Cynicalella

4

Grief.

That's all what we felt for the next days. I didn't go outside to play in the fields. All the emotion has been drained out of us. Even the skies seem droopy. It has been raining ever since the day mother left us.

During breakfast, no one tries to talk. At lunch the same thing. During my studies, my tutor didn't push me too hard to study. He knows that I have went through too much at my age. At tea time, I don't do my music and arts. Father doesn't try to teach me either. At dinner, we try to talk but it doesn't go too well. It's mostly how are days have been but it just became dull and grey.

It's as if all the light, happiness and color has been drained from the world. We tried to move on but it took time.

A month has passed and everything seemed to improve.

During our meals, we would try to converse. I played in the field like I used to. It was father who played with me instead. He even tried to braid my hair but it didn't ended up so well.

At tea time, I tried to do my music and arts again. One time, I explored the library at our home and found books to read. Father would read them to me and eventually I started to read them on my own.

Father would constantly go own business trips and I would be left with the maids at home.

Over the years, father and I have grown closer. He would sometimes bring me with him on business trips. It was amazing. The food and places in the different lands I visited. I always bought something to remind me of the wonderful time I had.

I also bought some gifts to give to our maids. Even Snowflake recieved a gift.

When I was ten, I found a mouse that was caught in a mouse trap. I took some of my doll dresses and dressed it up. I gave it some food and cared for it. Everyday, I played with the mouse. After some time, other mice started to appear. I fed and took care of them as well. They kept me company when I was bored.

The year later, as I has feeding the birds, some of them followed me to my room. They soon joined my mice and dog friends. I also gave them food and took care of them. Snowflake didn't really enjoyed their company but he got used to it and started playing with them. I even gave my animal friends names.

The mice and birds were there for me when I needed some help and I was always there for them.

Father continued to treat me like a princess. He brought me gifts from his travels and told me tales from different lands. At tea time, he would listen to me play my music or read a book. Sometimes, he would join in as well. He even tried to paint, he wasn't the best painter but he got better over time. We still both believed in magic as mother has taught us.

My tutor became a close friend of mine. Sometimes, we would play games during our studies or add something silly to make it more interesting. Father would invite him over for lunch or tea. On his birthdays, we would suprise him when he came over and give him splendid gifts. He became part of the family.

On one sunny day, father suggested that we go horse riding. Oh, how much fun it was! We saw places I never found. Every after we go to church, we would ride our horses until dusk.

This was my life until my sixteenth birthday.

On that day, we held a big party. We had the most fun in years. Father gave me a beautiful necklace with my name on it. The maids and my tutor also gave me such wonderful gifts. I couldn't thank them enough. They have done so much for me. During their birthdays, I do the same thing. After the party, I held a small party for my animal friends. I danced until my feet hurt and sang until my throat was sore.

I just had a splendid day.

The next day, during tea time, father seemed nervous. As I read my book aloud for him to hear, I would glance at him and see him fiddling around with his jacket.

Once I was finished reading the chapter, I poured us both a cup of tea.

"Ella, I have been meaning to ask you... About... You see... There is something..." Father stumbled.

I giggled at father's stuttering.

"You're afraid to tell me something, father. What is it? You know I will always be there for you as you were there for me." I assured him.

Father took a deep breath and started explaining.

"There is this old business man that has passed away recently and his widow, Lady Tremaine has been left alone with her two daughters. May I have the permission from you if I could possibly..."

If he was asking me permission for another chance at love then yes but I don't want another mother, more so two step-sisters! My father still has the looks and charms to get any woman but I certainly don't want to be siblings with someone who isn't the same blood as I.

I remembered what my mother has told me. What am I thinking? Why was I being so selfish? This is for father!

I shouldn't have feelings like this!

"Of course, I will let you father. If this will lead to your happiness." I told him.

"Yes! Happiness. Thank you, Ella!" He exclaimed.

He extended out his arms and I gladly accepted it.

"Oh, this will be swell and you'll have a two sisters that will keep you company." He assured.

Step-sisters.

I don't find this pleasing at all.