Cinderella: A Fractured Fairytale

Fifty-Seven

Ana's POV

Chapter 57

***

I sighed for the umpteenth time and glanced over at Ella. "What are we even supposed to be doing?"

"Maybe you should ask Eric." she replied. "He's the one who knows Ethan best."

I turned to Eric. "Are we going to be sitting here all day?"

His expression was blank and he looked at me. "....What?"

"I said, are we going to be sitting here all day?"

He jumped. "Uhhh...."

"What are we supposed to be doing?" I asked, exasperated.

He flinched, looking hurt. Had I been too snappish?

"Sorry," I apologized, glancing away. "I just... I'm confused and tired and I don't know what's going on and now we're just sitting here doing nothing."

Phillip shifted, looking bored.

He's even handsome when he's bored.....

I had been thinking along that thought track all day.

Eric cleared his throat to get my attention, and I looked back at him. His eyes were dull. "If you like, you can help me.... er, you can help me fetch more water."

I sighed and stood. "Sure."

Phillip shifted again. His blue eyes stared at nothing.

It was way too hot. Wasn't it supposed to be spring? Why had we skipped straight to summer?

Eric beckoned me to follow him, and I trailed after him reluctantly, carrying a bucket.

He bit his lip, then spoke softly. "I... I think you're very beautiful."

"Oh. Thank you," I replied, puzzled.

Was he trying to take me off guard and flatter me so I wouldn't be suspicious of him?

He met my eyes with his green ones. "I'm sorry for startling you as you woke. I... wasn't thinking."

"That's okay," I said automatically. We reached the river, and I caught him staring sideways at me. He looked away quickly.

I sighed again and focused on getting water.

Just ignore it and maybe it will go away.