A New Friend

Belle was in the back of the shop looking over a new book delivery. She wasn't sure where she was getting the books from, but she always had a generous supply, so she didn't argue. And not having to pay the deliverer helped her save money, which was a good thing. She had to keep up the shop, play the Queen's taxes, and of course make sure that she and Aesop had food and a place to sleep. Belle smiled at some of the new titles she had received. She already knew of a few she was going to read herself.

Belle and Aesop, who was sitting on one of the boxes, looked toward the shop when they heard the little bell above the door ring. She placed down the book in her hand and stepped out. Alice was always such a nice lady, and Belle enjoyed her visits. They shared a love for books as well. And Belle always appreciated that. True the two hadn't talked a great deal, but Belle still enjoyed what interaction they had. She hoped they could talk more in time.

"Hello Alice," she said. "What may I help you with today? Oh, I just got some wonderful books in actually. If you wish, you can come to the back and look over some." Belle never minded if someone came to the back to look over the new items. She had no secrets back there or anything silly like that.

@alice

At first it seemed like Alice was just browsing. That was fine with Belle. She loved when people browsed. She found herself doing that often as well, and when she did, she ended up finding some amazing book that she hadn't noticed before. She did frown a bit when she saw that nothing seemed to interest Alice. That was okay too though. Some shopping days could be like that for her too.

Belle beamed when Alice wanted to go to the back though. Showing off new books to people made Belle feel like a young schoolgirl again. This was odd though as Belle didn't actually recall being a schoolgirl. But she seemed to remember what the feeling was like, so be that as it may. She knelt down and went through them as Alice did. She smiled as Alice said they looked exciting, but then sighed a bit.

"They are exciting indeed," she said. "And there's a lot of them. It's going to take a while to get them all out. I had someone come in to help last week, but I couldn't pay much. She left when she found a better job I suppose." Belle then realized how gloomy she sounded, and perked herself up when Alice showed her the book. "I don't believe I have. Want to see what it's about?"


@alice

Belle certainly wasn't trying to to sound like she was tempting Alice into working for her. She just considered Alice a nice girl that would allow her to vent just a tad. After all, Belle rarely vented. Still, she beamed when Alice said she would love to work for her. Belle certainly needed someone like Alice. She needed someone who respected books as much as she did.

"Oh I'd love that, Alice!" she said. She wanted to hug Alice, but wasn't sure if Alice was the hugging type. She extended her hand instead. "And of course I would pay you, along with letting you read of course. And there isn't really much work to do. Just stocking books now and then, and a bit of tidying up. So there's plenty of time to read."

Belle then nodded when Alice spoke of her mind wandering off.

"I know how you feel," she said. "Tell me, Alice, do you feel like there is more to our lives than this village? As if we've been other people before... lived in other places? I can't recall anything of the sort in my brain, but something deeper inside tells me that's the case."

@alice

Belle was so happy! She couldn't believe she had someone to help her. And not just someone... Alice! Alice was someone she could just spend the day going on about books with. And with as many books out there, they would never stop having things to talk about. She hugged Alice back and beamed.

"We're going to have so much fun!" she said. "I've very much wanted to have someone like you here. Oh my, where do we start?" Belle nodded about discussing payment later, but she would be more than fair on that. She was willing to split the profits 50/50 if Alice wished. They could be partners!

Belle shook her head and frowned a bit when Alice felt like she belonged in Wonderland.

"I don't," she said. "I'm not sure where I belong, but it's not here. And often when I read books about a prince and a princess, I feel like I can relate. I don't recall ever being in love, but something tells me perhaps... in a past life, I was in love and it was very unique... like not a typical romance." She then chuckled. "My goodness, I must sound terribly silly."

@alice