Belle:

The saddest tragedy is when a mother outlives her children. That is what the funeral director said as he carried away Nalah’s body. I had buried two children within a month’s time. Beast and I had barely spoken over the last few days. Looking at each other, listening to the stillness, the emptiness of the house is too unbearable.

The Afterlife

“WAIT! Wait Miss please!” Nalah screamed as she ran after the young woman. After pulling the trigger she awoke in this garden.

“Where are we? What is this place?!” Nalah asked softly as the young woman stopped.

“No place of consequence to the living Nalah.” She said.

I walked towards her slowly as I said, “Who are you?”

“My name…has been passed down in fairytale and hushed lullably for hundreds of years. My story told so often it has little truth behind it’s tale anymore. Yet you Nalah can call me Ella. Ella Todd. Your ancestor.” She said softly with a sad smile.

Her eyes…they are like my mother’s. Nalah thought in her mind.

Ella chuckled sadly as she said, “It is ironic how you think of your mother now Nalah. Yet when your death was eminent it was your sister’s anguish you concerned yourself with. You thought little of your mother’s grief.”

“My mother has my father and her siblings. She will not be alone. I wouldn’t have left her alone. You don’t understand what we went through!” Nalah screamed at the young girl in front of her.

“You my child know nothing of a mother’s love or a mother’s grief. Losing a child is as unnatural as forgetting how to breathe. Your child is a part of your essence. I pray another mother ever feel the anguish your mother feels now. Both of her children have willingly ripped at her very essence. Neither taking solace in the love of their family and the power of the future to over write the past.” Ella said softly.

Ella turned away from Nalah.

“Maybe it is better the line has ended with you. Maybe it is time for an end to this cycle. My legacy..our legacy began with the death of my mother and father…it ended with your sister and yourself. It’s almost poetic. I always worried Elmira would be the end of my line…never did I consider that madness, greed and sin would turn family against itself.” Ella said softly as her hands traced the soft white dress. Her golden sandals crisscrossed into a beautiful pattern across her small feet. The grass beneath her soles was undisturbed almost as if she glided.

“Do you know what your name means Nalah? It means the end. It’s interesting that your mother chose that name for you.” Ella mumbled to herself as she stared at the golden trees surrounding her.

“By killing yourself in such a public spectacle you hoped to make an example of your suffering. You hoped to …make a difference. While your intentions were noble….your..methods were not. You caused your mother and family more suffering than you will know. For which you will be banished here with your sister for eternity.” Ella said softly as she looked into Nalah’s eyes. She turned and walked away. Ella began walking toward this glowing and beautiful light.

“WAIT WAIT WHERE IS MY SISTER?” Nalah screamed.

Ella continued walking as she said, ” You have an eternity Nalah….your punishment is that you will never find her. Good bye my child and I am sorry.” Ella said softly as she disappeared into the glowing light. Nalah screamed and ran towards the light. Though it disappeared as soon as Ella did. The garden suddenly became frighteningly dark. The flowers shriveled beneath her feet with each step she took.  Suddenly she heard sobs…sobs that screamed such anguish and pain it made Nalah cover her ears. She screamed as the sobs got louder and louder echoing in her mind. What caused her to scream wasn’t the sobs…it was who they belonged too. Nalah recognized them as her mother’s. Her punishment was to hear the sobs of her mother for all eternity as she searched for her sister in a dark, cold world.

The End

Hey Guys, thank you for reading this legacy. I am going to start a new one soon once I decide which kind so look for an update linking you to my new legacy in the next week or so. Thank you 🙂

Maia and Nalah:

“How did you deal with it Nalah? Everyday people look at me as if I’m a monster.” Maia   said softly as she stared at her older sister.

Nalah shrugged and flicked her hair, ” You just can’t let them get to you Maia. Don’t let them win!”

“What if they already have?” Maid whispered.

Nalah glared at her younger sister, ” I didn’t let them get to me and you won’t let them get to you. You do what you have to so that you can survive.” Nalah hissed.

Maid’s downcast eyes stared at her sister in admiration. She held her head down and said nothing as her sister spoke about her classes and job search. It was difficult for Nalah to find a job because the Todd name held a stigma against it.  Their grandfather Mark Todd was still talked about in these parts as notorious. Their father Beast was known as a monster for kidnapping their mother. They both had grown up with the sideways stares and looks of horror at the their resemblance to their father. It was a old tale between the sisters late at night.

Though each sister was different. Nalah had endured by fighting every step of the way. Her defiance to submit marked her as a force to be reckoned with. Maia was shy and clumsy. She was an easy target for the predators of her high school. Unlike her sister she hid in bathroom stalls and in empty stairwells. She was used to crying on the cold tiles as she ate her lunch in the bathroom stalls hoping for no one to find her. Maia couldn’t tell her sister that. Maia felt embarrassed at her weakness…her inability to stand up to her tormentors.  If only she could be half the woman her sister was.

After her sister had went to bed Maia went into her bedroom. Her parents had gone to bed over three hours ago, she knew they were fast asleep. Maia looked around her room with a sad smile. Her family loved her and that was what had given her strength but it was no longer enough. In the picture of her sister and herself she could see the ferocity in her sister’s icy blue eyes staring back at her in the photograph. Maid wiped the tears sliding her cheeks as she scribbled a note and left it on her dresser.

Maia’s bare feet padded against the carpet into her connecting bathroom. She took the razor blade  and slid it across her wrist as she stepped inside the empty tub. The blood  flowed freely across her arm like a curtain. Maia’s strength was fading quickly but somehow she managed to slide the razor once again over her opposite wrist.  Maia’s vision became fuzzy and she suddenly felt very tired. Her body was covered in her blood and it still flowed slowly from both wrists carpeting her body in the sticky, thick substance.

Flashes of high school and middle school flashed in my mind. The laughs and stares on all of their faces flashed in my mind. I smiled wickedly as I realized….I had won. No more pushing or kicking. No more putting gum in my hair…no more. No more.

Nalah:

Maia was dead….I found her in the bathroom cold and lifeless. Her eyes were wide in shock and her lips were twisted in a sinister grin. I dropped to my knees and felt blood coat them. Maia’s wrist hung limply from the side, I could still see the line of blood and cut she had made. The razor blade was lying by the floor covered in Maia’s blood. It was my mother who screamed. I don’t know how long I was Maia’s body. I didn’t realize I was crying until my father helped me to stand as the coroner came.

My mother sobbed in her room for several days. My father refused to leave her side. It was I who was left to clean the blood soaked room. It was I who had to answer the door when reporters came around. It was I who found the letter Maia wrote before she died.

“ I hope this is you Nalah. I hope it is you who is reading this. Nalah…I was never as brave as you, as strong as you or as beautiful.

We both know we resemble our father but it seems you were blessed with the good things about him. I was cursed with weakness big sister. I never told you before how often I would hide in the bathroom. I would hide on the floor with my hands over my ears as I counted the moments until I could go home. I was safe behind these walls Nalah. I couldn’t bear another day of the torment. I wish I was half of you Nalah. I wish I had your strength.”

I read that note yesterday and crumbled it in my hands. It was then that I made my decision..to hold a public press conference from the balcony of my home.

“Welcome everyone. I welcome you to the Todd home. For generations upon generations our family has been growing. As many of you know my sister Maia committed suicide a few days ago. Now what you do not know is that she and I were the victims of bullying. Bullying because of you the media. The hurtful words and messages you spread to our friends and neighbors. You  encouraged their hate and spitefulness.

In a letter Maia wrote to me before she admired my strength. I wish I had the strength she so admired.” I said softly. I looked at my parents among the press. Their faces were tear stained as was my Aunt and Uncles.

“My sister often told me of the torture she went through at school. She told me of how your sons and daughters shoved her into lockers. She told me how your children pushed her to the floor and kicked her. She told me how your children would stick gum in her hair or throw her books in the toilet. Every night I held her as she cried as I wish someone had done for me. Do you know what I told her each night? Do you? I told her to be stronger and to not let them win.” I whispered.

A hush fell over the crowd with my final words. “I guess she did.”

I held my head down and said softly, “I’m so so sorry.”

The cameras flashed over and over  in my face and I held up my head defiantly. Then I said the words that would capture their headlines for months, “This will end with me.” I said firmly. I reached behind me and grabbed the pistol I had concealed in my jacket. Screams fill the crowd as I put the pistol against my head and pulled the trigger. This line will end with me.

Nalah:

My baby sister Maia was a surprise to us all. My mother didn’t even realize she was pregnant until her 5th month. Maia unfortunately had mine and my father’s features. Her too broad nose and sunken in eyes reflected her parentage. It hurt me to look at her sometimes…I knew she would grow up the same way I did.

She would walk the hallways with people staring at her. She would hear the whispers of her monster father…they say he bewitched my mother. They say he was half demon and half monster. Girls and boys alike walk away from me and sneer as I walk by. They throw spit balls at me when teachers aren’t looking and trip me in the gym.

I continue to wash the dishes as my family sleeps.

I was on punishment for the fifth time this week for breaking curfew. I always snuck out when I thought my parents were sleeping. Sometimes I went to the park or to my best friend Amanda’s house. My mother always assumed the worse when she found out I was sneaking out.

My mother has always been a worrywart for as long as I could remember. My dad said I would give her gray hair one of these days.

The only person who truly understood me was my best friend Amanda. I met her on my first day of school and she was the only friend I ever had.

Amanda never cared what others said to me. She always stood up for me and was my friend through it all. We had been friends for ten years. It wasn’t long ago that I realized I felt more than friendship towards Amanda. Every time she laughed or smiled, my heart leap. It was so difficult even hugging her and not holding on for a moment longer than I should.

One day I would gather my courage and I would kiss her. I would confess to her that I loved her the way my father loved my mother. One day I would tell her she and I should be together.

For not I would let that be a dream..until I had enough courage to change it.

———————————————————————————————————————-

“Nalah!” Mom said as she walked toward me.

I held my head down and bit my lip as my mother approached. I could hear the click of her flats on the pavement. Here it comes…I thought with a sigh.

“You were fighting at school again! Nalah what am I going to do with you!?” Mom said with a shake of her head.

I learned at an early age I had developed my father’s temper and stubbornness. My mother didn’t know I got in fights to stand up for myself. No, the kids never told that part of the story.

“Mom you don’t get it!” I screamed.

“Fighting isn’t the answer, don’t you-” Mom said softly.

“Fighting is the only answer when you have no option mom. You don’t get what Maia and I go through. You don’t understand!” I interrupted.

“What do you mean honey?” Mom asked softly. Her kind eyes and the concern etched in her face unnerved me.

“Forget it!” I screamed as I turned away from her piercing gaze. I stormed off toward the house never looking back toward my mother.

“You are grounded! You wait until your father gets home young lady.” Mom said with an exasperated voice.

Belle:

“I don’t know what to do with my girls Mona.” I said softy.

“Count yourself lucky to have that problem Belle. I and Frank have been trying for a child for three years now. I wish I had a little girl of my own.” Simone said softly.

“Mona give it time, it will come.” I said softly as I hugged Mona close.

“I hope so Belle. I hope so.” Mona said with a smile.

“It’s just so hard Mona. Nalah is always angry and fighting. Maia is quiet and withdrawn, I just don’t get it!” I said thoughtfully.

“I do.” Mona said softly almost in a whisper.

“What is it?” I asked hopefully.

“Belle when you married that monster you set those kids up for failure!” Mona said as she rubbed her head.

I shook my head, refusing to listen to this nonsense. “No, my family is beautiful and we will overcome this. Whatever is going on..we will overcome this.” I said with certainty.

Nalah:

Unruly red hair…sunken in cheeks….lips that are too thin and a bony frame no matter what I ate. All of it added up to ugliness. When I looked at my mother sometimes I wished I had her beauty.

Everything changed in my life when Amanda told me that she was in love. She was in love with a local jock at school. One of the guys who had been one of my tormentors. I confessed how I felt about her but Amanda was horrified. She never spoke to me again. I graduated high school and tried to put it all behind me. I applied to a local college and made my mother proud but when I got a call from Amanda a few years later it broke my heart.

“I’m getting married Nalah.” Amanda said excitedly on the phone.

I closed my eyes and counted to ten in my mind hoping what I was hearing wasn’t real.

She was truly gone….the girl I loved was truly gone. I don’t know what I had hoped. I guess I believed with time she would realize that I loved her. Her marriage to one of the jocks who made me feel like a monster. That was the greatest betrayal ever.

Belle:

“Come here Nalah…come with momma.” I said with a smile as I picked up my giggling toddler.

Nalah giggled continuously as I picked her up.  Nalah was Beast’s twin. She had his dark red hair and deep tanned skin. She had my grandfather Sam’s ice blue eyes which contrasted with her skin. I felt she was a beautiful little girl.

My family wasn’t very accepting of Nalah. My brothers and sister took one look at her and gasped. She looked exactly like Beast except for her beautiful eyes. My sister Simone’s mouth was agape as she looked at Nalah. I didn’t understand their shocked faces or hushed gasps as they stared at my little girl but Beast did. He understood all too well.

“You know we have to put Nalah in preschool soon right angel?” Beast said softly as I munched on my pancakes.

“I know but I worry about her. People treat her weird Beast and they stare at her. I just don’t understand it.” I said with a sigh.

“Angel you see the good in everything and the beauty in it as well. You don’t see what everyone else sees. Nalah is our little doll and she’s a product of our love but she is also the daughter of a Beast. You can’t pretend to not notice my features aren’t exactly handsome. She resembles me in more ways than one. Also people in town still view me as the monster who kidnapped you. They feel she’s evil…like her father.” Beast said scornfully.

I gasped, “She’s a baby and no more evil than you or me Raphael!” I yelled defiantly.

Beast shook his head softly. “You can’t compare me to you love. It’s like comparing heroes and villians or war and peace. Don’t insult yourself.” Beast said as he stroked my cheek softly.

“Stop it Beast. Stop it with the self hatred. I’m sick of it. I love you and I love our daughter. I don’t care about any of this nonsense. People need to either accept it or ignore us.” I said in frustration as I stormed off to check on Nalah.

—————————————————————————————————————–

I watched Nalah constantly. I was afraid to sleep anymore unless Nalah and Beast were by my side. A few weeks ago a woman had come up to me and Nalah as we were shopping. She slapped me and threw paint on Nalah and I. I screamed as the woman yelled “Demon spawn!” at Nalah. Nalah’s cries alerted the police and I gathered her close to me as I ran to the car. I was hyperventilating until Beast returned to the car. He saw my paint streaked hair and clothes and Nalah’s tear and paint stained  face. His rage was apparent and I could his hands shaking as he comforted Nalah.

Beast said nothing the whole ride home and the police had no leads on the woman. My brothers stayed with Beast with I for a few days to check on me and Nalah. Nothing else had happened after that and my brothers went back home. Though they and Mona still called everyday to check up on me.

I was afraid to leave the house anymore. I was more of a captive than I had ever been with Beast. I was a captive of my own fears.

The family:

“Now Nalah remember, you have to smile for your class picture. This is your first day in school and it will be so much fun!” Belle said with a smile as she watched her daughter. It had taken Belle a long time to bring herself to allow Nalah to attend school. Beast had been insistent that their daughter go to school so she could socialize with other children.

“I know mom!” Nalah said as she rolled her eyes. She was really excited to go to school. It was her first time being allowed to leave her home all on her own. Her dad had told her that people might treat her differently because they didn’t like him. Nalah didn’t understand why someone wouldn’t like her dad. He was strong, funny and he made the best sandcastles.

“I just worry about you Nalah.” Belle said softly as she ruffled her daughter’s red pigtails.

Beast winked at his daughter and said, “You know your mom is a worry wart sweetie. Humor her.”

Nalah didn’t know what humor met but she nodded anyway. “I know momma.”

As her mother gave Nalah her lunch in her pretty blue lunch box, Nalah gave her mother a hug. Belle hugged her daughter tight against her as the school bus honked it’s intrusive horn. “Be safe sweetie” Belle whispered in her daughter’s ear as she held her close.

Nalah wiggled out of her mother’s embrace and ran for the door. She shouted “See ya mom!” she ran out of the door.

Nalah never noticed her mother’s tears as she watched her little girl run out the door. Beast walked toward his wife and put his arms around her. Belle turned around slowly and said, “Promise me she’ll be okay Raphael.”

“I promise love, I’ll never let anyone hurt you or our daughter.” Beast whispered as he stared into his wife’s blue eyes. A soft smiled played on her lips as she stared at the man she loved. He had always kept his promises to her…she just hoped fate wasn’t cruel enough to force him to break it.

Belle:

It had been six months since Beast kissed me. He has been more affectionate ever since then and lets me go to town now. He taught me to drive stick shift so I could drive his car when I need too. When I first went to town I was so excited and nervous. I could have left and never came back at that moment. I could have ran to the latest police station and told them who I was but I didn’t. This small town had probably not heard of the Todds before and the story of my disappearance three years ago was probably old news.

One day when I returned from my drive to the local library Beast asked me to come out with him to the garden. I hung the keys up on the rung and followed him out to the garden. He dropped to one knee and began to speak. My eyes filled with tears as he pulled a ring out of his pocket.

Belle and Beast:

“Belle you have stolen my heart. I know we did not start out on the right foot and I am sorry for all the heartache I have caused you. It would make me the happiest man alive to have you as my wife. Yet it is not my happiness that matters it is yours so I am giving you the choice… You can either leave and tell the authorities where I am. Or you can marry me and let me spend my life trying to make up for what a monster I am. The choice is yours and whichever you choose remember I will always love you.” Beast said softly.

“I can leave if I want?” Belle whispered.

Beast hung his head low and whispered, “If you choose too Belle.”

Belle stared at Beast. “What is your real name?”

Beast looked up suddenly. ” Raphael Wilmer.”

“Like the archangel. Why do they call you Beast?” Belle asked.

“My past is not exactly doted with rainbows and honey pots angel. I was a mercenary for a few years in the Middle East and Russia. The things I’ve done…only a Beast would do. The name stuck with me and I have to say I have lived up to the title.” Beast said softly.

“What is your choice angel? Me or your family?” Beast asked softly.

Belle shook her head and Beast heart stopped beating within that moment.

“I will make sure you get home safely.” Beast said in a heartless tone.

Belle put her hand on his chest as Beast tried to rise from his bended knee.

“I don’t want to choose Raphael.I want both. I want my family and you. I love you and I want to be your wife.” Belle said with a smile.

Beast howled in excitement as he slipped the ring on Belle’s hand. “I will make sure you never regret the decision to be mine. You have made me the happiest man ever.”

——————————————————————————————————————–

“Come in! Come in!” Belle shouted as they pulled up in the limo.

“Are you sure about this Belle? I told you we can get you out of this just say the word.” Simone whispered to her sister.

Belle shook her head and giggled, “Mona I have never been so happy. Now come on maid of honor I need her with my make up.”

Mona rolled her eyes and followed her twin sister inside. Brock followed close behind and listened as the girls fussed over the dress and their hair.

The Todd family was reunited with Belle a few months ago. She and her captor Raphael “Beast” Wilmer drove up to the Todd compound and announced that the lost heiress had returned. Mona and her brothers hugged Belle and cried at their sister’s return. The police immediately arrested Raphael but Belle pleaded for them to release him. She dropped all charges against him and announced to her family if they didn’t accept her fiance she would disappear and never return. Reluctantly they accepted Beast but continually tried to convince Belle to leave him. The family was convinced he had brainwashed young Belle but she refused to see a psychiatrist for counseling. Here they stood at her wedding and all hoped she would change her mind. Yet as they saw the glow on Belle’s face nobody could ruin her happiness but they hoped Beast would truly cherish her.

Mark Todd was allowed to attend his daughter’s wedding but would be escorted back to prison the minute it ended.

Belle wished her grandparents Isis and Sam had lived to see this day. They died a month before she returned to her family. Her brothers and her sister were the only family she had. Her uncles had died in a car accident and her father was in jail. Belle hoped for a better future for the next generation because it would be raised in a house full of love.

Belle and Beast:

“It’s beautiful out here…so peaceful.” Belle whispered as she sat beneath the stars. The wooden floor was cool from the night air. Her dress fluttered in the night air caressing her bare legs. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the humid heat of the summer months.

Beast looked at Belle and smiled as he said, “I often come out here to clear my head. It’s a nice place to enjoy the scenery.”

Belle looked at Beast for a few second and then turned away. ” Why do you live so far away from everyone?  It  must be lonely being out here all alone.”

Beast shrugged, ” My looks don’t exactly encourage people to approach me. My sister was the only person I had who accepted me. She was blessed with a good heart and never turned away from me.”

Belle looked at Beast and stroked his cheek, ” I don’t look away from you.”

Beast smirked, ” You would if you were free. You are bound to me so you are forced to look at my grotesque features everyday. If you were free to leave you wouldn’t be so forthcoming.”

Belle blushed under Beast’s questioning glare. She held her head down and let her brown hair curtain her flushed face.” Maybe not..but you are not the monster you paint yourself to be.”

Beast turned around and saw his boss. He muttered a curse under his breath. Belle gave him a questioning look.

“I’ll meet you inside in a minute. It’s getting cold out here, go inside through the side door.” Beast ushered Belle inside and locked the door  As he turned he faced the blond who had hired him over a year ago.

“Hello Maria” he whispered as he walked toward her.

Beast and Maria:

“Hello Beast.” Maria hissed.

“Why are you here?” Beast sneered.

“Why to check on our captive of course. I am please you were able to hide her this long. Her family truly thinks she is dead. Her father must be torn to shreds thinking his beloved Belle is dead!” Maria cackled excitedly.

“Why do you care so much about the Todds? Belle is not her father, she is a good person.” Beast said as he and Maria walked toward the gate away from Belle’s ears.

Maria screamed, “She is a Todd…they only bring tragedy. Heartbreak and horror run in their veins! Her father deserved to know tragedy…he deserves to know what it feels like to lose a child.”

Beast shook his head, ” I know loss and I know what a monster Mark Todd was. He deserves a thousand deaths but not Belle. She doesn’t deserve this. I should never have kidnapped her. I’ll give you back all of your money deal with your Todd vendetta another way.” Beast turned and began walking back to the house.

“If you let her free….I will kill her. If she sets foot inside the Todd home, her death will make Grimm’s fairy tales look like a joke. I promise you whether it is by you and me she will die. Now  I want you to kill her within the year if you don’t I will have someone else do it. Did you really think that stray dog was on your elusive property by accident? Fool. ” Maria giggled excitedly.

“If you or anyone else lays a hand on her. I will snap your neck.” Beast hissed as he glared at Maria.

Maria cackled, “Well isn’t this interesting….Beast….you love her. HAHA! I hired you to kidnap her and you fall in love with her. Isn’t this a peach!”

“Yes I love her..and until my dying breath I will protect her. Even from you Maria.” Beast sneered as he approached Maria until he was a breath away.

“Her father killed your sister. Don’t you want justice?! Don’t you want him to pay?!” Maria screeched.

“Yes and yes but as I said before. Belle is not her father Maria. She can not be held responsible for his crimes. I was foolish and mourning when you found me in that pub. Belle has shown me there can be happiness even for a Beast like me.” Beast stated.

“She deserves to die!” Maria yelled as she lunged toward Beast.

Beast grabbed her by her neck and whispered low in her ear, ” You first. I have blood on my hands as well. You are no angel yourself. Yet Belle is beyond both of us. How such an angel came from a monster like Mark Todd I have no idea. I will protect her until I have no strength left even from you. Come back here and you will wish I had killed you at this moment.”

Beast threw Maria’s gasping form to the side and began walking back to the house. Maria gasped and ran off into the woods. Beast hoped it would be the last time he ever saw Maria but if not he would be prepared. He had to be to protect the woman he loved.

Belle and Beast:

“Are you okay Beast? You were out there for almost an hour. I ate dinner without you but I left you a plate in the microwave.” Belle said with a smile.

Beast searched her face before speaking, “Were you watching out the window?”

Belle shook her head, “I was reading the new book you got me while I ate.”

Beast stroke her cheek and Belle held her breath at his tenderness. She was surprised by how at ease the tender gesture made her feel.

“I would do anything for you Belle. You know that right? I will always protect you.” Beast said softly as he stroked her cheek.

“I know.” Belle said as she put her hand over his.

Beast pulled her into his arms and kissed her with such passion it left Belle breathless for a few moments.

For two years she had lived under the same room as her captor. She had hated him at first for taking her from her family. She hated him for not allowing her to be free to go home. Yet over time she began to feel he was as much a captive as her. He would look at her with such sadness it broke her heart sometimes. She grew to love the man who kidnapped her. He took care of her when she was sick with the flu. He held her hand when she frightened of thunder storms. He laughed with her as she told corny jokes. He held her when the lights when out after a massive storm. She knew in her heart that she loved him. It was a tale as old as time. A love story with little reason or rhyme. Strange to say the least…the tale of beauty and the beast.

Belle:

I had been here for over a year.  Sometimes Beast would bring home newspapers to track the coverage of my disappearance. The first few months, my sister and grandmother lined the paper with press conference after press conference begging for someone to find me. It broke my heart seeing my sister crying in my grandmother’s arms. A few times my brothers were seen on camera as well begging for someone to find the lost heiress, my new nickname in the papers.

Beast brought me countless books and let me have a whole section of the house to myself. I had tried to escape numerous times. I even made it as far as the front gate before Beast caught me. I screamed and shouted as he hoisted me over his shoulder and walked back inside. Since then Beast had installed high tech security cameras and multiple locks on the doors. It had been weeks since I had tried to escape again.

Recently Beast and I have come to a sort of impasse. He allowed me more freedom to roam the home as long as I promised to not leave again. I hesitated and refused to answer. Beast than said the words that would cause me cease any plans to escape.

“If you try to escape again…I will kidnap your twin sister Simone. Trust me I won’t be as kind to her as I have been to you.” Beast said softly.

My heart stilled at the mention of my sister’s name. It was then that he stopped bringing by the newspapers. It killed me not knowing how my family was doing. I kept wondering if my grandparents were alright. If my brothers moved closer to my grandmother. If my father even knew I was missing.

Those weeks of no news at all cause me to agree to the Beast’s terms. I would never try to escape again.

When Beast and I were not fighting each other about my escape plans we actually realized we had a lot alike. He loved music and books as much as I did. He valued his family more than anything in the world and losing them all in a fire killed him. When he discovered his sister had been murdered by my father he was consumed by rage.

Those nights as we sat by the fire discussing our family were the moments I knew I would treasure. The moments when I saw traces of humanity in his eyes. When the intense burning rage in his eyes cooled to something softer.

I would share my memories of my mother as brief and as fleeting as I remembered. He would listen to my dreams and hopes for each of my family members. Sometimes he would even laugh. He had a hearty, beautiful laugh. It was those moments that I saw another side of him. A side of him I could actually like.

When he wasn’t teaching me to cook or talking with me. Beast was staring at his computer. He had it password protected so I couldn’t sneak a chance at using it. Sometimes he would swipe furiously at those keys and other days he would stare at the screen for hours with his head in his hands.

———————————————————————————————————————-

Beast allowed me to create a garden so that I could create fresh veggies for my recipes. I realized I was a natural after helping Blake so often. I didn’t think of my family often anymore. It had been a year since I had heard any news of them. One day a wild dog made it’s way to my garden. It had probably dug it’s way underneath the wall.

I began to run as it chased after me. I screamed for Beast at the top of my lungs. Just as I had almost reached the door I tripped and fell to my knees. I screamed and prepared for the crazed dog to attack me. The foam was dripping off of it’s mouth as it lunged. Then suddenly I heard a noise. I looked up and saw Beast with a gun in his hand. He was helping me up as he looked at the wild dog.

“Are you hurt?” Beast asked softly.

I shook my head, “Is it….is it?”

Beast shook his head and said, “No, it’s a tranquilizer dart. I keep it around for stray dogs and raccoons. I’m lucky you screamed. Go inside I’ll be back in an hour. I have to take it to the pound, see what they can do. Don’t forget your promise Belle.”

I quickly nodded my head and headed inside as Beast walked toward the sleeping dog.

I should have tried to escape the moment I saw him drive off with the dog. I could have attempted and I would have a head start on him. Yet I kept thinking back to my sister and my family. I couldn’t be totally sure Beast would not follow through on his threat. I sat at the window and waited..waited for my captor to return.

Belle:

“Belle, where have you been? You know how I worry darling.” Grandma Isis said with a smile.

I shrugged and shoved my hands in my pockets. I couldn’t tell her I had been visiting the old house. I was searching for pictures of my father and mother. I wanted something to remember the good times by. The police had taken everything from the home and taped off the house. The paparazzi had stopped hounding us two years ago after my father had been convicted of multiple murders.

The day of my father’s arrest, my whole family was torn apart. My brother Blake went to live with out former maid Beatriz. Brock and his family moved away to escape the press. My twin sister Simone and I came to live with our grandmother, Isis.

Our grandmother and my Uncles, Jack and Mike, tried hard to immerse Mona and I in activities. They tried to distract us from the pain and loss we both felt. Mona was better at hiding it than I was. She was beautiful and popular, hardly anyone remembered our horrible past anymore. I didn’t like being around others…it just felt wrong.

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I moved out on my 19th birthday, it was the day Mona announced her plan to move to Starlight Shores. She wanted to be a broadcaster and felt moving closer to the city would give her the edge she needed. Grandma, Grandpa and the rest of the family all wished Mona a tearful goodbye. I wouldn’t come out of my room, I couldn’t believe she was leaving…I had spent my whole life with her and now she was gone.

I moved into a small one bedroom apartment in the outskirts of town. I got a part time job as a bookkeeper. I had the same routine day in and day out. I went to work and would come home to read a book until I fell asleep. One day it all changed….and my life was never the same.

I had gone to bed early because I was feeling woozy. I fell asleep with a cup of hot tea on the table next to me and a book in my lap. When I woke up my hands were tied with plastic tie and my mouth was gagged. I looked around wildly and saw that I was in a trunk. I kicked and struggled to scream. My screams were drowned out by the music the driver was playing. I looked around and tried to think of a way out. I muttered a curse as I noticed the trunk was completely empty except for me.

I felt every bump and sudden movement as I wondered what was happening. Was my family worried? Had my father escaped?

Suddenly the car stopped and I heard footsteps walking carefully. Each step in the gravel caused me to shiver. When the footsteps stopped at the trunk I prepared myself to kick and run. The trunk popped open and I sprung up. Unfortunately my kidnapper anticipated that I swung my body over his shoulder. I continued to kick him but he held my legs tightly. We walked toward a huge house, it almost looked like a castle. As we walked up the unpaved dirt walkway I noticed that we were completely alone. There were no houses or even roads nearby. The home was completely gated off with a very tall wall. It was easy to see it once was a beautiful home. The walls and windows reminded me

“Beautiful isn’t it princess…nothing like the sprawling hills of the rich and famous you are used to is it?” he sneered.

I tried to look at him to say something but all I could see was the back of his head. His body was solid and strong. He stood over 6 feet tall and his hair appeared to be a rust color. When we finally reached the front door he kicked open the door and walked inside. When we walked inside I felt a draft. I shivered and my captor grunted. He climbed the winding staircase two at a time until he reached the top. He walked the candlelight halls quickly and only stopped when he reached a small room. He slowly put me on the bed and shut the door behind him with his foot as he stared at me.

He ripped the tape off of my lips quickly and snapped the plastic ties with his hand.The cheap light barely lit up the bed let alone the room. The curtains on the windows were drawn shut. The bed beneath me was soft and enveloped me.

“What do you want? Why am I here?” I yelled as I rubbed my wrists.

“The daughter shall pay for the sins of the father.” My captor hissed as he leaned against the wall. His arms were crossed in front of him and his head was down. His hair fell like curtain around his face.

“What are you talking about? Why am I here?” I demanded. “My grandmother would pay to get me back!”

He chuckled. “Money doesn’t solve everything princess.”

“Stop talking in riddles and tell me why the hell am I here!” I screamed as I began to get up.

He was standing in front of me in seconds. His body shielded me from the door.

“You are here princess because your father is a piece of shit who killed my little sister. He should burn for what he did.” He hissed.

I opened my mouth in horror as the soft light above my head hit my captor’s face. His eyes were sunken in his face so deep he almost appeared to be a skeleton. His nose was flat and large and his face appeared grotesque, wrong and misshapen. His ears were too large for his round head. The most startling thing about him was his intense jade eyes. They blazed……with hatred as he looked at me.

“Do you defend him princess?” He hissed.

I shook my head slowly and said, “No..I would never do that.”

“Do you wish to know why you are here princess?” He whispered in my ear as he put his hands on my shoulders.

I shivered as his words hit my ears. I nodded as I took a deep breath.

“I took you….to let your family know what it’s like.” He said with a sneer as he turned to walk away.

“What is like?” I croaked as I stared at the back of his head. He stopped moving toward the door.

“What it is like to lose someone you love. What it is like to wonder everyday if they are alive or dead. If they are safe or screaming for salvation. If they hate you or love you when you finally give up hope to ever see them again. What it is like to give up.” He said through labored breath as he spoke. His voice seemed to crack at the end.

“What is your name?” I said softly.

He turned sharply and smirked, I could see the glint of his smile as he said, “Call me….murderer? no no…rapist? no no abductor. No, those are all titles that should be reserved for your father.”

My eyes burned with tears as I shook my head wildly. “You’re a beast! I screamed.

He turned away and stormed out the door. Before shutting it I heard him mumble, “and you my dear..are a true beauty.”