Belle Stone

Part 33

Belle found herself in a park. Place far too familiar to her. There was nothing but silence. Sun shined through the branches as they laid their shade down upon her. The little rays that broke through the bunch of leaves touched her skin ever so lightly with so much care. Slight breeze combed her hair, bringing calming ease. The green of the grass and the threes was so bright, so light and beautiful.

She looked to her side. A well-known figure sat next to her. A very young woman. Her long hair played with the wind that covered up her face. She sat in an upright position that showed not cockiness but confidence. Her right hand laid on top of the left one. Belle immediately knew who it was. "Mum?"
She asked her to confirm her thoughts. The word tasted nostalgic. Still foreign. Unknown to her.
"Yes, baby girl?"

It was her. Belle was again in the world built on her imagination. She knitted her eyebrows together. Her mind flying through reasons why she was there.
"What are you doing here? What am I doing here?"
"You called me."
The woman says calmly. Her face's pointing away from her daughter.
"I did?"
Belle was left even more confused. She roamed through her memories. Not one call for help appeared.
"Yes, you needed to talk to me."
The answer surprised her. She didn't remember even thinking that sort of thing, let alone saying it. Maybe it was whispered in the background behind all the blame she unleashed on herself.
"When?"
"Right now silly. Something is bothering you."
It was her heart looking for relief.
"Not really."
Belle faces the ground. Her eyes were caught on a specific part of the grass, unable to move.
"Baby girl, don't lie."
The figure remains still. She doesn't even reach out to the girl. Although, her voice turns evocative.
"I just... don't want to talk about it." "Are you sure? I am not summoned for nothing."
"Maybe... I don't know."

She knew that a talk could probably make her feel better but her lips were sealed. Those words were too heavy to be carried on her tongue.
"Listen, why don't we just talk for a while, and then when you are ready tell me what happened."
"Okay. You sound exactly like Monica now."
Belle smiles thinking of her dear doctor and their sessions.
"Who is that?"
"My psychologist."
"You went to psychotherapy? Why?" "You know. I told you, didn't I? For my "shyness"."

Belle couldn't remember if in this world, that she created, she ever talked to her mum about that. She knew that she visited her after sessions but didn't know if she actually talked about them. Either way, she was sure about one thing. She had definitely spoken about being scared of talking.
"Oh, I don't remember if you did but I do recall you saying something about being afraid to speak. "
"Yes, that is it. I don't go anymore but I am not really "cured". I am still "shy" but it has gotten better."
"That is good, my baby girl, just keep working hard and improving. It will pass on its own. Don't you worry."
"I know. It is just that it takes so long. I am not that patient."
Anabelle grabs Belle's hand insecurely. There was a smile on her face. Hidden behind the blur.
"I could have guessed that. You got that from me but believe me, patience is very important. Without it, you make the biggest mistakes of your life. Trust me."
Belle realizes what she said. It made her whole body tense.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to mention it." "No, it is fine. No need to apologize. So, how is Mark? Was it, Mark? Does he treat you well?"
"Yeah, yes it is Mark. He is doing well. He treats me like a princess."
A sweet giggle escapes Belle's mouth.
"What is so funny?"
"Not funny. I am laughing out of happiness. I just thought of..."
Belle didn't know how to describe it. She rephrased herself in order to make any so of sense.
"Well, he calls me his princess. "
"He treats you exactly like I wanted you to be treated. He is indeed a great man. I wish I could meet him to thank him for what he is doing for you."
"Yeah. He is great. I couldn't ask for a better man to be my father, knowing the fact that I don't know my father." "Believe me, Mark is doing a great job. You don't need another father."
"I... I don't think so."
Her voice is soft. It gently touches the air. Anyone else wouldn't be able to hear it but this was Belle's world. She decides if it will be heard or not.