Cinderella

Escape to the Outdoors

The road was bumpy beneath the taxi as the three boys rode to the castle. Remus wore a black, sparkly, and poofy top with black pants and a black belt. A lime green sash ran across his chest and matching green and silver was sprinkled throughout the outfit. Janus, on the other hand, wore a black capelet outlined in yellow with various gold buttons and chains decorating the top. Gray pants covered his legs and matching yellow gloves were on his hands. To top it all off, he had on his usual black hat.

In contrast, Virgil looked a bit rugged. He wore a slightly ripped purple shirt underneath his favorite purple and black patchwork hoodie with white stitches. Skinny jeans were worn on the bottom half of his body, and around his neck were his large black headphones. On his hands were the black fingerless gloves he had spotted at the general store about a year ago. They complimented his black nail polish (which he had applied only the day before), and his overall outfit.

The car pulled up a parking lot and stopped in a space. "This is as far as I can drive you, you'll have to walk the rest of the way," the driver told them. "Thank you," Janus told them, dropping some money into her hand before the three of them climbed out. 

"Woah," Virgil breathed, staring up at the gigantic white castle. "Beautiful, isn't it? I guess it's good you came with us after all," Remus teased. "Oh shut up or I'll climb right back into that taxi," the emo threatened. In response, the other two laughed and the trio began walking up to the castle gates.

A long line crawled along the sidewalk and around a bend or two, much to their dismay. However it seemed to be shortening fast, so in the meantime, they talked amongst themselves. At the gates were some metal detectors and other safety features, but once they were beyond that, it was amazing. Crowds packed the courtyard, and music rang out from inside the castle. 

"Come on!" Remus begged, snatching Janus' hand. He pulled his boyfriend along and Virgil quickly followed, almost getting left behind.

The inside of the castle was very tall, that's for sure. In one corner, a band played music and along a different wall, food tables lined the sides. People in gowns, suits, and fancy outfits danced and interacted throughout the room. The most noticeable thing, though, were the thrones. Two large thrones graced a raised part of the floor, seating two men in crowns. King Logan and King Patton. Next to those, to the right, was an empty throne. That must be where Prince Roman sits, Virgil thought, recalling the young prince. I wonder why it's empty.

Soon Virgil was pulled out of his thoughts when he realized he was alone. Where did Janus and Remus go? A bit panicked, he stood on his tiptoes, scanning what he could see of the crowd for the couple. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't on the tall side, so his view was obstructed. He pulled out his phone and texted both of them, but they didn't respond. Why did I come to this party? Virgil's throat began constricting and he breathed, counting like Janus had taught him years ago. His anxiety was taking over, now he was feeling claustrophobic from so many people being near him despite the room being so big. Breathe.

Virgil looked around and spotted a doorway by the throne. Outside. He rushed towards the exit, longing for the clear, cool air of the outdoors. Finally, after a minute of weaving through people, he burst into the night. He looked around, admiring what looked to be a garden. A small pond sat among short, cleanly cut grass and stone paths. Next to it, Virgil spotted a bench. There. He walked towards it, more calm now that no one was around. I guess I'll wait here until the party is over, then I'll try to find them. 

What he didn't know was there was someone there. Someone who had spotted the purple and black flash of clothing, captivated by their complexion. Who had followed him out and watched quietly as Virgil sat down at the bench, sighing. "Didn't like the party?"