A Not-So Charming Family [ORIGINAL ✏️]

2. A Not-So Charming Departure

[Dexter]

I watch anxiously out the window, feeling my hands already beginning to tremble. The carriage has just pulled up, and in the midst of the rest of my panic, I haven't even finished packing yet. As quickly as my legs would allow, I scramble to get the rest of my shirts into my luggage and clumsily took my things out of the bathroom. After pushing the remaining items into my other suitcases, I look over at my roommate, Hunter. I was trembling in fear of going back home, and he sensed it. The son of the huntsman gave me a sincere look, as if to say 'Good luck.'

I throw back a small smile. "Thanks. I'll need it..." I say while closing the door behind me.

I make my way to the girls' dormitory, on the other side of Ever After High's large campus. The marble staircase of the Royal Wing clinks beneath my awkwardly sized feet, reminding me that I am getting closer. The familiar sight of my sister's door made my heart warm. Knowing that we were both in the same boat would make the ride so much easier. 

I lightly knock on my Darling's door, expecting her to open it, but the knob doesn't turn. I figure that I should just wait until she's done. She probably hasn't finished packing her knight armor, anyways. About a second later, Daring pops up next to me. He seems to be juggling more than four suitcases at a time.

I sigh at him, a bit of amusement hinting in my actions. Daring never was one to pack light.

"Is Darling still in there?" Daring asks. I nod.

"Yeah, but just give her some time. She's probably—"

His eyebrows furrow in exasperation and he flails his arms into the air like a five year old would. "Time-shmime! We have got to keep on schedule!" He whines, knocking me out of the way as he went for the door.

"But Daring—" I attempt to stop him, while also trying to regain my balance.

"Nonsense! I'm going in there, right now!" He tells me while reaching for the doorknob and pushing it open. Seconds later, I hear a girlish scream, probably from Daring, and a regular one. Oh curses.

What happened this time?

Timidly, I put my hand on the wall, preparing to crack the door open to see what was happening. I never do get to investigate. Daring runs out before I get the chance, his face red and a painting of horror on display. He stumbles to stand up straight and I have to assist him in his failed attempts.

"What happened in there?"

At this, he stiffens, stands up straight and draws in a deep breath. His confidence soon falters and he became a pouting, slouching mess. "I don't want to talk about it." Daring answers with a sob.

"But—" I tried to prod.

"I will not speak of it!" He insists, nearly on the verge of screaming his head off. "It's too . . . awful!"

I sigh audibly, prying my attention away from my brother and giving it to my sister instead. Darling steps out of her dorm, only one suitcase in hand. She waves and throws me a small smile, but later turns to glare at Daring. The look she gave him makes me flinch. It had to be colder than Crystal Winter's ice itself.

"Ready to go?" I ask, hoping to change the subject before a fight broke out.

With a single nod, I grab her suitcase along with my own. Suddenly, she waves her hand, gesturing to her luggage. I hand it to her without hesitation.

"Thanks, Dex, but I can handle one bag." She chuckles softly.

"Well, you're certainly doing a better job at it than Daring." I nod towards him, juggling his multiple suitcases once again.

Maybe I should help him, I thought to myself. Maybe not, though. He might not want my help, I decided against it in the end.

It didn't take us as long as I thought to get downstairs and into the main hallways of the school. As usual, they were buzzing with students both coming and going. Some pairing with friends, helping them drag their bags outside.

Others chatting amongst themselves and savoring their last few moments at Ever After High until fall returns. In the crowd, I spotted Briar clinging to Ashlynn for dear life, as if it were the last time they would ever see each other again. Raven and Maddie on the other hand happily left out of the building, their belongings with them. They must be spending the summer at Raven's castle with her dad.

I looked up at my brother just in time to see his smile fade and turn into a small scowl, watching a head full of golden blonde curls cheerfully bouncing over to him. Apple White, fairest of them all, was making her way over to Daring. Who knows what she might say.

Or do.

"You guys are leaving already?" She questioned, frowning a bit. With only silence, Daring nods. She takes action and tightly wraps her arms around him in a loving—but unwelcome—embrace. Out of reluctance, he chastely hugs her back to the best of his ability. "Make sure to hext me when you get there, okay?"

"Of course, of course. What kind of king would I be if I didn't?" He flashes a smile, clearly forced, to seal his lie. Soon, he wrenches her off and waves goodbye. We go back on our separate way.

The hairs on my neck stood on end when the carriage came into view. So much for being calm, I guess. Slowly, the coachmen stepped out and collected our bags and things, neatly stuffing them in the trunk. Before I knew it, the wheels started to turn, and we headed down the smooth road.

Home sweet home, here I come.

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Hope you guys liked this chapter! In the next one, things start to elevate, and you get to meet their parents!

Until next time my lovelies 💜