the birth of their daughter. She remembered how he hadn't wanted her father to live with them. How he threatened to divorce her and take her children. Of the countless humiliations she had suffered at his hands. Of the unwanted sexual attention she had endured. And then she thought of his most recent…and most hurtful betrayal. She thought of Paulette, carrying his child while she had spent all these years bearing him son after son and raising them practically on her own. He had endangered her life time and again and not once had he shown even the slightest concern. He had taken all she loved and all her dreams and had trampled them under the heal of his big boots. And what was worse was he didn't even realize it…Gaston…her husband…

"Damnit Belle what!?"

"Nothing"

Nothing

She stood and walked upstairs to bed. None of it mattered, it was nothing to him. She had finally given up…no one had won…