Saving the Beast

Chapter two

Groaning I slide down the front door of my house. Finally I'm back! No more judging people and no strange guys like Gabe asking me out. Seriously! Why on earth did he think I would actually say yes?

"Allegra is that you?" Pulling myself up i walked into the kitchen. Placing the bags on a table I gave my mother a one over. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun and sugar was absolutely everywhere.

"What happened? It looks like a sugar volcano blew up in here." She sighed and placed a red bowl on the table. "Your sister didn't tell me about the ten extra people she invited. Now, I have to add another layer to the cake."

I grimaced, I should have known Mary would do something like that. "Do you need any help?" She nodded, "Could you hand me." I held a spoon in her face as she smiled, "Oh and also," placing the strawberries on the table she shook her head.

"No,no i need...." her voice trailed off looking around the kitchen, "Never mind, that is exactly what i need."  I sat on the counter as i watched her pour the batter into a pan. "Mom am i strange for reading?" She turned around perplexed.

"No of course not where did you get that idea?" I shook my head, "It's nothing just a question." After helping Mom place the cake in the oven i walked up the stairs heading back to my room, after that crazy day at the market and helping my mother bake I needed some major down time. Passing the triplets room I heard a collection of sighs.

"He's so dreamy!" Carroll said, "I know I could look at his eyes forever!" Lizzie added, "I wish I could date him! He is such a brute!" Nevada shouted. I knocked on their door, suddenly I heard a mixture of sounds from rustling paper to a hushed whisper.

"Is everything ok?" They furiously nodded and shoved a stack of paper behind them. I shook my head, "Ok then, what every you say." Closing the door behind me I tried not to gag. I saw what they were hiding, pictures of Gabe of all people!

But as the saying goes to each ones own. Just because I wasn't in to Gabe doesn't mean others weren't as well. I guess I just inherited my father's taste in people, people that are actually considerate.

Slamming open my door I flopped on my nice fluffy bed. Sighing I rummaged around for my favorite book, Beauty and the beast. A book my grandmother wrote and gave to me because I asked her to many time for her to tell me the story.

The words were more faded then I remembered, but I still loved it. If I could only read one thing for the rest of my life it would have to be this. Opening to the cover i noticed a small passage smudged out.

"For the Beast I could never save." I whispered running my fingers over the words. Could never save? What did that mean? Why haven't I notice this smudge before? I shook my head and turned to the first page.

There was a detailed picture of a prince sitting on a throne smirking at the many women bellow. In the corner was a old women with a single red rose, I smiled looking at the fake rose on my desk.

When I was younger I made sure it was exactly like the one in the picture. Right down to the amount of petals and where they were connected to the steam. I was so caught up in the book I didn't hear a knock on my door.

"Um Allegra your date is here." Mary stated as i raised my eyes brow, "My what?"  I asked rather perplexed, then it occurred to me. Don't tell me I thought as I walked down to the front door.

I scowled when I was face  to face with none other then Gabe himself. "What are you doing here?" I asked in shock, "Coming to pick you up for our date, you didn't forget did you?"

I shook my head, "I don't  recall me ever agreeing to go on a date, with you." He smiled and stepped in the door way shoving a huge bouquet  in my hands. "Well I came anyway just it case you changed your mind." I pushed the flowers back at his chest.

"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you, but my answer still stands." He gave a heavy sigh, "Look any girl would kill to be in your position right now." I growled, "Then ask some one else out, cause I am clearly not interested."

I stated pointing my finger to the door. He huffed and quickly grabbed my arm, "You are going on this date, even if you don't want to!" I pulled back, but his grip continued to pull me out the door.

"Hey, excuse me young man where are you taking my sister?" Mary's  voice rang out into the night. "A date of course fine lady." She scowled, "No she ain't. She has a party to attend and I am not afraid to punch you in the face to get her back." Rolling up her sleeves Marry marched out and took my arm back.

"Good day to you sir!" She huffed as she pulled me inside. I gave her a small smile as she continued to huff and puff. "Thank you." I said as she squeezed my hand. "Man that guy needs to learn! Just last week he ask me out!"

A laugh escaped my lips, "That was a rather strange day." Her smile widened, "Come on, we both deserve a giant slice of cake. " Nodding Marry lead me to the kitchen.