Heart of Glass

V

The next morning, Red wakes up after Chloe, having slept through Chloe's alarm. "Morning, sleepyhead," Chloe says with a giggle. "What time is it?" Red asks. "Almost 7:30," Chloe says simply. "Why didn't you get me up when you got up?" Red asks. "I thought I'd be nice and let you get some extra sleep," Chloe says, tossing Red her usual outfit. "Thanks, I think. I'm gonna get ready. See you in a few minutes," Red says, heading to the bathroom to get ready for the day. After about fifteen minutes, Red leaves the bathroom and joins Chloe on her way to class. "So, do you want to try going to the Enchanted Lake again after class today?" Chloe asks. "Sure. Maybe we can actually have a picnic this time," Red says. "That sounds nice, princess," Chloe replies.

After class, Red and Chloe return to their dorm to get ready for their date, since Red suggested dressing up nicely. She took a card from the deck in her pocket, visualizing the bathroom door in front of her, then the door to her bedroom in her mother's castle, then throws the card at the door. She opens the door and steps through, which Chloe notices, barely managing to keep the door from closing with her foot. "Chloe, what are you doing?" Red asks as Chloe enters the room behind her. "I might ask you the same question, Red," Chloe replies. "I'm looking for something to wear. My wardrobe is much different than it was before, and I want to surprise you with an outfit. Don't worry, I'll come back to our dorm when I'm done," Red says. "Okay. See you in a bit then," Chloe replies, returning to their dorm, closing the door behind her. Red finds a nice and simple knee-length red dress to wear, puts it on, then uses the same card to return to the dorm. She sees Chloe wearing a pretty blue gown, and she stops to admire her. "Red, you look great," Chloe says. "So do you, Chlo," Red replies, blushing slightly. "Aww," Chloe says, and Red gives her a questioning look. "You're blushing. It makes you look cute," she says. "Oh. Thanks," Red replies simply. She grabs the picnic basket and links her arm with Chloe's, and they head to the Enchanted Lake.

Once they arrive at the Enchanted Lake, Red sets up the picnic blanket and sits down, patting the ground beside her, inviting Chloe to join her. She sits down beside Red and takes a pair of sandwiches out of the picnic basket, handing one of them to Red. She studies the sandwich for a moment, then takes a bite. "What do you think?" Chloe asks. "It's kinda plain, if I'm honest," Red replies. "Well, it is just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They're kind of plain by design. I couldn't think of anything else to bring other than some sweets that I wanted you to try," Chloe admits. "I like the simplicity of the sandwich, but now I want to see these sweets you want me to try," Red says, taking another bite of her sandwich. Chloe takes a bag containing a chocolate covered strawberry out of the basket and hands it to Red. "What is this?" She asks. "It's a strawberry covered with chocolate," Chloe replies, and Red opens the bag, takes the strawberry out of it, and takes a bite. Her eyes widen as she lets out a soft groan, enjoying the taste. "This is really good!" She says. "I know. It's one of the queen's favorites, actually," Chloe says. "Really?" Red asks, and Chloe nods. "I met her once, not long after she became queen. I remember her telling me that as I could accomplish anything if I put my mind to it," she says. "That's pretty good advice. By the way, I heard that she's the daughter of Maleficent and Hades," Red says. "That's because she is their daughter. It took a bit of time, but the citizens grew to appreciate the fact that their queen is from the Isle of the Lost," Chloe explains. "Cool. I should really pay more attention in history," Red says, making Chloe laugh. "What's so funny, Blue?" She asks. "Princess, I have a hard time paying attention in history. The teacher's voice will actually put me to sleep if I'm not careful," Chloe replies. Red finishes the chocolate covered strawberry, licking the remnants of chocolate off of her fingers. "That was really good. I can see why it's one of Queen Mal's favorites," Red says.

The girls return to their dorm after agreeing that Red shouldn't try too many new foods at one time, in case she has allergies she doesn't know about. Red makes a mental note to bring up the subject with her mom on parent's day. "Can I ask you something personal?" Chloe asks her. "Uh, sure," Red replies uncertainly. "You don't have to answer it if it makes you uncomfortable, okay?" Chloe says reassuringly. "Yeah. So, what's your question?" Red asks. "Why don't you eat much at lunch or dinner? Or breakfast, for that matter?" Chloe asks. "Well... when I was about thirteen, my mom - the evil version - didn't let me eat much of anything. She wanted me to look skinny and proper. Actually, I think a better way to put it is that she wanted me to look perfect. After a few months, I just sort of got used to it," Red says. "That explains why you practically devoured the sandwich earlier, once you finished the strawberry," Chloe says, and Red blushes. "Sorry. I completely forgot my manners back there," she says. "Don't worry about it. I could tell that you were really hungry. Would you be open to trying to eat more if we take it slow?" Chloe asks. "Sure. If you don't mind me asking, when did you first realize that you were falling in love with me?" Red asks curiously. "Honestly, I think it was when I decided to help you keep the cookbook away from Uliana and her gang," Chloe replies. "Well, I'm going to get ready for bed. See you in a few," Red says, heading to the bathroom to take a shower. Chloe grabs a book that she's been reading and opens it to the page where she left off. After taking her shower, Red heads to her room in Wonderland, puts on a set of pajamas, and starts looking through her wardrobe. She finds a few sets of pajamas and some outfits, both casual and formal, and returns to the dorm. "Hey boo. Whatcha reading?" She asks, making Chloe jump in surprise. "I didn't hear you come in," she says, marking her place in her book. "Sorry, just curious," Red says. "That's okay, princess. I see you raided your wardrobe in Wonderland," Chloe says. "Yeah. I thought it would be nice to have some extra stuff to wear, so I got some stuff from home," Red explains. "I see. Well, now it's my turn to get ready for bed," Chloe says. Once both of them get into their beds, Red turns off the lights. "Good night, boo," Red says. "Good night, princess," Chloe replies, and it isn't long before they both fall asleep.

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Enjoy! Until next time!