Royal's Academy: Cinderella

Chapter 5 ~ Meet the Neighbors... Again

The doctor's office wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We went in and waited for what felt like hours. Finally, we were allowed to see a doctor and my foot was x-rayed. The doctor concluded my foot had been severely sprained. He got me a pair of crutches and a boot to wear.

The boot itself wasn't bad it was the itch. I could already feel the urge to scratch my foot but I couldn't. I knew I got the boot off next Friday, meaning the next few weeks would be pure torture. We left and my dad stopped by Wendy's to get me a frosty. Even though I knew Hayley would kill me when I got home. I honestly didn't mean to embarrass her and how was I supposed to know he was in my math class? I decided to focus on the moment which was now, spending time with my dad. Our moment didn't last long though, my dad was called back to work. He was a successful lawyer which while it had it's nice benefits, it also had it's bad side. My dad was almost never home, leaving my stepmother, Brooke, and stepsisters to boss me around.

Sighing as we pulled into the driveway behind Brooke's green Jeep. I attempted to get out of the car and only succeeded with the help of my dad. I hobbled up the porch and waited for him to twist the key in the lock. He entered, holding the door open for me. Next thing I knew was I could smell, expensive but crappy smelling perfume.

Brooke was smothering me in her embrace. It was weird, she treats me like a slave then as a princess. The whole charade was for my dad though, in his eyes I was his princess. So, my stepmother has to keep up the act if she wants to continue being my stepmother. "My goodness, Gabriella, your in crutches." I cringed as she used my real name, I had almost forgotten that it was Gabriella and not Cinderella. 

I was also disgusted by the fake sympathy in her voice, "I just noticed the school called, otherwise I would have picked you up." She explained, releasing her grip on me but keeping a firm hand on my shoulder. It made it very clear, I was to corroborate her story or I would regret it. Fractured foot or not.

"Yeah, the school's nurse told me you didn't pick up. I had become slightly concerned myself, knowing you would always come pick me up." I said letting it be known that it wasn't my own voice. Her grip tightened but loosened when my dad grinned.

I love him and all but he has the thickest skull and he was oblivious. I'm not sure he'd believe me if I told him of my step families evil ways. Not that I have the guts to tell him. "Well, you're homeso all is good. I'll have to go back to work soon but not for 30 minutes." I smiled until I saw the worry on my stepmother's face, "Well honey, we don't want you to lose your job." I looked at her in disgust. She didn't care about my father or his job any fool could see that. Brooke was just worried about all the money she would lose if he became jobless.

Hayley and Penny came tumbling down the stairs, barely able to contain their excitement. Hayley saw me and glared while Penny shyly waved. "Mother, will you tell Penny that she cannot wear my dress to the dance!" Hayley screeched. "No! You said I could choose any dress I want." Penny mentioned.

"Girls, girls. We will be going dress shopping this weekend. There is nothing to worry about. You will both look beautiful at the dance. They huffed and crossed their arms. Brooke forgot my dad was in the room. He coughed, "Oh, when is this dance. I bet Ella would love to go, is she going dress shopping." I heard Hayley whisper to Penny that pigs weren't allowed at the dance.

I spoke up, aware of Brookes watchful eye, "It's next Friday, I was going to go but I already have a dress. I do not wish to accompany them on their trip to the mall, they need mother daughter time." I smiled knowing I had given an answer they would be happy with. He just smiled and nodded then helped me continue to my room. 27 steps later, we had arrived at my room and I sat on my bed.