𝓕𝓻𝓸𝔃𝓮𝓷 𝓗𝓾𝓮 [Slow Updates]

Speed Dating

Mal and Evie found themselves at their lockers, school books crammed into the confined spaces. A thick tension hung between them, their lack of communication since Evie's missed chance with the unnamed princess was palpable. Breaking the silence, Evie reached out to her best friend, her touch a plea for reconciliation.

"Mal, hey," she began, her voice gentle. Mal, however, seemed determined to ignore her, slamming her locker shut without a word. Evie's patience reached its limit. "Mal, come on. This is getting ridiculous."

Mal turned her glare toward Evie, her frustration evident. "Oh? I'm the ridiculous one here? You're the one who botched your chance, E! Our attempt to steal the wand failed, so now I'm just trying to help one of us achieve our parent's dream. But you're my best friend, and naturally, I'm putting you first. You wanted to bring back a prince or princess for your mother, right? Hate to break it to you, E, but you're not holding up your end of the bargain," Mal whispered with simmering anger, careful to keep their exchange private from the other students in the hallway. "Royalty isn't my dream, E, it's yours. I shouldn't be the one struggling to make this work."

Evie was taken aback, her usual confidence faltering in the face of Mal's frustration. "Mal, I'm really sorry. I just..." She struggled to find words, her confusion mirroring her actions during her conversation with the enigmatic princess.

"I shouldn't have yelled. I know you're nervous about something. That's not like you. What's going on?" Mal's exhaustion was palpable as she sighed heavily. Evie slumped against her locker, feeling defeated.

"I honestly don't know. It's as if, when I try to speak to her, my mind goes blank, and I get chills. It's like she's peering into your soul, you know? And that simple feeling just paralyzes me. Ugh," Evie lamented, her frustration growing evident. She thumped her head against the locker door, but Mal intervened before she could do herself harm.

"Relax, E." Mal's laughter eased the tension. 

Evie let out an exasperated groan and embraced her friend in a hug of frustration. "What's happening to me?" she murmured in exasperation.

"I don't know, but whatever it is, remember we're here for you, okay?" Mal comforted Evie, her fingers threading through the blue-haired girl's locks. "Just don't take too long. We won't be at this school forever. When opportunity knocks again, don't hesitate." She playfully poked Evie's cheek.

"I promise I'll find a way to approach her again," Evie vowed, offering Mal a tentative smile as she pulled away from the hug.

"And if you're considering keeping your options open, you better hurry up and start speed dating," Mal teased, earning a playful slap from Evie.

Suddenly, Evie realized she might be running late for her next class due to her classroom's inconvenient location on the opposite side of the school. "I've got to go, M. See you later," she rushed out, offering a hurried wave before dashing off. In her haste, she collided with Prince Chad Charming, locking eyes with him for a brief moment before hurrying away again, unaware of Prince Ben, Princess Audrey, and the unnamed princess who followed Chad.

"Those kids are nothing but trouble," Chad grumbled, earning a pointed look from Ben.

"Come on, Chad. Give them a chance," Ben countered, hoping to sway his friend's perspective. Chad crossed his arms, remaining unconvinced.

Audrey chimed in, echoing Chad's sentiment. "Sorry, Bennybear, but sometimes you're just too trusting. Sure, your mom fell for a monstrous beast who turned out to be a prince. But in my mom's case, the evil fairy was just... well, evil. That girl's mother." she gestured towards Mal, who gave her a sidelong glance. Ben sighed, disheartened by their skepticism.