Two Worlds, Two Girls, Two Problems (book one)

Mist: Aubrey

She smiled gently. Her pink eyes looked at the gold swirls swirling around the hall. The emptiness began to retreat and become pure hope. As if on cue, dawn broke out in the sky. The gold swirls seeped into Aubrey's body. Warmth slowly began to shine on her as Cinderella stepped back and held hands with her prince. Aubrey settled her head onto Peter's shoulder. He smelled of honey and chamomile. The gold swirls faded, and Aubrey went on her two feet without pain. She could feel her toes again. The warmth in her shoes she had once taken for granted.

She smiled at Peter who pulled her in. Their lips met and all Aubrey could hear was the thumping of her heart. The crowd cheered and applauded. The barrier at the entrance shattered into a million roses. The shattered glass recollected itself and wedged each shard back in its place at the window with a flick of Aubrey's hand. Her magic was back. And she knew it by heart.

Aubrey heard a grunt from the other side of the hall. She advanced toward her, with Peter close behind. The crowd parted as Aubrey neared. Each person bowed as she passed them

Tabitha was curled into a ball. The position looked familiar. And then it hit her. It was the same position Aubrey did when she felt like she was useless. Aubrey bent over and held out her hand to her sister.

Cinderella came next to Aubrey and they both recited the words that the fairy godmother had said,"Everyone deserves a happy ending." Aubrey held hands with Cinderella. "Even you." Aubrey held out her hand to her sister.

Tabitha looked up at Aubrey. She looked away. But relentlessly took her hand. Aubrey pulled her sister up. They both looked each other in the eye. Both able to understand each other's feelings.

"I'm sorry." Tabitha said, ever so quietly. Aubrey felt a quirk of awkwardness. It was the first time Tabitha had said those words with a meaning.

"You don't have to be. After all, you have Austin." Aubrey smiled. Austin came in and hugged her from behind.

"Don't ever do that again, Tabby." Austin whispered.

Tabitha's faces melted from the state of shock to hope. "I won't. I promise that I won't ever do that again."

Aubrey smiled. Who knew her sister would find a happy ending.

Austin let her go and Tabitha walked to Aubrey. The sunlight was now streaming through the colored glass windows, creating a colorful glow across the room. Warmth spread throughout the crowd. And they both outstretched their arms to give each other their first ever 'sister hug'.