Star-Crossed

ch.4

She emerged, shining like the sun. She was exactly Taffyta's height; same dirty haired racer. Her smile dwarfed the Sun's energy, making her the center of the universe. She wore proper racing gear, a mint green jacket with short sleeves. Her right sleeve was properly patched with her name and a legitimate Sugar Rush logo. Her curvy figure eagerly paced all the way across the field of rumbling cars. She was the epitome of joy, and the whole crowed cheered for their president. Her black silk hair gleamed and her pony tail flicked back and forth as she gazed around at the audience. She laughed and clapped her hands together and held them there.

"Let's race!" She yelled as all the racers amongst her quickly prepared to get into their car. Taffyta was the only one to remain motionless, her lollypop still firm in her mouth. She held her glare in Ralph's direction. Vanellope smiled and quickly began to head to her race car, her sights in Ralph's general direction. She quickly glanced at Tafftyta.

"Taffyta, you ready?" Vanellope said sweetly before she suddenly caught eyes with Ralph and took a double take.

The whole audience froze. Everyone went silent with mumblers and mutterings. Taffyta inhaled a deep breath and exhaled sharply, still glaring in Ralph's direction. Everyone was solid. The air became thick with tension, with remembering. Ralph felt as if he was about to pass out.

"Vanellope," Taffyta sharply, yet softly said with caution.

Ralph was frozen solid as him and Vanellope locked eyes. Ralph felt no matter what was to come of this situation, his heart would not stop pounding. He shook in his spot, feeling extremely overwhelmed. The palpable tension and misunderstanding hung in the air like monstrous thunderheads. Before Ralph could remind himself to breathe, he noticed Vanellope's tall figure slowly begin to step across the race tracks in his direction. Ralph braced himself; he didn't know what to expect. Violence? Friendship? Vanellope's shocked facial expression was impossible to read past initial surprise. Ralph swallowed hard and kept his eyes on Vanellope like his life depended on it. The crowd gasped and mumbled as Vanellope quickened her pace, weaving her way around her racers' large race cars. Taffyta called after her in a protective manner; she yanked the lollypop from her mouth and place her hand on her hip.

Just as Vanellope was mere yards away from Ralph, he swallowed hard and nervously gave her his usual, gapped tooth smile. He couldn't find words, he didn't think words were appropriate. Vanellope, without a single hesitation, dove into Ralph's arms, slapping her arms fully around his neck. Ralph jolted and shut his eyes with shock. He quickly, yet gently, wrapped his hands around her as best as he possibly could. She hugged him as tight as she could, not daring to let him go. Ralph shut his eyes tight and pushed his face into her shoulder. He held onto her unfamiliar, taller, more mature body. He knew she had changed a lot, but actually holding the finished product was a whole other venture for his jumbled thoughts.

"Ralph," She sighed in disbelief into his shoulder, holding him tighter. She gently pulled away after a few moments. She gazed up into Ralph's eyes, her piercing hazel eyes happy and tearful. She gently slid her hands into his as best as she could.

"I thought I lost you," Ralph breathed shakily as he blinked back tears. He stared into her womanly face, her features more mature and beautiful. Her hair was longer, and the top of her head was level with Ralph's upper chest. He could hardly believe he was in front of Vanellope in this moment. Both suddenly became lost in wonder and confusion, mixed with glee and hurt. Vanellope wrinkled her nose like always and shook her head slightly. She opened her mouth to speak but was quickly cut off by Rancis.