I kept trying to add in a separation sequence to the story last time but it wouldn't work. Sorry about that! It must have been confusing. I'll try this time to make it work. Anyways, to the story! Annnnd, I don't own the characters blah blah blah.
Bloom's party is tonight. See how I said Bloom's party instead of Alfea's? Everyone knows Miss Faragonda would do anything for her favourite fairy. No one threw me a party after my disastrous princess ball. Not that I wanted one. Risk being turned into a toad again? I prefer my normal state, thank you.
Stella trailed her fingers along the coloured fabric residing inside of her closet with her head tilted slightly. Normally, she would ask Bloom for advice on a dress or even Flora, even though Flora always went for the flower print. But today she decided to make the decision herself. It was time Stella began making choices for herself instead of relying on her friends and more importantly, Bloom.
A single finger curled around the hanger of a ruffled dress with multiple coloured layers before throwing it onto the bed. The blonde princess crinkled her nose, analyzing each detail of the dress. Even when you don't feel the best, you must try to look your best. That was Stella's motto.
"You'll do." A dim smile managed to curve her lips skyward as she ambled toward the mirror, running her fingers through the roots of her hair.
Brandon was in no mood for a dance. The whole charade with Sky had driven him to a loss of sleep and a lack of control over his frustration. Riven and Timmy both advised Brandon to step back from the situation until he was more capable of damage control. Backing down was not the brunet's style, not when it concerned his best friend but it seemed he had no choice.
"Hey, Brandon… maybe you should talk to Stella about this. You did always say she was your light." Timmy fiddled with his glasses due to a nervous habit, swaying slightly in his computer chair from across the room.
"She's too busy with her own drama." Brandon grimaced. His hands were folded behind his head as he laid on the single mattress, gazing at the ceiling. There was more to the issue than he was leading on.
Brandon had been spending a lot of his time at Cloud Tower since the incident at Eraklyon. There was a suspicion that black magic was involved and Cloud Tower was the ideal place to go for answers. That wasn't the problem. The witches were a bit too fond of Brandon and one or two may have been helping him in his search. And one may have been too touchy…
"Brandon… Stella lost her title of Princess of Solaria and her father is bewitched by his soon to be wife. You could be a bit more sympathetic." Timmy's voice barely came out in a whisper but surely, his good friend heard it.
"Okay." Brandon expelled a loud breath, pressing his palms against the bed to bring his body into a seating position. Timmy was right. Brandon needed to be there for his girlfriend instead of sulking. "So, I guess I should get something ready for tonight." He smiled at his geeky friend, suddenly feeling much better than he had in the entire week.
"The party is starting! Let's go, let's go, let's goooo!" Chatta bounced on Flora's shoulder as the Winx did a last touch up of makeup or hair.
"Chatta, settle down! No one is even outside yet!" Tune shook her head in annoyance as Musa reached to pat her bonded pixies head. "Chill out, Tune. She's just excited."
"Has anyone seen Stella?" Amore was quiet as usual but Stella's behaviour was worrying and Amore wished more than anything to see her fairy sincerely smile.
The room went silent as everyone turned their gaze to the divider between Bloom and Flora's room and Stella's.
Layla decided to be the brave one and took a couple of steps toward Stella's chamber, before coiling her fingers and knocking lightly on the door. "Stel? We're all leaving for the party. You coming?"
Amore pressed her small hands together with a sad expression playing on her face as Lockette gave her an encouraging smile.
"Carry on without me! I'll be down in a couple of minutes." Stella replied from behind the door.
"You sure? We can wait." Bloom pushed on.
"No, I insist! Go on." Stella's voice rang a bit harsher.
"Okay, come on girls." Flora sighed gently, ushering her friends outside of the apartment type of setting. She knew Stella was spiralling and it hurt to know they were useless in this battle.
The Winx girls along with their pixies all felt a heavy weight on their chest for Stella. They continued down the hall in silence until music erupted from around them. The party had officially started and nothing could make the girls smile, like a good song.
"I love this song!" Musa tugged on Layla's hand, drawing her down the hall faster as the girls laughed contently.
Amore decided to hang back and wait for Stella. With little effort, she managed to open the door and slip inside of the Solarian princess's space. What she saw was not the prettiest sight. Stella sat on the ground in the middle of the room, tears spilling down her pale cheeks as she clutched her phone tightly.
"Stella! What's wrong!" Amore almost burst out crying herself as she took a seat on Stella's thigh, resting her tiny palm over Stella's shaking hands. It took only a small amount of effort and magic to send her message of love to the blonde fairy's heart. It seemed to ease Stella a bit who began stuttering out a reply.
"Brandon… He doesn't love me.. Why would anyone love me? My own father picked Cassandra over me! Bloom thinks she has it bad?" A humorless laugh raised from her throat before she continued. "Brandon found out that Sky is only under Valtor's control. He still loves Bloom. But Brandon? He has no time for me because he's too busy with some witch at Cloud Tower!"
"Oh no, Stella. I'm sorry." Amore was now unable to conceal the water that threatened to spill as she raised to press a kiss to Stella's cheek. "Did you talk to Brandon? I was sure he loved you."
"I was sent some photos, Amore. That's proof enough." Stella stiffened before climbing up to her feet and dusting off the gorgeous dress she had on. "I am not going to allow him or anyone to ruin tonight. I am going to enjoy myself." A forced grin fixed upon her glossed lips as Amore frowned slightly. "Okay, Stella. I'll be with you the entire time."
"And I love you for that, Amore."
Valtor crossed his arms over his chest, watching a certain blonde fairy through the projection over a waterfall. Bloom, he needed her for personal reasons. But this one, she had slowly been catching his attention. It was not darkness that had been consuming her but misery. He could work with a fairy like that.
Stella, you may be the final piece to my checkmate.
Wooo. This was a bit longer. Hope you enjoyed. Feedback is always welcomed! You guys will think you have an idea where this story is going, but trust me, you have no idea. And neither do I! Haha!