Fate's Identity

Chapter 22 (Part II)

Down to number fifteen: clean the windows.

I think I will just leave the others to clean their own windows in their room. It might be the best for a lot of reasons.

Simon instructed me to clean the windows on the outside as well.

I wipe off the sweat on my face and sigh. Grabbing the handle of the bucket that has everything I need to clean the windows, I begin with the outer side of the windows. I set the handle down by the very first window I came across. The one in the living room. I pick up the spray and spray it around the glass and its frame.

I pick up the rag tucked in my pocket and shake it to make sure nothing was on it before I begin scrubbing the window. One swipe, I can see my own reflection. I look at how dirty I was. My hair was a mess. My outfit practically was soaked in bleach. Maybe I am Cinderella.

"Cinderella! Cinderella! Cinderella!" I mimic Cinderella's stepsisters with a whiny and squeaky voice.

I turn to the side as if I was looking at them. "Yes," I play innocently.

I shift my head the other way to face Cinderella. I pointed at her as if she was there. "Go mop the floor. Do our laundry. Get me rag. Clean the windows. Wash the dishes."

"But—" I said in between.

"No buts!" I wag my hand at my own reflection. "Just do it."

I sniff, pouting my lips. "Oh, okay," I reply. I walk in place, imagining myself walking to my room. I rest my elbow on the edge of the brick wall, admiring myself as I let out a breath. I peer through the window, seeing the clock. 4:56. I sigh heavily and hopelessly. "Oh, how am I ever going to go to the ball now?" I said, partly acting but my tone was genuine.

How am I going to be ready for my date?

Liam will be disappointed, and I cannot bare to see the look in his eyes once he finds out. Ugh! Disappointment. I hate that word so much. No. I actually hate the word Expectation. I wish everyone will stop having high expectations about me every once in a while. I feel so pressure.

My eyelids close, and out of nowhere, I hear someone ask, "Do you need help, Cinderella?"

My eyes shot open, and through the window, I see Liam's reflection behind me. I turn around, revealing my dirty and disgusting face. "Liam?!" I exclaim. "What are you doing here? Our date is in an hour."

He chuckles lightly, taking a step closer to where I can feel his body heat. "I can ask you the same thing. And what? I can't see you before our date? We're not getting married."

Married?!

I scoff lightly, shaking my head. Why does he have to say that now? I hold onto my other arm and dig my nails into my skin, smiling at him. However, he can see my nervousness. "Married?! No! I, uh, I look very nasty and dirty from doing chores."

"You still look adorable," he said pinching my cheeks.

I blush hard. I just pass nervousness. Now, I am feel like I am suffocating. It was either too hot or it was just him. I touch my skin, feeling it damp and cool. Yeah, it's probably him.

"Now tell me," he begins. "Either you are really one of a kind because you're not up in your room, getting ready, or you're not going on our date."

I frown, sighing heavily through my nose. His eyes begin to show disappointment, making my stomach feel queasy. I explain, "I'm sorry, but Simon gave me a list of chores to do, and I have to finish them before he and Sofia come home. By this rate, I don't think I'll be able to take a break."