Bridging the Gap

Chapter 1

"I see," Belle said, the smile staying in place. "Carlos?"

"Yes, your majesty?" Carlos asked, looking back at her. It was then that Belle realized how young Carlos really was compared to the others. It might have been the lack of food, it might have been having Cruella as a mother. But whatever it was broke Belle's heart and she knew there was nothing she could do to repay those children for being forced on the Isle simply because they were born.

They could never get those years back. For the younger ones, like Dizzy and Hadie, it wouldn't be so bad since they could grow up in Auradon. But for the teens, the ones practically adults already, there was no getting back the childhood they lost.

"It's up to you," Belle told him. "All of you," she added, looking at the others. "I won't make you do something you're not comfortable with."

The Isle six were silent, looking at each other as if seeking confirmation. On the Isle, leaving your group could be dangerous though it could also be dangerous here in Auradon as well.

"I'll go," Carlos said, breaking the silence. "As long as Dude can come too."

"I think you'll find that we will always invite a dog into our lives," Anita told him, a great big grin on her face. Carlos chuckled and Mal watched him walk off. She couldn't help the small sliver of worry that burrowed into her stomach; this was the first time they'd gone off alone since Leah's tirade.

"Dizzy?" Kitty asked but it was all the older girl needed to say as Dizzy almost jumped toward the Charming family, keeping her distance from Chad. Everyone couldn't help but chuckle at the enthusiastic response from the younger girl. Ben caught Cinderella's eye and he knew that he would be meeting with her at some point to make Dizzy's place in Auradon a permanent one.

"Evie, I know our families have their differences," Snow White said, her high voice lowered from nerves. "Still, if it's alright with you, I should like to get to know the closest thing I have to a sister."

Eve stared at the older royal in shock for a few minutes before nodding. "I would enjoy that very much, your highness."

Snow beamed and the two step-sisters walked off where the rest of Snow's family waited.

Mal subtly grabbed Hadie's hand and hoped that Wonder Breath wouldn't get the idea to invite Hadie to eat with his family. She also hoped he wouldn't get the idea to invite her to eat with him as well. Now that cousin Herc knew the truth, Mal knew an invite was coming at some point.

"Mal?" Ben's voice broke through her thoughts and Mal blinked to bring herself back. Jay had already left with Emir, leaving only Mal and Hadie facing the royal family.

"Well then," Belle smiled. "Guess it'll be a smaller group for lunch. All the better; allows for a better chance to get to know one another."

Did Belle ever have a moment when she could turn it off? Mal thought before following them to a nearby table.

"Hadie, order anything you want," Mal told her brother, helping him onto the bench. He was built small, like Carlos, and Isle living didn't help matters.

"Anything?" Hadie asked, his eyes wide as he observed everything that was offered. Queen Belle couldn't help but chuckle.

"What?" Mal asked as she walked over to the queen.

"Never give a young child the anything choice," Belle advised. "They go straight for the junk food."

Mal shrugged. "Like I said, on the Isle we don't really get choices when picking through the trash. Getting more than one meal was usually reserved for birthdays or if your parents were especially powerful, like my mother, Evie's mom, Jay's dad, and Hadie's dad."