Chapter Text
Many days have passed since her last nighttime escapade. Belle didn’t try to sneak out again after her last stressful journey… She didn’t dare, not until her conscience calmed down. Sam has been nothing but loving towards her, as always, yet she caught herself growing a little distant. They fell back into their rhythm as a couple. Everything seemed to be fine, and deep down she knew this is how it should be - how it could have been had she given up on the outlaw life the second Sam grew tired of it - but that thorny, annoying feeling burrowed deep in her chest still hasn’t faded. Its prolonged existence was worrisome. What is it about Byron that’s so alluring? Why does her mind seem so obsessed with the mere idea of him? Maybe it’s the freedom that’s right at his grasp, maybe the fact he, despite his old age, is still embracing the life of a criminal, travelling with that black market, visiting cities she can only dream to see… He comes and goes as he pleases, sticks around because he wants to, not because he is obligated to… Maybe it’s his posture, his personality, his way of being - that cunning voice, those manipulative tactics? She truly can’t tell.
“Love.” Sam snapped her out of her whirlwind of thoughts. “Are you unwell? You’ve been so… Unlike yourself since Sunday.” He cooed worriedly.
“It’s nothing.” Belle brushed him off, muttering into the cup pressed against her lips. She set it down and grabbed his hand. A brief squeeze that was meant to reassure him followed soon after. “I’m worried about Pearl. It’s a tough economy… Especially for a new business.” A reasonable excuse. Hopefully, she played it nicely, and he won’t ask her to elaborate.
“Oh Belle…” He smiled at her, the weight of confrontation seemingly off his shoulders now. He’s visibly happier. “I’m sure she would have told us about her struggles if she were experiencing any.” Sam leaned over the table to place a gentle kiss on her cheek. He wanted to say something, she could tell as much from his expression, but they were interrupted by the sound of a ringing phone. “I’ll get it.” And just like that, Belle was left alone with her thoughts once again.
“Oh lord…” She grumbled, elbows firmly planted on the table, head in hands, trying to chase away the shameless memories of the bazaar encounter from a few nights ago. Somewhere in the other room, she could hear whispers of agreement from her husband. Who is he even talking to? Belle doesn’t get enough time to think about it, as he returns briefly after.
“Jae-yong invited us to a night out!” Sam declared giddily. “I agreed on your behalf. It’s been a while since we had a fun night out, huh?” He playfully elbowed her. “It’ll be a good way to get your mind off things.”
Great. Just… great. There was no time to argue, no way to cancel… Belle spent the whole day dreading the visit. She spent her day doing chores around the house, trying to keep her mind off the inevitable. Yet there wasn’t much to do - the laundry was already hung out to dry, dishes were sitting nicely inside their counters, washed and polished, the medicine cabinet remained perfectly organised… The real trouble reared its ugly face into her reality only once the evening came… Sam couldn’t find his favourite shirt, nor wallet, which left him panicked. And she… found herself self-conscious. For the first time in a long while, she was scared to look in the mirror. Apparently, none of her old dresses fit her like they used to do when she was young. That much was to be expected, sure. But she truly feels hideous in each and every one of them.
They’re too revealing, too skimpy… Each piece of clothing highlights all of the wrong curves, bends, draws attention to her robotic arm… It was too much to bear. So, after tossing yet another garment in the trash, she settled for pants and a nice button up. Disappointing, boring, but that’s the reality of growing old. It’s not as graceful as people think. Finally, Sam found his wallet and managed to call a cab for them. The journey was silent, tense. Was it anticipation or fear? It’s so unlike them to go out on a “date” these days. The last place she wants to be at right now is that dingy karaoke bar… She doesn’t want to waste the away with an overpriced drink in her hand, listening to drunk people wailing at the top of their lungs into the microphone, but Sam is really trying to lighten her mood with that kind smile of his and she can’t blame him for trying. Isn’t this what she wanted? To feel like he truly cares? Right.
“Feels like I haven’t seen you in forever!” Jae-yong ran up to give them a hug as soon as they stepped into the club. “What have you been up to?” It’s clear he’s already a few drinks in, but they have to remain polite nonetheless. He’s one of the very few people they consider a friend.
“Enjoying retirement.” Belle hissed and patted him on the back. “Let’s get you seated.”
“‘m fine…” Jae-yong continued to babble while Sam hauled him onto the nearest couch. “I want to sing-!” Right after he said that, he started to wail a very butchered version of some pop song she heard on the radio during the taxi ride.
“I fear the karaoke stand opens at 9.” She continued to rub his shoulder awkwardly, reassuring him. “Now that I think about it, did they let you off early?” She tried her best to keep the conversation going, but it was tough, as her interlocutor was already off in his own world, probably drifting away on a cloud of buzz. Sam really did pick the best time to leave for the bar in hopes of getting them a round of drinks…
“Oh yeah! I finished work early!” He hiccuped happily. “Finally got those overdue papers sorted!” You know, life has been great!” Jae-yong looked up at the ceiling, starstruck. Encouraged by the woman sitting next to him, giving him a soft “yeah?” as an inquiry he continued. “Pam’s the best… I really like her, I’m scared I’ll mess up, because we’re like… Really early into the relationship. Hey! At least she laughs at my jokes! That means I’m doing something right.” He shrugged with a smile. “I managed to guess her favourite flowers on the first try! Can you believe it? And I have to say, Jessie is a good kid… Very smart, like her mom. She’ll go great places, I’m quite sure. Nani scares me a lot, though. I’m terrified of her! But eh, I’m sure her anger is in good faith.”
“Right…” Belle muttered. It’s infuriating to hear someone talk so highly about their fresh, exciting relationship when her marriage isn’t doing so great, but hey, it’s clear the poor guy needs someone to spill his heart out to, so she listened. “Well, I’m glad you’re doing alright.” Another awkward pat on the back accompanied that sentiment. “Pam deserves to be happy after everything she went through. It must be tough dating when you’re already well into your life with a kid on your back.”
“True, true…” He sighed. “I just… Hope she is happy with me.” A brief moment of soberness.
Thankfully, Sam came back with drinks right when Jae-yong was about to start singing again. The rest of the night was rather uneventful, but maybe that may have been a blessing in disguise. “Today is about fun” - Belle decided, that quiet promise popped into the back of her mind and made a nest there. The first few shots went down smoothly, smoother than any alcohol she’s had before. A glass of wine further on, some cheap pornstar margaritas to compliment it, and the mood was set. It’s been a while since she could enjoy the buzz without any worry about the aftermath. She can be as hungover as she wants, there’s a warm bed waiting for her at home. Food in the fridge, plenty of drinkable water, painkillers and vitamins in tiny plastic bottles on the bathroom sink… Maybe a new perspective is all she needed all along. Leisure can be truly fun when you actually relax. No outside noise, no murmurs, no gossip. Just a quiet, simple life. The demons of her past still haunt her - every day is a struggle. Yet, right now… Her mind is blank, blissfully so. They talked about the weather, the sports, a new show airing every Thursday on TV, and that was something she hasn’t even noticed she’s already knowledgeable about.
They parted ways around 4 AM, when the club was closing and Jae-yong had already had too much to drink. Sam too. Belle won’t ever admit it out loud, but their little show on the karaoke stand was very entertaining. She got both of them into taxis, and decided to go for a stroll herself. The night breeze was a refreshing reality after a night spent inside a stuffy building. It caressed her skin and flowed freely through her already thinning hair. That leather jacket she stuffed into her bag as an afterthought finally came in handy. She wanders through the quiet city streets in deep thought once again. It feels as though she’s standing on the brink of a junction of paths - One she knows very well, the familiar warmth of Sam’s embrace, those mildly entertaining nights at the bar, the comfort of waking up in arms she’s known for so long. The other one is new. Exciting. There’s an air of mystery around it, a thick fog that prevents her from seeing anything that’s past the entrance. What’s enticing about it is, indeed, the unknown. The unpredictable variable. Who knows, maybe Byron is married? Maybe he’s not looking for romance or companionship, focused on his career. Anything could be hiding there. But will she dare to step further?
Finally, Belle reached her destination. Pearls bakery. The curtains are shut, lights are off, chairs are hanging upside down on the tables behind a wooden fence… She makes her way around the building, all the way to the back of the building, and knocks on the door situated there, right in the far left corner. It creaked open, the fear in her daughter's gaze prominent as she peeked out through the small gap… But can she blame her? It’s very unusual, even for Belle, to show up there unannounced. She mutters something about helping her “prepare for the day”, overzealously pushing herself towards the ovens, snatching an apron on her way there, and Pearl, the sweetheart she is, accepted the enthusiasm without further questioning. The morning that followed was a blur of tough work to get the bakery up and running before 6 AM rolled around. One frantic call from Sam and multiple loaves of bread later, she’s already on her way back home. The visit was only meant to make her lie more believable, but she has to admit… It felt nice, bonding over such a simple thing with Pearl.