Galinda's Beginning
Galinda Arduenna Uplands of the Upper Uplands (not Lower, for god's sake) was upset, and she made sure Mommy knew it.
"But I don't see why we can't all wear the same dress as Lorien!" She cried, stamping her foot. "It's not like we're babies. We're already seven years old!"
Her mother sighed in mixed exasperation and amusement. "Darlingest, it's her wedding day. It's a special day only for her, so only she can wear that dress. Don't you understand?"
"Yes, I do, Mommy. But …"
"Good." Lady Uplands stood up and carefully smoothed out her own dress. "Now, be a good girl and run to find your sisters. Half an hour to a ceremony and you all are not even properly dressed!" She tutted as she swept out of the room. "I'll send Mrs. Patmore to check on you three soon!"
"Fine." Galinda said sulkily. She hopped down from the huge bed and ran into the adjoining room. "Sally! Molly!"
Salinda and Malinda Uplands of the Upper Uplands (Upper, thank you very much) came out of their hiding closet, arms crossed in the exact same position.
"So I guess we'll have to wear those dresses again?" Salinda said, wrinkling her nose.
"Yep." Malinda replied, glaring at Galinda. "Because Galinda's so bad at convincing Mommy."
"Hey!"
"Oh, get over it, Mol. You know the guests love it when we're all identical." Salinda said, already shrugging out of her petticoats.
"And I hate it when they do that," Galinda muttered, picking up her ruffled dress from a chair.
"What did you say, 'Linda?"
"… Nothing. Whoever gets dressed first and spots the cake gets a first bite!"
"You know we can't – ARGH! I'll get you for that!"
Laughing and squealing, the triplets ran down the hallway together.
Galinda kicked off her small heels and settled on her bed with a sigh. It had been a long day, full of food, glitter and sparkles. Her big sister Lorien had floated around the room, blissfully happy in the arms of her husband, Count … What was his name again?
Then, they'd climbed into a big poofy carriage and rode off, with everyone cheering them on. Galinda sighed dreamily. One day, she decided. I'm going to wear a big sparkly dress with a shiny tiara and go off with my own handsome prince. It'll be MY own wedding, and I won't have to share it with Sally and Molly. And for once, I'll look different, so people will know me for ME and not part of THEM.
Abruptly, she felt guilty. Sally and Molly were the dearest, most funnest sisters ever. Why shouldn't she be happy as part of them?
"Why the long face?" Malinda teased as she entered the bedroom.
Galinda hastily arranged a smile. "Nothing! … I was just thinking about how we won't see Lorien for … Well, a very long long long time." She stretched out her arms to emphasize "long", and flopped down on her – their – bed dramatically.
"I don't know. I mean, ever since I could remember, she was always off trying to settle a good marriage," Malinda remarked as she wiggled into her nightgown.
"She'll come back to visit," Salinda said quietly, ever the practical one. She slipped under the covers and closed her eyes. "Go to sleep, you two. It's been a busy day."
"Remember, Malinda, please don't kick me at ni – OW!"
Malinda smirked. "Good night, Galinda."
A/N: This has been the shortest of all chapters yet, because I really couldn't see how I could extend it any longer. Yes, Galinda is part of a set of triplets! It came into my mind suddenly, as I was musing over why she was so bent on people liking her, being a public figure and having a perfect fairytale ending. I suppose being identical to another two people on the planet helps with the urge to want to stand out. Please R&R on what you think about that!
