Chapter 1A Chapter by L. CatherineIt had been a long, dreary day at Mike's Auto Shop. The constant downpour had kept customers away all afternoon, leaving nothing to be done, but that only gave Hugh Van Garrett incentive to continue experimenting on his own vehicle. All of the other mechanics had decided to take their break at this time, leaving Hugh to run the repair shop by himself, and since no one was around, this was an ideal opportunity.
Opening the hood of his 1986 Ford pick-up truck, Hugh gazed down into the oiled and greased engine that was the heart of his beloved vehicle. Hugh had a dream that one day he would be able to create a car that would never die; it would continue to serve the family it was purchased by for as long as it was needed. Without having to purchase a new battery or an entirely new car, hundreds of families could put their money to better uses.
Lost in his dreams, Hugh suddenly began to cough violently, each cough making the man sound as if he was gasping for his last breath. The coughing fit continued for a few minutes, but eventually settled down. Hugh had grown ill ever since his wife Celia had died eighteen years ago, leaving him alone with their three year old daughter Belle. When she was young, Belle used to ask her father,
"Papa, why are you always sick?" and Hugh would reply,
"Well, when your mother died, it left a hole in my heart that has never healed. Ever since then, that hole has kept me sick because your mother had a place in my heart that can never be filled."
After a conversation like this, Hugh's eyes would fill with somber tears, only to be wiped away by little Belle's tiny hands. The two would smile at each other and for a little while, the sadness Hugh felt would disappear. Since that time, Hugh had remarried and gained two more daughters.
Madalena Fletcher and her twin daughters, Amilee and Marissa, had moved to the small town of Mistveil Cove thirteen years ago. Rumor had it that Madalena had come from a wealthy family, but had spent all of her money on herself and her daughters, thus she was forced to move to a smaller area. Many thought it was odd that Madalena had immediately began a connection with Hugh Van Garrett, but after they were wed, the townspeople paid the relationship no attention.
Now, after thirteen years, Hugh was in a happy relationship with Madalena and was able to help provide for this three daughters. With these positive thoughts in mind, Hugh continued working on his truck. Just as he began to check the vehicle's fan belt, the main entrance to the auto shop opened, letting in a cool breeze and a young woman. She had long, curled, brown/blonde hair with startling blue eyes and fair skin, wearing a smile on her face as she said, "Hey there, Dad!"
Hugh's daughter Belle, now twenty-one years old, had been the light of Hugh's life since the day she was born.
"How was work at the library today?" Hugh inquired.
"Oh it was fine," Belle replied, "I just wish the pay was a little better. You know, to help pay for your medicine and the bills..."
"Belle, I know that you don't want to have to work all your life, but your mother and I-"
"Stepmother." Belle interjected in a distasteful tone.
"Your stepmother and I really need the money. We may not say it as often as you like, but we really appriciate what you do for us." Hugh said before launching into another coughing fit, this time falling onto the hard, cold ground.
"Papa!" Belle exclaimed, using the name she used to call her father when she was young.
Belle immediately ran to Hugh's side, clinging to him as though he would crumple away into miniscule pieces. The coughing slowly diminished, but Belle continued to hold onto her father, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I don't want to have to lose you, Papa."
"I know Belle, I know. But don't worry about me. This old man isn't going anywhere for a long time."
A smile came to Belle's face at this remark and the two embraced just as the shop's door opened again.
"Hugh! What are you doing on the floor?"
A tall woman entered the auto shop, holding herself with a regal disposition. She had short, strawberry blonde hair with tanned skin. Her entire persona was reminiscent of one of "The Real Housewives" stars, but also radiating power. She appeared to be in her early 40's, although she was almost 50. Her strangest feature though, were her charcoal grey eyes that seemed to be all knowing and infinite.
"Madalena, what are you doing here? My shift isn't over until five," Hugh said.
"Can't a woman come by her husband's workplace and say hello?" Madalena asked with a smile.
Behind her entered two young girls who appeared to be slightly older than Belle. Both had dark strawberry blonde hair and powder green eyes. Although one had their hair curled and the other had her's straightened, it was obvious that they were twins.
"Daddy!" the two girls shrieked in an almost whining unison.
"Amilee! Marissa! Don't scream, for God's sake! It could very well damage your father's hearing," Madalena said in a demanding tone, "Why don't you two go outside in the car with Belle for a little while your father and I chat, hm?"
"Mother," Amilee said in a loud whisper, "We don't have to do we? She's so boring. All she does is talk about some school she wants to go to. Too bad she can't afford it." Amilee said snarkily.
"Yeah!" Marissa added, "Either that or she's talking about some lame-a*s book she read."
After hearing this, Belle snapped towards the two girls she called her sisters, who smirked at her in a condescending way. She was so angry, but she knew better than to say anything. It wouldn't help; nothing she ever did or said helped defend her situation when it came to her stepfamily. Not wanting to break down in front of her father, Belle decided to leave while she still could. Kissing her father goodbye, she left for the only place she felt she could be at peace, the library.
As soon as she stepped out from the auto shop's dry protection against the rain, Belle found herself immediately drenched, but she didn't care. Being wet and alone was far better compared to being dry and in the company of Madalena and the bimbo-twins. Ever since they had come into her family, Belle couldn't shake the feeling that something just seemed off about them.
While deep in thought walking to the library, a bolt of lightning and a clash of thunder struck overhead, causing Belle to lose her train of thought.
"God," Belle said quietly to herself, "I wish that there was something more for me than this insular life."
Little did she know that her wish would soon be granted...
© 2012 L. CatherineAuthor's Note
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Added on November 20, 2012Last Updated on November 21, 2012 Author
L. CatherineStorybrooke, MEAboutMy name is L. Catherine and I, like many of you out there, am a writer. My whole life I've grown up with a vivid imagination and seeing things differently than other people, always wishing and believi.. more..Writing
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