Wishes

It Fits

Ella heard the door open and the prince say, "Try on the shoe." Then, "The shoe does not fit." She inched closer to see. It looked like Lucinda just tried. Madame pushed Florinda forward. Ella could tell Florinda wanted to fight against the curse.

Florinda stepped forward. No, I can't. It's Ella who Char needs. Maybe I should talk. But then I'd get that terrible headache... "I'm not the girl you're looking for!" she shouted. Char was shocked. "But," he stammered. "You're the last one in the kingdom I've come to. There's no one else."

Char almost began to cry. Ella felt terrible. For him, she thought, and stepped out of her hiding place. To Char, she looked like a miserable servant. Similar to what Ella had spoken of earlier. "Who is this?" he asked Madame.

"Oh she's nothing but a poor kitchen wench."

"No!" Florinda winced as she spoke. "She..." she fell to the ground "the one..." Ella gasped. Florinda looked so pale, her chest heaving. She's fighting the curse, Ella thought. She got on her knees next to Florinda. "Shh, shh. It's okay. Don't talk anymore, okay?"

Florinda nodded, and rested her head on the floor. Char pulled Ella up on her feet. He brought over a wooden stool. He looked at her hands. "Have we met before?" he asked.

He continued, "Even if I leave with a heavy heart, (Ella stifled a giggle. Char really could be quite corny sometimes.) I shall not forget you. That maiden I danced with told me of those out there like you. She was right. I couldn't see the cruelty in the world until now. How foolish of me. I'm a foolish man. I don't know how to rule the kingdom." Char held up the slipper. "May I?"

Lucinda laughed. "Why don't you try it on?" Ella's head began to throb, and the room seemed to tilt. She must wear the shoe. If she does, she will receive a better life, but that also puts the kingdom in danger, and more wealth and power for Madame. Plus, the curse will still linger in the air. I really have no choice. I can't marry him if it puts him in danger. For the kingdom. For Char.

"I can't!" she shouted. "I can't marry you! No one can force me!" Char looked stricken. "You, you don't have to. And plus, why would you?" Ella realized and pointed to the slipper. He slowly slipped it onto Ella's foot. It fit. Char couldn't believe it.

"I'm a threat to the kingdom. I'm cursed." Ella felt very odd suddenly. She saw Florinda get up, normal again. She heard Gothel in the back of her mind. You're free. Your whole family's free. The curse is broken.

Lucinda and Madame were quite the sight. They suddenly looked so confused. Lucinda whipped around to Madame. "I don't know what just happened, but life wasn't easy in this household! Where was the fun in all this?! It makes utterly no sense!" She marched off. Madame saw Ella, and this time, looked at her... differently.

"What have I done?" she whispered. "All these years, you have been nothing but an obedient servant to me."

Ella turned to Madame and listened.

"And I never showed the slightest bit of appreciation."

Lucinda called in the background, "Ugh! Tell me about it!"

Madame looked at Ella. "I, I'm so sorry."

Char stood in front of Ella, holding his arms out to protect her. "You shall receive a punishment."

But Ella of course, had a heart for everyone. "Char, no. Madame, I forgive you. You've changed. That's all that matters."

Madame graciously bowed.

"By the way," Char realized. "I never quite caught your name."

"Cinderella." Ella calmly answered. "It's a name I absolutely dreaded, but starting today..." She smiled. "I think I'll keep."

Char grinned. Ella added on, whispering, "But you can call me Ella."

"Well then, Princess Cinderella," he pulled out the ring. "Would you like to marry Prince Charles, and live happily ever after?" Ella laughed. "I-" But before she could finish, the ground shook, throwing everyone to the floor.