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 10

"Don't worry, Cosette. I won't let that monster hurt you," promised Belle, murmuring into her baby sister's soft hair.

Cosette desperately wanted to believe her.

How could she though when everything considering their situation looks so bleak and hopeless?

"I want to go home. I want, Papa," said Cosette, sadly, sniffling as she pouted.

Hugging her, Belle said "I know. I do, too."

The window was still open from before. Belle hadn't yet shut it being occupied with tending to Cosette's needs. A small breeze came in causing Cosette to shiver in spite of the warm and cozy blankets wrapped around her. Also, Cosette's stomach unleashed a telltale growl.

It had been a long while since she had sampled that large dinner and her body had worked through it. Now it required further nourishment.

Hard to get when Belle and Cosette couldn't even leave the room or receive any food.

Cosette pressed against her sister's body staring out the window at the moon gleaming up in the night sky.

Belle gazed sadly down at her little sister. No child should have to go through an experience like this. It would be better for her to be the only one strapped her instead of both. Instead, it's the two of them there with Belle the only one to figure out a way to get them out and back home.

Belle kissed Cosette's forehead. She picked her up, still in the blankets, and went over to the open window.

Here she took over.

Belle then hefted Cosette so that their faces were level with each other.

Belle and Cosette snuggled their heads together for comfort and strength.

Cosette stopped her trembling. She's now smiling her face and eyes a lot brighter.

Returning the smile, stroking Cosette's hair, Belle said "Now let's get out of here."

Belle placed Cosette back on the bed as she finished preparation for the tide rope of fabric hanging out of the window on their way down.

Just as it appeared like they'd be fully in the clear a knock on the door put a stop to that.

Immediately assuming that the Beast had come back for round 2, Belle shouted "I told you to go away!"

To the contrary of what they believed, turns out it isn't the Beast standing on the other side outside their door.

The tone of voice is gentle, kind, and polished compared to the Beast's deep and grumbling one, a woman says "Don't worry, Dears. It's only Mrs. Potts."

Mrs. Potts? They haven't met her yet.

Belle moved with haste to cover the work she'd done and stood in front of it close to Cosette.

A couple of seconds after this happened the bedroom doors opened. A serving trolley rolled inside with the speaker sitting on top. Placed on top were a beautifully painted teapot and a teacup with the same design on its side. Cosette and Belle had to assume the teapot was Mrs. Potts.

This assumption would be proven correct.

"Oh! Oh, aren't to a vision! How lovely to make your acquaintance," said Mrs. Potts, pleasantly, bowing to them.

In doing so Mrs. Potts saw the rope that Belle had been trying to block. Instead of raising the alarm and calling the whole castle down upon them, Mrs. Potts did something completely unexpected.

"It's a very long journey. Let me fix you two up before you go. I have found that most troubles seem less troubling after a bracing cup of tea," offered Mrs. Potts, sweetly, pouring tea into the cup beside her.

Once it was full, the cup, also, alive, hopped off the trolley, onto the floor, and over to Belle.

"Slowly now, Chip," cautioned Mrs. Potts.

Chip's saucer slips to a stop at Belle's feet.

Belle picked it up delicately, brought it to her lips, and sipped the warm and refreshing beverage.

"Pleased to meet you," said Chip, smiling.

After she had her share Belle then handed it to Cosette.

Cosette drank and then peered into Chip's face.

"Hi, I'm Chip! It's nice to have another kid my age here," said Chip, grinning at her. Want to see me do a trick?"

Chip took a deep breath. He then started to blow bubbles. The tea splashed and the bubbles popped spackling Cosette in the face and making her laugh.

"Chip," berated Mrs. Potts, the smile on her face showing she wasn't putting too much into it.

Chip and Cosette giggled in amusement as a response.

"That was a courageous thing you did for your father, Dearie," admired Mrs. Potts.

"Yes, we all think so," said Madame Garderobe in agreement, softly.

"I'm worried about him. He's never been on his own," said Belle, placing Chip back onto the trolley beside his mother.

"Cheer up, My Poppet. Things will turn out in the end. You'll feel a lot better after dinner," assured Mrs. Potts.

Cocking her head in a gesture of puzzlement, Belle said "But he said 'If she doesn't eat with me, then she doesn't eat at all.'"

Shaking her head, with much wisdom, Mrs. Potts sighed "People say a lot of things in anger. It is our choice whether or not to listen." Mrs. Potts turned the serving trolley towards the door and began to leave. "Coming, poppets?"

Belle and Cosette exchanged a glance of uncertainty and then at Madame Garderobe.

"Go," coaxed Madame Garderobe, gently.

What have they got to lose?

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.