Midnight Beauty || #Wattys2016 #OnceUponNow

One - Midnight

You normally wouldn't pay much attention to a few wrinkles here and there because it's what to be expected when turning older.

Unless you're only a teenager.

And if you're Esmeralda.

Then maybe you do freak out a little.

"I mean it can't be anything bad...right? I'm not that old...I think? Wait how old am I.... Actually you know what, it's maybe just stress. Yeah, just stress because of classes. Totally normal."

"But wouldn't you get those wrinkles on your forehead or something instead of your hands..?"

"For crying out loud Wesley! Not helping here!" Esmeralda throws her arms up in the air in frustration.

"Wait and you said they only appear 'at midnight'..so how am I supposed to believe you? I mean, it honestly sounds like a fairy tale joke, so I might as well be a ninja turtle." He laughs at himself, flicking away a fake tear.

"Why do I even bother talking to you about my problems?" She questions.

"And the ninja turtles aren't related to a fairy tale, you goof! Anyway, where's Bea when you need her?" She pulls out her phone and begins searching through her contacts for "Buzz".

Wesley lets out a short laugh and scoots over. "C'mon Esme. That joke was pretty good. And besides, you wanted honesty right? Well here it is! The awesome and uncensored Wesley." He puts his arm around her and lays his head on hers. "And don't you remember that Bea was 'studying'?"

"More like partying without me. And yes- I do appreciate your honesty but not when it's about things as serious as this! And does the censored Wesley come with better humor? I'm basically turning into a grandma for goodness sake." Wesley tenses up at the mention of "grandma" and Esme notices her mistake. She puts her phone away and swivels her body around to look at Wesley who's now staring at the night sky.

"I'm sorry..it just..slipped out." She nervously creates circles with her index finger on her leg and remembers the reason why that word is not to be said. His grandmother had lost her husband to a house robbery that happened years ago. Since he grew up with his grandparents, it was hard for him to see his grandmother so distraught and alone. She would describe how much she loved her husband and how much it broke her heart to have lost her true love- her soulmate. Or at least that's what Wesley told Esmeralda. Esme has never actually met the grandma that is not to be mentioned and she's honestly curious to hear more about her. But of course, she knows better than to upset Wesley.

He releases a small sigh and turns his head over to Esmeralda who's still making circles. Shaking his head he says, "It's all right. You didn't mean to. Much forgiveness is given to you." He pats her head and smirks as he looks at her from the side. Gets her every time.

Esme scoffs, "OK Mister, you're no king you know. Just because you do that smirk thing and side-stare doesn't mean anything!" Esme swipes his hand away and nudges him playfully, lifting the tense atmosphere. She leaps out into the playground and jokes, "You're the jester if anything."

"Oh the jester? Really now?" He gets off the bench and slowly approaches Esme, teasing her as he says, "Guess I'll have to get you for that one."