You all know the story of Beauty and the Beast. The young Belle found an unexpected path that led her to a mysterious beast. She showed him a new way of life and experiences that he never thought he would receive, given his circumstances. Belle saved him and he became Prince Adam again, and because of her, he was able to continue his life but in a better, more civilized way. 

Everything was going smoothly; Gastan never doubted Belle and his love for her; however, he eventually learned to let go and accepted the fact that the other towns girls were just as good. Lumiére and Cogsworth still fought like brothers and looked out for the castle. Mrs. Potts and the crew settled down in the kitchen and continued to prepare lovely meals for the couple, meanwhile, Chip was in the process of learning, of course. And then there’s dad, Maurice, who decided to stay at home in town with his donkey and let Belle live her life outside of books.

Belle and Prince Adam had so much love together they decided to love eternally and have one of the most grand weddings in all the land. This was to celebrate so many things, but most importantly, their love for each other and the Beast’s freedom. Everyone in the whole village and surrounding areas were invited and showed up, making it the most well-known celebration for the next 100 years. It was a mystery solved and the Prince was back to normal after so long. Belle couldn’t be happier, living in what felt like a fairytale from one of her books. She got to occupy one of the most extraordinary castles with her new husband and a vast library. 

And I got to witness the whole thing…

I had been a bystander of Prince Adam and his life since the day the curse hit. The rose with the falling petals, that’s me. I’ve watched him think and rage, wonder and mourn his past life being human. I don’t speak, it isn’t in my nature, but I do listen. Some could say it’s my best trait, even ask Cogsworth. I have noticed that his words interest me the most. Sometimes he would come upstairs in my room, where I was hidden away, and take a moment to himself. He would just breathe and try to focus; other times he would mumble and rant upsetting words to express his inner feelings. 

I’ve seen it all, with each member who has lived in this castle, and they never even realized I existed. There was only one thing that caught people’s eye: my bright, beaming colors. They began to fade over time and I couldn’t control it. I was the source of the curse set upon the Beast, but one thing or person kept my mind off of this depressing situation, Cogsworth. He talked and talked everyday just to talk to somebody who would listen and not criticize, and for him that was me. I was there for him and he chose me to be. 

After Prince Adam and Belle had their wedding and honeymoon, the castle was cleaned up and refinished. The very top floor, where my room was, became a nursery for Belle and their firstborn. The theme was pink and flowers, since they were having a girl, and I guess I fit that part. Belle decided to keep me on display in front and center to give the space a nice touch, and lucky for me, I still had the best view of the garden. 

The Beast and I had a strong connection because of the curse, but now that he was back we were both better than ever and getting rid of me wasn’t so easy. It was his idea to keep me in the nursery since I played such a significant role in his life and this was a meaningful space. He told me he wanted me to watch out for Aria like I watched out for him, but don’t worry I was already planning on it. 

I believe Cogsworth enjoyed the room because he continued to come when he needed to get away from the distractions of others. I enjoyed watching him since he was the only entertainment I got on the regular, even if that meant him sitting peacefully in silence. It was perfect, he was perfect, and he didn’t know it yet, but one day we would be perfect. 

It’s been about eight months, but while mentally preparing for a child, the time flew by. 

Belle has arrived home with Aria June, she was such a sweet baby. Although she was quiet and didn’t do much, she received a lot of attention from others. We had so many visitors come to the house to meet baby Aria and it had truly been heartwarming. The day she came home, I was watching Belle hold her for the first time in their nursery, and I could see how much love she held for such a small human. I wondered if I was able to feel that much love for someone and if someone was able to hold that much love for me. It was kind of a scary thought, but then Cogsworth came over by my stand on the wall and sat next to me. 

He said, “I love how much Belle loves her. Such a tiny human receives so much love for just being here. I wonder if I could hold love like that for someone one day.” 

Cogsworth looked over at me and smiled endearingly. He then inspected me like a painting on the wall, looking at all of my unique petals, creases, and curves. I looked back at him with hope in my eyes and one thought “he does notice me”. 

“I notice you Rosie, don’t worry, I notice you,” he said.