Story of a Girl (Chapter 3)

Four years later...

“Girls, are you almost ready?” the Queen called up the staircase. There was no response and she sighed in exasperation. “The guests will be arriving soon!”

“One moment, Mother!” Cat replied. She turned back to Adelle. “Which colour matches my gown better?” she asked, holding up to shades of eye shadow. Adelle tried not to roll her eyes.

“That one,” she said, pointing randomly. Cat nodded in agreement and turned back to the mirror. “See you down there, Cat.”

Adelle closed the door quietly behind her and walked to the end of the long hallway, reaching the stairs to the attic. Although she knew it was a silly idea, as her dress would probably get dirty or torn, she kicked off her shoes and started to climb anyway.

Once up there, she instantly felt at home. She looked around the room with excitement, as if it was the first time she had seen it, despite the fact that she had been there many times before. The first thing she picked up, as always, was the dusty old photo album.

It was filled with black and white pictures of her and her sister at various royal functions. Tonight would be the first real ball she had ever attended. She looked down at the exquisite purple dress that adorned her, and felt so fake. She hated wearing dresses, but was obligated to do so as a princess. She couldn't wait for the whole thing to be over so that her sister could become queen and everyone would forget about Adelle, the 'other princess'.

“Adelle, are you up there?” her mother called, startling her.

“Yes, Mother.”

“Come down immediately, foolish girl! Your dress will get filthy! Sometimes I wonder about you, I honestly do...” she muttered angrily under her breath. Adelle climbed down the stairs bitterly. “Now put your shoes back on, you look like nobody owns you, not like a proper princess!”

“Well I'm sorry to disappoint, Mother Dearest, but maybe I'm not the proper princess you always wanted me to be!” Adelle snapped. She picked up her shoes and stormed off in tears.

“Don't cry! You'll wreck your make-up! Your face will go all blotchy!” she heard her mother calling out behind her.

Adelle went straight to her garden and sat amongst her flowers, sobbing. She was trying so hard to get herself back under control that she didn't even notice Tim sitting beside her.

“What's wrong, my angel?” he asked quietly, embracing her.

“It's just...mother...” she said, breathing shallowly. “She expects me to be perfect like Cat, but I'm not. And she never lets me forget what a disappointment I am to her.”

“Shh...you aren't a disappointment to anyone. Catalina pales in comparison to your natural beauty, inside and out. I love you, Adelle...you are perfect.”

Tim kissed Adelle and for a moment, she forgot about everything else in the world. The gentle moonlight accentuated her beauty and Tim couldn't help but admire her after they had broken the embrace.

“Tim…we...we can't...” she managed finally.

“Why not, Adelle? We're so in love - I know you feel the same way about me. Tonight is the ball for your coming of age, where Catalina will be recognized as the next queen. We can run away tomorrow at first light! This kingdom doesn't need you anymore, but I do. Come with me, Adelle...”