Part 3
Mal woke up on her birthday, hoping that she wouldn't have to see anyone. She dressed, grabbed a bag of snacks and ducked into the spare room. Mal set up her easel, took out her phone, put some music on, head phone in and started to sketch. She was always good at drawing from memory. Soon her canvas filled with a sketch of Belle and Adam. The Castle grew out from behind them. When Mal was pleased with her design, she took out the paints. She was just starting to mix the colors when she noticed it was 1 in the afternoon. And her stomach told her she had missed breakfast and lunch.
Mal broke out her snacks, as her phone rang. She saw it was Evie.
"Mal?" Evie asked, Mal could hear something wasn't right in her voice. She couldn't tell if it was worry or concern. Either way, Evie was very uneasy.
"What's up E? I thought you were going out with Doug today?" She tried to sound cheery, to let her friend know she was ok.
"Where are you?" The unease was lessening. Mal assumed it was because she'd been gone before Evie had gotten up and hadn't left a note. They all worried about each other with Dr. F still on the loose. Mal always had her protections on, but still they worried.
"I found myself a little hiding place to paint? Why?"
"UM…you have a delivery in the room." Mal, sould hear the relief in her voice, but now she heard something else.
"WHAT?" Came out loud, but in her head all Mal could say was CRAP, someone found out.
"You need to come back to the room, NOW!" Evie demanded. Mal could tell Evie was upset with her.
"Ok, Ok I am close, be right there." She put her snacks away and headed back. "Let all that is hidden go back to it was until I return." She said as she closed the door.
Mal walked slowly to her room so that Evie had no idea how close she was. When she arrived in her room she found Queen Belle and a huge box.
"You're Majesty." Mal greeted her, knowing someone could be listening. "I was planning to come see you tomorrow."
"Happy Birthday Mal." She said and took the top off the box. It was a drawing table.
"How did you find out, no one knows?" Mal stammered out, she turned to see the shocked look on Evie's face. "E, I really didn't want to …" A small crowd had appeared at the door as well, Audrey front and center.
"I have my sources." Belle smiled. "This is from myself, Adam and Ben."
"You told Ben?" Mal chocked out.
"No. I was just informed early this morning. I have to wait for them to call me when they are free."
"Ben is going to be so mad. He has been asking me for weeks to tell him when my birthday is. I…I have never celebrated my birthday before. It was…" Mal stopped talking as tears began to fall. Belle signaled for Evie to close the door from the crowd, and pulled Mal into a hug.
"I know you said that when Jay's birthday came out. I just figured…I am sorry if I brought up bad memories." Evie said, joining the hug.
"My mother used to call today hell day." Mal said pulling out of the hug first. "She always reminded me all day long, the hell she went through to give birth to me. I have never had a birthday anything."
"No, cake, no presents, no party?" Evie asked shocked, as even under house arrest her mother did do that for her. Even if her parties were a party for two during her house arrest.
"Nothing. This is the first gift I have ever gotten for my birthday."
"Oh Mal." Belle hugged her tightly. "OK I need you and Evie to put on your favorite outfits, we are going to have a girls day."
"Belle, I am honored, but I would rather forget about it. This is plenty honestly." She stopped as her phone rang. Mal knew it was Ben. She answered the face time call.
"MAL BERTHA! How dare you not tell me it's your birthday." Ben yelled at her. He had never yelled at her before, Mal was taken aback.
"Who told you?" Mal stammered, avoiding eye contact with his face on the phone screen.
"I got a text first thing this morning, but have only had time now to call. Why Mal?" His tone softened, seeing the look on her face. Somehow he knew she had a really good reason, he needed to give her a chance to explain.
"Because I have never had a birthday before Ben. Mother…well let's just say she called it Hell day."
"Mal…sweetheart, I would have made it perfect if I had known. Dad even said he would have let me stay for that." He had calmed down completely.
"It's fine."
"Have you seen my mother?" Mal turned the phone so he could see Belle. "Oh Hi mom, I take it you got the text too?"
"Yes Ben." She took the phone Mal had handed her. "I took the liberty of picking out a special gift for Mal." And she showed her the drawing table.
"Perfect Mom as usual. I never would have thought of it, but it is so Mal."
"Thank you. I was just going to take her and Evie out for the afternoon, a little girl time, but well…"
"Don't force it mom. I have a feeling this is already a lot for Mal."
"That's an understatement." Mal said. Belle handed her back the phone. "Ben, I…" And the tears flowed again.
"Mal, don't cry. We are doing this because we love you."
"I know, I do really it's just…"
"Too much attention?"
"Yes."
"ok. We'll ease off. Wait Dad wants to say hi."
"Happy birthday Mal. So you really are older that Ben." HE teased.
"Yes, and thank you."
"Guess she has three weeks on me." Ben teased from the back ground. "I like older women." He joked, and Mal saw his father make a face at him.
"Well 17, a nice age. Have a great day Mal." Adam said.
"Thank you Adam." Mal admitted. She saw the phone pass back to Ben.
"Mal can you go into the hall for a minute?"
"We had an audience out there earlier, they saw your mom come in."
"Ok. Well do you know how to shut off face time to hear me in private?"
"No."
"Ok I'll call you right back."
"Ok." She hung up and waited for him to call back. "Hi."
"Mal, I know this is a lot to take in today for you. I wish I was there. I will make it up to you, and I won't take no for an answer. But ….Mom loves you, you know that right?"
"Yes."
"If you say no she will understand, but I guarantee that if she says she will respect your wishes and have a simple outing with her, she will make it simple. "
"Ok, Ok. I'll go. Did I mention, I love you Ben Florian."
"I think I have heard that somewhere before. Love you too Mal. Happy Birthday."
"Thanks. Dang that is so weird to hear."
"I can say it again."
"Nope, I'm good. I will see you Monday or Tuesday."
"Monday, we are making great strides here, we might be out early Monday."
"Congrats!"
"Thanks. Ok got to get back. See you soon, love you."
"Love you too."
Mal turned back to face Evie and Belle, "Ok let's go have some fun."
Part 4
Mal and Evie changed into Isle outfits, but ones acceptable for an outing with Queen Belle. Evie called Doug who was thrilled for them and said he would see them later. The two girls left, each holding one of Belle's arms. Several people snapped cell phone photos, and Audrey grumbled again about how it won't last.
Several hours later, Mal, Belle and Evie came back. Arms loaded with packages. Belle had bought Evie tons of fabric for dresses for not only Mal and Evie, but a few for herself. And then she had bought Mal all types of art supplies to go with her new table. They were laughing and having a grand time when they opened the door. Inside the room were balloons, a cake, and guests. Evie grinned. She had texted Doug to do it for her, and he had done a great job.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY." Jay, Carlos, Doug, Lonnie, Jane and Ben shouted. Mal rushed into Ben's arms. A party wasn't what she had ever wanted, but seeing Ben, was just what she needed.
"How?"
"Helicopter. I have to go back, but King Helios, insisted. It's his helicopter."
"Wow, I have to thank him, later."
"I'll see you kids later." Belle said trying to duck out, after hugging her son.
"No please, stay." They all shouted. They knew Belle was easy to get along with.
"Mom, really stay. I can only stay about an hour anyway, so I'd rather you stay."
"Ok Ben."
They enjoyed Mal's cake, strawberry of course. And the gang actually had time to go get Mal gifts. Jay and Carlos got her a silver bracelet with a heart on it. The heart said Ben. That made her laugh. Lonnie and Jane bought her some lovely hair combs. She had been growing out her purple locks now, because the hair spell didn't work well on her own hair, and Evie insisted longer hair would be easier for her to style for royal looks. Doug brought her some lovely purple colored stone earrings, he said they were from himself and Evie. And Ben pulled a small package out of his pocket.
"When did you have time?" Mal asked.
"Mom picked it up today while you were out." HE admitted. Mal opened it to see the oval shaped gold locket she was looking at earlier. She hadn't thought Belle had seen her. "We'll get a picture of us in it as soon as possible." HE said with a kiss.
There was a knock on the door. Evie opened it to find Fairy Godmother and Audrey there. "I had a noise complaint." She stopped and looked at the situation. "Oh, never mind." She said and winked at Belle. Mal knew then it was Fairy Godmother who had given out the birthday information to Belle about herself, and most likely Jay's birthday. Mal walked over to her and hugged her. "Thank you. I guess I needed a push and you gave it."
"You are welcome Mal, dear. Happy birthday." She handed Mal a medium sized bag. "Open it later. Please."
"Thank you." Mal smiled at the fairy, and she knew she would comply.
"Ok, well seeing as though we have an adult in here I know this party is fine. Remember curfew, please." She looked at Audrey and left.
"Come in Audrey." Belle said, knowing she of course had 'told' on them.
"I…wasn't invited."
"You are now." Mal said, having her come in. Mal left the door open. "Have a piece of cake."
"I…thank you." Mal handed her a piece of cake.
Ben looked at his phone, and heard the helicopter coming back. "That's my ride. Mom, you and Mal walk me to the roof?"
"Sure." Belle said. Mal looked at her friends "Be right back." She said to her guests.
On the roof Belle hugged her son. "Thank you mom for making her day."
"It was great fun for me too. She and Evie are wonderful friends, and great girls. WE are lucky to have them in Auradon. I even got a few new outfits out of it."
"Evie originals?" He teased.
"Yes. I can't wait."
"I bet. Love you mom."
"You too son, see you soon." She backed off so Mal could move in to say her good bye.
"Happy Birthday Mal."
"Thank you Ben. It…I was wrong not to tell you, I.."
"Am not used to being the center of attention?"
"Yes."
"I hate to say it but dating me kind of puts you there."
"I know, and I get that. I mean my picture got taken more today, than my whole life."
"Oh out with mom."
"Yes. I wish I had worn.."
"No, never give up your style, please. I love that part of you. I love every part of you, from the moment we first met."
"But the press will…"
"I don't care. I love you for you, screw the press. That's their job to sell papers. I don't care what they say. I am happy with you." He kissed her deeply. "I have to go. I will see you Monday!"
"See you then. Love ya."
"Love you." He kissed her again and hopped onto the helicopter. Mal and Belle moved back and watched him fly off.
"He really loves me."
"Oh you have no idea." Belle joked. "Adam and I love you too Mal."
"I love you guys too, I have never.. I really have to stop saying that."
"It's fine. Let's go back to your party." Belle said putting an arm around Mal, and kissing her cheek. Mal blushed.
The party lasted another hour than it was curfew, Mal walked Belle out to the limo. "Thank you again, this is a day I will never forget."
"Good, that's how birthday's should be. And I expect to see you tomorrow for lunch. If Evie is free bring her along."
"I will. Have a great night."
"Happy Birthday, Mal." Belle hugged her and Mal returned the hug.
Part 5
Mal wanted to sneak into her hiding place, but she was exhausted. She went back into her room. "Mal. I should be so mad at you for not sharing, but…"
"I am sorry E. I just…"
"I know. So today was…"
"What a real mother daughter outing must be like for the other girls here?"
"Yeah. M. I can't wait to start sewing."
"I know that. Oh are you free tomorrow?"
"No I am going with Doug to his fathers for Sunday Dinner."
"Ok. I'll go to the castle alone then. Belle wanted us for lunch, but only if you were free."
"Nope, sorry."
"It's fine. I have spent time alone with her before. She loves to tell baby Ben stories, they make me laugh."
"I am glad we get along with our boyfriends families." Evie sighed, as she put her PJ's on.
"Me too." Mal agreed touching the drawing table. She started to unpack her supplies, when she came across the bag from Fairy Godmother.
"Oh the gift from Fairy Godmother." Mal said. She opened it to find something she never expected. A wand. As Mal touched it, it changed and transformed in her hand from a plain stick, into a beautiful intricate design with peacock feathers circling the wand like ribbons and a heart at the base of the handle. The handle was purple patterned leather, like scales. The feathers were colored in the prettiest shades of purples and greens. The heart at the base a shade of teal. Mal watched it change in her hand, unaware Evie was watching.
"Mal!"
"I know."
"But the change…the wand is so you." Evie saw a note card on the floor. Picked it up and handed it to Mal. "This fell out of the bag."
"By now you have held the wand and it has become yours. The wand is given to a young fairy on her birthday, usually her 12th, but since we didn't know you then, 17 will do. A wand represents that fairy. It isn't necessary to perform all of your magic, but it will help to enhance it. A fairy's wand is personalized to her, but any fairy can use it. I can't wait until your magic lesson Wednesday to see what your wand looks like. Happy Birthday Mal. Fairy Godmother, Flora, Fauna and Merriweather." Mal read the note out loud to Evie.
"WOW!" They both said together. Mal just turned the wand over and over in her hand.
"We need to keep this safe. If anyone knows you have one in here, it will be hunted down."
"True." Mal pulled out her spell book and looked up a spell. She decided to use the wand for the first time. "I need a place to hide my treasure, in the wall unseen." She waved the wand in front of a painting of one of the princesses hanging on the wall. It swung open and a safe appeared behind it. Mal put the wand inside and closed the painting. She tried to move it again, and found the wall. She looked at the book and it said all she had to say was reveal, and the hiding place would return, so Mal said "Reveal." The wall safe opened again and there was her wand.
"Super cool." Evie, said. "Can I try it?"
"Well, that would be a good way to test it." So Mal closed the safe, checked, and it was gone, then Evie stepped up. "Reveal." Nothing happened.
"That answers that." Mal smirked. "But I will check with Fairy Godmother about adding your voice, in case of an emergency."
"Good idea."
Part 6
A few days later, Mal and Evie arrived for their usual Wednesday evening magic lesson. They were shown into the office, and Fairy Godmother was there along with Jane, Flora, Fauna and Merriweather. Mal could tell they were looking forward to the wand reveal. Evie just giggled. "Ok Mal show them." She said.
Mal took the wand out of her bag, and showed them the wand. "I had a feeling we would see those colors." Flora said.
"A heart at the base, I like it. Must be for Ben." Merriweather commented.
"Leather like handle, Nice." Fauna added.
"Very cool Mal. Mother said I will get mine soon too. She didn't give me mine at 12, because I was showing no signs of magic." Jane adds.
"Mal, it's very you. I have to say, this is the closest to the fairies personality, wand I have ever seen. Have you tried it?"
"I used it to make a hiding place for it."
"A good idea."
"I have a question about the spell actually." She took out the spell book she had started to keep her spells in. "Is there a way to have it so say, Evie could reveal it if it was an emergency?"
"You just have to alter the spell."
"How?"
"You just need to add it. Just think about the wording. Even your mother's spells can be made your own."
"OK."