When Will My Life Begin

Chapter XV: Rapunzel Knows Best

Rapunzel and Eugene set up a bonfire to settle in for the night. Eugene had a huge scar on his palm, and Rapunzel was wrapping it with her hair. 

Eugene was a bit hesitant at first, but then trusted her and Rapunzel began to sing.

"Flower, gleam and glow. Let your power shine. Make the clock reverse, and bring back what once was mine, what once was mine."

Rapunzel's hair began to glow bright yellow, as the power seeped into Eugene's flesh, closing up his wound.

Eugene was amazed, and they began telling stories to each other. Gothel was watching from a distance with the two thieves, and Rapunzel and Flynn having to tell each other stories and making eyes at each other made her skin crawl. Maybe the Slave was right. 

"What is it with teens having this lovey thing? Its so disgusting." Gothel tried not to gag.

Eugene needed to get more wood for the fire, so he left Rapunzel there. It was time for Gothel to get her out of there.

"Well! I thought he'd never leave."

"Mother?"

"Hello, dear." Gothel took off her hood. She always looked intimidating to anyone. Even her sisters think so when she's mad.

"But I-I don't, how did you find me?"

"Oh, it was easy, really. I just listened to the sound of complete and utter betrayal and followed that."

Rapunzel sighed. "Mother-"

"We're going home, Rapunzel. Now." Gothel grabbed her arm, but Rapunzel didn't want to and pulled back.

"You don't understand! I've been on this incredible journey and I've seen and learnt so much, I even met someone." Rapunzel was referring to Eugene.

"Yes! The wanted thief, I'm so proud! Come on, Rapunzel." Gothel grabbed her arm again, but Rapunzel pulled back again.

"Mother, wait! I think-"

"I think he likes me."

"Likes you? Please Rapunzel, that's demented!" 

"But mother, I-"

"This is why you never should've left! Dear, this whole romance that you've invented just proves you're too naive to be here." Gothel would do anything to get her back to the tower, so she made Rapunzel second-guess herself.

"Why would he like you? Come on now, really? Look at you! You think that he's impressed?"

"Don't be a dummy! Come with mummy. Mother-"

"No!" Rapunzel finally exclaimed, standing up for herself to convince her "mother" as she calls her.

"No? Oh. I see how it is!" As always, Gothel always finds a way to get her things her way.

"Rapunzel knows best. Rapunzel's so mature now! Such a clever grown-up-miss!"

"Rapunzel knows best. Fine, if you're so sure now! Go ahead and give him this!"Gothel whipped out the satchel with the crown inside it. Rapunzel was shocked. She didn't think she will find it ever!

"How did you?-"

"This is why he's here! Don't let him deceive you! Give it to him, watch, you'll see!"

"I will!"

"Trust me, my dear!" Gothel snapped her fingers. "That's how fast he'll leave you!"

"I wont say I told you so-no! Rapunzel knows best! So, if he's such a dreamboat, go and put him to the test!"

"Mother, wait!"

"If he's lying, don't come crying! Mother knows best!" Gothel whipped her cloak, disappearing in the fog. Gothel and the thieves watched Rapunzel and Flynn talk from a distance, where they couldn't see them.

"Patience, boys. All good things come to those who wait."