Author's Notes: My favorite classic Disney movie of all time is definitely Cinderella. I bought it for myself for Christmas and then after watching it decided that I had to write a story. It's all finished on my word document except for some final editing, but I thought I'd post the first half and see what you think. This goes a bit differently than the Disney version, but the basic story is still the same. I really hope you like it. Happy reading!

Once upon a time there lived good man named Kenneth Davidson and his kind wife Irene. They were well respected in the kingdom, but instead of fame they wanted a child. They prayed together every night to have a son or a daughter, but nothing came for a long time. Finally after years of trying and a difficult pregnancy, the couple's prayers were answered when they gave birth to a beautiful daughter named Serena. Unfortunately, Irene got sick soon after giving birth to Serena and died a few months later. Kenneth raised his only daughter as best her could and treated her kindly, but as she grew older he thought it was best for her to have a mother. He set out to marry again and ended up marrying a dignified woman named Beryl McFarland with 2 daughters named Rachel and Anna Claire who were around Serena's age (Rae and Ann for short). All three were beautiful in stature and put on an act in front of Kenneth, but they shared a cold heart and a nasty attitude behind his back. Kenneth treated each of the girls equally and often bought them whatever they wanted. Rae and Ann were greedy about their gifts, but Serena was grateful for whatever she got though she never asked for much. A few years passed and Kenneth suddenly fell ill. He knew he was dying so he called for Serena one last time. She came in the room quietly and sat by his bedside holding his hand.

"My dear Serena," he said smiling at her. "You know I love you so much, sweet princess."

Serena immediately knew where this was going as tears filled her eyes. "I love you too Daddy."

"I don't have much longer to live, but I want you to promise me something."

"Anything Daddy."

"Promise me that no matter what happens you will always remain kind and sweet to whoever you meet. You look so much like your mother and I just pray that you would carry her same spirit full of unending compassion and kindness."

"I promise, Daddy," Serena said with tears coming down her face. "I'm going to miss you." She cried into his chest and he rubbed her back soothingly.

"I'll always be with you in spirit. The angels will take care of you too."

Serena hugged him one last time. "I love you, Daddy," she whispered to him.

"I love you too, sweet…" His breathing got slower and he didn't get to finish his sentence before his heart finally gave up. Serena wept bitterly before delivering the news to her stepfamily.

*******

The funeral was short and sweet. A few people came to remember Kenneth Davidson's goodness and paid their respects as he was buried in the ground next to his wife. Everyone had left, but Serena stayed a while longer to pay proper respect to her parents. She was still crying as she laid the bouquet of roses at the grave. "I love you both so much," she said quietly. "I promise to make you proud." She said a short prayer and stood up to meet her stepmother and stepsisters.

Serena stepped into the carriage where they were waiting impatiently. "It's about time you got here," Rae the older stepsister said.

"Yeah, how long does it take to put some flowers in front of a grave," Ann said. Rae glared at her.

"Well I'm sorry to keep you all waiting," Serena said trying to wipe her tears away. The carriage started moving along the bumpy road.

"Make sure it never happens again," Lady Beryl said with disdain. "And stop that crying."

"Yes, Ma'am," Serena said quietly. She tried to stop crying, but she couldn't help the tears that fell from her eyes.

"Your father was a good man, but he spoiled you too much," Lady Beryl said disgustedly.

"He treated me as equally as Rae and Ann," Serena protested with tears straining her voice.

Lady Beryl smacked Serena across the face. "Do not argue with me! Make sure it never happens again. And as for that crying, when I tell you to do something I expect you to do it. Is that clear?"

Serena simply nodded as she rubbed her cheek and held back her tears. As soon as they got back to their home, Lady Beryl immediately began ordering Serena around. She took away her beautiful clothes and jewelry and gave her a raggedy dress instead. As time went on, Serena was treated like a slave in her own house being constantly mistreated and abused. She was forced to sleep in the attic by the fireplace where she was cleaned the cinders everyday. Her stepsisters constantly tormented her and even gave her the name "Cinderella" because she was often covered with dirt and the cinders that came from the fireplace. Even though Serena was dirty and wore raggedy clothes, Lady Beryl knew that she was more beautiful than her own daughters. Jealousy therefore pushed Beryl to treat her stepdaughter cruelly each and everyday for many years to come.