"You Shall go to the Ball..."

Chapter 2 - "Step Mothers and Step Sisters..."

Chapter 2 - "Step Mothers and Step Sisters..."

Clara's PoV

I made sure all the house was clean and tidy.

Went into town and stocked up on food, bread and drink, then ran home as quickly as possible.

I cleaned the stables and fed my horse, then collected eggs, so I could make an amazing dinner for me and my Dad.

I couldn't wait for him to come home. He had to call and tell me that he had to stay away for an extra 4 weeks which I was sad about. I had already had to spend Christmas alone but having to spend the new year alone was much worse.

Nonetheless he was coming home today, and be promised he had a surprise for me. He said he was bringing someone really important home with him.

I could only dream of what it might be. Maybe another puppy to keep lucky company? Or a new horse for me to feed and train?

But what he bought home with him was more than unwelcome.

'Dad' I said launching myself at his torso and smiled so happy to see him. I clung to him like a little girl would their fathers.

'Hey Clara. I've missed you too' he smirked happily into my back and kissed my forehead.

'Ahem' a voice said from behind him. I was really confused at first, as I let go. And wiped some tears from my face. It was the longest my Dad had ever been away from home, which is what was so shocking.

He never stayed away for too long but agreed that I'm 21 and that I can look after myself easily.

'Yes. Clara. This is Melody. My girlfriend. We met on the road and it was like love at first sight' he smiled, stepping back and helping her out of the car.

'Your girlfriend? I asked completely confused. Why would he need a girlfriend?

'Yes my girlfriend. Melody this is Clara. The daughter I told you about' Dad said, gushing with pride when he looked at me.

'She's so much older than you described her to be. So much more independent' she smiled holding out a hand for me to shake.

Stood in front of me was a woman, about my Dads height, wearing red lipstick and a huge dress that hid her thighs.

She had massive uncontrollably blonde hair, sticking out all over the place, and was connected to my Dads arm. Just the thought of them together made me shudder.

'Won't you come in?' I asked through greeted teeth. I only had to look at her to know who was to blame for this whole mess and it wasn't my Dad. She turned up with her big puffy hair and green eyes, demanding his house and money.

It's the way every fairytale story goes.

- - -

'Oh. This room will be perfect for me to organise all my dresses. So big and spacious' she said as we walked into my bedroom.

'This is Clara's bedroom Melody. But there's two perfectly good bedroom for you to choose from' Dad said leading her away as lucky growled from the bed.

'I know. Strange annoying looking woman. But I'm sure she'll be fine in the end' I said, stroking his ears to calms him down, and followed on.

'This is the biggest room - so your daughters can share this room' Dad said as they wandered the spare room.

'Daughters?' I asked trying to take all this in. This morning I was so excited about my Dad coming home - and now I'm just confused about this whole situation.

'Yes. Melody has two daughters. Amy and Rose wasn't it?'

'Yes. This room will do just nicely for now' she smiled. It wasn't a smile though. It was more of a smirk that I couldn't quite place but knew this woman was bad news. 'Now where will we home the reception? In the garden? I'm thinking by a spring day in April it will be perfect' she smiled.

Oh hell no.

I turned around and went back to my room. Annoyed at this. 'Married? He's marrying the woman?' I snapped in front of the mirror and sat on the desk chair. 'He's replacing you' I sniffed with a tear rolling down my cheeks.

'I'm not replacing anyone Clara' he said when he came in the room as well.

'If that was true - then why are you marrying her?'

'There's comes a time in life where you have to move on Clara. I was on the road and met her. She's a wonderful woman and so are her daughters. Please give them a chance for me?' He begged.

'But Dad. You promised you would always love Mum?' I questioned.

'I do and always will. But I love Melody now and am looking forward to marrying her. I'm also looking very forward to seeing you in the fitting bridesmaid dresses we've picked out?' He said with a raised eyebrow.

'Dave. Where's the ring? You promised the ring' Melody cried, dancing her way into the room and into my life.

'Ah. Yes. I did' he said awkwardly, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck.

'No. Give her the other one. This ones mine' I demanded.

'Please Clara. I did promise and you know what we say about breaking promises?' He said with a raised eyebrow. 'Please just give her a chance?'

I took a deep breath wiping my eyes and looking at my Dad. I knew this was what he wanted so knew I would follow through, and give her a chance for him.

I pulled the silver chain off my neck, and pushed the ring off the chain, placing it in her grubby hands.

'Welcome to the family'

- - -

'Clara what are you doing?' Dad asked, as I started laying the table.

'Well I figured if I'm about to meet my "sisters" then I'd make an effort and cook us all a family dinner. Plus you do get married next month - so we all need to get along and discuss the plans I guess' I responded, placing the cutlery just right and noted my Dads smile.

'I'm glad your willing to try. And I know it isn't ideal for me to be welcoming other people into our home but it's their home now as well' he smiled.

'I know' I nodded, as the doorbell rang. 'There here Dad. Go' I laughed as he ran for the door.

I let Alice finish up the cooking in the kitchen, going to greet my new sisters to be at the door.

They were both pretty strange I had to say. I wasn't exactly looking forward to meeting them.

Stood in the doorway were two girls, one ginger headed and one blonde, stood next to their mother, and they all looked absolutely ridiculous.

There hairs were pulled up into big stringy hair styles, and were wearing more make up than I could even begin to think about owning. I had make up on as well but this was a day of guests so I had to make and effort.

There dresses were so short I could practically see there bum cheeks, and was hoping to write the image of that out of my mind somehow. 'Daddy' the squeaked.

Ugh. They were calling him Daddy. He's not even their biological Dad. They have no right to call him that really.

I swallowed as everyone came through to the kitchen where the table was laid, and motioned for everyone to sit down. 'Girls this is Clara. My daughter' he said as they looked up.

'I thought that she was the maid' the ginger one smirked - of whom I later learned was Amy.

'No that's Clara. The daughter I told you all about?' He asked.

'Huh? Funny? I erased her from my memory the other one - Rose - said.