Cinder-Canary

Getting Ready for the Ball

            Over the coming days Madison, Maureen, and their mother are worse than usual, just insufferable. The night before the ball I finally fall into my old chair in the attic, picking up the old fabric I'd been mending and altering. I'd become a quite adept seamstress over the years. It was how my own old rags still fit me, although they were full of patches.

I didn't realize how long I'd been working until the sun shone through my windows and I blinked in surprise at the sounds of bells tinkling like mad.

"OH NO!" I dropped my project onto the bed and bolted down the stairs, "OH NO OH NO OH NO." I quickly put together a breakfast, and as luck would have it the water is still warm enough for tea. Perfect, won't be burning hot at least. Can't be yelled at for that.

"SARA!" I heard the scream come from upstairs and winced, "I'm coming." I called out as I ran up the stairs.

To my surprise I find them all together, their costumes laid out and ready to put on after they were primped and dolled up for the ball. "What?" I didn't get to ask my question and they waved off the breakfast.

"What are you thinking you stupid girl, no time for breakfast, we need to get Maureen and Madison ready for the ball to impress the Prince and the royal family." Their mother said hotly.

"I apologize Madame." I set it down to the side and step forward to help them get ready, repressing a sigh.

It takes hours to scrub them clean, curl and perfect their hair, paint their faces with makeup and get them into their costumes.

They had chosen to have dresses, ball gown dresses really, for their costumes. They didn't fit the warrior theme, but I suppose not everyone would. Finally, they were ready, and with a small amount of time to spare. Moving fast I rushed up to my dingy attic and pulled on the black costume dress I had been reconstructing.

Not bothering to do anything else besides brush my hair out I fly down the steps, pausing when I see them standing there staring at me coming down.

"Madame!" I greet, out of breath. "I was wondering, since all my chores are finished, if perhaps I could come to the ball as well. It was addressed for everyone to attend after all." I ask, and seeing a flash of something in her eyes I am hopeful that she will be kinder than she usually is.

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