Belle Stone

Part 36

Mark is sitting alone at the dining room table in the orphanage. His mind is wildly filled with thoughts. Not normal symptoms? What does James mean by that? By the way, his story is so ridiculous. A man with wings and tail? He expects Mark to believe that such a thing exists. How gullible does he think Mark is? But, what he said about Annabelle's pregnancy does intrigue him. Why did Ryan have to come back with Belle so soon? It was just becoming... let's say believable.

Mark can't get the unbelievable conversation he had last night out of his head. He starts walking back to Tyler. His pace is slow. When he reaches the little boy he gives a weak smile. The boy is confused at his caretaker's absence of mind. He isn't so into playing today. Every movement is limp. His grip is weak against the toy. The focus is somewhere else. Tyler is annoyed by his behavior. Mark is the only one he can trust with his mother's toys yet he mistreats them. Curiosity leads him to open his mouth. He couldn't hold in what bothers him.
"Mark, do you want to play?"
Mark's chain of thoughts breaks suddenly. He shakes his head snapping back into reality. He looks at the boy with a hint of a smile on his face. His hollow eyes diminish the kind smile.
"Of course, little buddy. We are playing already aren't we."
"I am. But you... You have been holding on to that car not moving it at all."
"Really?"
The boy nods sternly.
"I am so sorry. I won't do it again." "Promise?"
"I promise. So where were we?"
"We were driving to save a girl from bad guys."
"Ah, yes. We are policemen right?" "Yes, and we are late."
Mark carries on playing with Tyler normally, like always.

In the meanwhile, the big grey building is getting closer to Belle with each step. His heart beats rapidly. The excitement increases. She wants to start running towards it because walking seems too slow. Frustratingly slow. Despite that, she manages to stay calm on the outside while her insides are freaking out. So many memories come flushing back. The memory of her little friend making her familiar with the term dad sticks out. Her dearest one. It brings a warm smile. That is what birthed the idea of her calling Mark her dad. Now she can't imagine calling him anything else but that.

Belle can already feel the warmth of the spacious place filled with children, already hear their melodic giggles and voices yelling in the passion of playing a game. As she closes her eyes the picture becomes so vibrant.

Soon enough she reaches the door. All of a sudden her strength leaves her. The handle becomes so heavy that she can barely push it down. The shame of not being here for so long, fear of not fitting in anymore, fear of not being welcome there takes over her. As soon as the door creeks open the peaceful silence of nature gets replaced by a chaotic blend of voices, laughing, and yelling at each other.

The second Belle steps in, her name is called from across the room. Before she knows it, she is pulled into a tight hug. It all happened so quickly that she didn't get to see who the person hugging her was but the voice gave it away.
"I missed you too, Maya."
All of the fear washes away with the pouring affection.
"Oh really? I wouldn't say so. Your grip appears a bit limp."
Maya pulls away. Her head slightly tilts to the side. Her eyebrows raise.
"It is because you caught me off guard. You hold on to me too tightly. I can't get a proper grip on you."
"Is that so?"
Belle collides with Maya again. She gives her the tightest hug she could give.
"Okay, easy there girl. I can't breathe." "I told you I missed you."
"I missed you too, Belle."
They pull away, now finally satisfied. Their batteries full of loving energy. "Anyway, where is my dad?"
"He is over there playing with Tyler. Do you want to meet him?"
Maya motions her head towards the man and boy playing with their toys. Wide smiles on their faces.
"Most definitely. I came here because of him."
A loud gasp escapes Maya.
"I am deeply offended."
Belle giggles.
"I came because of you, too. He is just the main interest. It didn't come out, right... You know what I wanted to say."
"No, no, no. Don't bother making any more excuses. I get it."
Maya says while smiling. She nods her head. She blinks slowly, reassuringly. Belle knew she was joking. Their relationship was based on these types of jokes.