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

Into the Light

The music reverberated off the walls, with everyone swaying to the rhythm. Stan was having the time of his life, dancing with his cherished Wendy. Meanwhile, at the table, Cartman was monopolizing the snacks, eliciting eye rolls from Raven and Dexter as he commandeered the food. Beside him, Kenny sat, suppressing the urge to smack his friend into better manners.

"Hey, Stan?" Wendy began.

Stan paused his dance, grasping his girlfriend's hand.

"Everything okay, Wendy?" he inquired.

Wendy clasped Stan's hand, leading them to a secluded spot.

"I'm sorry to bring this up... but did you ever tell Kyle? I haven't seen him or Apple yet, and I'm getting worried about them," Wendy expressed, concern etched on her face for their friends' well-being.

Stan didn't know how to respond, how to react. How could he tell her that he didn't have the strength to tell his best friend the truth?

Stan diverted his eyes, lowering his head as he released her hand.

"I... I couldn't...I told him to promise me to not let the darkness overtake him."

Wendy's eyes grew wide with fear.

"Stan... I'm sure Kyle doesn't know what that means!"

Wendy snatched Stan's hand once again.

"Come on. You and I are going to tell him, right now!"

As they made their way across the dance floor, the lights abruptly illuminated the room. Instantly, all focus shifted to a particular couple at the entrance.

***

Once again, they became the center of attention. But this time, Apple stood tall and confident, not a care about the opinions of others.

"Is that Apple White with the new kid?"

They pressed on, the whispers intensifying around them.

"What happened to the new kid? He looks like a freak!"

'They can make fun of us. Mock us. Laugh all they want. Nothing is going to tear me away from my dear prince. He's perfect to me and that's all that matters.'

Daring emerged from the crowd.

"Woo! Go Kyle! That's my girl, Apple!" he cheered, the pride of a brother shining through, unconcerned with the status quo for once.

Raven and Dexter stood up, approaching the prince with enthusiasm.

"I'm so proud of you!" Raven exclaimed, her claps echoing in the room.

"You guys rock!" Dexter chimed in, pumping a fist into the air and nearly losing his glasses.

Kenny leaped onto the table, flashing a double thumbs-up.

"Fuck yeah! That's how it's done!"Kenny shouted, adding his voice as Cartman continued to gorge himself.

"Yeah... whatever they say. I don't really care," Cartman said, rolling his eyes.

***

Wendy and Stan were speechless. With Kyle looking the way he was, does this mean that he overcame the darkness? That he's free to continue living as the hero of his tale?

***

"What in the... What is this?!"

A loud grumble interrupted their friend's compliments.

"You're the leader of the Royals! How can you be dating a Rebel?" Duchess rasped.

Apple didn't let go of Kyle's hand for even a second. She was determined to show Duchess that she had triumphed. No matter what Duchess did, she wouldn't be able to pull Kyle away from her.

"I've opened up my eyes, Duchess."

Apple glanced at Raven, who wore a smile brimming with pride for her.

"Raven was right. I do have the power to choose how I want my happily ever after. And no one is going to take that away from me..." Apple turned her back on Duchess, signaling the end of the conversation as Duchess started to leave.

"Including you."

Duchess huffed and crossed her arms. Apple halted abruptly, her back still turned to the Swan Princess.

"You know, I feel sorry for you. I really do," added Apple.

Apple turned her head slightly, catching sight of her gritting her teeth out of the corner of her eye.

"I understand you're bitter about not getting a happily ever after." Apple turned completely, facing her once more. "But that doesn't give you the excuse to be a bitch about it to everyone. If you want a different end, change it. Otherwise fuck off."

Kenny slammed both his hands together, applauding his friend.

"Holy shit! That's what I'm talking about!" Kenny cheered, pumping his fist in the air.

***

This felt like a dream.

Apple never once let go. Kyle felt like her charm instead of bad luck. Her courage was undeniable as she defended their love before the entire class.

Our hero and his princess are literally unwriting these pages of pre-written destinies and replace them with their own words.

The lights dimmed to darkness, accompanied by a jarring scratch that cut through the silence. Apple and Kyle, caught off guard, separated and looked around, puzzled by the sudden change.

"No need to fret, Ever After High. Let Dj Piper soothe you away with these piping hot beats."

Melody Piper, the daughter of the Pied Piper, points a finger their way.

"This goes out to my new favorite couple. Kyle and Apple, continue rocking our world! "She winked, breaking the silence with lively tunes. Apple couldn't help but giggle, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. Meanwhile, Kyle stood frozen, nervously scratching his neck and clearing his throat, aware that she was anticipating a certain question from her prince.

Kyle held out his hand, gazing into her mesmerizing ocean eyes. The same ocean eyes that he'd fallen for over time.

"Would you like to dance?" Kyle blurted out, immediately wishing he had spoken more slowly.

Apple clasped Kyle's hand, her smile shining brightly as always.

"Of course!"