Echoes of Wonderland

Family dinner

Chloe's POV

As we step outside, we find two men standing in front of the barbecue, chatting and laughing as if they've known each other forever. The smell of grilling meat fills the air, and it feels oddly domestic despite the chaos we've been through.

- Hey, Dad. - I call out, breaking the silence and catching the attention of my father, King Charming. He turns, his face lighting up in a warm smile.

- Ah, Chloe! How was your walk? - He asks.

Before I can respond, a British man with striking black hair turns toward us. His face breaks into a broad grin as he exclaims.

- There's my little pirate girl! - He strides over and wraps Red in a hearty hug.

- Hey, Dad. - Red looks taken aback, awkwardly hugging him back and mumbling.

I watch in shock as Hook—Red's father—greets her. The whole situation feels surreal. Red looks at me with her eyes wide, trying to make this make sense.

- Why are you greeting me like a stranger? - Hook pulls back, still grinning, and comments. - I missed you even if you just went away a few hours, you know.

- Sorry, I just didn't know how to... I missed you too. - Red looks uncomfortable but tries to smooth things over.

Hook chuckles and then turns his attention to me.

- Hey there, Chloe. Nice to see you, mate.

- Hi, Mr. Hook. - I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

- Oh, come on, mate. - Hook laughs lightly and says. - I've known you your whole life. You can call me James.

- Yes, Chloe, he's your godfather after all. It's okay to call him by his first name. - My dad says casually. - We're all family here.

Hook's my godfather?! I think, feeling a mix of disbelief and amazement. This is absolutely crazy, and I never expected this twist. Everything feels so weird right now.
I nod, still trying to process this revelation. Red looks at me, her expression equally stunned. The whole situation feels like it's straight out of a twisted fairy tale, and I'm struggling to wrap my head around it.

---

As we all sit down for dinner, the table is filled with an array of delicious foods: roasted chicken, honey-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, a variety of vegetables, and fresh baked bread. The ambiance is warm and inviting, but my mind is still reeling from the revelations.

My dad is at the head of the table, chatting with my mom on his left and Chad on his right. Red and I take our seats, Red next to me, with me next to Chad and Cinderella next to Bridget, who is seated next to Hook—er, James. The conversation starts to flow, with everyone sharing stories from their high school days. It's nostalgic and sweet, and I can see the fondness in their eyes as they reminisce about how Hook and Bridget's relationship blossomed during Castlecoming, and how my parents found each other at the same dance.

- So, - Chad says with a grin. - Remember when Chloe and Red used to hate each other? Red was always stealing Chloe's toys and pulling her hair. One time, Red convinced Chloe to prank me while I was asleep. They drew a mustache on my face with a Sharpie. I had that thing for days!

- And now look at them. - Cinderella laughs, shaking her head. - They're like sisters.

Red and I exchange a glance. The idea of being like sisters feels off. We know we're much more than that. I can feel Red's hand squeeze mine under the table, a silent show of support. She looks at me, taking a deep breath.

- Actually, - Red says, her voice wavering slightly. - We have a confession to make.

Everyone's attention sharpens as the table falls silent. Red's face turns a bit pink as she starts.