Chapter 1

Provincial Life

This is mainly going to be based off of the remake with things like background and stuff, however the prince's age and appearance is based off of the animated movie. There will also be some elements from the original fairytale.

Disclaimer; As much as I would love to work for Disney I do not own Beauty and the Beast. I only own the plot of this story and some new characters.

The door opened as a young woman entered the shop. Another day of gossip, another day of fending off a certain, would be, suitor, but at least she got another book. Every morning has been like this since Belle and her father, Maurice, moved to Villeneuve. The only upside to the town is the few friends she has made.

"I'm back Papa," she calls out as she sets her basket down.

"In the workshop," a voice replies. Belle works her way down into the workshop and is greeted by the sight of her father working on another music box. "Did you have a good day in town?" he asks.

"I got a new book, how was the shop?"

"Good. The Potts stopped by and invited us over for dinner tonight." The Potts were a friendly family who had welcomed them when they first arrived and Belle would sometimes watch their young son, Chip.

"Really."

"Yes, they want us to meet some old friends of theirs who have returned to Villeneuve." This intrigued Belle as the village rarely has visitors. Besides, she would love to meet any friends of the Potts.

"That sounds great. Who are they?"

"Well I guess we'll find out."

—

"Glad you could make it dearies, come in." greeted Beatrice Potts as she first hugged Maurice then Belle. She led them to the table before Belle stopped.

Belle didn't know what she was expecting about the newcomers but it certainly wasn't a young man and woman. The woman looked to be no older than Belle herself. She had long raven hair pulled back into a single braid. Her emerald eyes were gentle and filled with curiosity. Her amber dress has long since faded. The man by contrast was a few years older and had long auburn hair pulled into a low ponytail that shone in certain lights. His sky blue eyes, while also gentle, held unhealed pain and regret.

"This is Maurice and his daughter, Belle." Mrs. Potts introduced. "And this is Adam and his sister, Lisa."

"Pleased to meet you." Maurice held out his hand in greeting.

"And you as well." responded Adam.

All of the sudden a young boy came bursting into the room. "Belle you're here! Do you have a new story for me?" he asked excitedly.

"Not today, maybe some other time."

"Aww man." pouted Chip

"Dinner's ready." called out his mother.

"So Adam, what brings you and your sister here? Asked Maurice.

"Oh we travel from place to place in France." Adam replied. "We were headed down this way when we thought we would say hello to old friends and stay for a few months before moving on to the next place." Did Belle imagine it, or did worry just pass through Mrs. Potts face.

"If you are looking for some work, I could use some help around my shop." Maurice offered.

"What kind of work?" inquired Adam

"Oh, just some odd jobs here and there. Maybe a few deliveries. Once a month I head out of town to trade for new supplies and I'll need someone to manage the shop while I'm gone. Are you interested?"

"That would be kind of you sir."

"Then it's settled. We'll talk more in the morning, be sure to look for the building with the weather vane."

All too soon, the time came to leave. As they were heading out Belle realized something was missing. "I must have dropped my bracelet. I need to go get it."

"Hurry." her father said.

She found her bracelet quickly and was about to leave when she heard voices and curiosity overcame her.

"...idea to stay here?" came Mrs. Potts voice.

"It's only for a couple of months and we wanted to check up on all of you and make sure you're alright." That was Adam's voice.

"But what if you run into him?"

"He would not be interested in coming to this place and we're not planning to go back there. Besides, it's been ten years I doubt he'll recognize us."

That was interesting. Who are they hiding from pondered Belle, but before she could dwell it any further she realized she had been gone too long and reluctantly left. But the questions lingered in her mind for the rest of the night.