Pigtails, Horse Tails and Fairy Tales

EDWARD

Who would not know me? I'm the charming prince ladies swoon over. I'm even fondly called as Prince Charming. But I would just like to make it clear that I am Ella's Prince Charming. I am different from Snow White's and Sleeping Beauty's Prince Charming. We are three different princes.

As much as I want to be called as the charming prince, I do have a name, people!

Most of you think I fell in love with her during the dance - that short but blissful dance.

The truth is I fell in love with her long before that day.

I met her on the same day Rosie, my horse, was born. I never wanted to leave her. I didn't know why I had to face those people for lunch anyway. It was father's business, not mine. Rosie needed me more that day.

But mother forced me to face them. She said I should show sympathy to them because the noble man lost a wife and girl almost my age lost a mother. I felt pity, alright; I knew it would be devastating if my mother or my father died, but not even my deepest condolences would bring her mother back, right?

I was really in a bad mood that day. All I was thinking about was Rosie and her smooth silky black tail.

I didn't bother look at the man and his daughter as they entered the dining room. I just crossed my arms. I wanted to show my mother that I was seriously mad. I heard mother and father greeting and welcoming them. Mother looked at me and sternly ordered me to do the same thing they did.

"Can I go to my horse now?" I asked mother after following her orders.

"Of course not, you're supposed to have lunch with us," she said softly but firmly.

"But ... my horse's tail is-- "

I wanted to say more but mother's eyes grew bigger and looked really scary. I guess I had no other choice but to finish this lunch with them.

I had to calm myself as I took my seat. As soon as this was over, I would immediately run to Rosie.

I caught her staring at me. I look at her and I almost burst into laughter. Her hair was horrific. She had this unbalanced pigtails and there were even a few strands falling, but she looked really cute. I had to look away; mother would definitely punish me if I couldn't control my laughter.

Good thing the hors d'oeuvre was served. I hope I could shift my attention to the food. I saw her get bruschetta and canapés. She did not get escargot. I smiled. Maybe she didn't know how to eat it. I'll show her.

I took as many snails as I could. Watch how skillful I am, girl! Those snails were quite delicious.

Father started conversation with the guest. I heard him give his condolences. Mother also said she was sorry for their loss. Their conversation shifted to business after. I didn't really care about it, so I just stared at the funny girl. She looked delighted looking and eating the different dishes. She had gorgeous big blue eyes. She looked overjoyed by the sight of the food. I found her fascinating and adorable. I guess she was more adorable than Rosie. Oh Rosie, how could I suddenly forget about Rosie? I wouldn't trade her for Rosie. Horses are better; girls are strange.

I glanced at her again. Her eyes seemed sad. She was now just staring at her food and I think she was about to cry. See ... girls are really outlandish. I'd stick with my horses. They are more predictable. She caught me looking at her. I panicked. I looked away immediately.

After the meal, father and the noble man were already shaking hands on some business deal. I saw the girl's face looked so worried while they were talking about different places her father would be going. I felt bad for her. She was too young to be left by her father.