Descendants: The rise of red

Do you want to come to the dance with me?

"My mother, during the welcoming ceremony, briefly told me that she and Bridgette had a quarrel because of a prank. However, I thought your mother was the one responsible," she explained, as they reached Bridgette and Ella. "Wait, is that why you ratted her out to Principal Uma?" Red, with a flash of understanding, connected the dots. "Well, that's water under the bridge now." The two approached their friends.
"How's Morgana? I feel guilty... I'm going to apologize to her now," Bridgette said, trying to leave the area, but Red stopped her. "It's her own fault; she had it coming," Ella intervened, explaining to Chloe and Red. "She enjoys bullying us."
"Ella, it was truly incredible," Charming interrupted with pleasant surprise as he approached. "You girls defeated Morgana, something no one has ever done before," he said, smiling as he adjusted the strap of his backpack. "This makes you braver than me, and I'm a prince... although I don't like to boast about my title," he admitted with false modesty. "And yet you always find a way," Ella pointed out.
"You're the new ones, right? Charming, nice to meet you, the charming one," he introduced himself. "That's debatable," Ella added. A nostalgic smile appeared on Chloe's face; in those two boys, she saw many behaviors her parents still exhibited as adults.
"You've arrived just in time because it's Castle-Coming week," the prince announced. "This ball is an old and rather snobbish tradition," Ella continued.
"By the way, Bridgette, I wanted to ask you..." Charming began, as Ella looked at Red and Chloe with concern. "Would you like to go to the ball with me?" he continued.
Bridgette started stammering, aware of Ella's interest in Charming, but one thing Bridgette couldn't do was say no. "Um... let's say I'll let you know," she replied, seeking approval from her friends. "Okay, I'll wait for your answer," Charming said before skating away.
Chloe, visibly agitated, stopped and turned abruptly toward Bridgette, her eyes filled with anger. "I can't believe you didn't immediately say no to Charming!" she exclaimed, her voice rising. "Ella is your friend! You know how much she likes Charming, and you're considering going to the ball with him? Are you serious?"
Bridgette, surprised by the intensity of Chloe's reaction, stammered a response. "I didn't want to... I didn't mean to... I just wanted to think about it..."
"Think about it?!" Chloe interrupted, incredulous. "There's nothing to think about! Ella is your best friend and you can't do this to her. It's a matter of loyalty!" Chloe crossed her arms, her face flushed with frustration.
Red tried to calm the situation, stepping between Chloe and Bridgette. "Hey, calm down, Chloe. Nothing has happened yet. Bridgette is just trying to figure out how to say no politely."
But Chloe wasn't ready to calm down. "That's not the point, Red! The point is that Bridgette should have already said no! If she really cares about Ella, there's no choice to make!"
Ella, who had been watching the scene in silence, finally intervened. "Chloe, it's fine. If Bridgette wants to go to the ball with Charming, she's free to do so; I wasn't planning on going anyway. I won't squeeze myself into an expensive dress and uncomfortable shoes." Her voice was calm, but her eyes betrayed a deep disappointment.
Chloe, still furious, shook her head. "I don't understand how you can be so calm, Ella. You two are meant to be together." Ella couldn't comprehend Chloe's statement.
Bridgette, feeling overwhelmed, lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry, Ella," she murmured. "I don't want to hurt you; you're my best friend. I'll tell Charming... that I can't go to the ball with him."
Chloe nodded, but her face remained tense. "Good," she said, calmer but still visibly angry. "Ella, come to the Castle-Coming with me? I'd rather go with you than any random guy," Bridgette proposed.
With a final stern look, Chloe walked away, leaving the other girls in an awkward silence. Red and Ella exchanged a glance, while Bridgette shouted excitedly about the news that she would go to the ball with someone truly important to her. Ella gave her a weak smile; she had accepted, but she hadn't forgotten. She tried to ease the tension.
"Don't worry too much," Ella said in a compassionate tone. "I know you're doing this for me, and I appreciate it. If Charming can't notice how I feel about him, then he's not the right one; it's certainly not Bridgette's fault." she said, approaching Chloe.
"Ella, you don't understand. If you and the prince don't go to the ball together, you won't fall in love, and I won't..." Ella looked at Chloe, confused. "Nothing, forget it," Chloe rethought, avoiding revealing a secret that could cause even more trouble.
"We need to find dresses right away; we only have two days left," Bridgette said, approaching Red. "I can't, I have to go home, maybe later..." Ella responded, smiling. "Okay!" Bridgette rushed to hug her, then headed up the stairs towards her room. "I'll find the perfect dress," she sang happily.
"I'd better go home," Ella said as she left the group.