Authors note: they are older now. Ponch is 18.
"We got two invitations to the Grand Ball tonight. Princess Jasmine has to find a husband. Here's yours Grossie. And here's yours Bear," Getraer said.
"What about me? Did I get an invitation to the ball?" Ponch asked hoping he did. Getraer pretended like he cared, he half hugged Ponch.
"I'm so sorry, Poncherello...but people like you don't get to go to the ball. I mean look at you, you're short and your clothes are dirty, and ripped."
"Well, I'm sure I could get something," Ponch replied. Not only was it a Ball, it was a costume party.
"Poncherello, you seriously think the princess will even look at you when she sees my sons? You might as well stay home. Besides, if you wanted to wear something to the Ball, you'd never make enough money to get it in time for tonight," Getraer said with and evil smile. When he saw the look of disappointment on Ponch's face he laughed.
"Don't be upset, Poncherello. I never would've let you go even if you got an invitation. I don't want people to see you with me and my family in public; you're an embarrassment to me," Getraer said.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, step father," Ponch said sadly. Grossie laughed.
"Did you hear the news, Bear? Poncherello thought he was gonna get to go to the ball," he said laughing still. Bear started to laugh too.
"Poncherello, you're so dumb. If you went to the Ball no one would notice! You're so ugly they'd all ignore you," Bear said and he and Grossie found that hilarious.
"Boys, that's enough! Let's go get ready for the ball tonight," Getraer said. Ponch still looked sad.
"I'm not ugly," he said quietly. Getraer over heard him, he put an arm around him.
"Poncherello you just don't get it do you? No one will ever fall in love with you it's just as simple as that. You're not good enough for the ladies in this kingdom, that's why its best for you to stay here. Is that ok with you?"
"I guess if you say so, step father."
"By the way, the kitchen is a mess go clean it," Getraer said, then walked up the stairs to get ready.
"Why am I treated so badly? This is not fair. Well, I guess if life were fair there'd be no Getraer. Oh what am I saying? I'm grateful he's letting me stay here, but does he really have to treat me like this? I guess I should go get that kitchen cleaned up," Ponch talked to himself.