True Heart's Day 2022

The (Im)perfect Date

"I have the most hexcellent idea for our first True Heart's Day together," Apple said, sitting across from Darling at the library. Darling placed her book down. Shannon Tale was the best writer in Ever After, but she could wait. Apple was the most important thing to Darling.

"And what's that?" Darling asked. She folded her arms onto the table, admiring Apple's smile. The two of them had been together since Darling kissed her awake, and she still found a new way to love Apple everyday.

"A picnic!" Apple shouted out excitedly. Then she covered her mouth with her pale hands. "Oops, I didn't mean to spoil the surprise."

Darling laughed. "No, please, tell me everything. I know you love talking about planning things." Darling winked, and Apple smirked back at her. What could she say? She knew her girlfriend rather well.

"Alright, here it is," Apple began, "We will head out of the castle at 5:30, and go to the clearing in the enchanted forest where we first kissed."

"Romantic," Darling said. Apple nodded enthusiastically.

"Very. There, I'll set up a romantic picnic for you, with only the best home-made dishes created by my favorite chefs."

"Will I finally get to try your favorite Apple pie?" Darling asked.

"Of course!" Apple said. "I specifically requested it. And after out picnic, we'll go over to the dragon arena and take a ride."

"This is feeling very nostalgic so far," Darling noted, and she loved it.

"Quit interrupting me!" Apple joked, jabbing Darling in the side with her finger. Darling lurched forward in laughter. She was quite ticklish, and Apple knew it.

"Anyway," Apple said continuing. "Then we'll get dessert at Baskin Robin Hood, and then we'll go to the True Heart's Day charity walk for the No-Spell Peace Organization, then we'll end the night with a romantic stargazing session." Apple finished listing the itinerary, then grinned widely at Darling. "What do you think?"

"It sounds like a lot," Darling said, "but nothing we can't do." She leaned forward and kissed Apple on the lips.

"It's going to be spelltacular!" Apple said. She pushed herself out of her chair. "I'll see you tomorrow night; I have to get everything ready!" Apple skipped away, singing to herself as she did so. Everyone in the library turned to admire her, but she was Darling's girlfriend. Darling smiled to herself as she turned back to her book.

The next day, Apple knocked on Darling's door. Rosabella had already gone out with her brother, who everyone presumed to be Apple's happily ever after. It was all a little complicated, but Darling wouldn't change it for the world. She answered the door to see Apple in simple but sweet outfit, that made her truly look like the fairest of them all.

"I didn't know we were dressing up," Darling said, kissing Apple as she welcomed her in. "You look fairest, love."

"Thank you," Apple said, coming in. "And I'm not dressed up. But can you blame me for wanting to look my best for my beautiful girlfriend?"

"Well, I can't argue with that," Darling said with feigned hubris. She took Apple's hand in hers after stuffing her mirrorphone into her pocket. "Ready to go?"

"Am I ever!" Apple exclaimed. Her eyes were glowing with excitement. Together, they walked through the castle to the main gate.

"Miss White!" The white queen called for Apple as they were about to leave the school. "Wait a moment, please! There's an emergency in the Charmitorium!"

Apple froze, and Darling felt her hand spasm.

"What is it?" Apple asked.

"It's the True Heart's day play that Hopper planned!" The white queen continued. "There's a flock of doves that won't get off the stage. We need someone to send them back home, and we can't find Ashlynn anywhere!"