Ella's Story

Chapter 7

Word Count: 800

Filler/transitory chapter 

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I wake up early and excited. Today's the day of the ball! My excitement fades slightly when I remember that I'll have to prepare by stepfamily before I can get myself ready.

I put on a blue flowery dress from Ash's collection and tie a band of extra dark blue fabric into a bow around my waist, just above my white apron. I twist my long hair into a bun and put a fabric cap over it. I look at myself and the mirror and give myself a bright smile before running upstairs to get breakfast ready

I spend the entire day preparing, adjusting, and modifying what seems like insignificant details on Anna, Annie, and Mistress Amaya's dresses and makeup.

I redo each persons makeup at least three times before they deem it acceptable. Their eyes are decked out in rhinestones and bright colors meant to compliment each other and look elegant.

I have no clue how I'm supposed to do this on myself, let alone in time for the ball.

We take a short break for lunch. Then it's back to preparing the girls.

Once they are satisfied "for now" Mistress Amaya takes the girls in their large ballgown and teaches them how to walk down the stairs gracefully, without clicking their tall heels. Not tall enough to be taller than the prince though, that would be an embarrassment.

"Imagine, a girl taller than the prince! The embarassment!"

I am in the living room totally not eavesdropping on every word she's saying.

"Again!"

Anna and Annie walk down the stairs and around the parlor for a little bit. As they pass I notice that they are at eye level with me. I don't have any shoes on, they have these massive high heels meant to impress, and I'm still only just taller than them.

I slouch down, trying to cave in on myself.

I wonder if I could just go to the ball barefoot. That way there's none of the annoying clicking that Mistress keeps shouting about, and I'll be shorter.

Which do I want, feeling bad about my height for the entire night, or feeling confident in heels.

"Come along girls, it's time for dinner, Elli—Cinderella!" Mistress Amaya shouts.

"Here Mistress."

"Our supper," She commands.

"Right away mistress."

After they finish eating, "Not too much, otherwise you'll look fat" they return to their room to touch up their makeup and place any imaginary finishing touches. After that they gossip in the living room. This gives me time to get myself ready.

I do my makeup first. It's nowhere near as elaborate as my stepfamily's, but it will have to suffice because I'm running out of time for my dress.

I end up with a simple pink lip, big lashes, light eyeshadow, and a simple black eyeliner. I borrow some of Anna's clip on earrings, and Annie's old pearl necklace to wear.

I run downstairs and hurriedly change. It takes me way too long to tie the corset on myself. I stuff the top of it and put on a long necked shirt over. I then attempt to put on a cage, then the petticoat layers. Then the soft, silky, pink, hand embroidered petticoat.

I put on the pink jacket with short puffed sleeves. Then I spend several minutes pinning on little strips of lacing and bows to both the jacket and gown.

It's irrational the amount of pride I hold for this dress. I've spent countless hours embroidering the daisies that trail up to my waist. The corset pulls in my torso and gives me the curves I wish I had. Stuffing my chest with the shirt on top ties all of the white into the dress and gives me the side silhouette that I want.

I untwist my hair and pull half of it back with a few bejeweled clips that I borrowed from Anna's room. For my finishing tough I add the jewelry and take a step back to look at myself.

I have to force my tears back from falling. I look so beautiful! I've never looked more like myself. It send shivers down my spine with joy.

I spin around and I love the feeling of nothing around my legs. Not trousers, not even a skirt. The cage keeps the petticoats away from my legs.

I slide my feet into some worn and slightly yellowed white shoes that Ash gave me.

I turn around and face the stairs. Suddenly sick with worry about what my stepfamily's reaction will be. Will they be okay with it? Will they hate me? Will they forbid me from going?

Thoughts swirl in my head. I look over at my mirror one more time. My appearance gives me the confidence I need to walk up the first few steps...then the questions send me down them again.

I do this little dance a few more times.

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I'm back Angels! 

Motivation struck and this book is the lucky winner! I'm gonna try to finish it within the next few weeks, bug me about it until I do okay? 

Have a wonderful time reading folks <3