Wishes

The Second Midnight

In tears, Jack gave Milky White one last hug and dashed off.

The baker looked down at the egg in his hand. "You go try to get those two items you almost got, and I'll go buy a new cow with this egg." His wife looked at him, "But why do we have to keep splitting up?"

"So that we can finish this task together."

She nodded and they parted. Jack ran through the woods, but suddenly saw Little Red. She was picking flowers, now wearing a cape made out of wolf skin. "Hey. Nice cape," he pointed out. She turned around. "Thanks! My Granny made it for me from a wolf that attacked us!" She acted like that was a great thing.

"It was quite the adventure! I got eaten by a wolf!" Jack raised his eyebrow. "Wow. That's nice to know. I had quite the adventure too! I climbed a beanstalk into the clouds where a wealthy giant lives. And I brought back with me incredible things like... a chicken that lays golden eggs!" He pulled out another egg from his pocket for proof.

Little Red inched closer, speechless. Jack continued, "You should see what else he owns! I admired his golden harp that can play a number of tunes. It's practically magical!" Little Red joked sarcastically, "Uh huh. Well! Why don't you return to Mr. Giant's MAGICAL house, and take the instrument for yourself!"

Jack thought seriously. "I suppose I could!" Little Red was now scared. "Heh heh, I don't think that's such a good idea..." But Jack had already decided. "I think that's a great idea! It'll be an even bigger adventure because this time, I'll visit while the giant is awake! Thanks!" He dashed off.

Little Red bit her lip, feeling a bit guilty. She then turned back to her basket of flowers.

The second ball at the palace was even better than the first. Char was so glad to see Ella again. Though he asked her why she ran off the night before, she wouldn't tell. Many of the guests began to gossip about her.

The main question was: "Why does that mysterious girl hide her face under that mask? After all, this isn't a masquerade ball." "And how can she dance with such grace in glass shoes?" But Char didn't care. As long as she came, he was happy.

This time, Ella kept track of the clock. And when it was almost twelve, she excused herself and began to leave. "But," Char began. "Why are you leaving early again?"

"It's too complicated to tell you the truth." she calmly spoke. She then ran. "Guards!" he called out. "Don't let that girl get away!"

Ella picked up the pace, and raced down the long staircase. Of course, being her clumsy self, she tripped over one of the stairs, losing one of her glass slippers. Char emerged at the top of the stairs. He saw the shoe, but so did she. They both leaped for it, Ella successfully snatching it up.

She then kept running. The baker's wife was now hopeless, trudging through the woods. She heard running footsteps, and saw Ella coming in the distance. She quickly hid, and tripped her on purpose. Both tumbled to the ground.

Ella immediately jumped back up. "What did you do that for?!"

"I, well, it's complicated..." They heard voices: "Where did she go?"

"I think I see her over there!"

"After her! She's my DESTINY!!"

Wow, Ella thought. He doesn't realize how corny he sounds.

DING! DING! DING! DING...! She snapped back to attention. "Sorry, gotta go!" She ran away. The baker's wife looked up at the huge moon in the sky.

"Two midnights gone," she whispered.