"Have you ever wondered what it was like to fall in love? Do we call it puppy love? Or love at first sight? Do we face hardships when something threatens to destroy the people we hold dear? Well, I got an experience that might have beaten the odds. This is the story...of how my life changed forever by following what my heart told me...and how my husband and I met and fell in love..."

....

The day was shining in the late afternoon. Kids of ages in London were all having fun playing with their friends, spending time with family or eating sweet treats. But in one particular house, a little five year old girl named Vivian Louise with a wide smile and bright smile is watching her all time favorite movie, The Great Mouse Detective.

Basil's voice: Out of my way! Out of my way!

Dawson: I say, who-

Little Vivian giggled hysterically when her favorite character came in wearing the costume. Watching from the kitchen are her parents. Angel Louise and Arthur Lancelot Louise. Arthur couldn't help but smile at how much his little princess is having fun just by watching the movie. 

Ever since the movie first came out, their daughter practically begged for them to watch it with her. They even bought her a plushie version of the main character, Basil of Baker Street and she simply adored it and won't leave anywhere without it.

"Arthur dear, is she still watching the movie?" Angel asked her husband fondly with a soft smile when she heard her daughter laughing.

"Oh, Angel darling, you know how she likes the movie. I lost track of how many times she watched it every day she came home from school." Arthur told her as he sipped his tea while reading the newspaper.

"I know what you mean, dear." Angel giggled as she put some apple slices on a small plate and some juice in a cup.

She brought it to the living room as her daughter was hugging the plushie while yelling meanie when Ratigan was shown.

"Did the big bad Ratigan was being mean again, Vivian sweetie?" Angel asked her as she set the snacks down and Vivian took one apple slice and munch on it while nodding.

"Ratigan being mean to Hiram and Olivia, Mama." Vivian pouted while pointing to the screen.

"I know what you mean. Now eat your apple slices and drink your juice, your father and I will want you to come to the park for family time." Angel said as little Vivian looked at her with a smile.

"Can I take Basil with me?" Vivian asked innocently while holding up her favorite toy.

"Yes, sweet pea. He can come." Angel giggled when Vivian cheered happily.

She stood up and went to the kitchen where her husband was preparing the food for their little picnic.

"Arthur dear, I'll help you." Angel said with a smile.

"Now, now, Angel, I got this." Arthur said as he cut some apples but accidentally cut his finger.

"D'OWW! Confound it!" He winced as he put his injured finger in his mouth.

"Daddy okay?" Vivian suddenly asked when she peeked into the kitchen.

"I'm alright, Vivian. Now why don't you hurry along and finish your movie?" Arthur told her with a smile.

"Okay!" Vivian beamed happily and ran back to the living room.

Angel put a bandage on his cut and helped him prepare their food. It took about a few minutes but the movie was over and the food was prepared and Angel was fixing her daughter's scarf.

"Vivian, hold still, sweetie." Angel said with a laugh when Vivian kept bouncing.

"Sorry, mama." Vivian apologized.

Angel just smiled and fixed the scarf and smiled when she was done.

"There. You look absolutely beautiful, my sunshine." Angel said as she picked up the basket.

"Arthur, are you done yet?" Angel called to the stairs as Vivian put her Basil plushie in her little backpack with crayons and her drawing book.

"Coming, dears." He came down and Vivian instantly burst out giggling.

"Daddy funny socks!" Vivian laughs while pointing.

Arthur looked and couldn't help but laugh as Angel covered her mouth and giggled. Arthur's socks were a florescent pink with green polka dots.

He went back upstairs and changed into a different pair of socks and they were off as Vivian was holding her parents hands as they walked down the sidewalk.

"Daddy?" Vivian called him.

"Yes, dear?" Arthur looked down at her.

"What's a detective?" She asked curiously while looking up at him with bright green eyes with a yellow hue.

"Oh, a detective is like Sherlock Holmes or Basil of Baker Street. They solve puzzles and mysteries to catch the bad guys to save the day. Why do you ask, princess?" Arthur asked as Vivian still had a curious look.

"Can I be a detective when I grow up?" Vivian asked as Angel and Arthur both stopped at the crossings.

"Why do you ask, sweetie?" Angel asked her curiously.

"Cause I wanna help people and stop big meanies like Ratigan." Vivian said with a small smile.

"Well, as long as you follow what you know that's right, sweet pea." Arthur said with a smile as they crossed the road. 

Vivian smiled and ran up ahead of her parents and stopped in front of them with a big smile.

"When I grow up, I wanna be a great detective like Mr Basil and solve lots of mysteries!" Vivian declared cutely while her parents smiled as Angel kneeled down in front of her.

"As long as you follow your heart, Vivian, I just know that you'll be a great detective one day." Angel said with a warm smile.

"Your mother's right, Vivian. As long as you follow your heart, you'll be able to achieve that dream of yours. Our little detective." Arthur smiled as Vivian smiled happily.

14 years have passed since then and Vivian stayed true to what she knows is right. She helped her school when a teacher's wedding ring was stolen by another teacher and helped her class when they lost the keys. She grew popular among her peers. When she entered highschool, she studied hard and achieved a scholarship to a college, University of Bright Futures. There was one time that a murder happened in the University and she was able to deduce who the real murder is after one of her classmates was accused. She was sometimes called Detective Louise or Vivian of Baker Street.

But unfortunately, she can't stay in London for long. One night, she woke up to the smell of smoke and her parents shouting. They were quick to get and they couldn't help but grow sad as they watched their beloved house burn. It was a miracle that a small amount of their stuff was salvaged. Vivian was sad that her Basil plushie was signed but she was able to sew him back together.

They moved to America, her father's home country, to start a new life. She had to say goodbye to a lot of good friends in her mother's home country but they threw her a goodbye party even giving her gifts to remember London and them. They even got her a written novel of her favorite movie.

Sitting with her parents while looking out the window is a 19 year old girl named Vivian Louise. Vivian has grown into a lovely young lady and was always getting a lot of admirers from in and out of school but her father set down a strict rule that she doesn't date until she's of age.

"Father, do you seriously have to set the no dating rule?" Vivian asked as she looked out the window as the plane was soaring above the clouds.

"I'm serious, Vivian. You're not allowed to date until you're at the right age." Arthur told her as Angel gave her husband a look.

"Um, excuse me but I do recall you asking me out around Vivian's age and marrying me at 25." Angel teased him as he flushed in embarrassment.

"Ooh, did he do something embarrassing?" Vivian looked interested in how her parents met.

"Oh, like you wouldn't believe, dear. This big softie here asked me out one time in front of the whole school. And when I declined, he didn't stop there until I said yes. He even wrote me a song even though he couldn't play the guitar." Angel giggled in amusement.

"It was either that or getting mauled by your father's doberman." Arthur pouted as Angel just kissed his cheek.

"Auch, mum, dad, not in public." Vivian feigned grossed out.

She went back to looking out the window. It took two days for them to reach the USA but they arrived around the afternoon. While Arthur went to get them a cab, his daughter and wife went to get something to eat. It was a good thing Arthur changed their currency to dollars so they can afford some food. Vivian didn't know what to try first since they look so different but she decided on some banana and chocolate chip bread. 

Her mother bought a croissant that was surprisingly filled with a jelly flavored jam. They found Arthur and they went to a neighborhood and arrived at a small yet humble house. The color looked like it was about to peel off and the windows were dirty and grass had overgrown up to the knees

The inside was surprisingly clean because the house looked dirty on the outside. They were able to settle down and the family was quick to work in fixing the house up and painting it a new color after removing the old one. They were welcomed to dinner by five and their neighbor's children seemed to love Vivian since she told them fairy tales even while playing with them.

It took them a year to get adjusted to their new home and Vivian decided to find a part time job to help her parents. So that's what she's doing now. 

Vivian is seen holding a list of necessities that they need, especially food and hygiene products. 

"Hope mum will make pasta tonight." Vivian muttered as she looked at the contents of the list while carrying a basket to put the groceries in.

Her parents warned her not to talk to strangers as she came up on the crossings as the light says don't walk. She waited with others for the light to turn green but grew worried when an old lady was crossing the street with her walking stick. The sound of an engine was heard and she looked to the right and was shocked. A car was driving towards the street and the old would be hit if no one did something. Thinking quickly, Vivian ran across the street as the people gasped and she grabbed the old lady's hand and pulled her to her side of the street as the car drove past. Some pedestrians yelled at the reckless driver as Vivian panted and helped the old lady up.

"O-Oh my. Frightfully sorry, dearie." The old woman apologized as she accepted Vivian's help.

"It's no problem, miss. I was just doing the right thing." Vivian said as she dusted her skirt.

"Oh let me help you." Vivain said as she picked up the objects that the old lady had in her purse.

She picked them up before picking up a strange looking necklace. She looked at in confusion as she felt something off about it before shaking her head and gave the purse back to the old lady.

"Here you are." She handed the purse back as the old lady smiled thankfully.

"Oh thank you, dearie. You're such a sweet girl." The old lady smiled as Vivian smiled shyly.

"It was my pleasure to help, miss. Anyone could have done it but I guess I was quicker on my feet." Vivian smiled.

"By any chance, are you from London?" The old lady asked curiously.

"Oh, yes. My parents and I just moved in last year." Vivian admitted.

"I see. What were you doing before you saved this poor old woman?" The old lady asked.

"Oh, I was just out to do some shopping for necessities my parents told me to do." Vivian said as she picked up the basket she dropped.

"Would you like some assistance?" The old lady asked.

"Oh, uh, I do not know, miss." Vivian said.

"I insist. Consider it my thanks for saving me from that car." The old lady said with a kind smile.

Vivian just smiled back and accepted the help. The light turned green and they walked down the street to the store on the other side. They bought what was in the list and it turns out the old lady needed some yarn for knitting and they bought some. They even got to taste some free samples of cheese. Ever since she was young, Vivian sometimes sneaks in some cheese from her mom but always gets caught since she might spoil her dinner.

They decided to rest at a nearby park as Vivian sipped her juice as the old lady drank her warm tea.

"It feels like I'm in my younger years, Vivian dearie." The old lady said as Vivian looked at her in surprise. 

"How did you know my name?" She asked curiously.

"I saw your name on the list, dearie. No need to be alarmed." The old lady smiled sweetly as Vivian smiled before she looked at the park before noticing the color of the sky.

"Oh my. It is getting late." Vivian said as she stood up but she didn't want to leave the old lady by herself.

"Oh, before I forget." The old lady took something out of her purse and gestured for Vivian to hold out her hands.

Vivian sat back down and the old lady handed her that same pendant and Vivian was confused on why she's giving it to her.

"Oh, I couldn't accept this, miss. A piece of jewelry such as this should stay with you." Vivian said but the old lady shook her head.

"I insist, sweetie. Consider it as my thank you." She put it around Vivian's neck as it seemed to glow a bit.

"Oh, you look so beautiful with it on. You remind me so much of my late granddaughter when she wore that." The old lady said as Vivian looked at it before looking at the old lady.

"I should accompany you to your house, miss." Vivian offered but was surprised when the old lady shook her head with a smile.

"Do not fret, child. These old bones still have some kicks to them." The old lady reassured her.

"Are you sure, miss? I do not want anything bad to happen to you." Vivian said but the old lady just smiled at her. She's such a sweet and beautiful girl. She was sure that HE would be lucky to meet such a charming, kind girl.

"I assure you. I will be quite alright, child. Now make sure that nothing bad happens to the necklace." The old lady told her as she nodded but was confused before standing up.

"Now hop on now. I'm sure your parents are worried." The old lady said as Vivian smiled and bowed before heading home with her basket.

She then remembered something before turning around.

"Thank you for the-" Vivian cut herself off when she saw no trace of the old lady but noticed sparkles falling down from the bench.

She was confused before shaking her head and walked home. 

She arrived when it was in the early twilight before opening the door and was instantly hugged by her mother who was in hysterics.

"Oh, my sweet girl! I was worried sick when you didn't come home early!" Angel cried as Arthur came out of the kitchen and was relieved.

"Vivian, you scared your mother and I when you didn't come home on time." Arthur said worriedly as Vivian hugged her mother.

"Mum, Dad, I'm fine. I just got caught up with something." Vivian said in a comforting tone.

"Just don't do that again, sweetheart." Arthur said as he hugged his daughter and wife.

Angel pulled back and noticed the necklace.

"What's this, sweetie?" Angel asked as she looked at it closely.

"That's quite a story I got to tell you." Vivian laughed nervously.

"Oh, why don't you tell us while we make dinner? I'm gonna do the usual." Angel said as they went to the kitchen.

Let's just say that Angel was in shock and Arthur was angered by the driver who almost hit an old woman and his little girl. Vivian had to calm her parents down since she explained to them that the old woman helped her with the shopping. The family of three enjoyed their dinner before heading to bed.

Vivian sat on her bed while looking down at her old stuffed toy in her hands. She rubbed her thumb on the smile on the stuff toy as she smiled softly at it. Whenever she holds or sees the toy, a sense of calm and security washed over her like it was keeping her safe from harm.

She looked at the sky and saw the stars shining brightly in the night sky with the full moon shining a gentle blue light. She smiled softly at the sight before singing softly.

"🎶Vivian: Dancing bears
Painted wings
Things I almost remember
And a song someone sings
Once upon a December🎶"

Some resting birds listened to her sing, even a stray dog and squirrel came to listen.

"🎶Vivian: Someone holds me safe and warm
Horses prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully across my memory🎶"

She closed her eyes as she imagined herself dancing in a ballroom with a handsome man with warm green eyes as the man smiled down at her with such warmth in his eyes as they both smiled at each other with loving gazes towards each other.

"🎶Vivian: Someone holds me safe and warm
Horses prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully across my memory🎶"

Vivian imagined herself in the arms of her true love as they danced together lost to the world and in the world of their own.

"🎶Vivian: Far away, long ago
Glowing dim as an ember
Things my heart used to know
Things it yearns to remember
And a song someone sings
Once upon a December...🎶"

She ended the song with a blissful smile as she opened her eyes as the critters who listened were all sleeping peacefully. She let out a soft yawn and lay down on her bed with her hand on her favorite stuffed toy. She looked at it one last time before closing her eyes and falling asleep. Unbeknownst to her, a soft blue light appeared in her room as something touched the necklace before disappearing.

The next day, Vivian was walking down the road to head to the library. She was excited at the prospect of borrowing new detective book series. But what she didn't know is that her life is about to change in a few moments.

While she was distracted and humming to herself a sprightly tune, a hooded person a towards her and grabbed her bag. Vivian gasped when she felt that her bag was gone and quickly ran after the thief.

"Stop, you fiend!" Vivian angrily yelled unaware that her English accent became a bit prominent.

She chased the thief to an alleyway and it led to a dead end. The thief cursed and was about to turn around when he noticed Vivian glaring heatedly at him.

"Hold it there, thief. Give me my bag back before I teach you some manners." Vivian told him as she clenched her fist.

"Oh what are you gonna do, toots? Go cry to your mommy?" The thief mocked her but got a really scary glare from Vivian.

From outside the alley, yells, cries and screams of pain can be heard even as a dog walker with their dog walking by quickly left and not sparing a glance just as a pained and strangled cry was heard. Vivian dusted her hands as she picked up her bag. She let out a small 'hmph' while on the ground, the thief was having a hard time breathing as his face looked like it was pummeled by a bunch of bricks even though his nose was broken but the painful part was where his hands were holding his little region in pain. It goes to show that Vivian really kicked him where it hurts the most and where the sun doesn't shine.

"That goes to show that a fiend like you should better learn some manners." Vivian told him sternly as he limped away like a dog with their tails tucked between their legs.

Vivian huffed and fixed her skirt before noticing something odd. She looked at the necklace as it started to glow brightly.

"What on earth-?!" She cried out in shock as a bright flash of light engulfed her.

When the light disappeared, no trace of Vivian was seen. Where could she be?

Vivian opened her eyes slowly as her eyes adjusted. She looked around and saw that she was in some alleyway. She looked around in confusion as she felt a sense of familiarity with her surroundings.

"Where... am I?" Vivian questioned herself in confusion.

She saw light on the other side and she grasped the straps of her shoulder bag and was about to walk towards it only to feel that something was off. She looked down behind her when she felt movements and her eyes widened in shock and disbelief at what she's seeing. A light platinum tail swayed behind her! She quickly looked around for any reflective surface and found a broken piece of a mirror and picked it up carefully to not cut herself and she dropped the piece with a small cry of surprise. She didn't see her human reflection but when she saw her reflection, staring back at her was the face of a light platinum and white female mouse. 

"H-How...?" She looked at her fingers to see that there's only four.

She looked to the other side of the alley to see the light. She didn't know why she's like this but the answer won't just reveal itself. So she cautiously walked towards the end of the alleyway. She winced a little as she covered her eyes from the bright light. Once her eyes adjusted to the brightness, her eyes widened in shock at what she's seeing. 

Walking the streets were mice wearing Victorian style clothes but not only that but the giant buildings above her made her gawked in shock. She remembers the only place that has buildings like that but she needs to ask somebody to confirm her suspicions. Nervously, she held the straps of her bag for comfort as she walked down the streets to try and avoid getting noticed but some tool noticed her and eyed her strange attire and bag. She ignored the whispers and scrutiny of the mice eyeing her in confusion. Finding a stand selling newspapers, she caught the attention of an old mouse.

"Excuse me, sir, I apologize for intruding but may I ask what country I am in and the year?" Vivian asked him politely.

"Of course, miss. The country you are in is London and it's the year 1897." The old mouse replied and Vivian's eyes widened to saucers.

"Are... Are you quite sure, sir?" She asked nervously.

"Why, yes I am, miss. You seem distressed. Are you alright?" He asked her in concern after noticing her expression.

"Oh, y-yes. Quite so, kind sir. Thank you for your assistance." Vivian thanked him before noticing something.

"Are you missing something?" She asked curiously.

"Why, yes. I must have misplaced my spectacles again. Blasted spectacles are always going missing." The old mouse said but Vivian already saw the missing spectacles.

"Might I say that you might have something on your head, my good sir." Vivian pointed out and the old mouse touched his head and was delighted.

"Good show, my dear! You found my spectacles." The old mouse said cheerfully as Vivian smiled as her nervousness faded slightly.

"I would suggest putting a string on it so you won't lose it, sir." Vivian said as the old mouse chuckled happily.

"Oh, no need for formalities, my dear. Call me Edgar Richard. May I ask for the name of the lovely young lady?" He asked kindly.

"Vivian. My name is Vivian Louise, good sir. And thank you for the answer and have a good day." Vivian said as Richard chuckled.

"Think nothing of it, dear." Vivian waved goodbye as she walked off to find some place to rest.

Vivian sighed softly as she looked at the sky while being mindful of where she's going. The answer is quite obvious but she still needs some clarification to her answer to confirm her thoughts. She was heading to a turn only for her to collide with a small mouse as they both fell down. 

"Oh dear!" Vivian gasped and helped the little girl up.

"Are you quite alright, sweetie?" Vivian asked as the little girl lifted her hat up.

"I... I'm alright, miss." She said but tilted her head when Vivian was staring at her in shock and disbelief.

"Are you okay, miss?" She asked in concern.

Vivian didn't know what to do. She didn't know whether to hug her or squeal because right in front of her is little Olivia! She snapped out of her shock and nodded.

"Yes, I'm alright. What is your name, sweetie?" She asked as she kneeled down in front of Olivia.

"Olivia. Olivia Flaversham, miss..." Olivia introduced herself with a smile as Vivian smiled.

"I'm Vivian Louise. It's very nice to meet you, Olivia, but where is your father?" Vivian asked in concern as Olivia's ears lowered.

"I... I was waiting for him at school after my classes ended but he didn't arrive on time so... I tried to find my way back to the toyshop but I got lost." Olivia admitted and Vivian couldn't help but feel bad for her only for them to hear a small growl.

Olivia held her tummy and giggled sheepishly.

"I'm a little hungry." She said as Vivian smiled in amusement before standing up and looking around before a delightful aroma passed by her nose and she had an idea.

"When I was little and when I got lost, I usually went to a place where my father would find me easier. Why don't we go there so we can wait for your father, Olivia? I'll even buy us some cheese crumpets." Vivian suggested and Olivia lit up and held her hand as they went to the bakery.

The bakery was a short walk but the smell of the tasty pastries was practically making both Vivian and Olivia drool at the smell. They entered and Olivia went to where the goodies were on display.

"Oh, customers!" A sweet old lady mouse came out and smiled at the two.

"Welcome to Remy's and Evelyn's Baked Goods. What can I get for you, dears?" She welcomed them as Olivia smiled brightly at the pastries.

"Well, my friend and I would like to purchase six cheese crumpets, Miss Evelyn." Vivian said as Evelyn looked at her in surprise.

"My, how did you know that was my name?" She asked curiously.

"It was just a guess, miss." Vivian smiled as Evelyn smiled before calling someone.

Remy came out and helped pack the cheese crumpets and Vivian, silently thanking her father, gave her some money in London to pay. She even left extra cash for the couple.

"Oh, dear, we can't accept the extra money." Evelyn declined but Vivian just shook her head with a smile.

"I insist." She said as she and Olivia, who's already munching on her crumpet, left as Evelyn smiled at the kind gesture.

They went out and stood by the bakery as Olivia was happily eating her crumpet as Vivian ate a piece and smiled at the taste.

"These crumpets taste just like how my mother makes them." Vivian said after finishing hers.

Olivia looked at her curiously. She never knew her mother after she was born and only saw pictures of her.

"What's… having a mother like, miss Vivi?" Olivia asked.

Vivian thought on how to explain it only to stop when they heard a voice.

"Olivia!" They looked and saw Hiram Flaversham running towards them.

"Father!" Olivia beamed happily and ran to him.

Hiram embraced his daughter as his worries faded.

"Oh, my sweet Olivia, I was worried sick when the teachers told me you left to go home alone and it made me fear the worst." Hiram said in relief as Olivia felt guilty.

"I'm sorry, father... But I bumped into Vivi when I got lost and she kept me safe. She even bought me cheese crumpets while we waited!" Olivia said as she pointed to Vivian who waved shyly.

"Oh my, thank you for keeping an eye on my dear Olivia, miss..." Hiram said but trailed off since he didn't get her name.

"Vivian Louise, Mr Flaversham and it was my pleasure. A sweet young girl such as Olivia shouldn't be alone in the streets." Vivian smiled kindly.

Hiram took her appearance in and admitted that she's a lovely young lady blooming into a young woman but how her attire looks puzzles him.

"Are you new around these parts, dear?" He asked curiously and that was the question that Vivian dreaded to hear.

She pondered on what she should say. If she told him the truth, it might ruin the flow of the story. So she decided to use half of the truth.

"I just came back to my mother's home country to study abroad. I came from the United States and it was a long ride but I don't have a place to stay for the moment." Vivian explained and it seemed to satisfy Hiram and he understood.

"Why don't you come with us for some tea? I'm sure some rest would do you good." Hiram suggested.

"Oh, I can't possibly-" Vivian said but a tug on her skirt made her look down to see Olivia looking at her.

"Please?" She said and even pulled the baby doll eyes on her.

Vivian tried to resist but the cuteness was just too much so she gave in.

"Oh... Alright, Olivia." Vivian said and booped Olivia's little nose and caused the little girl to giggle. 

The Flavershams and Vivian then walked down the sidewalk to the toyshop. Along the way, Olivia fired questions after questions towards Vivian who tried to answer them as best as she could and Hiram watched on in amusement at how his daughter got along with Vivian pretty quickly. They reached the toyshop and Hiram unlocked it and let the girls in first before following behind them. Vivian looked on in wonder and awe. Seeing the inside from the movie was impressive but seeing it all in person is just plain amazing.

"I've never seen so many toys in my entire life." Vivian said as she picked up a toy truck and looked it over.

"Aye. I make toys to bring smiles to the children of London. It brings me such joy to see the joy and happiness of the children." Hiram said as he hung his coat before he urged them to the kitchen as he prepared them some tea.

"My father would have loved this place." Vivian said as she and Olivia sat down on the table.

"Oh, that would be splendid but, what made you and your parents move from London?" Hiram asked curiously as he handed Vivian a cup of tea.

"It's a little complicated but a rival of my father's burnt our old house. We were lucky that he was able to afford a house in the United States and I really want to help him." Vivian said and Hiram felt sorry.

"That's terrible, dear. You don't have a place to stay then?" He guessed as Vivian sipped her tea and nodded.

"Can she stay with us, father?" Olivia suggested as both Hiram and Vivian looked at her in surprise.

"I-I mean, she doesn't have a home to sleep in. Can she please stay with us until she finds a place to sleep?" Olivia asked as she looked at the two.

"Oh, I don't know, Olivia. I don't want to intrude in you and your father's house." Vivian said as Olivia looked a bit sad.

"Why not." Hiram said as the two looked at him.

"Olivia has taken a liking to you so why don't you make yourself at home until you find a place to stay." Hiram suggested.

"Y-You mean it?" Vivian asked in shock.

"Of course and consider it a thank you for keeping my daughter out of danger." Hiram said as Olivia smiled happily as the two Flaversham looked to Vivian for her answer.

Vivian didn't know what to say. Here she is, in the same room as the two characters of her favorite movie and asking her to stay until she can get back home. Pondering this, she thought if she should or not. Coming to a decision, she gave her answer.

"Okay. I'll stay." Vivian smiled as Olivia cheered and hugged her happily.

That night, Vivian was changing into a night dress that Hiram gave her. It was from his late wife but he wanted her to wear it. She put it on and looked at herself in the mirror and she gotta admit that it looks good on her. She went out of the guest bedroom but stopped by Olivia's room and peeked inside.

"Now, Olivia, go to sleep. Tomorrow is your big day." Hiram said but Olivia was wiggling in her sleeping clothes.

"But I can't sleep. I'm wide awake." Olivia giggled.

"Auch now. Try to sleep." Hiram said with a fond smile.

Vivian smiled and knocked on the door to alert them of her presence.

"Am I interrupting?" She asked as she entered.

"Oh no. Just trying to put Olivia to sleep." Hiram said as Vivian giggled and sat down on the bed.

"You know, when I was Olivia's age, my mother and father would tell me a story that always put me to sleep." Vivian said and Olivia became curious.

"What story is it?" She asked.

"It's about how a beautiful yet simple village girl falls in love with a beast." She said and Olivia gasped softly as Hiram became intrigued.

"Can you tell me the story, Miss Vivi?" She asked innocently and Vivian was more than happy to.

She began the story from the story and Olivia listened to every word. Vivian was a great storyteller since she sometimes put drama into the stories she tells. By the time she reached the ending, Olivia was yawning sleepily as she slid under the blanket.

"And since then, Belle fell in love with the Prince. Not because of his looks but for how kind and gentle he is. The end." Vivian ended as Olivia was tucked in by her father.

"The prince and Belle... seem so happy..." Olivia commented sleepily before she fell asleep on her bed. Hiram tucked her in as the two quietly left the room so Olivia could sleep peacefully.

"Thank you for helping her sleep, Vivian." Hiram said as they went to the toyshop.

"It was no problem, Mr Flaversham." Vivian said as she saw what was on the table.

"What's that?" She asked curiously.

"Oh, it's for my daughter. Her birthday is tomorrow and I wanted to surprise her." Hiram said as he got started on it.

Vivian let out a yawn which Hiram noticed.

"Now off to bed now. You look like you need the rest." Hiram said as Vivian nodded.

"I will. Goodnight, Mr Flaversham." Vivian said as she walked to the guest bedroom. 

She opened the door before covering her mouth in worry. She arrived just before Olivia's birthday and she's worried that Hiram will be taken on Olivia's birthday. But she can't mess with the flow of the story. With a heavy sigh, she walked to the bed and lay down before pulling the blanket over her.

"I hope things go alright..." She muttered before falling asleep.

~~~~
"Once upon a December " belongs to Anastasia