After the Stroke of Twelve (A Cinderella Story)

Just a Housemaid

"Mommy! Mommy come look what I found!" I run up to my mother with my hands claps together, so I can hide what I have. She turns around with a smile on her face, tucking her black hair behind her ears she bends down so we're face to face.

"What is it darling? What did you find?" I open my hand and show her the green lizard crawling inside. My mom holds her hands out for the lizard to crawl on. "He's beautiful. Where did you find him?"

"Over by the tree! He was just crawling around, and he looks so cute. Can I keep him mom?!"

My mother laughs and shakes her head no. Putting on my best puppy eyes and pout I try to convince her otherwise. My mother just laughs, "Nice try darling but the answer is still no. But that doesn't mean you can't still see your friend. Here."

She takes my lizard and walks over to our small garden. I follow her and watch as she places him on one of the leaves. "See Mr. Lizard will be right here whenever you need him."

"Steve. His name is Steve." I'm still not happy that my mom won't let me keep him in the house. I turn around, crossing my arms to sulk, still hoping she'll change her mind just to make me happy. Mom turns to me and pulls me for a hug.

"I know you really wanted to keep the liza- I mean Steve, but he doesn't belong in the house. Everything in our home is so big. He could get hurt. You don't want to hurt Steve, do you?" Sighing I shake my head no. She squeezes me and gives me a kiss on my cheek.

"Where are my two beautiful ladies?!"

"Daddy! We're back here, in the backyard near the garden! Mommy let me go!"

"Haha, Ok, ok." Once she releases me I run and jump into my father's arms. He lifts me up, twirling me twice before setting on his lap. "How's my baby girl?"

"Dad, I'm going to be six tomorrow! I'm not a baby anymore." My dad lets out a booming laugh.

"You're right, you're right. So, I guess a big girl such as yourself doesn't need any presents!"

"Hahahaha! Dad! No-hahahah. Stop! That tickles." My dad has pinned me down and is mercilessly tickling me. "Mommy! Mommy help-hahaha. Help." Rather than helping me, my mom decides to join in on the fun. My dad grabs us both and pulls us on top of his chest, hugging us close he whispers into my hair, "I love you my April shower. Never forget that...."

-Beep Beep Beep Beep-

"No, mom, dad. No more tickles. I can't-"

"April where are you! Our breakfast isn't on the table!"

"Ah!" And I'm on the floor great. I guess it's for the best, oh I'm going to be late! Pulling myself up from the side of my bed, I rush around, accidently stubbing my toe trying to put on my shirt.

"OH MOTHER OF THE- Where's my bag and my notebook, textbooks.....what am I missing?!"

"APRIL! WHERE IS OUR BREAKFAST!" I skid to a stop.

"My chores! Nonononono! Ashley is not going to be pleased. I'M COMING!" I check really quick to make sure I have everything set for school then rush down stairs. I come face to face with a very unhappy Ashley in her bathrobe with her morning face mask on.

"Where have you been! It's six in the morning, there is no breakfast on the table and the house is a mess." She throws her arms up and I glance at the perfectly clean house that I scrubbed top to bottom two days before.

"I- I was studying for a test last night and ended up going to sleep super late so I-"

"A stupid test is the reason why me and my two beautiful daughters are currently starving to death?"