The One The Whole Town Abandoned

Chapter 6 Beauty and The Beast

Ashleigh's POV

I feel my cheeks being squished together, then pulled apart, then squished back together.

I open my eyes and see my little princess playing with my cheeks to wake me up as she says, "Momma momma momma, I'm hungry, can we have pizza?!" Even half awake she still makes me laugh as I sit up.

I look at the clock and say. "Baby it's a little after 8 in the morning... let's have something to snack on for breakfast now and then we can have pizzas for lunch." I compromise with her as she says, "Can we sing Belle?!" She asks bouncing up and down on me on the bed still. I smile and nod again as she cheers in excitement... She can't remember the actual movie names so she asks for each movie by what princess in it.

So get up and head out to the front room to sing along with the movie Beauty and the Beast. That is until I hear a knock at the door. I nervously go to the door, because I'm not expecting anyone. I open it as my mouth drops open immediately. It's the handsome guy from last night that I never thought I would see ever again. "Dom.. hi.. good morning, oh God I look like shit.. but hi.. wait, what are you doing here? How do you know where I live?" I ask all at once as I try to fix my hair, but give up after a moment, because he has already seen me like this.. the damage is done.

"Hey Ash... Lovely to see you again... sorry to bother you if I am. I guess when you left last night you dropped your wallet so I grabbed it for you.. and I know where you live because it says on your ID." He says a little shyly.

"Oh yeah duh.. ok I'm sorry... Thank you." I say as my baby comes up beside me, hugging my side. Dominic squats down until he is right in front of Aurora and says. "Well, aren't you a beautiful princess... I love your crown."

"It's a tiara, but thank you, good sir. I am Princess Aurora. Can you be Beast?! Momma, can he be Beast please?!" She asks with excitement, bouncing on her toes.

"Baby, I don't think Dominic would like to spend his morning watching and singing Beauty and the Beast with us. Because we don't just watch, we reenact it." I say trying to warn and intimidate him, letting him know what this would consist of and to turn her down nicely.

"I would love to Princess Aurora, thank you for the invitation. I love Beauty and the Beast, one of my favorite movies as a kid." Dominic says as he stands up and Aurora grabs his hand, leading him in.. wait what just happened?

"You don't have to Dom... You can tell her no, she is fine with that.. this is just our morning tradition together." I say to him as he smiles at me saying. "No I want to, this sounds like a great way to spend my morning... thanks though." My mouth drops open again.. what is happening? Did I not wake up and this is all a dream? Never knew my morning would start like this.

We start the movie and go to the couch. We sit down as Aurora stands up to start the movie. This is one of her favorite songs in the whole movie... it's mine too. This has been my favorite movie since the first time I saw it... I'm such a bookworm as well, so I have always picked Belle to dress up as for Halloween or anything I need to pick a princess for.

Dominic leans in and whispers to me, "So we all have to get up and sing huh? This is how you spend your mornings?" he asks making me smirk and retort, "Yup every single morning... but if you can't handle that, I understand, you can leave at any time you feel intimidated." I say jokingly to him, making him scoff at me as he says, "Intimidated? Me? I don't think so! You just watch and learn little lady." he says to me, making me giggle.

"The first song is one of her favorites, as is mine, so she always sings her favorite songs and I get the rest besides Beast and Gaston's parts of the course. Those will be yours this time." I tell him as he nods and grins.

"I wasn't kidding when I said this was one of my favorite movies," he whispers to me as I grin up at him and reply. "Mine too. I always wanted to be Belle... I dressed up as her for every single Halloween... I was never anyone else."

"Have you ever had a Beast?" he asks as I curiously shake my head at him, so he continues, "Well I just have to make sure, not to mess up then... So I leave you both with a good impression of me. Maybe I can audition for another part in the reenactment tomorrow too." He says smirking at me causing me to blush. "We will see if you can even survive today before we decide about tomorrow." I say back to him.. as he spats back, "Challenge accepted."

Aurora is dancing around the room singing the Belle song and before I know it I'm singing along too. "Oh, isn't this amazing?

It's my favorite part because you'll see

Here's where she meets Prince Charming

But she won't discover that it's him 'til chapter three." I sing as I glance up at him and he is smiling down at me and says, "beautiful and fitting." making me blush and a little confused about why he would say fitting. How is this movie fitting for me?

"You should keep singing, it's beautiful," he says to me as I take his advice, hopping up because it's my part in this musical.

"Is he gone? Can you imagine? He asked me to marry him! Me, the wife of that boorish, brainless ..."

I say hopping around the room and playing the part well because I have done it a thousand times.

"Madame Gaston

Can't you just see it?

Madame Gaston

His little wife

No, sir! Not me!

I guarantee it

I want much more than this provincial life!"

I spin slowly sitting on the floor as I continue.

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere

I want it more than I can tell

And for once it might be grand

To have someone understand

I want so much more than they've got planned.."

I jump up after playing the rest of my part as I skip to the couch, plopping down on it with Dominic looking shocked. As I smirk and say, "Alright, time to put your money where your mouth is. Your turn."

Dominic's POV

That was stunning watching her sing that. She sings it as if she feels it... I think she partially feels like Belle and man I want to tell her I'm the Beast and she is my Belle and I can give her everything she wants and needs, but I can't right now... This is a good start for sure.

I didn't even think I would get into her house, let alone hang out with her and her baby for the morning.

"Alright time to put your money where your mouth is. Your turn." That is all she says to me as she smirks. I hop up off of the couch to sing the Gaston song.

"Who does she think she is? That girl has tangled with the wrong man! No one says no to Gaston!" I began as her eyes go wide with a shock that I know the words. She doesn't know this but I always wished for my Belle. Every guy has a cartoon princess he got their first boner for and it was Belle for me. I love how alike we are without even knowing it. Maybe that's the reason the moon goddess paired us together, but who knows?

I get through the song flexing along with Gaston's movements and singing as I notice Ashleigh's eyes never trail from me. This gives me some boost of confidence as I finish the song strong. I walk to her plopping down on the couch next to her as Aurora is clapping enthusiastically, making me grin and bow at her as she does the same.

Ashleigh's eyes are filled with some type of surprise and adoration combined, as she golf claps for me. "That was surprisingly fantastic... Who are you? What's your story? I never knew a man as you existed." She says to me as we stare at each other for a moment.

"Thank you, I told you I would just have to do a really good job to impress you both... Um... I would love to answer all your inquiries but I don't think this is the right time. I don't think right now you would believe me even if I told you." I say to her as confusion is evident on her face.

We finish most of the movie as the ballroom dance part comes on. I got down on one knee in front of Aurora, bowing and extending my hand to her. She gives me a curtsey as she puts her hand in mine. I swooped her up into my arms, standing up as we dance around the room to the song.

I look at Ashleigh and she is crying, then getting up and walking into the other room. After the song is done, I set Aurora down and tell her, "I have to go to the restroom and I'll be right back princess." She smiles up at me and nods as she continues to watch the movie.

I walk to the back and see Ashleigh standing in the bedroom. I softly knock as she whips around wiping her tears away quickly trying to act like she wasn't crying.

"Did I do something wrong?" I ask her curiously, wondering why she is crying.

She shakes her head before answering, "No you have been nothing short of amazing." She says to me as I walk closer.

"Then why are you crying? If you don't mind me asking." I ask saying the last part quickly.

"I have just had a rough past.. that um.." She clears her throat, looks up at me, and then continues, "resulted in Aurora. When I found out about her, I vowed I would do everything for her and be the mother she not just needed but wanted. I told myself I could do everything for her.. and that moment with you in there... I could never give her a moment like that... I could never give her the fatherly love or attention she deserves... But she will never know her real father because he is not that kind of a man. I know he would just hurt her to get to me. Hence, why he will never know about her. I just wish I could be everything she needs, but seeing that look on her face in your arms just broke my heart, knowing she won't get that all the time. She deserves a life like that. I'm just trying my best as a mother and I feel like it will never be good enough for my beautiful Aurora. I'm so sad she got stuck with an awful mother like me." She says sitting down on the bed and running her hands through her hair.

I walk across the room to her without hesitation. I stop in front of her as I squat down, gaining her attention.

"A bad mother wouldn't care at all about her child, let alone do anything for her child and by herself, to make sure her baby is as happy as possible. You're an amazing mother. I can already tell that just by the relationship you have with her. But you have to be realistic too. You can't do everything for her by yourself, but you can always accept help." I say as she scoffs at that comment.

"I'm sorry I'm not trying to make you feel bad at all Dominic, but the last time I asked for help made me into a town pariah. I'm the most hated person in this town for something I didn't even do years ago and it was all because I tried to ask for help. Everyone abandoned me when I needed them most... except for my best friend. Everyone, even my parents. No one could or would help me... even if I did want their help." She says, looking down at the floor.

"I'm not a no one am I? I would help you and her. You are both amazing. This has been one of the best times I have had in a long time. All good people need help too sometimes Ash." I say to her as she looks up at me with confusion evident all over her face.

"Why? You don't even know me. I don't need your pity.. or if you're looking for just a piece of ass because you heard I'm a wh*re, then you can leave right now... I'm not that, no matter what anyone in this town says." she says to me looking away.

"I have never once thought you were a wh*re and I definitely don't pity you. I do genuinely care. You both seem like such amazing people." I say to her as she shakes her head.

"I don't need someone who will be around for a little bit... I need someone who will be around forever and I know you are not from here. So I don't need you to break my baby's heart when you leave to go back to wherever you're from. She is who I care the most about, she will always be number one to me." She states wiping her eyes.

"What if... I brought you both with me when I left. I know that might sound crazy because you barely know me, but I'm a great person who just wants a family and we are all so much alike.. and I loved this, and I would do this all the time with her if I could. You can't possibly want to stay here with these people treating you like this. The both of you deserve better than that and I swear I could give you better than that." I say to her.

"You barely even know us. What if you get tired of us? I don't know if I can take that type of leap... You're right though, I don't want to stay here, but not knowing where we are going, or even if you're serious, is a huge leap to take with a child. I don't know if I can risk that. The price might be too high for me. I don't know if I can take that chance... I don't know.." She says standing up, quickly walking to the window, and looking out.

I stood up as well, walking over to her, and standing behind her before whispering in her ear. "I promise I won't get tired of you.. or her... your both perfect for me... absolutely perfect. But you don't have to decide now.. you can take your time and think about it.. but just know the offer is always there... always."

She turns around so our faces are only inches apart as she stares up at me. I lean in as I see her eyes close and her lips pucker up as I do the same, until I hear from behind me, "Mommy, I'm hungry. Can we make pizzas now? Can you have lunch with us too? You could help me make my pizza, we could even let you make your own if you're lucky." Aurora says to me, pulling my hand as I chuckle at her comment as I say to Ashleigh. "To be continued." I softly touch her cheek as I feel Aurora grab my hand tighter and pull me out of the room backward. I smile at Ashleigh and she smiles back at me, then follows us to the kitchen.

She starts by grabbing three flimsy cutting boards, and setting them on the table. Cooking some sausage, while she grabs other supplies from around the kitchen. She takes a fourth cutting board and starts to chop up the veggies, dicing them completely. She puts cheese, pizza sauce, veggies, sausage, and pepperoni in the middle of the table. Aurora grabs three spoons as she grabs my hand, pulling me to the table to sit down. Ashleigh joins us right after we sit down, putting some pizza dough on each of the three cutting boards. Probably trying to make sure we don't make a huge mess.

"Alright Aurora, are you going to show Dominic how we make pizzas?" Ashleigh asks smiling at me as I match her smile. "Yes of course mommy. Ok, you get your spoon out like this and scoop some sauce out, then put it on your pizza." She says pointing at the jar of sauce in front of us. I nod as we grab sauce, putting it on our pizza dough.

"You have to push it around, but not too far... Mommy says I have too much fun with the sauce because I like to play with it.. so don't do that or you will get in trouble because playing in the sauce makes a big big mess." Aurora says to me as I chuckle and nod at her.

"Ok, we need cheese... But don't eat all the cheese. I ate all the cheese one time and Mommy was mad.. so don't eat all the cheese.. just leave a little bit and she won't get mad." She says to me, making me laugh even louder as I look up at Ashleigh who is rolling her eyes but smiling just as big as I am.

"Ok now put what you want on your pizza... I like sausage and cheese with some peppers, but only red ones! Don't worry though, you can eat all of those. Mommy doesn't like peppers so she won't get mad." She says to me as I keep nodding, feeling my smile somehow get bigger as if it's going to split my face at any moment... This girl is adorable... I start to pile a little bit of everything on the pizza, making a mountain of ingredients as Aurora busts up laughing.

"No no no that's too much! You're a silly goose." She says as she tries to flatten out my mountain of ingredients, making all of us laugh.

She looks at Ashleigh as she says, "Mommy, maybe we shouldn't have let him make his pizza. I think you might have to fix it." This comment makes Ashleigh bust up laughing with the most stunning genuine smile on her face. Aurora looks at me and says, "Mommy is the best at fixing, she is the best fixer-upper. That's because she is the best mommy ever."

I look up and see the smile on Ashleigh's face as her eyes well up with tears. Her gaze locks with mine as I wink and she blushes saying, "Maybe you're right baby, he looks like he made a worse mess than you, the last time we made pizzas. But don't worry Dom, I'll fix it for you." She says with so much humor in her voice, getting up, grabbing the pizzas we made, and putting them onto the pizza pan as she slides them into the oven.

I see her set the timer on the oven as she grabs the dirty dishes to wash them. I grab the rest, joining her at the sink. She washes and then I dry the dishes. "Well I do have to tell you, Dom.. you made a great first impression with Aurora and me... I couldn't appreciate it more. I'm just happy you found my wallet last night because none of this would have happened if you hadn't. This is the first day in a long time that I haven't felt stressed out... I had a great time today, thank you." She says softly to me as I smile back saying, "This was a great morning, I guess afternoon now, and thank you for letting me be involved... you didn't have to but I'm glad you did." I say to her as she nods at me. The oven dings as she turns it off and pulls the pizzas out of the oven. She cuts them for us as she hands us our plates with the pizzas we made on them.

Aurora digs in and so do I. This was a lot of fun and tastes so great as well, which makes it so much better. I look across the table and Aurora is almost done eating her pizza as she starts to fall asleep on top of her food, getting sauce and cheese on her face. Luckily, most of the pizza is gone, but she is tired. I chuckle at her as Ashleigh sees what I'm laughing at and joins in. She gets up and walks to the side of Aurora's chair. She swiftly picks her up, holding her in her arms. I take the rag cleaning the sauce and cheese off her face gently, so she doesn't wake up.

Ash walks into the bedroom as I follow behind. I get in front of them and pull out the blanket as she squats down, laying her daughter on the bed. She grabs the blanket from my hands and pulls it up, tucking her in before she shuts the blinds. We quickly walk out of the room as she shuts the door behind us very quietly. She walks to the kitchen, cleaning up again as I start to help her out as well.

"Be honest with me Dom.. is this act fake? The nice, helpful guy routine I mean." She asks as I look up at her and shake my head. "No it's not fake, I do like and want to help you," I say as she smiles.

"So tell me about yourself then.. why are you here?" She says as I stiffen up a little...

Tell her about it... If you are honest with her, she will appreciate it.

Miles says to me as I nod, agreeing with this statement.

"Honesty... I'm here on a secret assignment investigating accusations of abuse at a residence, but they don't know about it. We lied to get onto the property to be able to investigate comfortably, to see if the accusations hold any weight to them." I say as she stares up at me in shock.

"If it's secret, then why did you just tell me about it?" she asks staring at me with confusion. "Well, because I didn't want to lie to you and I trust you enough that I don't think you will tell anyone," I say to her as she finishes cleaning the kitchen with my help.

"Oh ok.. well, now can you tell me about who you are? And where you're from? Since you're being honest." She asks as she sits on the couch and pats the seat beside her.

I sit next to her as I try to figure out what to say. My gaze keeps going from her eyes to across the room. My mouth opens and shuts as if I'm going to say something.. but I can't get anything to come out. Should I just be honest and tell her.. or lie?

If you lie to her and she finds out, she will be so mad and there is a possibility she won't come with us or want to be with us and we have made so much progress, so you better not screw this up, Dom.

Miles says to me as I say back.

So you think I should just tell her?

Yup.

He says without hesitation. Ok, here it goes, just going to rip it off like a bandaid.

"Ok... I'm a werewolf from the strongest and oldest pack in the state. I'm the soon-to-be Alpha of my pack when my father wants to give it to me... I have come to investigate another pack for a werewolf council because of the abuse charges... Also, we believe in a moon goddess and werewolves have one person that's hand-picked just for them for life as their perfect match.. and.. you are my one person. It's called a mate. You're my mate, that's why I want to take you and Aurora with me home.. so I don't have to live without you." I say to her as she giggles at me thinking I'm joking. She looks up at me and sees I'm serious.

When she opens her mouth to say something, the front door opens, gaining all our attention. It's her friend from last night. She just walks in saying, "Hey Pheonix.. and hello.. who are you and why are you here? Oh wait, is this the sexy guy that was hitting on you last night that you told me about?" she acts excited as I see Ashleigh's face turn beet red as she glares daggers at her.

"Come on Phoenix you can't be too mad at me and you know it... Hi, I'm Stefanie... it's nice to put a face to the description I heard about. Since her face is beet red, I'm assuming you are that same guy." I shake her hand as I say, "Hello nice to meet you. My name is Dominic. I hope it was all good things said about me because I couldn't stop embarrassing myself by throwing myself at her last night.. but... I have to know why you keep calling her Phoenix?" I ask as she looks at Ashleigh for a second before she answers, "I call her that because she has been through a lot of trauma that has completely destroyed her and she hasn't let it affect her the way you would think it would cripple a person. Instead, she has come back stronger. The Phoenix dies and comes back stronger from the ashes, which is exactly what she has done." I nod and smile, really liking that explanation.

"So do you not work tonight?" She asks Ashleigh as this obviously confuses her, so she continues, "I'm sure you probably got distracted by his good looks and all Phi, but you have just a little bit of time before you have to be at work, so you better get ready before your late."

Ashley jumps up, running into the other room to get ready I assume.

"I'm just warning you.. she doesn't ever date and she isn't just some piece of ass... If you break either one of those girl's hearts, I'll break both your legs and shove them up your ass. All she had were good things to say about you and that was just last night, so keep up the good work if you want to be loyal. But if you don't want that, leave now before they get attached and you hurt them." She says with so much protectiveness for them, as I nod in understanding

"I'm going, to be honest with you, I think both those girls are perfect and I want them to leave this awful place that treats her like she is trash when she is such a treasure.. just to be with me, happy and taken care of... I offered it to her already and told her to think about it while I'm visiting here." She nods and pats my shoulder as Ashleigh runs out all ready to go saying, "Thank you, Dom, for a wonderful day and of course, for my wallet back.. and Stef, she hasn't had a fever so just watch her and you know where the medicines are... but I just laid her down, so she will be out for a little bit.. but remember to wake her up at least by 4 pm to make sure she sleeps tonight. love you." She says kissing Stefanie on the cheek and hitting me like a brick wall, hugging me as I take in her amazing caramel musk. She takes off out the door, running down the street to her work.