Esmeralda/Aladdin

Belle didn’t want to have to face Frollo the inayofuata morning, and she prayed silently that this would be one of those morning where she ate breakfast alone. Unfortunately, when she walked into the room, he was there, and she couldn’t bring herself to look at him as she slid into a seat.

“Did wewe sleep well?”

Belle started, unable to believe it. He was uigizaji as if the awali night hadn’t happened at all. “My dreams were haunted,” she managed to stammer.

“Oh? kwa that gypsy daemon?”

“No...by...something else.”

“Well, I am sorry to hear that.”

His tone was curt and stiff,...

“But why can’t I go with you?” Belle asked.

The seven mwaka old wriggled her shoulders inside her slightly baggy grey tunic. It was a little chilly inside the Palace of Justice. Sarah smiled and put her hands on the child’s shoulders.

“Because the Captain won’t allow someone as small as wewe aboard the ship, Belle. When you’re older, maybe, but for now, wewe have to stay here.”

“You’ll be a good girl for Mr Frollo, won’t you?” added Clayton.

“Yes, Papa,” Belle replied, dutifully. Judge Claude Frollo didn’t really look like the type who’d take care of children, but...

The whole way home, Belle was quieter than usual; and even Lottie, who hadn’t known her as long as the others, noticed this. “You ok, honey?” she asked, ten dakika into the bus ride. “You’re very quiet.”

Belle roused herself. “Just thinking about something, Lottie, that’s all.”

“Ooh, nothing bad, I hope.” Lottie gave her an encouraging smile. “It’d spoil a perfect day!”

Belle managed to return her smile. “No, I think I’m just a bit worn out, that’s all.”

“Is it any wonder?” Meg looked over the back of her kiti, kiti cha at Belle. “After chasing around the beach...

Belle smiled, her head giddy and light as Adam whirled her closer on the dance floor. Her dress, the same she had worn to the school dance, rustled as her petticoats turned with her, and as Adam picked her up off her feet, she giggled.

“I upendo you, Belle,” Adam murmured, drawing her close.

Belle smiled again and reached up to brush back his hair. “And I upendo you, Adam.”

He bent to kiss her...and then the doors suddenly flew open. The wind whipped the curtains, fluttering and snuffing the candle flames as lightning and thunder began to rage outside. Terrified, Belle clung to Adam and blinked...