Wishes

The Quest

"Okay," the baker's wife began. "so, where are we to find a completely white cow?"

"Oh!" the baker remembered. "That boy, Jack I think, ran off to the market after... his cow!"

The baker's wife was suddenly excited. "Do you think that's the one?"

"Yes!" The baker grinned. The baker's wife continued. "And I remember Gothel was worried about some Rapunzel. I feel bad. I'll go find Rapunzel, while you go to the market."

Ella finally reached home. She took in a deep breath before going inside. "Ella!" Madame shouted in relief. "Where have you been you impudent child!"

Ella opened her mouth to protest, but not a peep came out. The curse, she realized. "Now," Madame continued. "There's to be a ball tonight for the prince to find a bride. I think my eldest, Florinda, has an enormous advantage here for marriage. Don't you agree, dearie?"

Florinda silently nodded. Ella always thought she was strange. She never talked at all- at least around Ella. She also never completely looked at her in the eye. I wonder why, she thought.

"Ella, don't just stand there!" Madame ordered. "Help us prepare!" Ella immediately got to work. She did their hair, tied their bows, helped them with jewelry, and much more. She leaned against the wall for a moment, only to be ordered to fetch a small box.

Madame opened the box. Inside was a tiny pin mostly made up of nothing but Venetian glass. Ella gasped, but then covered her mouth. She could never deserve such fine accessories. Dangling from the pin were more bits of Venetian glass strung onto silver thread.

"For my darling," Madame said softly. She carefully placed the pin on the right side of Florinda's hair. Madame then noticed Ella gaping next to her. "What are you looking at? This is not for you." She leaned in towards Ella so they were nose to nose. She then whispered, "You're no more than a scullery maid!"

Outside, a royal carriage had just arrived. "Hurry my daughters-!" Madame called, then looking at miserable Ella, "My real daughters." The three elegant ladies: Madame, Lucinda, and silent Florinda strutted out the door, with Ella stumbling behind them.

Once the women were finally out of sight, Ella sighed and (also finally) sat down. Then, as if magic, something came to her mind. "Mother," she whispered, and ran off behind the house, and into the woods.