After Beauty

3 Months Later

It had been three months but it only felt like a few days. The kingdom was filled with love and joy now that their prince and memories had been returned to them. Many apologies were made to Belle as the villagers came to their senses. Morice even forgave Le Fou for not helping him when Gaston tried to kill and blame him. After all that had happened, the people were at peace.

 Belle set out on her morning routine. Though she loved Adam, she still cared deeply for the little house she was brought up in so she would regularly stay there and tend to the animals there rather than in the castle. It didn't bother Adam, and since the trail between the castle and village had been fixed, it was easier for him to come visit. Sometimes he even stayed with her. 

She trotted through the town saying 'good morning' to everyone she came across. She happened to wander into a little market travellers set up in the middle of town to sell their goods before moving on to the next town over. Mr and Mrs Potts were picking out some fruits while Le Fou and Chip played a seemingly never ending game of tag through the stalls. 

"Good morning Mrs Potts. How have you been?" Belle smiled. 

 Mrs Potts's face lit up at the sight of the young woman, "oh dear, it's been far too long! We're wonderful. Le Fou's been a wonderful babysitter. Chip's taken a liking to him," she lowered her voice so Mr Potts couldn't hear her, "made his father a bit jealous, I dare say."

They both giggled playfully as Le Fou wandered over with Chip on his shoulders. "He caught me again Mrs P! He's too good at this! Ah, bonjour Belle, I mean, Princess."

"Belle is fine," she politely corrected him. She couldn't help but think about how nice it was to see so many happy faces. She had barely spoken to Le Fou before the incident but now that Gaston was out of the way, she had gotten to know him, and quite frankly, she enjoyed his company. 

A month or so earlier she had met up with him in the small, church library. She was surprised to see anyone there, let alone him. They talked for the longest time. He was a book worm just like her but for a long time, it was hidden away in fear of what Gaston and the others might have thought. He felt far more open about it now and he seemed to be enjoying himself more. They compared their favourite stories and poems, showing fairly similar interests with one major difference. When discussing Romeo and Juliet, he had practically copied Adam's reaction. 'Men,' Belle had passively uttered. 

"So," she continued, "how have you been? Did you read the play I gave you?" 

"I did!" He carefully lowered Chip off of his shoulders, "I must have died at least twice while reading it. I think I felt my heart stop at the end. I don't think I've ever read something so humorous." They both laughed. He continued, "but I do agree with you, I would give anything to see it performed. In fact, I'd love to act in it! What do you think? Me? Sir Cunningham?"

Belle almost choked on her laughter as Le Fou struck a ridiculous pose. "Oh, I can see it alright. Anyway, it was good to see you both but I must go. My father and Adam are waiting. They're tinkering with some new machine and I told them I'd bring the spare parts from the house."

They said their goodbyes and began their game of tag again once Belle began her hike towards the castle.