Beauty and the Beast • Sherlolly fanfiction

III

Molly walked up to her home on the small hill, kicked the door shut behind her and fell to her bed sleeping, forgetting all about the book she was reading.

When she woke up the next day, she was washed with worry to find that her father was still not home. It scared her to think about something happening, especially because he was in bad health. It absolutely terrified her think that he might be dying alone. She decided to go out and search for him. She took off her slippers in exchange for boots and packed in a bag. While she was preparing to leave, she heard a loud knock at the door.  Relief and excitement filled her as hurried to unlock the door.

"I'm so glad to see-" She began, but her face dropped when she saw that the man standing at the door was not her father. "Oh, Jim..."

"Sorry to disappoint you?" Jim said furrowing his eyebrows, sounding hurt. He had a simple bouquet of flowers in his hand but the smile had started to fade.

"No, I-I didn't mean anything just now. It's just that my father was due to be home two days ago and I've been worried sick. I thought that you were him." She let him come inside. She felt tears well in her eyes as she sat down at the table.

Jim stood beside her at the table. "Don't worry Molly, I'm sure he just got delayed a bit."

She sniffed and shrugged, "I hope that's all. I hope he's okay, he's all that I have." She noticed the flowers in his hand. "Are those for me?"

Jim smiled and set the flowers on the table. "Yes, I wanted ask you something. From the moment I saw you I knew I wanted you to be my wife. So Molly Hooper, if you'll have me, I want to marry you."

"Jim..." Molly was looking at him, smiling sadly. She took his hands in hers. "I like you, but I can't answer you yet. I need to go find my father."

Jim nodded. "I understand. Let me come with you, I can help you find him."

"No, I need to do this myself. Besides, it'll give me time to think. I'll answer you when I return."