I stretched up against something hard, eyes still closed I ran my hand over it feeling its heat, I opened my eyes to find Adam looking at me.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked softly. I blushed and nodded, I can’t believe I fell asleep in his bed. I looked him over while remaining where I was, His left eye was still black and blue but the swelling had gone down. The cuts on his arms looked okay, but I think they will scar. I ran a hand over his ribs, he didn’t flinch or grown in pain so I guess he’s doing better. “Thank you.” i whispered.

“You don’t need to thank me, I should be thanking you. You saved me.” he struggled to sit up, I did my best to help him by putting my hands around his waist and lifting him slightly. When I looked up our faces were very close. He rested his hand on my cheek, my eyes fluttered close as he brought his lips close to mine. A knock sounded at the door.

“I hope you’re all decent because I’m coming in.” Lumiere called. We broke apart before he opened the door and walked in, silver tray in hand. “How are you feeling mon ami?”

“Much better, what did you bring me?” Adam asked, excitement on his face.

“I brought you eggs, waffles, bacon and some cold milk.” I could tell the two of them are close, more like brothers than friends. While they talked I slipped out and headed to my room. “Belle wait.” I turned back to find Lumiere running after me.

“What’s wrong? Did Adam hurt himself?”

“No, no he’s fine. We just don’t want you walking by yourself.” I nodded and let him walk me the rest of the way to my room. As soon as I walked in the door I was bombarded by questions from Jane.

“Belle! Are you okay? How’s Adam?”

“He’s fine, where both fine.”

“There’s a rumor going around school.”

“What about?”

“That Adam attacked those kids for no reason. The name Beast is being used now more than ever.”

“What?! You have to be kidding.”

“I know. But what are we going to do, no one will believe us over them.”

“Will make them believe. He is the most loving, caring person I have ever met and I don’t want anyone to think differently.”

“You love him.”

“What! No…I…what?” I stammered. “It’s only been a few months. How could I fall for him that fast?”

“Belle, relax.” She pushed me down gently by my shoulders so I sat on the bed. “It’s okay. I’m new at this too, I never thought a girl like me could fall for a guy who likes to zipline, rock climb and hike. I have spent more time outside with Tarzan than I have in my whole life.” Jane smiled, “I think because all we do is read and hide from the world, we don’t know how to handle guys like Tarzan and Adam. At first I thought he didn’t know what personal space was, always touching me. My arm, shoulder, leg, holding my hand. It was strange at first, our first kiss was so awkward, but now it’s easy. I like to be around him, I want to hold his hands and to be wrapped in his arms.”

“Yes, but Jane… Adam and I’ve never kissed. We’ve only hold hands, he doesn’t do any of the things you’ve said and I’m still awkward around him. I like him a lot, around him I feel warm and safe but I also feel nervous and scared.”

“I don’t know Belle.” We sat in silence when a knock sounded at the door.

Over the next few days I spent most of my time with Adam and Lumiere. Wherever I went they went with me. I’m starting to get very annoyed with everyone in school, they kept their distance from Adam not wanting to look or talk to him. I was sitting in the almost empty dining room thinking about everything when an older women came and took a seat next to me.

“Hello dear, how are you?”

“I’m good, I’ve never seen you here before.”

“That’s because I’m usually managing the kitchen. My names Mrs. Potts.”

“I’m Belle.”

“Well Belle it’s very nice to meet you. Now I know I’m prying dear but you look a little upset.” I told her what happened after the football game and that a rumor started. I told her about how people have been treating Adam and how it made me feel.

“High school is a time in life where you learn that people are going to say and do whatever they want whether it's true or not. Nothing you do or say will change what they want to think. So the best thing for you to do is be happy. Go on with your lives and don’t care how others view you. As long as you like who you are and your happy with your life, that’s all that matters.” I nodded.

“Your right, thank you for talking with me.”

“Any time dear, anytime you need to talk just look for me in the kitchen.” I watched as the nice lady left my table. I liked her, she was kind and easy to talk to. She’s short, average weight with shoulder length blonde hair. She wore long black pants and a bright pink chef’s coat. After talking to her I decided to focus on me and Adam.