"We'll be the most handsome boys there," chorused the stepbrothers.
"I'm sure the Princess will want to marry one of you," said their father, proudly.
"Now, Cinderello," he went on, "as a special treat and since it's nearly Christmas..."
"Yes?" Cinderello whimpered.
"You may help Griseldo and Gimoaldo choose their flamenco costumes."
All that week, boat-makers, dressmakers, hat-makers and hairdressers streamed through the door.
Cinderello tried to make his stepbrothers look as pretty as possible. It wasn't easy.
Gimoaldo wanted to wear a Cordovan hat decorated with stuffed birds. Griseldo chose a black flamenco trousers with lime green stars.
"What about feathers, rather than stuffed birds, Gimoaldo?" Cinderello suggested politely. "And Griseldo, I think the black flamenco trousers suited you better."
"Shut up, Cinders! What would you know?" said Gimoaldo. "But you might be right. We must look grander than everyone else. Sew on lots of pom poms, rubies, and ribbons."
Cinderello worked all day and all night, putting the finishing touches to their outfits.
"Hurry up, Cinderello." growled Gimoaldo.
At last they were ready. Cinderello's stepbrothers gazed at themselves in the mirror.
"Don't we look gorgeous!" they shrieked. "We'll be the finest gentlemen at the Ball."
"Oh my Tinkerbells, you look wonderful," their father gasped. "Let's go! The coach is here. Cinderello—put up the Christmas decorations while we're gone."
The front door was opened. There was a swish of skirts and a blast of cold air. Then Cinderello was left alone.
As he struggled with the Christmas tree, tears blurred his eyes. "Oh!" he sobbed, getting tangled in tinsel. "I wish—I wish I could go to go the ball.
A loud crash in the chimney made Cinderello look up.
There, in the fireplace, covered in soot, was his godfather.
YOU ARE READING
Cinderello
FantasyAlthough mistreated by his stepfather and stepbrothers, Cinderello meets his princess with the help of his fairy godfather.
