Blood and Snow

Chapter Twenty-One

[Day Nine]

"You look happy." Happy stated with a smile, "Like, really super happy. Is it the book? Where'd you get it?"

Belle looked up from the aforementioned book and smiled at her friend, "I'm always happy when I'm not sad."

"Or scared." Happy added, "Now, don't dodge the question. Where'd you get that book?"

Belle closed the book and set it on her lap. The two were sitting on the bed in Belle's room. Happy was happily chatting away while Belle would listen and nod her head thoughtfully, commenting here or there and responding to the other's questions. "If you must know," Belle said with a small smile, "I got it from Mason. He told me that I could read it since I was 'behaving well'."

Happy's smile grew wider, a weird light shining in her eyes. Belle's eyes widened. "Happy, what's going on? You're scaring me." The lawyer said jokingly. Happy's smile turned smug, "You're starting to warm up to him."

"Maybe."

"Not maybe. Definitely."

"Yep. I definitely know it's a maybe."

Happy giggled. "Say what you want, but I know what's going on." She said slyly. Belle was confused, but didn't question her further. "Alright?" She said more as a question than a statement. Happy giggled again at her friend's confusion. Belle's smile returned a few seconds after Happy finished laughing. Happy suddenly had a look of thought and turned to her friend. "Hey, Belle?" She asked, "Can I ask about your old life again?"

Belle smiled sadly, "You mean before you guys totally wrecked it?"

"Uh-huh." Happy responded while nodding her head. Belle nodded back, "Ask away."

Happy started spitting questions out like a machine gun. "Where'd you go to school?"

"In Scott City. I've lived there for the past eighteen or so years."

"That's a long time. Any friends besides Lillian?"

"Maybe her brother and some of my coworkers, most of them moved away the moment they got out of high school."

"Any crushes?"

"Not really. I gave up on anything to do with dating in seventh grade."

"Why?"

Belle paused at that last question. She looked down, 'Should I tell her?... No. I can't.' Belle looked back up and said, "No reason. I guess I just didn't find the idea appealing."

"... Weird, but okay." Happy responded, "Last question, why don't you talk about your family? I mean, don't you have any siblings? You've gotta have a mom and dad, at least."

Belle shook her head slowly. "I'm an only child." She said, "And both of my parents are deceased. I had an uncle, but he died in a car accident when I was five, and I never met my grandparents."

Happy looked a bit sad, "I'm sorry for your losses. Does it still hurt?"

Belle opened her mouth to respond when a new voice cut in. "My condolences." Baron's voice came from the doorway, "How long have they been dead, if you don't care that I ask?"

Belle and Happy both jumped. "Holy crap, Baron!" Happy exclaimed, "Don't do that!"

Baron shrugged his shoulders unapologetically. He looked at the two, "Should've noticed I was there a while ago. S'not my fault you got scared."

Belle nodded while Happy just crossed her arms. "He has a point." The lawyer said, "And as for your question, I'm sure you heard when I said my uncle died." Baron nodded in confirmation. "My father has been dead for seven years now, and my mother died during childbirth."