In the days after our visit from Paige, life was slow and uneventful. We spent our time staying in our house, or visiting with Eugene and Rapunzel, or just hanging out. Emilie had another playdate with Sara, so I also got a chance to catch up with Faith. She and her family were doing well.
Every chance I got (when Robby wasn't around), I practiced on my guitar. I had three songs that I'd gotten down pretty flawlessly. Now I just had to figure out the best time to whip out my instrument and play for my husband. I couldn't wait to share my newfound talent with him. :)
One afternoon, as I made my way across the dresser to see Rapunzel, I came across some dolls I'd never seen before. It seemed impolite to just pass by without saying anything, so I stopped and introduced myself.
"Hi, I don't think we've met. I'm Belle."
One of the dolls, a tall, graceful figure with extremely pale skin and amazing hair, regarded me with a serious expression. "Nice to meet you. My name is Elsa."
"Hi!" came a spontaneous voice. "I'm Anna, and this is Kristoff."
"Nice to meet all of you," I responded. "I don't think I've seen you around before. Are you new here?"
"Yep," Anna said cheerfully. "We're from the newest Disney movie, 'Frozen'."
"Ah, more Disney dolls," I said knowingly. "I'm from the Disney movie 'Beauty and the Beast'. It's one of Beast'sbelle's favorites."
"Beast'sbelle, she's the human, right?" Elsa asked.
I nodded. "I've lived here with her for around three years. My husband Robby and I live just up there."
As I turned to point to our home, I noticed a curious sight. There was another new doll, still in his box, at the end of the dresser. I hadn't seen him before because I'd climbed up the front of the dresser today instead of climbing down from my home. In front of him stood one of the newer Rapunzel dolls...I think it was Rosemary, this year's Disney Store offering.
The two seemed to be in earnest conversation through the plastic of his box. His expression was forlorn as he looked out longingly at Rosemary.
The other dolls must have noticed me staring at the two on the end. "That's Hans over there," Elsa said gently. "He's also from the movie."
"Why is he still in his box?" I asked.
The three dolls shared an uncomfortable glance. "It could have something to do with the plot line," Anna finally admitted.
I looked at them curiously.
"It's all in here," Kristoff explained, joining the conversation for the first time. He pointed to a coloring book that was propped up behind him and Anna. "We just read it the other night. We haven't let Hans read it yet."
I wondered what they could mean, but they didn't seem willing to share any more information. "So, how long has Rosemary been visiting him?" I asked.
"Since day one!" Anna exclaimed. "They're completely nuts about each other. They keep hoping that your Beast'sbelle will open his box so they can finally be together."
I couldn't stay any longer than that...Rapunzel was expecting me. As I said my goodbyes and headed over to Rapunzel's part of the shelf, though, I couldn't stop thinking about Hans and Rosemary. Yet another cross-canon couple. I wondered how Beast'sbelle would react. More importantly, I wondered if I could play a part in convincing her to debox Hans.
Only time would tell...
