Bella's New Room

[Captain Malcolm Reynolds]

Mal pushed open the door leading down to Kaylee's old room. It was near the bridge, by his room, and would do well for her. Since they had gotten some money, he had a rather large area rug put down here. Setting Bella's large bag down, he switched on the light in there.

There room had some of it's same color to it. It would brighten the girls life. Waiting, he wanted to tlak to Inara about this cook. And the job.

[zoe]

It was only a few minutes later when Inara's slippered feet echoed in the corridor above, and then down the ladder.

"Was there something you wanted to talk about Malcolm?" she asked, stepping up to him. She wanted to touch him, to feel him. But she held back.

If he didn't have anything to say to her, she certainly had something to say to him. Her decision would effect the both of them.

[Captain Malcolm Reynolds]

Mal looked at her, thought in his mind. He really did not wanting her going as Simon's husband, but would say nothing. "What do you think of her? Not another Saffron?" He didn't not want another incident like with Saffron. Becuase the plan seemed brillant none the less.

[zoe]

Inara shook her head.

"No she doesn't feel like a Saffron to me, and I didn't get the impression from her thoughts either. She's just a girl show's had a hard life looking for a home and a family. Just like we all were at one point." she said.

"Malcolm...I have something I want to tell you." she said, why was she suddenly so nervous?

[Captain Malcolm Reynolds]

Mal nodded, pursing his lips. "I felt like that too. I was just making sure you got that too." THis girl had found her home, even if she didn't know it yet. This was the best plae for her to find happiness. After some rocky times though.

Smiling he moved towards her some. he didn't know what this conversation would be like this time. "What is it Nara?"

[zoe]

Inara took a deep breath and slowly let it out before bringing her dark eyes up to meet his.

"I'm retiring from the Guild, I'm handing in my License." She said seriously, taking his hand into both of her own and pressing it to her chest tightly. "I'm not going to be a Companion any longer."

She was hoping he'd understand what she was saying, understand what it was she wanted from this, that she was doing this for him, for both of them. She wanted to give them a chance.

[Captain Malcolm Reynolds]

Mal had to sit down. This was all too much for one day. A kidnapping, new crew and passengers and now Inara’s retiring? “What? When? This has been your life-what will your life be now.” He saw hope on the horizon for them to be together. But he was just so confused after today. After everything going on, he didn’t know what else to say.

“I’m sorry, just a lot of shock for one day. A lot. Just, let me clear my head.” He bowed his head, rubbing his temples. Shooting it back up, he repeate dhis words, just because that’s how he was. “What? When? This has been your life-what will your life be now.”

[Arabella Hart]

Bella had seen Mal and Inara disappear jus tdown the bridge. From what she saw, it was her new room. Climbing down the ladder, she seemed to be interupting something. Looking down, she cleared her throat. "Erm, hello."

[zoe]

Inara was about to respond but when Bella appeared she switched topics immediately.

A Smile came to her face as she moved to Bella and brought her further in.

"I would like to welcome you to your new Room Bella, This room used to belong to Kaylee, which is why it's so colorful." She said.

Over Bella's shoulder she mouthed "We'll talk later" to Mal.

[Arabella Hart]

Mal got off the girls bed. It probably wouldn't look polite to be there. Look fishy. "Welcome. It's a bit better then the upstairs one in a sense more room to put your stuff. And the matress if relatively new, so it won't have springs popping up."

Nodding, he smiled lightly. Him and Inara did need to talk badly. "Is there any questions burning that little head of yours?"

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bella tried to smile at Inara, but the passing moment on the bridge had made it hard. "I like the brightness. Makes the mood cheerier." Looking about, some stickers of flowers and stars were still on the ceilings and walls. Her string of Christmas lights would lighten it up some.

Looking at the captain, she set her bags aside in a pile. "Just one. Can I stay on as long as you need me?" Bella didn't want to say it aloud, but she wanted a home. She needed a home. And she wanted one here with this cooky family. She wanted one on Serenity.

[zoe]

Inara knew it was not her place to answer Bella's question. The only person who could answer that was Malcolm.

Inara rested her cheek on Bella's head, running her fingers through the girl's hair lightly as she awaited Malcolm's answer.

[Arabella Hart]

Mal all of a sudden felt uncomfortable. So many feelings were flying around. First between him and Inara and now this girl asking for a home. He was surprised by this question. Speaking slowly, he nodded. “Well, we’ve needed a cook for awhile. And your pretty d**n good. So,” he cleared his throat, nodding more vigorously. “Yes, I don’t see why not.”

Shifting his weight, he cleared his throat again. Not knowing what else to do, he went a patted Bella’s arm softly. “The only things I ask if you keep hanky panky out of the halls. Put some sort of “Do not disturb” sign up if you want no one coming in since that hatch doesn’t lock. And just make food promptly and warm.” Form there he moved to the ladder. Before he got far up, he turned his head. “I’ve got some work in a shuttle to do, so I’ll be off. Welcome home young lady.” Then with that, he went to Inara’s shuttle before she could stop him.

[out-Inara’s shuttle]

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Bella felt comforted after everything on the bridge to have the mother like touch. It brought her back to when she was a young girl as she waited. Then he said she could stay. Beaming, she nodded to his standards. “Yes sir. I can do that.” Then she looked around at her new room in her new home. She felt joy wash over her as well as fatigue as she knew not if she wanted to sleep or not.

[zoe]

"You're one of the crew now Bella, and Malcolm will protect you like no one else has, the entire crew will." Inara said.

"I'll let you get settled in." she said as she turned to leave.

(out - Inara's Shuttle)

[Arabella Hart]

Bella pulled away, nodding. Sitting on the floor, she pulled all her clothes out again and put the away in the dresser. The room was bright and inviting. In a side pocket, she found another small computer with her music on it. Searching, she found the speakers she had purchased until she could go home. Plugging it all in, it ran on batteries. It was low enough for just her to hear, so she could play her classical and Cantonese music. Closing her eyes, the music calmed her.

Finishing putting her clothes away, she dumped the contents of her small bag on the bed again. Putting her drawing supplies away, she tucked the journal under the mattress, her memory box, and the books in the bottom drawer again. This left all her photos and small box with the jewelry she brought with her. Setting the photo’s on the little nook above the bed, she smiled. She missed everyone so much, but knew that his would probably be the last time seeing them.

After setting it all aside, Bella opened her jewelry box. She played with the shell bracelets and the dove necklace she had gotten in her travels. Holding them up in the light, the dove’s diamond outline glittered as it spun around. She was taken back to when she was first brought to her grandmothers…

Bella was outside in a tree. She was hiding form her new tutors, not wanting to be in a class right now. She had just gotten to her new home and was unhappy. Footsteps were heard and she retreated so her grandmother could not reach her. But it was a young boy.

“Come down silly girl! This is my tree!” He began to climb, following Bella up. Bella stuck her tongue out, wanting the boy to go away. “No I was here first!” She was still a kid. The boy reached her, a touchy spot. “I’ll throw you out.” Bella knew he helped on the estate. She pointed that out. “My grandmother would kick you off.” Seeing him halt, he stuck his tongue out too. “Fine, but you can only come up if I do.”

Doves flew by as the two chatted and argued. So young and still as they got older they argued.

Bella was sixteen now. Running through the fields after a lesson. Alec was chasing her. They had been dating for months now. Falling as he caught up to her, she began to laugh a they rolled in the flowers. But his face was serious. He wasn’t laughing. She turned sad. “Alec, what’s wrong?” He didn’t speak for very long. Then he slowly said as he puleld back, “We should stop this...us. Your grandmother is suspicious and neither of us can afford the trouble.” Bella felt like crying and hitting him. “So why’d you lead me on? We slept together Alec!” Alec nodded, sitting up as she did. “I know. It’s not like I will forget this-us. But it’s best.” Bella stood, not wanting him to finish. Sobbing, she ran to Betty…

Bella blinked the memories away. With this new relationship now brought up new worries. After the bridge, she wondered what he really thought of her and Alec. They were done. It had been puppy love. She couldn’t stand this. Tucking the small box away, she laid on her back, listening to the music and letting her thoughts whiz past.

[Arabella Hart]

Bella felt tired, but not enough to actually fall asleep. Getting up, she went into her drawer to change into her pajama’s. She got her pink cotton stripped pants and the matching spaghetti strap night top she loved so much. Stripping down, she let her clothes fall in a pile and slipped on the cool pajama’s. Slipping back into the bed, she pulled the covers around her, letting her thoughts glide to Daniel.

They had just met, but there was a connection there. And already they were fighting like an old married couple. Closing her eyes, she wondered if Betty would like him in person. What everyone here really thought about her-them together. She thought maybe this time should could fall in love. But she didn’t know. Her head and heart were fighting.

Slipping into a half slumber state, she could hear everything, but was mostly asleep. "Daniel..."