Chapter 4
Once upon a time
After watching her favorite movie, The Lion King, Abby quickly washed up and made her way to bed. Bedtime was one of Abby's favorite times of the day. It was the time when either her mommy or daddy would spend time reading to her. She loved her mommy but, her mommy never wanted to read from the fairy tale book her daddy and Aunt G made. It was her favorite book in the whole world and for a little girl that was saying a lot. She didn't understand why her mommy didn't like the book. Aunt G told her that it was because her mommy couldn't read. When she told mommy what aunt G said her mommy called aunt G and started yelling at her. What mommy didn't know was Aunt G called her the next night.
Flashback….
"See baby, people don't like it when you point out their shortcomings. That's why your mommy got mad. "
"I'm sorry aunt G. Maybe I should apologize to mommy."
"No sweets that will make her feel worse. But you know what will make her feel better?"
"No what" Abby said, almost in tears because she made her mommy feel bad.
"Well my little genius. Why don't you ask mommy to help you learn to read. Then you can correct her when she makes mistakes. That way you and mommy can become good readers together."
Abby clapped her hands in joy, "Thank you Aunt G. You're the best. You really are a fairy godmother,"
"You better believe it sweets. But, we have to keep it a secret. Because, people like your mom don't believe in magic or fairy godmothers. If you were to tell her I helped she wouldn't like it."
"Aunt G you're so smart. You're just like your character in the book."
"Of course I am. I helped write the book."
"Aunt G, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course you can honey."
"Are those people in the book real?"
Georgina laughs, "Of course they are, don't you recognize them. You've already met a couple of characters from the book."
Abby's eye's light up, "Really, who?"
"Hmmm, well you know that theirs me, your mom, uncle, milo, and your dad."
Abby cheer's up, "Daddy is the servant/ knight. Mommy is the mean princess who doesn't believe, Milo is the kid who picked up the sword from the stone and uncle dave is Prince handsome!"
Abby starts jumping up and down on her bed
"I knew you'd get it. Who's the smartest little girl in the land."
Abby shouts, "I am. I am. I am"
Suddenly her door is opened,
"Abby what are you doing on the phone, it's 10:00 at night. You should be in bed."
"Sorry mommy, I got woken up by the windy tree and was scared. So, I called my fairy god mother."
Abby frowns and says, " Say goodbye to your aunt and get back to bed."
Abby says good bye to Georgina and hands Jordan the phone.
Jordan closes Abby's door and speaks into the phone,
"I really hate the fact that Dan made you her god mother."
Georgina laughs, "And I hate the fact that Milo loves his aunt Jordan so much. So that makes us even."
Jordan sighs, " I don't get what my brother and Dan see in you."
"Hmmm, maybe you'd like to watch as I ride your brother to sleep. Then you'll probably get it." Georgina says with a smile.
"Ewww, you do know that he's my twin brother don't you."
"That makes it even kinkier. You Bailey's are such prudes." Georgina say's laughing.
"I hate you."
"And I love you sister dear."
"Goodnight Georgina, " Jordan says in exasperation.
"Goodnight Jordan"
Flashback ends…
Dan enters the room and starts tucking Abby in.
"So sweetie, what will it be tonight?"
Abby looks at her father and says, "Daddy can you read me the story of Princess Serenity and Prince Charming?"
"Sure sweetie, let me get your book."
Dan makes his way to her book cupboard and takes a gigantic book out. He looks at the huge leather bound book with the inscription, "Once upon a Time by Georgina Sparks and Daniel Humphrey." He still couldn't believe Georgina had this book made. It was way better than his old college rule writing journals. This book had calligraphy and illustrations so lifelike that they almost seemed real. It must have cost Georgina a fortune to have two copies made. Jordan and Dave kept pestering them to publish the book of fairy tales but, Georgina and Dan wouldn't have it. They said when the kids grew up then maybe they'd think about it. To him and Georgina, the book was special. It held their hopes, beliefs, and struggles in fairy tale form. There was no way in hell he'd let the world it.
He took a seat next to Abby and opened up the huge book…
Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a beautiful princess. Her name was Serenity. Princess Serenity was the most beautiful princess in the land Manhatia. She was beloved by the people. Everywhere she went people showered her with flowers. Princes from far and near would shout proposals of marriage wherever she went. But, all was not as it seemed. For princess Serenity's happiness was not really true. Though she brought happiness to others she herself was not happy. She longed for her true love to find her. Unfortunately for her, tonight she would find her true love in the arms of another.
It was the night of the Sheppard's Ball and Queen Lilith was finishing with the decorations. Serenity made her way down the ballroom and towards her mother.
Queen Lilith took sight of her daughter and smiled. Serenity wore the most beautiful ball gown ever sewn. It made Serenity look like a blonde angel.
"Serenity, you look amazing."
"Thank You. You also look great. Will King Bart join us tonight."
Lilith gives her a tight smile, "No Serenity. He's in the land of elves trying to buy some bows and arrows for the men. "
Serenity makes a fake pout, "Awww, that's too bad."
"Serenity, be serious for once. I know you don't like him but marrying King Bart was the best thing that ever happened to us. We're the richest kingdom in all the lands and we'll never have to worry about money again."
"I know mother. "
"I know you don't want to think about marriage Serenity but, Prince Louis of Monicham is coming tonight He's very rich and very handsome."
Serenity rolls her eyes, "and very boring. Mother everyone calls him prince boring."
"Well, maybe you can bring some excitement to his life?"
As Lilith was talking Serena notices her best friend from the next kingdom arrive.
"Cornelia it's been so long." Serena says as she hugs her best friend.
"Serenity, it's been ages since I've seen you. Have you married yet?"
"Have you been talking to my mother?"
Cornelia laughs, "I have, and I know how much you hate the M word right now."
Serenity laughs as well.
"So, who's this Prince Charming that I hear has captured your heart."
Cornelia gushes, "He's the absolute greatest. He's handsome, he's wealthy, and he's from the royal Archibrand line. He's everything I've ever wanted in a price."
"I'm really happy for you Cornelia."
"Thanks Serenity, I know you'll find your prince soon."
They smile and exchanged hugs. Cornelia leaves to see to her minions. While Serena takes a stroll outside.
As Serena takes a walk in her garden she sees a man obviously dressed for the ball sitting in the gazebo overlooking the lake.
"Excuse me, are you lost?"
The man turns around and smiles at Serenity.
"I am, but, for the life of me I don't really care."
Serena takes a seat beside him and giggles.
"I don't really care about anything when I'm here either. It's my favorite place in the whole kingdom."
The man looks around and stares directly into Serenity's eyes, "I can see why. Everything in this kingdom is beautiful."
Serenity blushes and they spend the afternoon talking to each other. They watch the sunset together and Serenity is over the moon. She'd never truly known love before but, after talking to this Prince Nathaniel she was starting to figure it out.
They were still sitting in the garden enjoying each other's company when the trumpets announcing the first guests.
"Well, I guess we better go to the party." Serenity says as she stands up and starts walking towards the castle.
As she starts to walk she feels a hand grab onto her wrists.
"You know Serenity, we have a tradition in my kingdom. The tradition states that when a man and woman are standing under a cherry tree, they must kiss. If they don't kiss it will mean bad luck for the woman."
Serenity laughs, "You made that up. And why is it only bad luck for the woman?"
Prince Charming, "I don't know why, but, tradition is tradition."
"Does your charm work on all the women in your kingdom or is it just me?"
"I don't know, this is the first …"
He never finishes his sentence as Serena grabs his neck and kisses him soundly. It was an eye opening experience as both Serenity and Charming had never felt so loved before. This was one of the best kisses in the history of all kisses.
Later after an intense bout of kissing, Serena and Charming made their way to the ball. As both enter the ball they are met with a stunning princess Cornelia.
"There you are. Have you two already met?"
Serenity and Charming have confused looks on their faces and Blair smiles and clears things up.
"Serenity, this is my prince Charming, Nathaniel Archibrand."
Serenity plasters a fake smile on her face while inside her heart is breaking. She shakes the princes hand and says, "Nice to meet you Charming."
Nate also fakes a smile and says, "Actually, my friends call me Nate."
Nate gives Serenity an apologetic look as he and Blair make their way over to Queen Helenore and Queen Anne's side of the room.
As soon as Charming and Cornelia make it over to their mothers there is a clinking of wine glasses.
Queen Helenore says, "Excuse me everyone but, I have an announcement to make"
Everyone quiets down.
"First of all I would like to thank Queen Lilith and Princess Serenity for throwing the best party in the know kingdoms."
Everyone claps as Serenity and Lilith bow in acknowledgement.
When everyone quiets down Helenore raises her glass and says, "I'd like to say a toast to my beautiful daughter princess Cornelia and her new fiancé Prince Nathaniel."
Everyone cheers as Charming gives Serenity an apologetic look.
Serenity claps and makes her way to the outside balcony. She is crying when she finally makes it outside. She can't help the tears that fall down her cheek as she realizes that her one true love is gone. She can't believe she's finally found her prince only to have him taken away.
"Don't cry my pretty, you can do way better."
Serena looks to her left and gasps, there siting on the balcony railing wearing an expensive suit and a pink tie was none other than the dark one himself.
"Chucklestiltzkin"
"That's my name don't wear it out."
"What do you want?"
"To help you of course."
"I don't want your help."
"Are you sure?"
"Your help always comes with a price and I don't want to pay it."
Chucklestiltzkin shrugs, "Suit yourself, but, if it was my soul mate marrying my best friend. I don't think I could handle it."
He starts to stand up when Serenity says," Wait, how can you help?"
The dark one smiles and pulls out a bottle, "Well Serenity, here's how I can help."
He sets the bottle on the railing.
"Within this bottle lies water from the magical lake of the Grey Goose. Drink this Grey Goose water and you'll forget Charming and anything to do with him. You'll forget your love for him and be free to love another."
Serenity reaches out for the bottle but her hand is slapped away by Chucklestiltzkin
"Not yet Dearie, all magic has a price."
"And what is this price?"
Chuclestiltzkin gestures to the grand ballroom.
"Do you see Queen Helenores Valet, young Yandel?"
"I do."
"Kiss him on the lips in front of Princess Cordelia and we have a deal"
"That's it. Kiss Cordelia's Valet and you'll give me the Grey Goose water?"
"That's it." Chucklestiltzkin says with a smile on his face.
"Princess Serenity shakes Chucklestiltzkin's hand and makes her…"
"And you fell asleep." Dan places a kiss on Abby's forehead and puts the book away.
"Maybe, we'll go with Yandel the brave's tale next time." Dan says as he makes his way out of the room.
Abby smiles and dreams of all her favorite fairy tale characters not knowing that tomorrow she'll finally meet Serenity's prince Charming.
Sorry for the disgustingly unrelated read but I have writers block and I've been watching "Once Upon a Time" for the first time ever this weekend. That show is awesome. So, please forgive the cheesiness of this story. Thank you.