Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Cosette and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
Innocence of a Child Chapter 9
In the beginning stages of waking up from her deep slumber, Cosette could feel a soft touch grazing the hairline at her temple.
"Wake up, Cosette. Wake up," said a familiar voice, softly kissing her cheek.
When Cosette managed to fully regain her faculties she couldn't believe her eyes. At first, Cosette assumed that she might still be dreaming. That notion was quickly dispelled.
Cosette had squealed launching herself at Belle in a massive hug. Belle fell backwards onto the bed laughing with the little one.
Afterward, Cosette peered around in confusion wondering where they were. Cosette even asked Belle as much. Belle then explained the situation they were now in including the information that their father had been thrown out of this grand castle by the monstrous and vicious Beast who resided here on these lands.
It all then came rushing back to Cosette. Everything from the point where she'd gotten separated from Maurice, somehow finding her way to this castle, eating a meal that filled her aching belly, and falling asleep at the table. There had been very little recollection after that one.
Apparently, she'd been asleep all that time.
That wasn't the highlight of all this. Next to giving Cosette back her lost ribbons, Belle informs her that this castle is alive. How so she would soon find out.
Belle told Cosette that they weren't staying here for long. She refused that the two of them would be kept as prisoners here so far from home and their treasured father.
So, the genius that she is, Belle quickly concocted a plan. Using fabric from a hideous dress that had been made for her Belle used them to create a makeshift rope. It hung out the window, with the end dangling high above the ground and the other tied securely to a leg of the bed. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do. There weren't that many options to take. Belle had no idea if any one of the castle's servants was currently guarding the door so they couldn't just meander through there.
There came a banging on the doors that startled both sisters. The voice on the other side was easily recognizable to Belle given she'd already been on the receiving end of it.
"You will join me for dinner! That's not a request."
It's the Beast. He'd come for them.
Cosette whimpered instinctively trying to hide underneath the sheets.
Gently shushing her, Belle continued with her work on the rope ladder.
There were muffled voices heard on the other side of the doors.
More knocking came, but this time not as forceful.
"Just a minute," called Belle.
More talking was heard in low voices before the Beast chose to speak again in a more kind and light tone.
"Will you join me for dinner?"
Belle's not fooled. She easily could see through the act.
Seething at the Beast's nerve and audaciousness, Belle spat "You've taken us as your prisoners and now you want to have dinner with us?"
"Not the child, just you."
"Are you mad," exclaimed Belle.
Cosette giggled a tiny bit. The Beast doesn't know what he's in for, on the receiving end of her big sister.
The Beast didn't take too kindly to that.
The Beast now banged furiously on the doors growling at Belle.
"I told you to join me for dinner," snarled the Beast, all nicety gone.
"And I told you now," retorted Belle, standing firm.
Cosette nearly jumped when the wardrobe opened and actually spoke, eyes huge.
Madame Garderobe said "Oh! What time is it? What's happening?"
So that's what Belle meant by alive. Cosette tilted her head to the side. How magical.
Filled with contempt for their "host", Belle said, "I'd rather starve before I ever ate with you."
"Well, be my guest. Go ahead and starve!" He then spoke to the servants that had accompanied him. "If she doesn't eat with me, then she doesn't eat at all. Neither of them do!"
The Beasts thundering, booming footsteps were heard retreating as he walked away.
Cosette was left trembling on the bed, the bedspread covering most of her body except for her frightened eyes.
Heart going out to her Belle immediately went over to her little sister to offer some comfort and solace. In fact both of them needed what the other could provide now as a family. This is a great benefit of the love shared between sisters so closely bonded with each other. Constantly there to support and make things better, however slight.
Sitting down on the bed, gathering Cosette in her arms while gently rocking her from side to side, Belle murmured "It's okay. Everything's going to be okay. Don't you worry about this. I'm going to get us out of this awful place."
Authors Note:
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.
