The Space Between: Beginnings

9. After School

Chad led Evie to the bleachers and asked her, "Is everyone at home as pretty as you?"

Evie giggled and said, "I'd like to think I'm fairest of them all. How many rooms do you have in your castle?"

"Too many to count," Chad replied, leaning back.

Evie smiled and pouted, as if for a kiss. Chad said, "You really nailed that chemistry problem today. You're gonna have all the nerds in love with you."

"I'm not that smart," Evie said, blushing. "No, really, I'm not. But I'm great at cooking and sewing and cleaning. You know, like your mother Cinderella, but without the ragged dress."

Chad laughed. Evie took her mirror out of her bag and whispered, "See this? If I ask you or this anything, it tells me."

"Are you kidding me?" Chad asked incredulously.

"No," Evie replied with a smile as Chad snatched the mirror from her and asked, "Where's my cellphone?"

There was no answer. Evie pointed out, "It won't work for you, silly."

"No biggie. My dad'll just give me another one," Chad shrugged.

"Prince Charming...and I'm Cinderella," Evie said dreamily.  "And Fairy Godmother...hey, I heard her wand's in some museum. Do they always leave it there?"

Chad took Evie's hands in his and leaned in before turning away and sighing, "Uh, I'd really like to talk. But I'm swamped. Unless...I mean, if you could knock out all my homework along with yours, then maybe we could get together sometime?"

"Yeah, sure," Evie replied.

"Thanks. Bye."

Evie waved at Chad as he left. Just as she turned to go, however, she heard someone say, "Couldn't help but overhear."

It was that bespectacled boy from class again. Evie asked him, "Are you stalking me?"

"Technically, yes. But I do have a fascination with Fairy Godmother's wand. That's another reason I look forward to the coronation. Maybe we could sit together. Discuss it's attributes," the boy said, slightly tense.

"Are you saying it's used in the coronation?" Evie asked.

"Um, yes. And asking you out."

Evie giggled at that comment before turning around and leaving. Just then, Rain turned the corner, with Carlos beside her. She smiled and said, "Hi, Doug. What's up? You look like a lovesick puppy."

"Who knows. Maybe I am," Doug sighed. "Not all of us are lucky enough to snag the good looking ones, you know."

"Who are you talking about?" Rain asked.

"Tip. He's definitely head over heels in love with you," Doug pointed out.

"See? I told you, didn't I? Carlos grinned."

"So I should let him ask me out. Is that what you're saying?" Rain pointed out.

"Um, he merely implied it. You inferred it," Doug replied.

"So it's two against one then?" Rain sighed. "Okay then. Let's see. Oh and Doug, don't lose hope. Evie will see the light eventually. And it probably won't take that long. Trust me."
***
The next morning, Rain entered Remedial Goodness, only to be accosted by Carlos as he asked, "So, did he ask you?"

"Well, yeah. Technically. I'm supposed to have coffee with him Friday evening," Rain sighed.

"You know what this means, right?" Evie asked, squealing.