What if Belle Married Someone Else

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: First Impressions
Gaston got ready for his date with Jackie. He was going to take her to a fancy restaurant and then to see a play. He hoped that Jackie would enjoy the play and wanted to make a great impression. Although he had been on dates with other women, he had not fallen in love with any of them and did not want to mess things up with Jackie. Just then, Gaston's mother Connie knocked on his door.
"Come on in!" Gaston yelled.
"Gaston, you look handsome like your father," Connie replied.
"I hope I do not mess things up with Jackie like I did with Belle," Gaston said.
"Gaston, I never told you how I met your father. I was madly in love with a boy named Roger Smith. We went to a party together, and your father happened to be there with another girl named April Portman. April was one of the richest and most beautiful girls in town, and your father was madly in love with her. Eventually, April left your father for another man, and Roger left me for another girl. Your father and I were both really upset. We started talking to each other and eventually fell in love. I was actually glad to be dumped by Roger, and your father was glad that April dumped him. I did feel bad for April because the man she left your father for also left her for another woman. Belle was not the right girl for you, but I do believe Jackie is a great choice for you," Connie replied.
"I just don't understand women," Gaston replied.
"Just be yourself, Gaston. You've made your share of mistakes, but everyone makes mistakes. You are a good man. Jackie is a good woman and she will not judge you," Connie replied.
"Thank you. I feel a whole lot better," Gaston assured his mother.
Gaston now knew why his father fell in love with his mother. Connie was easy to talk to and she never judged anyone.
Gaston decided not to wear his army uniform, and he even got a haircut to look better. He bought a new suit to wear and went to the jewelry shop. There, he purchased an engagement ring and asked the store clerk to keep it a secret. The clerk agreed to keep quiet about the ring, and Gaston also got a beautiful necklace.
Jackie was getting ready for her date with Gaston. She really likes him. It's her first date because she has always been busy with school, work, and taking care of her mother. Peggy is happy that Jackie is making time for herself. She thinks Jackie deserves to be happy. Peggy is going to have dinner with Martin and his family. Roland and Anne are expecting a baby, and Jackie got the baby a gift.
Gaston took Jackie out to eat and then to see the play "Henry VIII." Gaston was shocked by the way King Henry VIII treated his wives and daughters. Although Gaston desired a son, he would never harm his wife if she didn't give birth to one. He was determined to love his daughter just as much as he would love a son. Gaston noticed Belle reading "King Henry VIII" and decided to take Jackie to see the play. Interestingly, Gaston enjoyed reading, a fact known only to his family and Lefou, as he usually put on a tough guy act and didn't want others to know about his love for reading.
"What happened to your father? You do not have to answer that question. I should never ask that question," Gaston corrected himself.
"It's okay. It is not a secret. My dad was killed on active duty while I was going to college in New York. I came back to take care of my mother. I have been back for a year," Jackie explained.
"My dad got killed on active duty. I had to stop going to college to support my mom and my siblings," Gaston replied.
"Are you related to Governor Hatching?" Jackie asks.
"Yes, I am, but I don't want anything to do with him. When my dad was killed, my uncle robbed my mom of my dad's half of his inheritance. My uncle never helps my family. He is even horrible to his son, Nicholas. My uncle sabotaged Nicholas's relationship with Lisa and made him marry that witch, Julie!" Gaston replied angrily.
"I heard about that and I think it's terrible. Why is your uncle so unkind to your mom?" Jackie inquired.
"My uncle disapproved of my dad marrying my mom. My uncle and dad were from a wealthy background, while my mom came from a less fortunate one. After my dad married my mom, my uncle and dad stopped talking," Gaston clarified.
"I hope to see you again," Gaston said.
"I want to see you again too," Jackie responded.
Gaston then drove Jackie home and kissed her goodnight. Upon arriving home, Jackie found her mother Peggy waiting for her.
"Mom, you didn't need to stay up for me," Jackie said.
"I couldn't sleep. I just got back an hour ago. Anne lost the baby," Peggy replied with sadness. "What happened?!"
Jackie asked, feeling upset.
"I'm not sure. Anne started experiencing severe stomach pain, and we rushed to get the doctor. The doctor told Anne she was very fortunate not to have bled to death," Peggy explained.
Jackie felt sympathy for Anne.
"How is Anne doing?" she inquired.
"The doctor said she would be fine, but she needs to rest in bed for a week. She's really upset about the baby," Peggy answered with a heavy heart.
"What about Roland?" Jackie asked.
"He doesn't know yet. His uncle has gone missing, so he's helping his cousins search for him. How was your date with Gaston? Did you enjoy it?" Peggy asked.
"Yes, I had a great time and I really like Gaston. He wants to go out again!" Jackie responded with excitement.
"I'd love to meet him. Why not invite him over for dinner?" Peggy suggested.
"I will, Mom," Jackie agreed.