Evie's Isle

Good Attention

Mother has a very clear idea of what she wanted for me: A Prince. She knew that these would obviously come at a price, but these were prices she was willing to pay. My clothes were always high fashion, and she would waste no expense. Even my own designs were created with the richest materials on the Isle. That was one of her rules: always look your best. I make sure my makeup was always done correctly and that my clothing was fit for an evil queen. Look fair and fabulous. This rule was a simple rule to follow. If only they were all that easy.
There were many rules that were a lot harder to rule by. Such as the "any attention is good attention" rule. I was only nine when this rule was first stuck into play. I was walking home at night and decided to take one of my shortcuts. A large man ambushed me. He held a clammy hand over my mouth to silence my screams whilst he attempted to paw at my clothes. His movements were sloppy and his breath reeked of alcohol. The same smell of the tavern that Mother would frequent weekly. I suppose it was a lucky think I was wearing my heels to practice walking in this day, as I was able to bite and kick my way free. I lost a show on the escape run home and I realised that one of my sleeves were torn from where he'd grabbed me. I cried as I explained to Mother what it was that had happened, who had wiped away my tears with her red nails to stop me from turning blotchy and scolded me. "There is no such thing as bad attention, Evie. You don't want boys to think of you as picky or else princes will be scared to approach you. Would you have treated a Prince as you did that man tonight? Would you have kicked and bit and declined them? I hope not. You know better."
This was Mother's attitude towards most boys: treat them like royality and they shall do the same in turn.

The next time this ruling was brought into play was when I was thirteen. This time there were more of them, but they were younger than the first man. It was just after school. I'd stayed behind to read science book in piece without judgement. If Mother questioned my late return I'd tell her that there was a sale in a clothing store. I was taking a short cut around the side of the gym when my path was blocked by three of the elder years. Sports students judging by the size of their muscles.
"Hey there," One of them leered at me, something I was used to by now. Mother always reminds me that there is no shame to be had at a boys admiration.
"Sorry boys, not good timing" I try to walk past, thinking that the conversation was over, when one of them grabs my arm and pulls me back.
"Running so soon, little girl?" The second bit (who had grabbed my arm and was now holding it to his chest) teased.
"You don't really think we're done do you?" The third joined in, mockingly stroking my cheek. I fought the urge to also the three of them and run, thinking back to Mother's warning.
"Please, don't do this" What was meant to sound demanding sounded timid and weak. My reasoning failed and they pushed me back into the wall.
"Sorry, princess," The first one spat at me. "We'll be making the requests here. Not you."
I struggled against their grips, fighting to get away. But everytime I got one of them off of me the other two held on tighter. They tore my top few buttons of my shirt open: just enough to reveal my blue pushup bra that Mother had made me wear. Two of them held my arms whilst the other attacked my screaming mouth with his tongue. I squirmed uncomfortably against their grips, feeling the tears till down my cheek as I took in where this was inevitably going. Suddenly they stopped, all terrified and ran. I immediately spat out his taste onto the floor. It didn't work. I kept in spitting until my mouth was dry.
"Hey, are you okay?" As I look up I realise why they'd ran off. Mal, daughter of Maleficent, was running towards me. I knew who she was. Everyone did. It's hard to forget the fierce purple haired girl with the Dragon for a mother. Maleficent was legendary: even Mother idolized her. But Mal didn't seem scary. Her eyes were laced with genuine concern. "You're alright now, I think I scared them off. Did you know them?"
I was still shaking from the trauma I had faced and the sobs that kept arising. All I could do was muster a mild shake of my head.
"Right, well I'll walk you back to your house in case they return. What's your name Blue?"
"Evie" I smiled gratefully.
"Evie... Wicked. Well, I'm M-"
"Mal. I know you: Everyone knows you" I say, trying to not sound like a massive fangirl.
"Fame isn't all its cracked up to be." Mal muttered, before walking me home. My shirt was ruined, so Mal lent me her purple leather jacket she was wearing to help make me look more decent. It looked odd matched with my blue hair, but I did feel more concealed. It was nice. She also made pleasant small talk. I told her about my secret love of chemistry and clothes design and she told me about her art. We walked past one of her graffiti works. She's really talented.
When we got to my house, I handed her the jacket and thanked her. We agreed to become friends, since we both realised we could do with a friend on this Isle. I smiled as she walked off, but that smile soon faded into a frown as I realised I had to face Mother.
"EVIE! You're all blotchy! You look a mess, you stupid child. I spend good money on the best makeup on the Isle and you insist on crying it all off. What in Hades' name were you crying about?" After I explained my attack, she sighed heavily and sat me down. "I thought we'd been over this before: clearly you've forgotten. How hard is it to remember? Don't struggle and they won't be violent. You've only yourself to blame. Any other princess would know how to please her subjects. Maybe they wouldn't feel the need to grab you if you made them realise you were untouchable. That'll be because of the weight you've put on recently. I've been far too relaxed with you, you insipid fool. Go and clean yourself up. No tea for you tonight. Mother's little diet is back in progress starting now." And with that she sent me to my room. I gained a lot of self hatred that day... But I also gained a friend.