No Love Lost (Rumbelle AU)

Chapter 22

Glimmering shadows. Matte shadows. Dark shadows. Light shadows. Colorful stacks of lip product lining the shelves. The overwhelming scent of fragrance. Women sampling each and every product at the counter and chatting eagerly about the big event that's yet to come next evening.

Belle, in her still tired state, couldn't help but feel the joyful excitement surrounding her as she lifted a nudes palette off the rack. She stood examining the contents in the makeup department at Modern Fashions. This was the same store she had picked up her dress for the Ball, now she needed a bit of makeup and a new perfume bottle.

Belle had spent most of her day sleeping and relaxing at home. She and Robert had just gotten back from their short anniversary trip and her mood was still bliss. She had just enough energy to do some quick shopping so that she wouldn't have to worry about it tomorrow.

"Hi, can I help you with anything?" a salesclerk asked.

"Oh, um yes. I was thinking of buying perfume but I just can't decide what I want," Belle answered sheepishly.

The clerk eyed the eye shadow in Belle's hand. "And are you looking to get some makeup too?"

"Yes."

"Ok, follow me. I think I have something that will suit you."

"Thank you," Belle said as she followed the pretty sales woman. On her way to the other side of the counter, she couldn't help but notice so many pretty shades of color and wanted to stop to browse. She almost lost sight of the clerk, but caught her wavy ash brown tresses bouncing behind her as well as heels clack-clack-clacking with purpose.

Belle caught up just when the woman slipped behind the glass table. She rummaged through some things and brought out perfume samples for Belle to try.

A few spritzes and a tough decision between two of her favorite scents later, Belle decided on Rosy Showers and the clerk gave her a full bottle.

"Now for makeup," the saleslady said.

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly bother you any more Miss..." Belle looked at the woman's name tag which was pinned to the side of her chest: Selena Moore. For some reason, she never thought to know the lady's name until now. "...Moore. Miss Moore."

"Call me Selena please," Selena said with a chuckle. "And I love doing this. It's my job." She flashed a sweet smile and they glided over to the makeup counter right by the previous perfume samples.

"Thank you, Selena," Belle said. "I'm Belle."

"Oh, yes. You're Belle. I thought your face seemed familiar. I know the name for sure but now I remember seeing you around town."

Belle couldn't help but feel a little nervous hearing that. "Really? H-How did you know about my name?"

Selena looked up from her sorting and blushed, as if realizing her mistake. "Oh, uh...well...you're new in town aren't you?"

"Yes...I've lived here for almost six months now. Then again most people have been here their whole lives. I guess to them I would still be considered new." Belle laughed anxiously.

Selena smiled in relief. "Alright, so let's get started. How about I give you a few samples now, maybe try some things on you, and get you a discount?" She leaned forward. "This is for the Ball tomorrow night right?"

Belle nodded.

"Just as well. Literally every woman in town is crowding this place for that very reason." Selena giggled and Belle couldn't help but laugh along as well.

After about an hour of Selena working on her face and showing her different products to use, Belle was all set and ready to go. She paid with card and Selena bagged her items for her. Belle was just about to leave when she heard an obnoxious shrill tone behind her.