Strings Attached

Part 2.1: Threads of Discovery

"My dad and I would go here every week. Nowadays I don't even have time to do that anymore, I'm always busy with my crochet or my classes," she says, setting the menu aside. " I want to work as hard as I can and maybe I can get recognised or be part of an exhibit!"

There wasn't a big scene of crocheters in Misty Pines, she had a few frequent customers but mostly it was people looking for a new hobby but not interested enough to pursue it. She assumed that Edmund would be one of the same but she was willing to help anyway. Edmund asked more questions about crochet and Belle was happy to oblige.

"I can't lie, she's really beautiful. I love her passion for her craft, and her down-to-earth personality, everything is what makes her so beautiful. Her dark brown eyes are filled with so much warmth and expression. They're twinkling with creativity and enthusiasm."

It wasn't Belle's slender body frame with graceful curves. It wasn't her long Chestnut hair in her loose braid to keep it from getting in her way. It wasn't her fair skin with a natural rosiness glow to it, it was her personality that was drawing him in. There was something about her that was striking like she understood him. She understood the trials and tribulations of his busy schedule, he hadn't found a woman who understood him like this in so long. Edmund wanted to get to know her more. He finally comes up with an idea to mix his new-found interest in both her and crochet,

"Could we do more of these private sessions? I'm very interested in learning more about it! I can cook for you in exchange, I'm a really good cook, you wouldn't believe it!" He says as he picks up his burger based on her recommendation.

Belle was elated to hear the news, she could use this as an opportunity to get closer to him and share her love for crochet. She happily agreed and they shared a hearty grin. As they finished their food and spoke more on their respective fields, Edmund asked,

"Who is this amazing father of yours? I hope you don't mind me asking but you keep talking about him so highly, and I gotta thank him for introducing you to that amazing burger!" He playfully spoke as he nudged her.

"He died a few years ago from a heart attack. He used to be the sheriff for Misty Pines, his name was Calvin. My mother wasn't really in the picture, I went to stay with my dad after she decided to marry my step-father. Cool guy and all but he was a football player so they were gonna travel a lot." She fidgets with her braid over her shoulder, speaking softly. "I didn't want that kind of life for me, anyways it's all in the past now. I love Misty Pines!" She said as she brushed her behind her.

"I'm sorry Belle, I didn't know. I was just trying to play around. I'm sorry I can't help you out since I can't relate." He says with a comforting tone as he goes to reach out for her hand.

She lets him hold her hand to comfort her, holding back the tears as she is reminded of the loss of her number one supporter; with his other hand, he calls over the waiter for the bill. The bill arrives but Edmund doesn't want to let go of her hand, Belle doesn't either. They didn't want this moment to end, there was something so comforting about each other's presence. After a good 5 minutes, Edmund goes to settle the bill and asks her if they can continue their lesson. Belle lights up excited to show him more of the knowledge she accumulated over the years. They walk out of the diner feeling closer than before. Their hands brush each other, both feeling the urge to reach out and grab it but wanting to respect the boundaries unknowing that the other feels the same way. The car ride is yet again filled with them conversing, learning more and more about each other.

"Okay, new question. What is your worst childhood accident?" Belle asked playfully.

TW: Mentions of blood, injury, scars

"When I was 17, my brother and I decided to turn our backyard into a jungle gym using anything we could find. Yanno, for old-time's sake. We found an old wooden swing set, we had long forgotten it was there, and a bit rickety too. We decided it was fine and we began swinging higher and higher then Elliot suggested that we jump off the swings at the highest point to see who could land the furthest, nothing we hadn't done before. I said yes with no hesitation. As I jumped, the rusty chain snapped and I tumbled to the ground. I landed pretty hard then we saw a broken link had gone into my neck. He rushed me to the hospital where we saw it had punctured pretty deep. As a result, I got these scars," he says as he shows the two dots on the right side of his neck, almost like a vampire. "What's your story?"

"So, when I was 10, my best friend at the time Jason and I decided to go into the woods here at Misty Pines. We went deeper than we ever had before, we heard a rumour there were werewolves deep inside. As we were wandering around we found an abandoned treehouse, we thought that was the werewolves' lookout tower so we climbed up. We didn't see anything so we decided to stay up there until we had a plan. All of a sudden we heard something climbing up and then something bit me on the wrist and ran away, we thought it was a werewolf. It didn't matter though I was screaming in pain begging Jason to help me down and go home. I grabbed my wrist to try to stop the bleeding and Jason spotted that it wasn't a werewolf, it was a racoon. Turns out we invaded some racoon's home. When we got home my grandma rushed me to the hospital, they treated me for anti-rabies and stitched up my wound. The doctor told me it would heal but leave a scar" -she extended her right arm to show the scar on her wrist- "turns out he wasn't wrong."

END OF TW

Edmund parked his car in front of her building as he let her in. Turning on the lights, and leaving the sign on closed. It may only be 7 pm but she wants some alone time with just him. She directs him to pick some yarn, a hook, and a few other materials that she had to pick herself. They grabbed it all and she offered to go upstairs to her home so they were more comfortable.