Through The Rabbit Hole

Chapter Five: Alyssa

Days passed and so did the tension felt around the castle. Beast had formed a soft spot for Belle and had been more gentle around her. She returned the favor by reading to him and telling him incredible stories. Ryan and I took pleasure in listening as well and joining in on their activities. Like today, for example. Belle had invited Ryan to play out in the snow with her while

I stood on the balcony with Beast, Lumiere, and Cogsworth. We observed the fun they were having jumping around and rolling in the fresh white blanket.

"I've never felt this way about anyone before," Beast mumbled to himself. I nodded in agreement as I considered his words. I could say the same about Ryan. Before we ended up here we hadn't spoken that much, and when we did I was an utter mess. I didn't know before that he cared so much about me and actually enjoyed my company. How could one guy change me so much? I was becoming soft.

"I have to do something for her," Beast had decided. He began thinking while I continued to daze at Ryan laughing at the footrest, who looked eerily similar to a dog. Cogsworth cleared his throat and chimed in.

"Perhaps flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep," he mumbled the last part, trying to hint to him. I frowned and knew what he was planning and I didn't allow it. I took my finger and tipped him slightly until he fell on his back, unable to get up. Lumiere took note of Cogsworth weird behavior too, and butted into the conversation.

"I might have an idea of what she would like," he whispered to Beast.

I stared out the window in the hallway and took note on how the sunlight seemed to make the once dark castle look alive. I could almost live here forever. Beast had led Belle to a pair of big doors, with me and Ryan trailing behind.

"Belle, there is something I wanted to show you," he started, and almost opened the doors before he stopped. "But first, close your eyes," he teased. Belle clearly was dripping with curiosity at what the Beast would want to show her. She eyed him before obeying. He grinned hugely before whipping open the doors and taking Belle's hands in his. He guided her to the center of the room. I looked around in the dark and tried to figure out what this room was. It smelled kind of dusty and old, but had a lively scent of roses. Beast flung open the curtains to the large window and looked at Belle with anticipation.

"Can I open my eyes now?" she asked playfully. He told her yes and when she opened them, her face went giddy. She marveled over the books and how beautiful of a gift it was. Ryan came up behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder. I tensed at the sudden contact and turned to him with the same expression as Belle.

"This is all yours," Beast told Belle and she went to hold his hands. He smiled and stared into her eyes. I knew anything he felt for her was genuine. The look said it all. I heard some noises by the doorway and turned to look at the furniture whispering to each other. Only one face in the crowd seemed upset, and that was Cogsworth. We made eye contact and I stuck my tongue out at him, setting him up into flames.

More moments were shared throughout the week, or what I presumed to be a week, as Belle went to teach Beast about manners and common conduct. Dinner had always been a shared experience of messes and giggles between the two.

On this day we were outside in the snow, trying to feed the birds. Belle and Beast were trying to get the birds to go into his paws. Ryan was a few feet away succeeding in what Beast seemed he couldn't do. Ryan took pride in getting the small creatures to hop onto him and peck away at the bird seed and almost looked content. I leaned against a tree and watched, as I felt uncomfortable with the birds touching me. Beast had finally gotten a bird to steal the seed from his paws when Belle sneakily snuck behind the tree. I stopped confused for a minute before turning around to look at her