The Apple of My Eye: Book Two (An Ever After High Crossover)

Forever After

"What's forever after?"

A huge mirror pad cuts in between the secret lovers.

"B-Blondie! Nothing at all!" Apple freaked.

Blondie pulls out a microphone, motioning the chestnut-haired prince to record.

"Blondie Locks, daughter of Goldilocks reporting live on the Mirror Net! Right now, I'm here with Apple White and the new kid as I try to get the scoop on what happened last spring."

Kyle nervously tugs against the collar of his jacket, trying not to make eye contact.

"You two were obviously there when the Evil Queen broke out. We all saw how this mysterious boy brought you back to life after you were willing to sacrifice yourself for him. Is he your destined prince charming after all? What does Daring Charming think of this? The people deserve to know the truth."

Blondie shoves her mirror pad closer towards the two.

"N-no comment...!" Apple nervously brushed it off.

Blondie signals for Dexter Charming to cut off the feed.

"I'm going to get to the bottom of this. Cause even so, I personally think you two look just right for each other." Blondie winks, finally leaving the couple alone.

They both exhaled a massive sigh of relief. Kyle turned to face the guys, gesturing a wave in their direction.

"I'll catch up with you guys at the castle-teria!"

Kyle trails behind Apple in the hallway, pausing at her locker.

"Is she always this persistent?"

Apple opens her locker and starts rummaging through it.

"Blondie's passion is to be the best reporter ever after. So of course, she wants to inform the school of all the juicy gossip that happens around the school."

Apple reaches for several hextbooks. Kyle extends his arms, ready to assist. With a slight nod, she hands them over as she glances at her reflection in the locker mirror.

"We'll have to be careful then," Kyle remarked.

He kept his gaze on her reflection. She was perfect in every way. His attention shifted to her locker, taking in the charming decorations. A quick glance to the right of her mirror, when a particular photo made Kyle's heart miss a beat.

"That picture? You still have it...?"

Kyle saw her smile through the reflection.

"Of course I do. It's a memory that I'll always treasure forever after."

***

"Step right up! Throw the ball, win a prize!"

The vendor points a finger in Kyle's view. "You sir! Come on now, how about winning a prize for the little lady here?"

Kyle nervously chuckled, placing an arm behind his back.

"Oh, I'm horrible at games sir! I don't think I'd be able to win anything for her..."

Kyle shifted his arm around Apple's shoulder, facing the other direction.

"Oh, I get it, you're obviously not man enough to try. Such a shame she ended up with a nobody."

Kyle's eye twitched, his fists clenched as anger surged within him.

"Kyle, just ignore him," Apple urged, wrapping her arm around his.

The moment she let go, Kyle strode back to the vendor.

"I'll make you eat those words!"

The redhead slammed five dollars on the table, the vendor snickering in response.

"Prove me wrong," the vendor challenged, handing Kyle a ball.

Kyle snatched the ball, took a deep breath, and aimed for the bottles. His first throw narrowly missed the target. Taking another deep breath, he tried once more, but luck was not on his side.

"Looks like you are a nobody after all."

Clutching the final ball, Kyle gripped it tightly. Channeling all his strength, he transferred it to his arm. With a release of pent-up fury, Kyle hurled the ball, smashing the bottles upon impact. The vendor's expression mirrored Kyle's surprise. He swiftly turned to Apple, who stood with her hands clasped over her mouth in astonishment.

"Kyle...what was that...?"

Kyle stood motionless, comprehending on what just happened. He had never imagined he had such strength within him.

"You sure proved me wrong, kid. Have at it. Pick any prize."

Kyle held an arm out towards his princess.

"Which one would you like, starlight?"

Apple obsereved the prizes displayed on the wall and then glanced at the stand. She paused, captivated by a stunning golden bracelet. It was surprisingly high-quality for a carnival prize.

"I'll take the bracelet," she declared.

The vendor nodded, carefully boxed the bracelet, and presented it to Kyle.

"How about we ditch the Summer Festival?" suggested Kyle.

Apple's ocean eyes lit up, nodding her head. Taking her hand, the couple makes a run for it, trying not to be seen by anyone.

"This looks like a good spot."

Kyle spreads his jacket on the grass for them to sit. They snuggle together, heads touching, admiring the beauty of the night sky. Kyle retrieves the box, unwraps the bracelet, and gently slides it onto Apple's wrist as he holds her hand.

'In time, I promise it'll be more than a bracelet I'll be siding on your hand,' he smiled to himself in thought.

"It's beautiful! Thank you, Kyle."

Apple softly places her red lips against his cheek.

"Ky... I'm sorry that we won't be able to spend our summer together..."

Kyle wraps an arm around Apple, pulling her close.

"It's alright my princess. At least we get to spend our last night here together."

When Apple told Kyle that her mother was sending her away to a princess camp for the summer, of course his heart broke a little. When news got around that the summer festival was going on the night before she takes off, the red headed boy just had to jump on the opportunity.

"Hey! How about we take a picture? That way we can have something to tie us over until we meet again." She suggested.

Kyle retrieves the MirrorPhone-a gift from Apple, from his pocket. They position the device and strike a pose for their first official photo together.

"It's perfect! I'll always treasure this forever after."

***

Kyle slightly leans in.

"If only I could kiss you right now."

Apple shuts her locker, patting the top of Kyle's hat before planting a quick kiss on his forehead. Kyle starts to follow her, carrying her books as she had asked him to. Even though it stirs a hint of jealousy in him, he finds a bit of uneasy relief in the fact that other boys frequently offer to carry Apple's books. This gives Kyle the perfect excuse to walk her to class without raising any suspicion of their secret relationship.

'Even if we have to sneak around for a while, she is my destiny, and nothing is ever going to change it.'