Belle's Angels

Chapter 3- Finding Grace

"I wanted to start off by congratulating you on being able to take Hollow commissions. They have helped boost our revenue. It has moved our financial status from the yellow to the green." Wise warmly said.

Belle smiled as she exclaimed, "That's great news, Bro! We still do need one more person to be able to take on the more difficult commissions. Also, does that mean that I will be able to get the vehicle that I requested before?"

Wise sighed. "I was about to get to both of those points. Yes, one person would allow you to take on the more difficult commissions that have higher pay but remember that you need to find someone that would be able to take on multiple positions. They need to be able to work well with Captain Zhu Yuan and Ellen Joe. Do you have someone in mind?" Wise calmly replied.

Belle frowned before she solemnly replied, "No. Not yet. I haven't really had time to think about it."

Wise nodded. "I understand and don't take on too much of the responsibility on your shoulders. Remember, you have others who would be willing to help you with your burdens." Wise shuffled through papers before he continued. "Now, your request for a vehicle. It looks like we have enough extra funds this month to get you a vehicle. Just remember, we can't afford a brand-new vehicle. Also, it can't be in such a state that it would take costly repairs to keep in running." Wise calmly said.

Belle smiled as she warmly said, "I understand and thank you Wise. I will ask Zhu if she knows of anyone selling vehicles that meet those requirements."

Wise smiled. "You're welcome. On another note, how are things around the store and apartment?" Wise calmly said.

Belle frowned as she replied, "Things around the store are just fine. Things around the apartment are a bit.... more complicated."

Wise looked confused. "What do you mean by complicated? Please elaborate." Wise sounded concerned as he asked.

Belle thought as she replied, "Well.... it has been a bit of an adjustment with Ellen Joe now living with Zhu and I. They both want alone time with me at night, but we are working things out. The complicated thing is that, since the appliances are being used more frequently, they tend to need to be maintained more often."

"Is it something that I need to come and assist with?" Wise calmly asked.

Belle shook her head before she replied, "No. We have been able to maintain them on our own for now. I will let you know if it gets any worse."

Wise didn't look convinced. "Okay, please keep me informed on the maintenance issues and what Captain Zhu Yuan says about the vehicle. If nothing else, have a good weekend and talk to you on Monday." Wise frowned as he said.

Belle smiled as she said, "I will. Have a good weekend and talk to you soon."

Belle sighed after their video conference had ended. She picked up a list of items that severely needed maintenance done on them. Belle knew that she should have told Wise about them when he asked. However, she didn't want him to worry too much and neglect his own store by focusing on what was going on in her store. Belle placed the list down on her desk before she got up and stretched. She looked at the time and saw

that it would be still some time before Ellen Joe's college courses ended for the day and even more time before Zhu Yuan would be home from work. Belle decided to keep herself busy by going over inventory and potential commissions. She went over the help wanted section of Interknot. Most of the listings would be too difficult for Zhu Yuan and Ellen Joe to do on their own. Belle picked the few that they could do before she left her office and found Rain in the middle of doing the inventory. Rain said that she didn't need any help, and that Belle looked like she could use the time to get some fresh air. Belle reluctantly agreed before she headed to the garage door. She sighed from frustration when the door made a grinding noise as it slowly opened and closed. Belle frowned as she thought that another thing needed some maintenance done to it. She walked around for some time. Belle grabbed a coffee and found a seat. She looked around at the beautiful sky. Belle decided to go and meet Ellen Joe when she got out of her last class for the day. She stopped and got Ellen a few suckers before she aimlessly headed toward New Eridu University campus. Belle didn't wait long before Ellen Joe walked out with her friends. Ellen Joe saw her and said goodbye to her friends before she walked over to Belle. Belle handed Ellen Joe the suckers before they headed back to Random Play. They told each other about their days as they walked. Belle didn't mention any of the maintenance issues. She told her about the vehicle. Ellen Joe said that she didn't know anyone who was selling their vehicle and thought it was a good idea to ask Zhu Yuan. When they got back, Ellen Joe headed upstairs, while Belle worked on the Bangboo that needed to be fixed. Soon, Belle was startled out of her trance when the door opened up to her office. She looked up and smiled when she saw Zhu Yuan walk in. Belle put her tools down and greeted her.