Belle Stone

Part 14

As Mark was coming up to Belle's room he was in deep thought. Questions about that woman kept running through his mind. He didn't even contemplate the fact that he has to tell Belle that he still knows nothing more than he did. Once he reached the door the realization hit him. What is he going to say? What can he say? Definitely not that he has no idea who her parents are but then what is there left... He can't tell her that nothing happened. Not after how she reacted the last time. It would destroy him to see her that sad again. He can't lie, either. No, not to Belle. She is his child, his sweet little angel. Anyone but her.

Well, he has no choice then. The only truth is the option. Even though that truth is not much, it is still better than a lie. It will destroy him but there is nothing he can do. He takes a deep breath while opening the door. The floor was so enticing to look at as he gathers up the words he needs to say.

As he steps in he sees Belle lying there peacefully, calm breaths making her chest rise up and down in a steady rhythm. In a rare position, she laid on her bed. Her legs hung over the edge of the bed, her torso resting on the mattress creating a little imprint. One of her arms was under her with part of it sticking out to the front and the other one hung loosely over that visible part. Her hair covered her angelic face. She must have fallen asleep waiting for him.

All that school and studying really drain out the energy from you. Even the exciting information can't keep you from resting your eyes a bit.

Slowly and carefully he approaches her and sits beside her on the bed. His hand pulls the hair away from her face and continues to stroke it lightly. Touch almost too delicate to count. She nuzzles up into him instinctively, placing her head in his lap and smiles softly, continuing to sleep. "Sorry that I took so long. Your story is really complicated. I haven't found out much but it is a start. I am really sorry for disappointing you... I promise to make it up to you. Sweet dreams, my princess."
He spoke in a whisper barely audible for anyone's ears, afraid to wake up the sleeping beauty of her somber. Gently he places a kiss upon her forehead as he pushes her slightly away from him so that he could go back home.

He stands up. Then he grabs her stray legs gently and puts them on the soft fabric. Unsatisfied. Something was still wrong. That arm beneath. It seems so uncomfortable. Carefully he twists her body freeing that poor arm. Just as carefully as before he turns to leave but this time his caution wasn't enough.

Belle wakes up and sees him in front of her. With a sleepy voice, she speaks to him.
"Dad, you are back?"
Her eyes close back again, fighting against her. Mark turns in his step. His big hand reaches her head again threading her hair in a soothing manner.
"Yeah, I am. Now go back to sleep. " She shakes her head lightly, probably because of the absence of strength. Filled with determination, she isn't going to lose this battle that easy. A faint voice leaves her again
"What did you find out?"
She opens her eyes again but they close shortly after. He is impressed by her. Kind of amused by her but still very concerned he doesn't want her to struggle.
"We'll talk later princess. Go to sleep now. You are exhausted."
All of her strength is being gathered. This time a little bit firmer, her head shakes. Her eyes remain closed but her voice is sterner, louder even.
"Tell me now. Please, dad, I want to know."
"Princess, listen to me. You need to rest. You can't even keep your eyes open for more than a second. I promise I'll tell you as soon as possible but not now. Now, you sleep."

Belle opens her eyes slightly. There is no strength in her to keep it that way and they close. His point is valid.
"Okay... But remember what you said. As soon as possible."
"Of course, as soon as possible. Now Good night, sleep tight..."
A little bit of time passes before Mark continues.
"Come on, you know the rest."
Belle smiles gently. Silent whisper.
"Don't let the bed bugs bite."
"That is my girl."
"Good night dad..."
"Good night."
With that Mark closes the door and heads home.
To be continued...
I know it doesn't seem like a horror story now. This will go on in the next chapters too. Be patient with this story, please. I swear it gets scarier later on.