Crossover II Evalius

Chapter 3 Deceit

Chapter 3

Deceit

    And they lived happily ever after. Aria read this line to herself over and over from her old fairy tale book, Sleeping Beauty. She felt as though she had stared at it all morning. Is this her happily ever after? After slaying the dragon and defeating Myrtle in battle, Aria felt as though she had been ripped off like buying something off an infomercial only to find that the product did not function as well as it appeared on television.

    “Aria?” Elizabeth called. “Are you almost ready? Vanessa should be here any minute now.”

    “I’m coming,” Aria responded as she grabbed her school bag and walked down stairs.

    Sure enough, at that moment the doorbell rang. Aria peered out to window to see Vanessa right outside the front door. She bade her mother farewell and went outside to greet her best friend.

    After the two exchanged greetings, Vanessa asked, “So what was it you wanted to tell me?”

    Aria recalled last night once she got home she sent Vanessa a text saying she had something important she needed to tell her. She then went on to explain everything about the ball and how she could not go to the dance.

    “Wow, that does suck,” Vanessa commented. “Maybe you could ask Derek to take you to the ball instead.”

    Aria sighed as the two continued to walk up the street. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. After all, this ball is about me possibly choosing someone to marry. I don’t want Derek to feel like he has to propose to me or anything.”

    “I thought you said you didn’t have to actually select someone to marry.”

    “I know, but it’s just that the idea of marriage is too much and Derek seems to have a difficult time with commitment. You claim he still likes me but he can’t even bring himself to ask me to the dance.”

    “It seems like he’s not the only one with commitment issues,” Vanessa pointed out.

    Aria sighed. “I suppose you’re right. I guess I just don’t want rush things with Derek. I mean I fell for Edmund way too fast and we both know how that turned out.”

    “That was completely different, Aria. Edmund was just using his charm to manipulate you.” Vanessa paused for a moment then added, “Look, I think you and Derek just need to talk. Just be honest with him.”

    “Yeah, I suppose you’re right,” Aria replied as the two girls arrived at Sheerwood High.

    Aria spotted Derek along with the rest of the popular kids sitting in their usual place, the steps right in front of the school. The moment Derek saw Aria he got up and walked over to her and Vanessa.

    “Hey, what’s up?” He greeted both of them and then looked at Aria. “Um, can I talk to you in private for a second?”

    Aria nodded and Vanessa waved goodbye and headed inside the building.

    Derek fidgeted a bit nervously before saying, “Look, I know this is a little late, but about the Homecoming Dance, I was wondering if…”

    “Derek, wait,” Aria interrupted, holding up her hand. “I’m really sorry. I know you probably wanted to ask me to the dance, but the thing is, I actually can’t go.”

    “Oh.” Derek’s voice seemed disappointed. “You can’t go at all? Why not?”

    Before Aria could stop herself these words came out, “It’s my mother’s birthday that day, and it would really mean a lot to her if I was there. I’m so sorry.”