CHAPTER 29
ADAM'S POV
"I don't particularly wish to go inside," Aurora admitted, her gaze fixed on her hands.
We sat inside the carriage, and I sympathized with her reluctance, yet I realized that avoiding Phillip and Belle wouldn't resolve anything.
Aurora lifted her eyes to meet mine, and my expression conveyed everything. "I understand," she sighed, as if she could discern my reluctant agreement in my countenance. "I know we have to go inside. I know we have to confront them."
I nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we do. But remember, you don't have to face it alone."
I extended my arm as she gracefully disembarked from the carriage. Her grip was notably tight, a telltale sign of her nerves. Despite my efforts to maintain composure, the images of Eric and Ariel's dueling swords kept replaying in my mind. Belle held affection for me, and it was evident that she had fallen in love with me. However, she remained unaware that it was me she had fallen for, for all this time I had been concealed behind a hooded disguise as a customer.
The hall was lavishly decorated, with Tiana's exceptional taste evident from the floor to the ceiling. Her skills as a president were truly remarkable, as she had a knack for enlisting others to bring her vision to life. The theme exuded opulence with its prominent use of gold.
In one corner, a champagne tower sparkled and beckoned.
"I need a drink," Aurora declared, letting go of my hand, a clear indication that she sought some liquid courage to muster the strength to confront Phillip.
"I'll join you," I replied, realizing that I, too, needed a dose of that liquid courage.
As Aurora and I discreetly traversed the room, I caught sight of Belle and Phillip in a corner, engrossed in conversation with another couple. Belle looked resplendent, exuding a regal charm that made her appear absolutely enchanting. An undeniable surge of jealousy coursed through me as I observed her on Phillip's arm. It was as if fate had conspired, for Phillip seemed to sense my gaze and turned his attention in my direction. Our eyes met, and a sudden, grim expression washed over his face.
I quickly averted my gaze, although I couldn't help but catch a brief glimpse of clenched teeth as I turned away. Aurora seemed fine, she was just dowing her second glass of champagne and I saw Snow White come to her. She'd be fine. I on the other hand wouldn't be.
I made my way to the bar and ordered a potent whiskey for myself.
"Of course, you're here," a glass slid down the table, colliding with the back of my hand, coming to an immediate halt with a resounding clank as the ice inside it shifted.
Phillip.
"Phillip," I acknowledged.
"Good evening, and thanks," I replied, raising the glass and taking a sip.
"You left your date alone? She's on her third glass of champagne!" he remarked.
I raised an eyebrow. "Why do you care? Who is she to you?" He appeared dumbfounded, and it was evident he still had lingering feelings for Aurora. He was keeping track of her drinks?
"I'll always care about Aurora. I don't just forget about people like they're at my disposal, like YOU do!" he retorted.
He seemed to be trying to provoke me, but I simply rolled my eyes. "Oh yeah? Where's your date?"
Phillip immediately panicked and started looking around. Unbeknownst to him I had my eye on Belle the whole time. "Why, she was just here... Oh, there she is!" he pointed to Belle, engaged in conversation with Cinder and Tiana not far away.
I couldn't help but snicker. "Yeah, you definitely knew where she was," I said sarcastically.
"Adam!" Aurora exclaimed as she hiccuped her way over to me. "You're betraying me by talking to HIM!" she accused, pointing at Phillip.
"The guy got me a drink, actually," I defended myself.
Aurora rolled her eyes. Honestly, I was on her side. The guy just couldn't make up his mind, and he was with my girl. The situation was somewhat amusing.
"You shouldn't be drinking that much; you're a lightweight," Phillip pleaded as he came to her side, while I went back to sipping my decadent glass of whiskey.
"What's it to you?" Aurora retorted, flagging down the bartender for a glass of wine.
"Stop; you're being childish!" Phillip raised his voice as he followed her trails down the long bar table.
"Don't tell me what to do!" Aurora snapped as she leaned on the bar, trying to get the bartender's attention.
Phillip grabbed her hands. "What are you doing?"
"Just leave me alone!" Aurora shrieked as she pushed Phillip. However, it only led to her falling down and knocking over all the stools next to her like a row of dominoes. The commotion caught everyone's attention, including Belle's. I quickly went to Aurora's side helping her up, noticing Phillip was doing the same.
Tiana swiftly approached with Cinder and Belle following right behind. "What's the meaning of this!?" she scolded, as she saw Philip helping Aurora up.
"I think Aurora may have had too much to drink," I said as Phillip and I lifted her up to her feet. I could tell Belle looked a little worried.
"I'll take her outside to get some fresh air, could you get me a cup of water Ti?" Phillip asked, but Cinder was already two steps ahead of her and motioned a cup of water for Aurora to drink from.
"Here, she can have some of my water," Cinderella offered, and Phillip nodded in gratitude. Everyone noticed that it was blatantly clear Phillip still and would always care for Aurora. Aurora took a sip. Thanks to the level of light in this part of the hall, revealing streaks of mascara running down her cheeks were very apparent. It was clear she was very distraught at the mere sight of seeing Belle with Phillip. I felt so sorry for her. More than myself even though I too was in the same predicament of seeing the person I cared for very much on the arm of another.
Aurora swiftly straightened up, asserting, "I'm fine," as she gently extricated herself from our supportive grips.
"Are you sure?" I whispered, aware of Phillip's visible jealousy as I inquired. After all, she was my date, but it was glaringly apparent that he still held deep affection for her and, therefore, felt rather territorial about her.
Aurora nodded and made her way toward the ladies' room.
"I think we should go with her, just to be sure," Cinder suggested.
"Good idea, I'll come along," Tiana chimed in. She turned to Belle. "Please, help yourself to anything. And if I haven't said it enough, I'm really happy you came!" Tiana said as she gave Belle a warm, friendly kiss on the cheek.
Left awkwardly in the scene were Belle, Phillip, and me. Phillip continued to glance in Aurora's direction until she disappeared behind the ladies' room door. His concern was evident.
"What are you doing, old chap?" I asked.
"What am I doing?" he responded.
"You obviously have feelings for her," I pointed out. "Go after her."
"Phillip is this true?" Belle inquired sweetly.
"It's not so simple to explain. Especially when Adam was recently found galavanting around with her just the other day!"
"Will you shut up with that!" I bellowed seeing that it made Belle physically flinch. "You caught me hugging her so what? We're not together anymore. She loves you. She's crazy about you! The reason why she got so tipsy was because just seeing you here with another girl made her weak in the knees. She's my past. You will always be what she wants. You're her present and future. Just go after her."
Belle placed her hand on his shoulder, concern etched across her face. "Phillip, is Aurora your Juliet? The girl you've been sweet on, the one you told me about in the library?"
Phillip nodded, a hint of despair in his eyes. "Yeah, she's... she's my girl. I just feel it," he began, shaking his head. "I messed up."
"Not all will be lost if you go after her, old chap," I reassured him, and Belle nodded in agreement. "There's nothing going on between her and me. You need to make sure she's okay. How about we switch partners for the evening?" I suggested, winking at Belle.
"Would that be alright with you, Belle?" Phillip asked, his question carrying the weight of a plea.
"Of course," Belle replied, her voice laced with kindness.
"Thanks!" Phillip exclaimed with gratitude before dashing off to catch up with the girls.
I smiled at Belle and gestured to an empty seat beside me. "How about a drink?" I suggested. She agreed with a warm smile.
After Belle and I had sipped from our glasses of wine, we delved into a delightful exchange of stories from our classes, chuckling at the eccentric professors we both had. In that moment, we managed to forget the formal event and felt as if we were in the comfort of her dormitory or someplace more intimate, a world all our own.
"Well, thanks for keeping me company. It's like Phillip couldn't wait to get rid of me. I must have been a bore!" Belle remarked.
"You're far from a bore," I reassured her.
"I know, I know, I'm just joking. It's just...wow. Aurora. I mean, she's the whole reason I didn't even want to come here. And if I'm being honest, I'm intimidated by her. But I have a feeling maybe she's not so bad," she admitted, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her glass.
"Why? Because a nice guy like Phillip loves her," I probed, raising an intrigued eyebrow.
"No, because a nice guy like YOU were once with her," she responded as our glasses clinked.
I bashfully pushed my bangs back. "I know Aurora has her sides. Everyone does, I guess. I mean, look at me, I basically terrorized you the first weeks of school. Sorry about that, by the way," I apologized, and she nodded in agreement. "Point is, we all have our flaws. We're not all bad people. We may do things that don't seem right, but aren't we human?"
Belle seemed deep in thought, processing what I was saying, but she appeared to carry a sense of guilt about something.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if you could please take your seats, we'd like the coronation to begin!" Snow White's voice echoed from the stage, disrupting our conversation. The crowd bustled and shuffled to secure prime seats for the upcoming event.
"What's troubling you? You look concerned," I inquired, leaning in closer, unfazed by the bustling surroundings.
"Adam, there's something I've been hiding too. I'm not exactly a model citizen either. I mean...I've been involved in something, and it wouldn't reflect well on the Ladies of Wonderland. It really wouldn't," she confessed solemnly.
I could only assume she was referring to her part-time job at the tavern, which indeed wouldn't be looked upon favorably by some. However, she didn't know that I was aware of it. But this wasn't the appropriate time or place for such a discussion.
"Belle, I'm sure whatever you're talking about is understandable. Come, we must secure a good seat. This is a momentous day for you," I encouraged as I led her to some decent seats toward the front.
I was pleased to find that my encouragement somewhat pacified her. We sat elbow to elbow next to her. I looked around a bit to see if I could find Aurora.
"I don't see Phillip or Aurora, do you?" I whispered to Belle. Belle looked around a bit too.
"No, I don't see them. I really hope they left and got a chance to talk, just the two of them." she whispered back. I nodded in agreement.
Tiana took the stage. She looked elegant and quite poised. Her mere presence commanded attention and respect. "Welcome everyone, one and all, to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Wonderland," the whole auditormal applauded and cheered.
"Tonight, we gather in the spirit of tradition and excellence as we embark on a journey of renewal and expansion. Our organization, rooted in history and founded on the principles of prestige and honor, is pleased to announce the induction of new members into our esteemed fold. These individuals, selected for their remarkable backgrounds, unwavering caliber, and the distinguished contributions they bring to our community, epitomize the very essence of our values. As we welcome them into our illustrious ranks, we look forward to the fresh perspectives, talents, and ideas they will infuse into our esteemed institution. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and progress, as we continue to evolve and uphold the tradition of the Ladies and Gentlemen of Wonderland."
"Oh my goodness Tiana is such a wonderful speaker. And now I am sooo nervous!"Belle whispered.
"You'll do great, " I reassured, squeezing her hand.
"Today, I am honored to be joined by Snow White and Cinderella as we gather for the prestigious induction of new members into the Ladies of Wonderland. When your name is called, you will receive your certificate from Snow White, while Cinderella will grace you with a medal, adorned with the Wonderland symbol and encrusted with coveted jade stones from China, making it truly exceptional. As we begin this ceremony, it's my privilege to introduce our first inductee, who hails from the enchanting lands of China – please join us in welcoming Fa Mulan!"
Applause resounded throughout the room, and Belle wore an expression of astonishment as the spotlight turned to Mulan. Accompanied by a gentleman, she ascended the stairs to the podium with grace, her escort extending a supporting hand to ensure her balance. Mulan's attire was a vision to behold - a magnificent, long, and flowing red gown embellished with a gold dragon cascading down her back, its tail gracefully trailing along the elegant hem, leaving the entire audience in awe.
Tiana continued. "Mulan's extraordinary courage, determination, and unyielding spirit have been evident in her valiant service to her nation and her embodiment of the highest ideals. She has not only displayed incredible leadership skills but has also demonstrated her deep commitment to honor, integrity, and the pursuit of justice. Mulan's exceptional journey, marked by her unwavering resolve to overcome adversity and protect her loved ones, exemplifies the very qualities that the Ladies of Wonderland hold dear. It is with great honor and admiration that we welcome Mulan into our ranks, for she truly personifies the essence of excellence, making her a beacon of inspiration for us all."
The room burst into applause as Mulan proudly received her certificate and medal. The ceremony continued with the introduction of more inductees, each with their own remarkable achievements. Pocahontas, representing the Americas, was honored for her incredible bravery and unwavering boldness, having bridged cultural divides and stood up for her people. Merida, a skilled archer from the northern regions, was recognized for her unparalleled marksmanship, her arrows striking true even in the most challenging conditions. Finally, after a long wait, it was Belle's turn to step into the spotlight, joining this illustrious group of remarkable individuals.
Tiana gleaned as she notably gave a smile to Belle. "And now we have come to our final
inductee."
It was a moment I had longed for, the inclusion of Belle,
"This individual," Tiana continued, " Is a person I had fervently fought for to be a part of our prestigious occasion. And when I mean fought for I meant I had to really convince her!" The audience laughed. Tiana beamed with pride, her own accomplishments shining as brightly as Belle's bashful but appreciative expression.
Belle was definitely a hard nut to crack, I thought to myself. Belle's journey was a remarkable one, emerging from challenging circumstances, unafraid to stand out in her small village, unbeknownst to her that I was aware of her background, and eventually achieving acceptance into the Parthenon. Belle, in her own right, was incomparably intelligent and possessed an extraordinary talent for writing. This was her well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
However, the joyous atmosphere took an unexpected turn when Snow White approached Tiana with a worried expression. Tiana's face mirrored the same concern, and their shared gaze was directed towards Belle in the audience, who quickly transitioned from worry to a warm smile.
Then, Tiana shared the news with apparent enthusiasm, exclaiming, "Oh my goodness! Snow just delivered some incredible news! Before we introduce our final inductee, our quartet, who journeyed all the way from Paris, will grace us with a performance. Let's all come together on the dance floor and make this a truly splendid conclusion!" Despite her cheerful tone, there was a distinct artificiality to her words, and as I glanced at Belle's face, it was evident that she sensed it as well.
The audience, initially bewildered, rose from their seats, and as the quartet began to play, any confusion was replaced by the enchanting rhythm of the music.
Belle remained seated, her worry palpable. I offered my hand, standing up and asked,
"Care to dance?"
"Something is wrong," Belle whispered, looking down, refusing to take my hand. "Something is wrong, and it's about me."
I couldn't deny the unease in the air, but I didn't want her to fret. "Perhaps it's something truly amazing that will tie into your part of the induction, Belle. You were the most sought-after and coveted inductee, after all."
"No, I wasn't," Belle said, shaking her head. "I was just the most stubborn. Merida will be the first female ruler of her land, the finest warrior in her country. Pocahontas protected her people and fostered peace between her tribe and potential settlers. The fight is far from over, but she remains incredibly loyal to the cause. Mulan saved her people... The list goes on and on," Belle sighed. "I'm just... me. I'm guarded. I can't hold a candle to their accomplishments. I was stubborn. That's why it took Tiana so much time because she had to convince me. Meanwhile all her energy could've gone to people who deserve it more than I do."
"Belle, please pause for a moment. We're not entirely sure what's happening," I urged.
"Belle?" It was Tiana, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Yes, Tiana?" Belle rose, standing beside me to meet Tiana's gaze. "Is everything alright?"
Tiana appeared concerned. "Not exactly. Allegations have been made, and, well, while everyone else is engrossed in the dancing, I'd like to take you behind the stage to discuss something. It's something Snow brought to my attention."
Tiana led Belle up the stairs, but before she could go, Belle turned back to me. "Adam, could you... could you come with me?"
"Of course," I replied, and we followed Tiana backstage.
