Strings Attached

Part 2.1: Threads of Discovery

"Could you check my work? Hey, I think it's pretty good for my first time don't you think?" He asked with confidence passing her his work.

"Not bad, you might just be a natural! Not as good as mine though," she says playfully.

"I'd like to see you play tennis, huh? I'd like to see-" he perked up thinking it was a good idea- "that's not a bad idea, why don't I teach you tennis and treat you to dinner as a thank-you for the lesson?" he asks with a warm smile on his face.

"Hmm, sure I'd take you up on that offer. You'll see I'll destroy you on both tennis and crochet. You better watch out!" Belle says returning that smile.

Edmund offers to help clean up as they both get up from the floor. Putting away the used crochet materials and locking up, Belle quickly goes upstairs to grab her bag. They exit the store and she locks up behind them, making sure to turn the sign to closed. The two get into his car and they get to know each other more on the way. Sharing experiences from their two different worlds.

"You know, I actually played tennis when I was younger. My dad taught me how when I was 7. It's been a while since I played though, as I grew I got more interested in crochet," she states as she reminisces about the old times.

"Oh, I see how it is! You didn't tell me you played a while ago when I offered to teach so that you could scam me for a free meal! I like your determination, Miss." He says jokingly as they share a laugh.

After a short drive, they get to the park. Full of bushy trees, it provides a nice shade on their walk to the courts. They discuss each other more on their walk over, slowly getting closer and closer to one another. Edmund sets his bag down on the bench as he instructs Belle to warm up. He grabs some tennis rackets and tennis balls. He joins her in the warm-up while he asks if she needs a refresher.

"A crash course would be very helpful, it's a good thing the grip fits me." She says as she has a feel for his racket.

"Okay, let's start you off with forehand. It's a good thing you already use the Western grip." He says as he goes behind her, gently guiding her to the movements.

Every touch of his is gentle but firm, he properly makes sure she understands the strokes and how to serve. As he guides her, she can't help but blush a little. This was the closest contact she's had with anyone for a while, especially not from this captivating man. After a few practices, she deems herself ready for an actual match. They started the match with his serve, she was ready. Without taking her eye off the ball, she was able to receive his powerful serve. She asked him not to go easy on her and this is the result. A short rally later he was able to score a point on her. Not long after he won the first game, it was time for her to serve. As she walked to the baseline, she was worried she wouldn't make it; serving hasn't always been her strong suit. She throws it up, hits,

"FAULT! You need to serve again, Belle. Don't worry, you can do it!" Edmund exclaims supportingly.

She goes in for the second serve, bouncing the ball on the ground and getting herself in tune. Throws it up and hits, she looks to see her serve made it into the box. She smiles happily whilst trying to keep up with Edmund's pacing. As they rally back and forth, with Edmund in the lead in a score of 30-40 does a lob. Belle runs towards the ball, swings, and her shot hits outside the line. Edmund is yet again the winner of the second game but he doesn't gloat, he doesn't tease her. He's respectful and congratulates her on her hard work, he makes sure she's still okay and she still wants to continue. He puts her well-being first. Belle decides she's tired and she's hungry. Edmund asks her where she wants to eat seeing as he's new to the area, he's open to anything. She suggests going to her local diner and they pack up and make their way to the car. She can't help but look at him, she was attracted to his determination and power. He dominates the court like it's nothing for him, he's so skilled and yet he still takes into consideration her comfort. He truly is a gentleman. They arrive at "Sculptor's Diner", slightly tacky as it's lined with taxidermy animals on the wall complimenting the woody exterior. Misty Pines was full of pine trees as far as the eye could see, the diner was shaped like a wooden lodge to blend itself perfectly with the surroundings. Belle asks for her regular booth right by the corner next to the windows.