Chapter 8: Unexpected circumstances
Many days passed and with each passing day, I spent my time rehearsing my lines for the upcoming play that was to take place the day after tomorrow. And being pesky as usual, Kira helped me out by critizing my each movement.“Oh how I wish I could go to the ball with my sister and my step-mother,” I said as I held the script in my hand.
“Not like that!” Kira argued. “Say it with more emotion! Say it as if that's what you long for, not saying it in disgust,”
I scowled at him. “You're lucky you don't have to do this,” I said icily.
Kira grinned. “I know, that's why I can be picky. Anyway, go back to the second section and start over again,” he directed.
I groaned before restarting. If I wasn't practicing with Kira, I was practicing with Athrun and Lacus, since I took time off work to practice my lines. “My prince, what a marvelous ball you have today,” I said indifferently.
Athrun gave me a smirk. “Very nice tone, Cagalli. You definitely sound like a princess,” he said sarcastically.
I rolled my eyes. “I didn't even want to be Cinderella in the first place. I wanted to switch with Mirillia, but no, she wanted to see me act out the grand role,” I muttered.
Lacus gave me a sympathetic smile. “C'mon Cagalli, it's only for one night. Once the play is over, you'll never have to rehearse these lines again,” she said.
“I better not,” I grumbled as I laid onto my back and stared at the ceiling. “So this play is only for the students, right?” I questionned as my eyes drifted over to a handsome, yet arrogant guy.
Athrun nodded. “Yeah, it takes place in the evening for the whole school,” he said as I groaned again. “But hey, look on the bright side: We get to go up to the mountain resorts for a few days after the play is over and done with,” he said with a half smile.
I sighed as I sat back up. “That's the only thing I'm looking forward to, I mean we gotta have a reward for so much work,” I said.
Lacus gave a small nod. “Yes, of course. But in the meantime, we have to keep practicing your tones and your actions, Cagalli,” she said as she handed me back my script, which I relunctually took them.
-----
The next days past swiftly and the big day came for me. “Do I really have to wear such a frilly dress?” I asked in disgust as I saw the 'dream' gown for Cinderella, which was pink and lacy.
Mirillia shrugged. “Well there's two choices: the spring green dress or this one. I know they're not what you'd like, but they're the only ones that we have and they both have a bit of lace on them,” she said as she went over to the wardrobe and took out the spring green one.
After an exasperated sigh, I had to chose the green one; the pink was hideous. “I think the pink one would suit you, Mir,” I noted as I looked at my friend.
She raised an eyebrow. “Really? Seems a little awkward, but I guess I can wear it. I'm kind of happy that the changed a few of my lines, don't you? I mean, my lines were kind of evil to play before.. but instead of being an evil step-sister, you got me as your sister,” she said as she held the gown in front of her, looking at the mirror.
I nodded as I brushed out my raggedy clothing. “Yeah, though that last minute change was kind of wierd. Anyway, how do I look? Pitiful enough?” I said with a hint of mockery in my tone.
Mirillia grinned. “Yep, now that I think about it, the role of the step mother really fits that Meer, doesn't it?” she said as she casted a glance at the said girl who was complaining to the girl that was working on the makeup.
I returned the grin. “Yeah, definitely,” I said as I studied my appearance in the mirror.
Mirillia laughed. “Did you see her stare daggers into you that day when Athrun said he was the prince,” she questioned with a smile.
I nodded. “If looks could kill... I'd be long dead... but they can't, so too bad for her. I think I am ready,” I said as I stood up and swallowed hard.
“Relax, Cagalli and everything will go okay. Just think of that reward trip we're gonna have afterwards! Besides, wait until you see Prince Athrun, I hear he looks absolutely gorgeous,” Mirillia winked.
My eyes widened at her words. “H-hey! W-wait!!” I shouted, but Mirillia gave me a grin and left the change rooms without another word.
I hmphed impatiently as I thought about her last sentence. Why did she say that? And why to me? Grr.. I can't WAIT until this play is over! I walked over to the door of the change rooms and met Lacus there, who was waiting for me. “You can do it, Cagalli,” she cheered me on.
I gave her a small smile, I mean who could resist giving that girl a smile even in the worst circumstances? “Thanks Lacus, I'll do my best and hopefully Athrun will as well,” I said, mumbling the last part.
Lacus smiled. “Don't worry, he will. He has been working harder than everyone to get his part right, so it'll be okay,” she encouraged.
I said nothing as I only gave a small nod. “Good Luck Cagalli! I'll be watching in the audience as soon as I can find Kira, who seemed to have disappeared at the moment,” said Lacus, frowning slightly at her last words.
“See you then,” I said with an awkward smile as I headed to the stage, which was still shielded with red curtains and sat on the floor, next to a bucket of water and a rag.
-----
Elsewhere.. “So Athrun, do you think you're ready?” asked a ghostly figure.
“Yep, I've been waiting for this for quite a long while. Everything should go smoothly, right Kira?” said the blunette.
Kira smirked. “I bet Cagalli is fretting somewhere. She's never been good at playing her role in front of a large audience and from what I saw, it is quite an audience,” he said.
Athrun shrugged as he grinned. “I know. But she'll do fine, after all, the role of Cinderella fits her quite nicely,” he said before turning to the adolescent ghost. “Aren't you going to go sit with Lacus?”
Kira nodded. “Yeah, just wanted to make sure you're all ready,” he said for support.
Athrun grinned. “Definitely, wish me luck,” he said as Kira flashed him a smile before heading down to the audience.
-----
Back to me: I swallowed hard as the lights were being lit up all around the stage and my breathing got faster. Okay Cagalli! Don't fret! Just go for it! The curtains rose slowly as the audience began to clap. As I looked up slightly, the lights blinded me for an instance, but I could tell that our whole school was here to watch. And from the corner of my eyes, I saw Kira and Lacus wave at me, from the second row.
Immediately, I looked back down to the floor and wiped pitifully at the dirtied ground as I heard footsteps approaching. “Cinderella! Have you finished our dresses?” demanded a haughty voice.
I looked up as Meer Campbell and Mirillia walked onto the stage. Meer gave me a glare while Mirillia smiled apologetically. I stood up immediately. “O-oh! No... I've been so busy with my chores.. that I-i've forgotten,” I said as I lowered my head slightly.
Meer Campbell screeched out in fury, “You useless good-for-nothing child! I was good-hearted enough to take you and your sister in after my sister's death, but this is how you repay me?” she said furiously. “The grand ball is tonight and we will have nothing to wear! You will go without supper and I don't want to hear a peep out of you until you finish our dresses!”
I looked up in shock. “Finish?! I cannot finish with a time this short!” I cried out in despair.
Meer's face darkened. “Then you shall go without supper for a whole week if you are not able to finish our gowns tonight! Everyone is going to the ball and I will not be disgraced! Now go!” she said as she picked up a stool and threw it at me, who dodged it easily.
The scene changed as a new background now took place. I was now in the darkness of the closet trying to work on the dresses when I heard a gentle knock and looked up. Mirillia came in with a plain white dress. Her face looked quite troubled and uncomfortable. “Here's some soup that I managed to smuggle when Aunt wasn't looking... ,” she said as she handed me a small chipped bowl and a wooden spoon.
I gave her a smile of gratitude. “Thanks, Mel. Are you looking forward to the ball?” I asked as I quickly ate the cold soup.
Mirillia kneeled down onto the cold floor to sit next to me. She sighed heavily. “I want to go, but I don't want to go without you, sis. It's a bad thing; having fun while you're stuck at home with endless chores and misery,” she said as she lowered her head.
I tried to give her a small smile as I patted her shoulder. “Hey don't worry about it... it's not your fault that you are similar to the daughter that Aunt has lost, so that she treats you better than me. Even if I'm not there, I still want you to have a good time, so don't let it bother you,” I said as I handed her back the emptied bowl.
Mirillia said nothing as she looked down at the cold ground sadly. “You better go, before Aunt notices that you are gone; she won't like you being here with me,” I said as Mirillia nodded and gave me a hug before going.
As I heard the door close, I sighed in despair. How was I going to finish two gowns? “I want Mel to be happy, but with the time given, I can barely finish one,” I said discouragedly.
“I can help you with that,” said a voice and everybody's heads turned, including mine.
Out of the darkness, Shiho came out in a beautiful white hooded gown. Truthfully, since most of the stage was lighted, there was one area that was not and had a trapdoor that opened when you pressed a botton. That was how Shiho came unnoticed since most the attention was already directed to me. “Your unselfishness proves you worthy of being twice the person you truly are, which is fit to be a princess. I am your godmother and I will grant you any wish you want, though be wary of what you use your wishes for,” she said as everyone gawked at her in shock and surprise.
I blinked at her as I had the look that I was unable to believe my ears. “Really? You'll help me?” I asked.
Shiho nodded. “Yes, but choose your wishes wisely, because if I do not like your wishes, I can choose to turn against you,” she said.
I thought for a moment before knowing what I wanted. “I wish my sister and my aunt could have beautiful gowns so that they could go to the ball that is to take place because it is the prince's birthday,” I said.
Shiho gave a short nod as she waved her hand. Another area that had been in the dark was now lighted, so that the audience could now see the two gowns that Mirillia and Meer were going to wear. “And how about a wish for yourself?” Shiho asked as she took a step closer.
I blinked in surprise. “For myself?” I repeated as Shiho nodded.
“Yes, I know what you can wish for... to go to the ball tonight,” she suggested.
I pondered for a moment. “I don't really care all that much about the prince, but I guess I do want to see my sister happy, so why not?” I said, agreeing in the end.
Shiho waved her hand and said, “Granted, but be wary: you must return by midnight for as gentle as I appear to be, I can also be evil,”
This was now my cue to get off the stage and back into the changeroom which had my dress ready. While I went off, I could hear the background being changed and dancers getting onto the stage. I quickly changed into Cinderella's spring green gown that I had chosen earlier. I sighed as my partner quickly did my hair and added a bit of makeup. “You're doing good, Cagalli,” she said as she quickly tied my hair into a ponytail.
I gave her a small smile. “Heh.. thanks, but I'm glad that I was able to get out of the spotlight for a moment,” I said gratefully as she did her finishes.
It was time for me to go back onto the stage. As I rounded the rear, I could hear music playing, as if this was a real ball and heard Dearka speak, “Really, Alex! Why won't you dance with any of these fine ladies?”
Then I heard a familar sigh and knew it was my cue to step onto the stage as Athrun spoke, “Well, my friend, only one woman can ever capture my heart and none of these women here interest me in the slightest,” he said as the audience sighed.
Now I knew what Mirillia meant earlier. 'Prince Alex' AKA Athrun Zala was dressed extremely fine, so fine that you would really think that he was a real prince. He wore a red suit with gold lining and black boots. Unlike most fairy tale princes, Athrun had refused to wear a crown of any sort, but still looked extremely handsome, even though I hated to admit it.
As I spotted Dearka courting Mirillia into dancing with him, I noticed a shadow loom over me and actually did look up in surprise. It was Yuuna. “My, what a lovely maiden you are... like a princess. Will you grant me the honor of dancing with me?” he asked as I gawked at him.
He wasn't supposed to say that, heck for it all, he wasn't even supposed to be here! Yuuna shot me what he called a 'handsome smile' as he forcefully took my hand. “H-hey! Wait! No!” I protested as I tried to pull my arm away.
“Come on now, don't be shy, baby. I know... it's pretty rad to be dancing with someone like me eh?” Yuuna smirked as he took my waist.
I felt shivers go up my spine. What the heck was going on? And what does he think he was doing? A tap on Yuuna's shoulder stopped him. “I see that this young maiden seems umcomfortable with you. I suggest that you stop forcing her to dance with you if she doesn't want to,” said a cool voice and I looked up to find Athrun looking icily at Yuuna.
Yuuna narrowed his eyes at Athrun. “What are you talking about? As you can see, she is delighted to be with me,” he sneered.
Athrun raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? I don't see it that way. If you will not let go of her hand this instant, I will not hesistate to have you removed from the ball,” he said.
But that only made Yuuna hold me closer. “Remove me? Ha! That's a joke! You and what pathetic army?” he sneered.
Even as Athrun tried to keep his cool, I could tell he was going to crack. “Guards!” Athrun ordered to no one in particular.
Everyone stopped dancing and stared at him. What was going on? Mirillia shot me a questionning look, but I gave her one in return because this was not in the script at all. Dearka looked shocked as well as Athrun directed his gaze to him. 'What?!' Dearka mouthed.
But Athrun only gave him a curt nod and a strong look in his eyes as Dearka understood immediately. “Yes SIR!” he said as he excused himself and took the protesting Yuuna away.
“Y-you can't do this! DO you know w-who I am?!” he protested, but no one paid much attention to him as Dearka dragged him away. “T-this is NOT the last time you will hear from me!”
As soon as the menace was removed, the music continued and there was more dancing. Only I, who stared in shock, remained unmoving. “My lady, I apologize for the distrubance that man has caused, but may I have this dance?” Athrun asked as he bowed and held out a single hand.
Numbly, I remembered that I still played the role of cinderella and accepted his hand. “What happened back there?” I whispered when our backs were turned to the crowd.
Athrun shrugged. “I don't know,” he answered as a smirk was evident on his face, “But whatever it is, I can use it to my advantage,”
I stared at him as he whispered those words. “I've never seen one with such beautiful eyes, my lady, are you from around here?” Athrun asked, in the prince's voice.
“Yes, but this is the first time that I have seen you up close, your highness,” I said as we twirled.
“Look, we have the attention of everyone,” said Athrun as we stopped our dance to see that everyone was applauding.
Athrun then directed his attention to me. “May I know your name?” he asked politely as I heard the clock strike 12 midnight.
I gasped in horror as I knew I had to go immediately or else something bad would happen. “I-i'm sorry!” I cried out as I ran.
I ran out of the stage and back into the changeroom where I changed back into my rags and quickly wiped off my makeup and shook out my hair. Then I went back to the stage where I found Athrun and the others looking shocked as Athrun picked up a golden bracelet that was dropped by me. “That girl was the only girl who I thought I would ever have such strong feelings for. I promise that if I return this bracelet to it's proper owner, I'll marry her; whoever she is,” said Athrun and then the background changed again, so that it was now back to my house.
I panted heavily as I stepped back on stage. “Whew! I made it just on time. Now I think I better return these to my fairy godmother, before she gets mad,” I said as I held out the beautiful spring green gown in front of me.
I also took off my heels that were actually killing my feet and placed them with the gown. After that, I took off the bracelet, but then I played horror on my face. “Oh no! I can't believe I lost that matching bracelet! I hope she won't be too mad, because I can't go back there looking the way I look at the moment,” I said outloud to myself.
On cue, Shiho stepped onto the stage, “It is alright. I'll take back everything I gave you, but as a momento of the ball, I would like you to keep that bracelet,” she said.
I blinked at her as I absorbed everything she said. “Thank you very much for the night, I had an exhilirating time,” I said truthfully.
Shiho nodded as took back the gown and the heels. “Glad to hear it,” she said as she then vanished once more.
The next day, I was once again, Cinderella, the one who swept floors and did endless chores. I sighed sadly as I took out my bracelet from underneath my apron and looked at it, but a knock at the door surprised me. Meer went across the room quickly and took a peek from the window. She squealed in delight. “Oh my! It's the prince! I wonder why he has come to our little home,” she said as she then turned to me, “You! Go in the back! I don't want the prince to see such an ugly creature such as you,”
I narrowed my eyes but did what I was told. I went into the backroom, but kept the door open because I wanted to know what was going on as well. As Meer opened the door, Dearka stood out in front, “I hereby announce the prince's arrival!” he said as a red carpet was rolled to reveal Athrun.
He cleared his throat as he stepped into view. “As you may have been notified, I am searching for a certain maiden, who has lost this bracelet last night at the ball. May I ask if either of you have the matching pair to this particular bracelet?” Athrun asked as he held out the golden bracelet for everyone to see.
I gasped in surprise as I realised that the bracelet that I had dropped was now in the Prince's hands. “Oh my god! What does he want with me?” I whispered loudly so that the audience could hear.
Mirillia shook her head. “No, neither my aunt nor I have a matching bracelet,” she said as the face of Athrun dropped slightly while Dearka's remained happier if possible.
Mirillia then lifted her head. “But, my sister, Cinderella may have one,” she said as she gestured over to the backroom.
I gulped as I saw the prince step closer. “Cinderella, will you please come out so that I can see your face?” Athrun demanded gently.
Almost shyly, I opened the door and stepped out so that everyone could see my face. “You resemble the girl from last night. Do you have a bracelet like this?” he asked as he held out my other bracelet.
I looked at the object carefully to make sure it was truly mine. It was; it had the same markings and I was sure it was one of a kind. As I said nothing, Athrun asked again, “Answer, yes or no,”
I reached a hand into the pocket of my apron and brought out the same object as it reflected in the light. Everyone gasped. “That's the missing pair!” Dearka remarked as Athrun then closed his eyes.
When he reopened them, he was smiling. “Indeed it is. I may now return the other to you,” he said as he held out my other bracelet.
I reached out to take it, but Athrun moved his hand back. “But you may have it on one condition,” he said.
I raised an eyebrow. “And what is that?” I asked.
Athrun smiled. “Be my princess,” he said.
I nodded. “Yes, your highness, it'd be a great honor,” I said with a smile.
Athrun grinned. “Call me Alex,” he said.
And then the play ended there as we 'lived happily ever after' even with the wierd stuff going on in the middle, but still, it was a great success. Lacus and Kira also congratulated me on my surprise success at the end. As for me, we had a small celebration party afterwards and it was there that Miss Simmons noted that the small change was still a great hit. “For all of your hard work, we will be going up to Aprilius Mountain in about a week, so start preparing!” she declared as everyone cheered, including me as well.
Exhaustedly, I said goodnight to everyone and then headed home with Kira. “Oh god Kira... I'm so tired,” I said as I heated up an evening snack.
Kira laughed. “Yeah, you must be,” he said as my eyelids began to droop. “Though it was kind of strange in the middle. But oh well, in the end, everything works out okay, right, Cagalli?” he said as he turned to face me.
Kira smiled as he noticed that I was too fatigued and gave up on making a snack before going to bed. Without my knowing, Kira brought me into my room and then tucked me underneath the covers. “Good night Cagalli, see you in the morning,” he said as he then patted my hair gently and then switched off the lights.
