Chapter Text
She had been back four days now. Looking over at the clock Belle considered her time since she returned. Four days, eight hours and thirty four minutes. Her father didn’t tell her much about what has transpired while she was gone, and she didn’t ask. She was afraid too. Belle left eighteen months ago. Eighteen months and sixteen, or was it seventeen days? Staying with her father, having not ventured out of the house since she returned, Belle gathered the courage. Today would be the day she’d walk back into Storybrook and go see Rumple.
Belle made her way down the stairs and decided to walk to the pawn shop. Her nerves were getting to her and Belle felt she needed a walk to clear her head and rehearse what she would say to Rumple when she saw him again for the first time.
She passed the pawn shop, cautiously peeking inside. It was dark, and the closed sign was on the door. It made Belle uneasy how quiet everything was. Rumple always opened by eight, and it was now almost nine.
She glanced over at the library. Belle was certain it would be closed as well with her no longer running it. But she saw two young children with what was probably their father enter. Knitting her brows together Belle wasn’t expecting the library to remain open in her absence. However she was glad the town did just that and she was interested in finding out who has been taking care of it. A momentary flash of jealousy passed through her at the thought of being replaced. “What did you expect Belle? Of course things need to move forward.” Belle mumbled to herself deciding that seeing Rumple was what she truly wanted.
She walked over to her next stop; Granny’s. Belle could see that it was busy and it had her stomach in knots. Upon entering Belle came across a group of familiar faces. Ruby knocking over the tray of pastries she had on the counter in her scramble to pull Belle into a hug.
Everyone at once rushed Belle. Leroy, Henry, Snow, David, all happy to see her again overwhelming her with affection and questions. David pulled a chair out as Belle told them of her adventures; self-discovery and that she realized her greatest adventure has always been here. Belle didn’t notice the worried looks the group exchanged at that. Belle started to relax and feel at home again as Ruby bought her over some pancakes and tea.
Belle had listen to the others fill her in on what happened in the Underworld with Hades. The details her father didn’t know about, all the while avoiding the mention of Rumple’s role in that.
Regina had joined the group earlier so Belle decided to broach the subject of the library. “I noticed on my way here that the library was open. I’m glad you found someone to keep it running…”
Regina was quick to answer. “Well after everything was restored here we had an individual approach us about keeping the library open. She wanted to assist in bringing Storybrook back to some normalcy.”
“Normal as in someone set to destroy the town resulting in memory loss, and ending with chaos and confusion.” Emma chimed in.
Belle chuckled at Emma’s comment but returned her attention to Regina. “Who is she, do I know this person?”
“Probably not…She had been living on the other side of town. I had met her a few times regarding zoning matters and she has been a great help in restoring Storybrook. Her name is Noura…”
“She wasn’t in my book.” Henry added, taking over the rest of the conversation. “But now that I am the author her story seemed to appear. In the Enchanted Forest she was called Scheherazade. The Arabian queen that told the king stories every night for one thousand and one nights.”
David smiled at Henry and his enthusiasm. “Well in our world she wasn’t a queen, but she did tell fascinating stories. She was a person of high regard and more or less a diplomat that would help arrange truces and agreements between kingdoms.”
“It’s perfect though Belle. I think you’ll really like her and maybe you both can work together.”
Belle smiled at Henry giving a small glance over to Regina as she shrugged. “Well it would get rid of the pesky community hours the library has. We have too many unreturned books from that blunder.”
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”
“I’m sure Noura would love to hand the library back over to you. She has a lot on her plate with running the library and remodeling Rumple’s house…” Snow was the one that had spoken up with all intentions of giving Belle reassurance but clasped her hands over her mouth when she realized what she said.
Belle looked startled for a moment until confusion and worry set in. “Why would she be remodeling his house.” Belle stood, panic in her eyes; she was ready to run to the shop. “Did something happen to Rumple? Is that why the shop is closed, please I need to know…”
David placed a comforting hand on Belle’s shoulder. “No Belle, Rumplestiltskin is fine.”
“Then where is he?”
“He probably slept in.” Henry told her. “He’s not so strict with the hours, and I’m still working there so he probably thinks I opened already.”
“Then you should probably go before he finds out you still haven’t.” Emma said pointing to the clock on Granny’s wall. “He may be more lax but he still appreciates a grandson that holds high work ethics.”
Henry said his goodbyes, hugging Belle twice telling her to stop by the shop later.
Belle looked at the rest of the group and could see now that there was something they weren’t telling her. Somehow Belle knew she didn’t want to know what was not being said, but she also knew that it was something she needed to hear.
“I know there is something you are all not telling me. And it has to do with Rumple. If he’s fine then what is it?”
Snow took Belle’s hand and squeezed it. “Belle you’ve been gone so long we all assumed you found your happy ending and never planned to come back.”
Belle shook her head slightly giving Snow a confused look.
Snow looked over to David and hoping he would continue, however the bell on Granny’s door chimed and Emma spoke up putting an end to the conversation. “Gold’s here.”
Belle turned quickly seeing Rumple dressed in a fine black suit, a deep blue shirt and tie. He looked so handsome and content. Belle noticed his smile was brilliant. Something she had not seen since he returned from Neverland with Baelfire. Rumple placed an order with Ruby at the counter and started to walk over to the others.
He was about to say hello and take his seat next to David when Rumple’s eyes fell on Belle. That stopped him in his tracks; Rumple felt like his world was spinning.
Rumple stood there having been rendered speechless as Belle looked up nervously at him. “Hello Rumple…It’s good to see you.”
“Belle… You’re here.” Rumple said in a whisper, his heart racing, staring as if he was looking at a ghost. “I mean when did you get back?”
How Belle missed that voice. She was about to get up and give Rumple a hug when a woman with long dark hair came behind Rumple and took his arm. Giving him a quick kiss on the cheek and calling Rumple her beloved, the woman turned to the group.
“Sorry I’m late everyone. I had to wait a moment to close the library before I could get here.” As she spoke she noticed a brunette she never met sit quickly down again her face looking down.
Rumple quickly stepped in. “Noura this is Belle, she is or rather was… umm.” He couldn’t finish the sentence. Belle looked up at Rumple as he stuttered to find his voice. “Belle this is Noura.” Was all he managed to say.
“Oh Belle!” Noura exclaimed realizing this was the Belle. “You’re Belle French…” Noura emphasized Belle’s last name, and the following two words. “Rumple’s ex. It’s so good to meet you.” Noura extended a hand to Belle which Belle took as more an automatic reflex then a sincere greeting. Belle briefly made eye contact with Noura, and then looked back at Rumple with her gaze landing on his hands. She noticed he no longer wore his wedding band.
Belle couldn’t control the tears as they started to fall. She didn’t hear the voices calling out for her and she ran out of the diner.