Chapter 12 Days gone by

Belle was halfway to her father's shop before she realized she had been wearing a giddy smile in public. Not that she had ever been too worried about what people might think of her, it quite puzzled herself how that the past week had made her so happy. Mr. Gold was talking to her, and more than that, this past afternoon he had even teased her. For some reason, she felt as if she had won some sort of victory, catching a glance beneath another layer, finding another soft spot amid the sharp dragon scales.

Yes, it had been one of the happiest weeks she had known, in a long time. After having the luxury of visiting home right after she had righted the ship on a Saturday, she found that she sort of eased back into the role that she had before she had gone to work for Mr. Gold. Instead of trying to do the work of a week in one day, she could slow down and enjoy putting together orders, taking care of the flowers, helping her father with the shipments, and ready the deliveries that could now be made and allow the shop to remain open, now that there were two of them.

The one dark spot was the barrage of questions she got as to why she was back.

'So he just woke up this morning and said, you could take the week off?' Her father looked at her suspiciously.

'Well, yes.' she could say that with all honesty-he had just woken up that morning and declared she could go home for the week. What Belle did not elaborate on, was what led up to said declaration.

'I don't like it, Bluebelle, I just don't like it. Mr. Gold never does something for nothing. He hasn't, um.' He studied her, his face coloring, his eyes flicked with questioning rage. 'He hasn't asked for anything more than what he's already required of you, has he? You are worth a lot more than whatever that monster promises you.'

Belle took his meaning and became red, and now irritated, herself. 'Daddy, no! Don't you have more faith in me than that?'

'Then why, pray child, is that man letting you do this? What have you promised him?'

'I've promised him nothing, Daddy, you have to believe me! Mr. Gold is just not the evil fiend we believed him to be. He's really not so bad, once you get to know him.' She attempted a small smile of reassurance, but the fire, low though it was behind her father's eyes, overtook any sort of happy sigh she might have given, thinking back at how different Mr. Gold was to the image she had first carried with her when he had traded a year's worth of freedom for her and her father's livelihood.

'I don't want to hear it, Bluebelle. He's done something, I just know it. And if I hear of anything…' His breaths were coming short and fast, his eyes had gone from hot embers to cold glass, and Belle hurried to her father's side, shushing, and assuring him that she was fine, the contract with Mr. Gold was fine, everything was fine. Let them just enjoy the week that they got, and say no more.

Her father, his forehead now drenched with sweat, his body leaned over on her as she guided him to a chair for him to catch his breath and calm down, nodded his head in quiet agreement. They would say no more about Mr. Gold, and so she didn't.

It was a strange sensation, waking up in her old bed again. Of course, there were the Saturday nights when she fell into it completely exhausted and snagged the two or three hours she could get before her alarm shouted at her to get ready to go back over to Mr. Gold's. This time, she felt no obligation to prepare the house, food, and shop for the week ahead. Those meals would keep in the freezer, and she could enjoy the slightly slower rhythm of her old life. It still gave her plenty to do-she made breakfast for her father (and made sure it was heart healthy-the day before had frightened her considerably), went down to the shop with him as soon as it was open, and fell into the role she had donned before becoming Mr. Gold's maid. In the quiet moments (of which there were many, the shop did not garner as many customers as she wished) she reflected on her high school years, coming and working with her father as soon as school was over. She used the quiet moments then for homework, desperately trying to keep up her grades while also trying to help her father during the great gulf of grief he waded in (not to speak of the grief in her own heart. It was there, always there). Her mother had been such a comforting presence to come home to, and while she loved her father very much, it would be a lie to say that he saw and listened to her like her mother had done. Even as she was dying, she had worried and thought about, and connected with Belle, as if trying to cram into a few months what Belle would have to draw on for comfort and wisdom for many years to come.

Belle brushed a tear away, thankful there were no customers, and also no father to see her. Yes, she loved her father, but for his health and happiness, there had always been things she had to hide from him. Not out of dishonesty-Belle hated lying-but out of a desire to make him happy (or at least less sad. She hid her grief and sadness while he mourned, and she hid how much the shop's downfall affected her, always looking for the brighter side, the one her father always assured her was there. Now she hid how much Mr. Gold was different from what her father believed him to be. And though it was partially because of her worry over his health, it was also because she was still somewhat confused on how to read and understand Mr. Gold. He was perhaps the misunderstood dragon? She giggled softly to herself at the thought, thankful for the reprieve from her previous crying spell. Her stomach decided to alert her that she was hungry, and with her previous thoughts being on Mr. Gold, she then wondered if the lonely man who never brought lunches before she came and ate tv dinners alone would think to pack one while his maid was away. She was certain he wouldn't. Well, she could remedy that.

And so she did. She was happy that her father hadn't questioned her much about where she was going, and also happy that Mr. Gold hadn't scoffed or rejected the offer of a friendly lunch. In fact, she was so enjoying the hour she had with Mr. Gold that she was almost sorry they wouldn't be doing it any more once she went back to the Victorian.

Her father came back from deliveries on Wednesday afternoon, his face happier and his whole body lighter than it had in months.

'Deliveries went well, then, Daddy?' She smiled at him, so happy to see him looking so happy.

'You could say that. Bumped into someone today and they are coming to eat lunch with us Friday-now, what do you think of that?'

Her face fell for a moment, thinking of how much she would miss her daily luncheon with Mr. Gold, then scolded herself for being upset over something that was obviously making her father so happy.

'That sounds great, Daddy.' She mustered real joy, being content to be happy with whatever came her way. 'Who is this person who has made you so happy, today. And lunch? Does it need to be something special? Do I need to go pick up some things…'

'Don't get yourself worked up or anything, Bluebelle. Don't worry about doing anything out of the ordinary. The person is a surprise-you're going to like it though, I promise! I tell you, Bluebelle, this is going to be exactly what we need!'

He spoke to himself towards the end, his eyes focused somewhere else, but his body was bouncing around the shop as if the whole thing had been what was needed to rewind the clock a decade or two. She wondered if it was perhaps a woman? Had he met someone? That would explain his cheerfulness-he would say 'we' as if it was something they both needed, since he might think that Belle needed a maternal figure in her life (she thought she had maneuvered her way into womanhood alright, but a father would be justified in feeling himself inadequate).

So certain was she in her assumption, that she set the table with extra care, pulling out the daintier dishes, wanting to make a good impression for the sake of her father. She even was finding that she could be happy for him, even if the sting she felt for anyone trying to replace her mother was just as strong as ever. It had made her father seem younger, somehow, and that alone was good enough for Belle.

Her surprise was great, when turning the sign to 'close' for the next hour or two, she came face to face with Tony Garret.

'Belle! Gosh, somehow you're even prettier now than you were in highschool!'

Her father was right behind him,

'Belle, I'm sure you remember Tony.'

She was supposed to say something.

This was the person her father was so keen on coming? The person that made him seem twenty years younger and happier than he had been since Mr. Gold had come? This was who her father thought was exactly who they needed? Why?!

'Y-yes, um, hello, Tony.' He went in for one of those awkward side hugs and she felt as if he went in for it a little longer than she would have liked (she would have preferred not doing it at all-actually, she would have actually preferred him not being there at all, but these were wishes to ponder at another moment).

'It's so good to see you.' And he flashed her a smile that showed glaringly white teeth, contrasting sharply with his smooth, raven black hair. Honestly, he was even more handsome than she remembered too, but that was the only compliment that came to mind, and she wasn't about to say it.

'Bluebelle's got you all set up, upstairs. C'malong my boy!' Her father's joy was contagious, and she told herself that perhaps he was different after the few years that had passed. Don't we all change and mature as we get older? It would be cruel to judge him based on high school memories. She forced herself to smile and led her guest up to their apartment upstairs, determined to view everything with fresh eyes, and attempted conversation as they sat down to lunch.

'So, Tony, what are you doing these days?' She ventured once they had sat down, his blue eyed gaze focused in on her, already making her feel uneasy.

Tony shrugged, as if he were trying to appear humble, the obvious gleam in his eyes told her differently. 'I own my dad's old mechanic shop now, ever since he went and finally popped off.' Belle's eyes shot up. How could someone be so insensitive-about their own father?! He was never the sharpest crayon in the box, but he read Belle's reaction enough to back peddle, carrying more of an air of sadness. 'Which was really tough, of course.' He lowered his head in mock sadness. 'But anyway' He brightened. 'The place practically runs itself, I check on it from time to time-Larry is my manager, you remember him don't you?'

Belle nodded, she unfortunately did.

'Tony told me it's a very profitable business.' Her father piped up, eager to fill the empty spaces of their conversation. Belle only thought Of course he told you it was profitable, Daddy, he only knows two responses to anything-to brag or ridicule. But she kept such thoughts to herself.

'Oh yeah, Larry says it's getting to where we are going to have to expand soon and everything!'

Belle gave an obligatory nod and a smile, her father's was much more genuine-and almost seemed to be a nod in approval?

'Oh! I had something I wanted to get out, now that both of you are here together again.' Something in that compilation of words had Belle squirming in her seat, Tony kept his gaze on her, not seeming to sense that it was making her feel uncomfortable.

'Ah, here it is!' Her father bellowed from the other room. He came in with a photo box, and Belle had a mortifying feeling she knew what pictures they held.

'Look at you both.' He waved a picture of her and Tony at prom, the biggest mistake Belle had ever made in highschool. 'Oh daddy.' She said, reddening in embarrassment. Tony didn't seem to remember the more negative aspects of that day, so he took it with relish.

'I remember that day-gosh, we were beautiful weren't we. Best looking couple in the room.' Tony grabbed at Belle's hand, while she wriggled back out of it uncomfortably.

'Well, I'm going back down to the shop, I'm sure you kids have a lot to catch up on, and to talk about. There are some more pictures of my Bluebelle's highschool years, if you both care to walk down memory lane.'

And then all at once, she and Tony were alone in the kitchen, and she, not for the first time that day, wished she was at Mr. Gold's little shop instead.

'Those were the good old days, weren't they?' They had finished with their lunch, and Belle started getting up to collect the dishes and clean up. She had heard Tony's chair and thought he might be getting up to help her-but no, it was to just stare at her.

'Mm, for some people, I suppose. I don't mind not being in high school anymore.'

'I figured you would miss all of that. Your pretty little head was always bent over some boring textbook.'

Tony definitely hadn't changed.

'I didn't mind the classes, no, but I can learn just as much through books without the 'boring textbooks'. It was the environment that I don't miss. The cliques, the pressure to fit in somewhere, the whispers behind your back.'

He gave a confused look towards Belle. 'C'mon Beauty, it wasn't that bad.' Belle looked over grimly, trying to reign in her growing annoyance-he used to call her that back then. Back when he sat at the popular table, just because of his looks and his skills on a football field. She had been the social outcast because of her love for learning and how much she detested the social aspects of most of the other 'cliques'. Especially after her mother passed away during her sophomore year, she was content with the couple of friends she had. Her junior year had been a hard one-dealing with the loss of her mother, trying to help her father through it, and trying to keep hold on the shop when her father could barely function from day to day. This meant that she read and studied every spare moment she got at school, as she simply didn't have time for it at home. When she finally looked around her senior year, her friends all talking about their plans for prom and the boys they were going with, she found she was quite lonely. A week later Tony, tall even back then, and he grew at least three or four inches after high school, stood at the end of her table one day at lunch and asked if the prettiest girl in school would like to go to prom with him. She had to admit she was flattered. She had said yes. The words he gave her after it was all over still stung, even if they were ridiculous and shouldn't have. She forgave him, and thought that once graduation was over, she wouldn't have to deal with him anymore. Now she was finding she was wrong.

During her own thoughts into days gone by, Tony was revisiting the highlights of his football career, both in high school, and then for his brief stint in college. He had only gone for a year or two, she imagined he couldn't keep up his grades, as poor Larry had been bullied into doing all his school for him, before. Of course, Belle herself had never been to college, but she found she didn't mind. She had read and read and read at night before going to bed each night, and during any quiet moments she could steal at the shop and felt like she had given herself a competent education in accounting and business, and any other thing she had an interest in. She had stayed behind to help her father. He was all she had left, and she didn't regret where she was, even if she had dreams of adventure and travel one day.

Mr. Gold's was sort of an adventure, and she was content enough with one adventure at a time.

Tony seemed to be winding down from his stories, thankfully, and the hour had come and gone, and the flower shop never seemed more inviting.

'Well, thank you for coming, I, um, should probably help Daddy downstairs soon.'

Thankfully he seemed to get the hint, but only once she had maneuvered closer to the door and stood expectantly.

'Got to hurry before the old man gets cross, huh? I don't think you have to worry too much, he seems pretty chill.'

'Be that as it may, I want to help him while I can, but thank you for coming.' She put on a forced smile.

'I gotcha, Beauty. He stepped in front of her to go down, where Belle saw her father waiting expectantly, a smile beaming up towards them.

'So, when does the old cripple let you out normally?' Belle clenched her fists at the description of her employer.

'Gold let's her have Saturday's off' Her father beamed. Belle looked towards him pleadingly, hoping to convey how little she wanted to see the big oaf again, but he didn't seem to notice.

'Good, good, then let's start tomorrow! Say six, beauty?'

'Oh, um,' she stammered. 'I'll probably be too busy getting ready to go back to Mr. Golds. Saturday is normally pretty busy, I normally don't have time for social outings, I'm sorry.'

'Oh, Bluebelle, you can manage an hour or two, can't you? I'm sure she can, Tony, you be ready by six tomorrow, and I'll make sure she's ready.'

Belle just stood there mouth agape as Tony winked at her and told her he would see her then and scurried away.

'Daddy! I can't believe you did that! Do I have no say in who I date?'

'I was just trying to help you out, Bluebelle. You don't get out enough, and Tony is a good man. He's good looking, just your age, and he's well set up. If this worked out, say permanently, you wouldn't have to worry about money anymore. He told me he still very much likes you-I think this will be good!' Her father, whom she loved very much, was still beaming and unaware of her thoughts and feelings. She would just have to make him aware of them.

'I don't like him, Daddy. I never did. And even if I did…I mean what I said, I have a lot going on right now to be trying to focus on a relationship too. I don't want to go with him. I won't go with him'

'Bluebelle.'

'I think I need to go back to Mr. Gold's-There are some things I need to do to get ready for the next week, since I'm a bit behind.'

Her father's eyes narrowed.

'He won't even keep his word on giving you a week off?'

'No, no, I want to go back. Now you can give Tony a good excuse why I'm not going with him.'

'So you'd rather go back to that-that monster who, who did this to us?' Her father's face was red.

'What did Mr. Gold do to us? Let you borrow money and then asked for it to be paid back? He even let me come work for him instead of throwing us out and making us start over again with nothing.'

'I can't believe you would speak up for him!' She could tell her father was getting worked up-perspiration glistened on his forehead and his breath was coming in short bursts.

'Daddy, daddy, come and sit down.' Her voice softened with him. She hated to leave him like this, but she imagined that the space would do them both some good. She texted Mr. Dove and went up to pack her bags.

'I just want what's best for you, Bluebelle.' Her father sighed as she came back downstairs to wait for Mr. Dove.

'I know you do, I know.'

The ride to Mr. Gold's was quiet, as nerves mounted. He would be just home from work-probably looking forward to a quiet weekend, and there she would be. She hoped, since they had such a wonderful time that week (at least it was for her) that he wouldn't be too upset that she had returned early.

'Everything alright, Miss Belle?'

Dove was glancing over at her every few minutes, his face wrinkled over in concern. She almost cried from his worry-there was someone that could see the storm of emotions she was dealing with, and it comforted her to know.

'I am. I'm a little worried-I , um, well, Mr. Gold doesn't know I'm coming back early.'

A smile emerged on the big man's face.

'Don't worry about that, Miss Belle.' He said no more, though Belle waited to see why she ought not to worry. Mr. Dove gave no more information and all too soon she let herself into the big Victorian.

'Mr. Gold?' She called to the echoey walls.

She headed for the den, where she felt he would be, but it was empty.

'Mr. Gold?' She called louder, and heard a bit of commotion upstairs in response.

Mr. Gold came limping down the stairs, his face wide with surprise.

'Belle?'

She held her luggage with both hands and stood shuffling her feet, attempting to rub away the nerves.

'I'm sorry, Mr. Gold, I hope it's alright, but I decided to come back a little early. Is that okay? I can stay out of your way this weekend-I'm sorry, I should have gotten your number from Dove…'

'It's alright, I don't mind that you're back.' He gave a side smile. 'Is, um, everything okay?'

'Oh yes, Daddy and I just, well, I think we needed a bit of space for a few days.' She smiled in an attempt to show that everything was alright. He nodded, and the emotions she had been feeling threatened to burst.

'Excuse me.'

And she ran upstairs to her room and closed the door, allowing the tears to fall down her face. She couldn't help but be a little selfish that evening. She wanted her mother there so badly to talk to her and give her advice, and she cried that it could never be so. She wanted her father to understand her wishes, and at the same time worried that she was close to losing the last bit of family she had. She wished she had someone to talk to about all of this, but wondered which friend would understand her emotional upheaval. If she had spent time with Ruby or Emma this week instead of Mr. Gold, perhaps it would be easier, but she hadn't, and she now only felt distance. Tony's words on prom night played in her head, reminding her of the loneliness that was high school, and realizing that it wasn't much better now, really.

She curled up in her bed, the scent in her room oddly comforting, and cried herself to sleep.

…

In the hall, Gold stood near her door, his heart hurting as he heard the sobs emerging from the room. What would a friend do? Wouldn't they knock on the door and offer a shoulder to cry on? A friend would definitely not have sat on her bed and moped-no that's what middle aged men who found they missed their maids apparently did. Hating himself, he listened until the sobs quieted, and turned to his room and closed the door.

Author's Note:

I hope you aren't too disappointed in such a Belle centric (and not much Gold) chapter, but I wanted to share a bit more of her backstory (and there is more to come). Also, I didn't feel like Gold and Belle were in a place where he would feel confident to offer a shoulder-however, there's more to come ;)
Another note: I tried to make Belle's father a bit like he was in the show. He loves Belle, but just simply doesn't understand her or what she's feeling or needs. He's no villain, but he is aggravating some times! lol
I hope you enjoy! I am going to try to get a chapter out much quicker this time, to give you more Gold/Belle goodness!
Thank you for the comments so far, they help encourage me so much!