Just a quick note: all of the characters that will be written in throughout the story will be OC's, unless referenced otherwise. For example, the character of Josephine is an original character of mine, but Sierra Boggess, who will be referenced in the story by Rachel, is a real person (she is a stage actress, and was the original Ariel on Broadway). Also, in my story, Brody was never with Cassandra. That piece of plot made me really angry and just should never have happened. Remember to review. Thanks and enjoy.

Chapter One

Josephine Lore was more than used to responding to a name that was not hers – by now, she responded to it more than her actual name. Although it was the middle of November, it was still warm enough outside where she didn't find herself shivering while in her costume all day along. A little girl, who must have been about four, tugged on the skirt of her long, blue dress. This was one of the few times that she actually wore a dress – her other costume was much more recognizable, but also kept her in one place; almost as if she were on display. Josephine turned around to see the girl standing there, red autograph book in hand. She was dressed in a Disney Store classic – that little girls' dress that was light purple on top, and came down in a swirl of an aqua blue skirt. Her fair, mousy hair poked out of a silver, plastic crown, and her little feet were adorned with tiny, plastic, light-up heels. She smiled in a daze of genuine happiness when she saw Josephine turn around for her; the little girl caught her breath, looked up at Josephine, and asked:

"Ariel?"

At first sight of the little girl, Josephine got down on her knees and smiled.

"Why, hello there, sweetheart," she responded. "What's your name?"

"Lily," said the girl.

"Lily? Oh, what a pretty name! Are you have a nice time today? Have you been on any rides?"

Lily shook her head, and replied: "I wanted to see you first. You're my favorite princess in the whole world!" And she wrapped her little arms around her, consuming the older girl in a huge, whole-hearted hug.

It was moments like these when Josephine remembered why she loved her job.

"I love you, Ariel," Lily peeped.

"I love you too, Lily," Josephine answered. "I love you, too."

"Hey! Rachel! Wait up!"

Brody rushed to catch up with Rachel as she crossed forty-seventh, making her way out of the Theatre District. She could have just as easily jumped on the subway to make her way back to Bushwick, where her and Kurt's apartment was, but even though mid-November, it was such a nice day. Regardless of the weather, Rachel loved walking through the Theatre District, especially now. It was around five-thirty on a Wednesday, and Rachel's last class of the day was just getting out – this was perfect timing because Broadway matinees were just getting out as well. As Brody caught up to Rachel, they chatted about NYADA and Broadway and other things while both of them were preoccupied by what was playing out in front of them – theaters all around them, each with a stage door propped open, each with the actors and actresses from their respective Broadway shows scribbling their autographs on playbills and taking pictures with fans…

"Did you ever do that?" Rachel asked Brody. "I mean, when you were in Wicked, did you ever stage door?"

"Yeah, every chance I got!" He proclaimed. "But I was just in the ensemble, it's not like anyone was rushing to get my autograph or anything…"

"I would have," she smiled at me. "What was it like? To stage door?"

"Beautiful," Brody grinned sincerely. "One of the best experiences of my life. That'll be you, soon, too."

"I don't know…I'm only a freshman, and – "

"It'll happen, Rach," he told her. "Sooner or later – most likely, sooner – it'll happen. Hey, I remembered what I wanted to tell you in the first place!"

"What?" Rachel asked.

"I signed up for a master class in SoHo. There was an extra spot open, so I took that one too. I thought…maybe…if you weren't busy…"

"Yeah, I'd love to do that!" She answered excitedly. "Who's teaching?"

"Some new director I've never heard of," he said. "Her name's Rosalind Holloway – sounds fancy, huh? I don't know anything about her, other than she's taking over some up-coming show. But I think she's affiliated with Disney."

"Why do you think that?"

"Because Sierra Boggess is teaching it with her, and – "

"Sierra Boggess?" She exclaimed, nearly jumping up and down right there on the street. "We're going to take a class with…Sierra Boggess?"

"You like her?"

"Like her? She's one of my idols! I mean, she's not up there with Barbra or Patti or Bernadette or anything, but she's in the same league as Idina and Lea and Jennifer and Sutton and – "

"Okay, I got it," Brody was laughing. "Stop yourself before somebody gets hurt!"

"Okay, okay…" Rachel smiled and hit Brody playfully on the shoulder. "But…Sierra! Oh, my God, Sierra!"

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes played drawly over the speakers at Cinderella's Royal Table, a go-to restaurant in Fantasyland. Josephine had just enough time to change out of her costume and loose the princess-voice before meeting her boyfriend, Kyle, after work for dinner. Whenever she worked late, Ariel was one of the princesses who hung around at Cinderella's Royal Table, and talked to families while they dined – luckily, Josephine was off-work tonight, so she didn't have to worry about that. It was almost a relief to be here on her own time, abandoning the red wig and folded hands, letting her long blonde hair down and feeling free to bite her nails if she so pleased. She looked to the girls who were still in character as their princesses around her – namely, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Mulan. The girls looked at her and gave her supporting looks. Tonight was Josephina's twenty-fifth birthday – tonight, she was expecting something. Kyle made his way into the restaurant, and they found their table easily, since she had spent so much time here.

"Josie," said Kyle, after their meal was finished and they walked under the star-speckled, Florida sky. "I've got to tell you something."

Tell me? Josephina thought, her whole being turning to butterflies. Or…ask me?

"Yes…"

"Jo," he addressed her, squeezing her hand. "We've been together for almost five years now. And, I love you – I love you so, much…"

"And…?"

"And…I think it's better if we start seeing other people."

Josephina's jaw dropped in complete shock and horror.

"You're…you're breaking up with me? I thought…I thought…" but she stopped herself and held back both her words and her tears. "But…why?"

"Honestly," Kyle stated. "It's your work, Josie – you're never around anymore, I hardly even see you! You said this job was only temporary – it's like you love Mickey Mouse more then you love me! I can't do this any more, Jo. I'm sick of it. I love you, and I'm sorry, but I'm done."

And, as he left her, Josephine fell to her knees, and cried.