The Truth Behind Beauty

Chapter 2: The Basement

I gazed at the sunset and the amber glowing sky whilst the gentle breeze passes around me. As soon as the sky transformed into a dark black, I picked up my basket and left the green hills. I looked at the contents in my small basket hoping my father wouldn't mind having an apple pie. I would cook for my father everyday as for what he has done for me can never be repaid. Although I felt like I had to cook for him, my father can make a good Boeuf bourguignon. This dinner was expensive so my father only cooked it on my mothers birthday because she was special to us just like that dish.

I arrive back at our cottage with a welcoming smile upon my face. I open the door to see my father napping on the arm chair which was facing the fire place. I stare at the golden flames which lit up the room. My eyes fixed to the glowing blaze as if it comfort me. I crept closer trying not to disturb my father as I stretched my arms out to feel the heat against my bare hands. I stood still for a while letting the time pass me by ; it was at this time I could forget the misery in my life.

A cough wakes me from my tranquil state. I turn to face my father. His cold eyes stared at me whilst he frowned at me. Standing up I put my hand upon his shoulder giving a concerning look. I knew what he meant but I never want to go down to the basement. I trembled looking straight into his eyes whilst he nodded. I turned away as my eyes filled with tears.

"Belle, I know this hard but I can't have you destroying the village or you being found out. I know I don't say this a lot but I do love you and I can't let you go. We're family and family sticks together." My father said softly.

I burst into tears because my father never says I love you. His heart is broken because of my mothers death and I never thought he would I say I love you to anyone else. I turned around and hugged my father as tears flowed down my cheeks like a waterfall. I'm grateful so grateful, I would be a mess without him.

" I know you don't want me to be found out but I cannot let my self destroy your inventions. Especially that tomorrow is the invention fair . Father I cannot let you be laughed at because of your inventions that I destroyed! I'm so sorry but I cant ruin your hard work, I just can not!" I said whilst nearly shouting.

I turned around because couldn't bare to look at my father. I'm surprised he still puts up with me. I'm a beast and nothing more, why would anybody look after me?

To my surprise my father pushed me forwards and I nearly lost my balance. I turned around to see a big smile on his face as if he was excited for something. He ushered me forward to the door to the basement.

"Come on Belle. This way to see my winning invention" He said excitedly.

Immediately I smiled back to him as I felt excited too. All his inventions were amazing and seeing a new one made me so happy. You wouldn't know what to expect as each one was uniquely brilliant.

When we reached the basement door my dad grabbed his keys from the pocket. It was giant ring with loads of keys attached for everything we owned that needed a key. I stared at the key hole as my father poked the key in and turned it 180 degrees. I smiled eagerly as my father pushed the door open. I rushed down the steps as I couldn't keep my excitement in. I anticipated an amazing device not like anyone has ever created. I stared at the iron bares that held my beast form from the outside world. I knew after this father would beg me to stay the night trapped in the basement but I had to see the invention first.

"Father, hurry up; I can't wait any longer!" I shouted up the stairs.

I could hear footsteps getting louder as my father came closer to the basement. When he reached the bottom, he was panting like he just ran a mile. He rolled his eyes at me as if I was a 5 year old having tantrum over some fudge I couldn't have. Once more my father unlocked the door. He put his arm out gesturing me to go in.

"Here you go just as you asked for, to see my invention." He spoke.

I wondered in with my eyes glancing every bit of the room. Then my eyes fixed to a massive circular machine that appeared be made out of a shiny copper. I was so excited to find out what it is even if I may break it. I couldn't help myself but gaze at the invention and study every part of it. Hmmm what could be? If it is created my father it would be something I would of never imagined.

A clash of metal to metal makes me bounce away from the machine. I turn to see my father locking me in. Anger spreads across my hole body as I clench my fists. My fathers face expresses his emotions clearly ... fear. I look down at my arms to see brown fur growing from my skin. I look up and my father is gone. He must be scared. I feel tired, faint like I'm going to pas out. I let out a defining roar but I'm not controlling my self. The room spins or is it me spinning? My eyes are closing and I don't know what's happening. What is taking over me?