Then Somebody Bends

The Letter

My Darling Beast,

I have so much to tell you and so little time. I wish I could be there and talk to you in person. I love you so much and because of this, I can never return to you. I can never talk to you or see you or visit the castle. If I were to return then you'd all be in great danger.

Before I came after my father all those weeks ago, there was a man who was always after me to get me to marry him. He's a hunter named Gaston who fought in the recent war. He's so selfish and idiotic and I hate him but I had to do something. You must understand, when I returned to the village, he was locking my father in a carriage and sending him to an asylum because my father returned from the castle raving about a beast. I tried to tell them that it was true but when Gaston mentioned I'd make up anything to save him, I realized that I couldn't tell him about you all. He'd get so jealous and he'd come after you. I made a deal with him. I get one month of freedom before I am going to be married to him whether I want to or not.

After I got home, I realized that Chip was in my pocket so I wrote out this note and sent him back. Do you remember what you asked me before I left? How you wondered if I could ever be happy? I think I know now. I think I would be happy there. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I'm being forced into this marriage or something else. I think that I love you. The situation is so crazy here in the village.

Please, do not come for me, Beast. I need to know that you're safe from those who will hurt you. The people of my village disapprove of a girl reading. I do not wish to find out what they'll to do someone who acts so human yes looks so much different than them.

As for your curse, I wish I could do something and if there ever is something I can do, send me a message somehow. I'll find a way to come back if it means that you're all safer for it.

I know it might be too late to say this, but I miss you so much and I wish I could be there. With all my love,

Belle

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Adam sets the letter down, tears coming to his eyes. Mrs. Potts rubs his back as he clutches the letter to his chest. "I- I have to help her."

Mrs. Potts nods. "How?"

"A party!" Adam realizes. "We- we can host a party and call on the nearby villages to come. They'll be under the impression that I'm looking for someone to marry. When we send them home, Belle can stay after and we can tell her! It's perfect!"

Lumière smiles. "I'll get started planning it immediately! When shall this party be?"

"As soon as it can be put together. It has to be in under a month, though, or else it does no good."

Lumière nods. "Of course, Adam. I shall send out invitations immediately."

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Belle stands in her house with her father tinkering beside her. "Belle, please don't give up your life for me," her father pleads.

She shakes her head and hugs him. "I'd rather live a life with Gaston than watch you be taken away," Belle replies. She folds a few more shirts before they're interrupted by a knock at the door.

Belle walks quickly to the door, opening it to see a man bow before her. "Hello young lady," the man starts. "I am here with a message from the prince of these lands. He has asked all fair maidens not married to attend a ball at the castle. From those maidens in attendance, he will choose his bride."

"I'm afraid that Belle can not attend," Gaston calls, walking up. He pulls Belle to him and she fights him off. "She is betrothed to me."

The man shrugs and hands me the letter, chuckling, "I'm afraid if the ball falls before the marriage, then she is required to attend or face punishment from our prince."

Belle looks at the letter and masks her reaction. "This ball is three days from now. The day before our wedding."

Gaston shakes his head, smiling. "I'm sorry dear, you must be confused. Our wedding is tomorrow. At least, it is now."

Belle glares at him. "No, it is not Gaston. We made a deal and I intend to enjoy every last moment without you before we are wed."

Gaston grabs Belle's arm, holding it until a bruise forms. "You will not defy your husband's orders," Gaston demands.

Belle pulls away. "You're not my husband, yet, Gaston," Belle reminds. "And if I had a choice, you never would be." Belle turns to the man and smiles. "I will be there, sir."

The man nods and moves off, leaving. Gaston leans down and grabs both of Belle's arms. "You will listen to me. You shall not disrespect me in front of anyone like that ever again."

Belle shoves him off and closes the door, keeping Gaston out.

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