Start THINKING about how BELLE can grow as a character as someone stronger and more resilient then the Belle that is with GOLD. To me she was just a doormat, VICTIM, someone that could be pushed around by GOLD, REGINA, her father and anyone else who came along. Remember the guys on the cart! who pushed her off. Belle needs to grow strong in herself before Gold returns. By becoming strong and independent does not mean she has to loose her sweet side, but she will be better able to deal with the seedier sign of life.
As I have said before I think Belle will dive into her beloved books in the library and learn magic from them. She will use the magic to protect the town and help the people. But she will be a different stronger person when Gold gets back… that is not to say that they will not be together but it will be on a different level. I think she will be a force to recon with.
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NONNIE
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