If you usually don't read the Author's Note at the end of every one of my chapters, I encourage you to read the one on the bottom of this chapter. Please. Thank you.
John Smith called Pocahontas, asking her to go out that Saturday.
"Wanna go the park?" he asked.
"I'm going to go volunteer in a bit. So…I can't. If want, you can come with me though." She suggested. John thought about it for few seconds. I guess I have nothing better to do today…John thought. "Alright, I'll just take the bus then." John said.
"No, I'll come pick you up." Pocahontas insisted.
"Oh okay," John agreed, "See you in a bit. Love you." He told her.
"You too. Love you too." Pocahontas hung up and put on appropriate clothing for her work. Pocahontas got in her car and drove towards John's house. She it was nice having more help around the zoo when volunteering, and it was her boyfriend too, so there was no downside to it. What was she going to do with him? At the beginning of the relationship, she thought she could handle it, but since school started, everything had been interfering with her personal life. Maybe it was because her father didn't want her dating yet? Possibly. She didn't exactly know. Somehow, she just had to keep it up.
Pocahontas arrived at the zoo at about 10:30 AM and checked in with her volunteer director and head zoo veterinarian. She checked on the poor raccoon that had been placed in her care since his injury. As she approached his cage, he woke up from his slumber and sniffed at her from inside the cell.
"Hey there." Pocahontas greeted. She poked her finger through the front of the cage and the raccoon just sniffed at it. As she got the food and water ready for the animal, her fellow volunteer partner walked into the room.
"Oh, hey Pocahontas." Kenai was holding a packet of bear food, which was a mixture of fish, vegetables, and a thick ground beef.
"Good morning Kenai," Pocahontas responded, "How are you? And how's your brother's visit going?" Kenai chuckled at the mention of his brother.
"I'm doing good thanks, so are my brothers. He's not going back to college until like November. I think that's how his schedule goes." Kenai explained.
"Oh, I see. That's good! More time with him." Pocahontas said as she prepared the regular vaccine for the raccoon.
"Yeah. My brother Sitka's the best. Though I wouldn't mind Denahi leaving a bit earlier." Kenai and Pocahontas laughed.
"Still bugging you I see?" Pocahontas shook her head smiling as she asked.
"Yup. I gotta go get Koda his breakfast. I'll talk to you when I get back because we're cleaning cages today." Kenai lifted the bag of bear food for Pocahontas to see as he took his leave.
"Again?" Pocahontas sighed. She looked over to the raccoon which was staring at her curiously. "Breakfast is ready." Pocahontas chimed as she opened the cage and brought the raccoon out to feed it.
Aladdin got up at around 10:00 AM, not knowing what he would be doing that day. He walked out into the kitchen to get himself started on some breakfast. Upon walking out of his room, the sight of his father passed out and sprawled across his bed made him roll his eyes as he walked by the open door of his father's room. He made his way to the kitchen and saw that his Uncle Genie was already cooking some food.
"Good morning little buddy!" Uncle Genie greeted him while frying up a couple omelets. Aladdin wasn't quite used to someone doing these basic tasks for him. Ever since his father had gone downhill with his alcoholism and gambling addiction, Aladdin had learned over the years to do things around the house himself. Seeing his uncle standing there and cooking breakfast for everyone just came as a complete surprise to him. "Why don't you just sit down for a while? I just got started several minutes ago so…it won't take too long, but there is a wait." Uncle Genie let him know.
"Uh…I'll just get started on the dishes…" Aladdin was kind of speechless at the moment and slowly walked to the kitchen sink filled with dishes.
"You sure? You don't have to, Al." Uncle Genie reassured him.
"Nah, I gotta. Less work to do for later." Aladdin told his uncle, convincing him that it really wasn't a bother. The two were silent for about a few minutes as they got busy tending to their kitchen chores. "Oh, by the way Uncle Genie, I'll probably go hang out with my friends today, and since Dad's still out cold, well…" Aladdin didn't know how to word it.
"Ah, I understand, gotcha covered Al." Uncle Genie knew Aladdin's intent. He had to admit, the boy had a heart of gold. Even if his father aggravated him, he still cared. By the time Aladdin had finished the dishes, his uncle was just about finished with the food. Aladdin joined his uncle as he sat down at the dining table after turning on the TV to the news channel. The two had Uncle Genie's spinach and cheese omelets with some breakfast ham and bread on the side.
"Geez, where'd you learn to cook like this?" Aladdin asked and pointed to the food with his fork and talked over the clinking of utensils to the plate.
"Well, when you travel and have time, the inspiration comes out in different ways." Uncle Gene explained. Aladdin understood. Imagine if I had a life like that…Aladdin thought. For Aladdin to be free, and to use whatever skills he has and learns to the maximum and make someone out of himself…that's what it was. The news broadcast was suddenly showing an update on what was happening in the Middle East, where countries like Syria were having serious problems with the domestic and foreign terrorism.
"It's so bad…" Uncle Genie commented with a melancholy tone. Aladdin watched the TV screen and thought about how he shouldn't even be complaining about his life when stuff like this was going on. The two had finished breakfast soon and Aladdin got up to collect the plates.
"I'll get it, Al." His uncle told him.
"Oh, okay. I'll just go and…get ready to leave then." Aladdin thanked his uncle and carried whatever plates he held to the sink, then walked over to his room to get dressed.
This weekend was when Phillip promised to take Aurora with him and his father to the country side to see Phillip's horse, Samson. Aurora knew all about Phillip's horse and how it was being taken care of in the country side by a family friend of Mr. Hendry's. Aurora was just finishing up putting on lipstick when she heard the horn of a car honk outside in her driveway. Aurora quickly stepped out to her balcony to see who it was down below. Phillip was standing next to his car waving at her down from where he was standing. Aurora smiled cheekily and waved back shyly.
"Ready to go, darling?" The door to her room opened and Mrs. Mabel stepped into her room to notify her that Phillip was here.
"Oh, yes, Mother." Aurora grabbed a few things from her makeup desk and stuffed them into her bag. Her mother just watched as she held open the door for her.
"Oh please Aurora, you don't need that much stuff. You're going to see a horse for Pete's sake." Her mother rolled her eyes and laughed.
"Oh no, this is just if I mess up anything." Aurora took one last look in the mirror before heading towards the door.
"Please dear, Phillip doesn't care about that. I say, you look better him without makeup on. He does love you for who you are." Her mother lightly explained as they both walked down the stairs.
"I know, but I wanna look my best whenever I'm with him. It's only right." Aurora explained to her mother as she grabbed a bottle of water from the kitchen counter before heading out the door. She passed by the living room where Mr. Mabel was reading the newspaper on the couch.
"Have fun dear." He called out to his daughter.
"Thank you Daddy. Bye mom." Aurora smiled back at both her parents and walked out the door. Phillip walked up to his girlfriend and gave her a hug, with Aurora throwing her arms around his neck. The two gave each other a kiss on the cheek and let go. The two stood their standing in front of each other giggling and smiling at each other. Phillip took her by the hand and led her to the backseat of the car. Aurora blushed as he opened the door for her to get in. Their eyes met for half a second, smiling widely at each other, then Aurora quickly got into the car. Phillip closed her door and made his way to the other side to sit next to her.
"Hello Aurora, how are you today?" Mr. Hendry asked from the driver's seat.
"Good Mr. Hendry, you?" Aurora put her seatbelt on and placed her hands in her lap.
"I'm doing fine." Mr. Hendry cheerfully answered as he put the car in drive and started driving off. He was delighted to see his son with his girlfriend. Phillip was in full bliss whenever he was with Aurora, which is all that Hubert Hendry wanted for his son.
Aurora began scrolling through Facebook on her phone as Phillip laid his head on her shoulder to fall asleep. Suddenly, the sound of an owl hooting from Aurora's phone. Phillip didn't open his eyes and only snuggled up to Aurora more.
"Who's that?" he mumbled.
"Oh it's just Cinderella." Aurora answered nonchalantly. She opened the message and engaged in the conversation.
OMG – Cinderella
What? WHAT? – Aurora
Ok, so I checked my grades online, and I failed that quiz that we took in Physics! - Cinderella
…Ouch – Aurora
Ahhhh! I don't know what to do! My grade is still a B! – Cinderella
Aurora shook her head.
And I thought that your grade was in dire peril. Look, Cindy, 1 failed quiz isn't gonna kill your grade. I mean, you have a B. That's better than what most of the class is getting lol – Aurora
Yeah, I know, but ugggh. I'm trying my hardest here and I can't get this grade up to an A. – Cinderella
You're trying your hardest, good! If you wanna boost your grade up, just talk to your teacher. Who do you have? – Aurora
Pleakley. – Cinderella
Oh, see? I'm pretty sure if you ask him for any extra credit opportunity, he'll tell you. – Aurora reassured her best friend.
The conversation went on for quite a while, but Aurora didn't seem to notice. Soon enough, they were off the urban streets and highways and were driving along the countryside. Mr. Hendry was slowing down the car and pulled up into a dirt road that led to his friend's ranch. As he drove along the road, Aurora tapped Phillip on the shoulder which woke him up from his sleep.
"We're here?" he quickly propped himself up and asked.
"Yes." Aurora answered. She quickly messaged Cinderella back.
Oh, gurl, I gtg now. We're at the ranch. – Aurora
Oooo! Lucky! Have fun – Cinderella
Mr. Hendry's friend was standing right outside the gates of the ranch to open them when they showed up. He rolled the window down to speak to her.
"Pearl!" he called out in a jolly tone.
"Hi there Hubert! Mighty fine day y'all chose to visit." She greeted as she opened the gate. Mr. Hendry drove right in and parked the car right next to the red farmer's truck in front of Pearl Gesner's house. After parking, the three in the car got out immediately. Ms. Gesner walked over to Hubert and gave him a hug. "My, is this Phillip?" she asked and pointed at Phillip as he brought Aurora over to introduce.
"Yes it sure is!" Mr. Hendry proudly answered. Ms. Gesner acted shocked, just as how old people do when they see kids they have known grow bigger.
"My my, a handsome young man you've grown to be!" She said to him and laughed as Phillip hugged her.
"Oh, Auntie Pearl, this is Aurora, my girlfriend." Phillip took Aurora by the hand and presented her to his father's friend. He called her "Aunt Pearl" because she was one of those fiends of parents, the ones that are so close that the kids just call them aunt or uncle.
"Nice to meet you." Aurora shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you too little lady!" She smiled, and then turned towards Phillip and Mr. Hendry. "So, you all want a bite to eat or do you wanna go see Samson?" she asked.
"I was thinking Pearl, I'll join you inside the house so we could catch up over your famous apple pie, while Phillip shows Aurora his steed." Mr. Hendry told her.
"Ah, I see. Alrighty then. Just make yourself at home then Hubert. I'll go show Phillip where Samson is." She pointed towards her house and then motioned for Phillip and Aurora to follow here around back where she kept all the animals. Aurora clung onto Phillip's arm as they walked after Ms. Gesner to the stalls. In the very back of the stalls, a horse's neighs could be heard. As they walked by the other stalls, numerous animals were seen. Three cows, a goat, a family of pigs, and many chickens. Ms. Gesner opened the stall for Phillip.
"Wait here, I'll get Samson." Phillip told her to stay put right outside the stall. Aurora nodded and waited for him patiently with her hands in her jean pockets. Ms. Gesner went into the stall to help Phillip saddle Samson up to ride outside. Phillip grabbed his old horse-riding helmet from the stall walls before leading Samson out to meet Aurora. When he walked out, he led Samson by the reigns and stopped before Aurora. "Aurora, meet Samson." He told her. Aurora was flabbergasted at the sight of this horse, which towered her and her boyfriend. She smiled and bowed her head down at him. The horse neighed in glee. Phillip laughed at the scene. "I think he likes you." He commented. Ms. Gesner walked out of the stall and closed the door to it.
"Here are the keys Phillip," she tossed the keys at Phillip and he caught it in his free hand. "Just look it up after you guys are done and have brought him inside." She said, and headed outside the animal pen and back to her house. As soon as she was gone, Phillip looked to Aurora, beaming. Aurora softly squealed in excitement and put her hands to her face.
"Let's go!" she cheerfully pleaded. Phillip laughed and walked both Aurora and his horse outside into the field. Once the trio was in an open enough space, Phillip hung his old helmet on the fence, and saddled up on his horse.
"Aurora, you are about to witness the marvelous duo of Prince Phillip and his noble steed, Samson." He announced in an announcing tone. Aurora laughed and watched as Phillip acted knightly and full of himself. Aurora stood leaning on the fence, watching Phillip ride. Phillip steered Samson in circles and different strides across the grass. At one point, he made him run as fast as he could past the hill and back the fence. Aurora was having a blast just watching her boyfriend bond with his horse. "He's the fastest, the strongest…" Phillip began saying, but didn't finish because he was busy making Samson trot around. As Phillip rode Samson in different directions, Samson got tired of it and abruptly stopped. Aurora watched eagerly for what would happen next.
"Ugh. And the most stubborn horse in the entire face of the earth," Phillip sighed irritably and Aurora chuckled at him. "Hey, come on Samson. If you start moving again, I'll give you an extra bucket of oats. Maybe a few carrots…" he patted the horse on the neck and leaned in towards his ear to whisper the last sentence he said to him. Samson neighed in agreement and started riding around in circles as fast as he could. Aurora laughed and felt that something great was about to happen, so she pulled out her phone and started recording. Samson got slower with his last three turns and stood still again. "Come on boy, yah!" he tugged on the reigns, but Samson didn't budge. "What's wr-" Phillip couldn't finish his sentence because that's when Samson decided he'd throw Phillip right onto the crowd and fall right on top of him by twisting around on his side. The horse whinnied in triumph and got up and trotted towards the fence. Phillip groaned as Aurora was laughing her ass off because she caught it all on film. She finally thought that that was enough and stopped recording. She walked over to Phillip and sat down next to him lying on the floor. Phillip's eyes were closed, but he was breathing, and he didn't look injured.
"You okay, love?" she asked him. Phillip didn't answer. "Babe? Babe?" she asked and got her face closer to his. All of a sudden Phillip grabbed her and hugged her into the ground. Aurora just laughed as she couldn't get out of his grip.
"Got you!" He laughed.
"Yes, you've got me." Aurora accepted her fate, and they both just laid in each other's arms for a bit.
"Do…you wanna ride Samson?" Phillip asked her. Aurora looked at him and nodded. They both got up and walked over to the fence where the horse and helmet was at. "Here, put this on." He helped her get the helmet properly strapped to her head, then helped up to get on Samson. Aurora was a bit scared. The horse was so tall, and she felt like she could fall off any minute. She held tightly onto the reigns and clung onto Samson's neck with her eyes shut. "Don't be so scared. It's not that bad. I'm gonna be walking next to you guys guiding him so I promise you'll be alright." He assured her. Aurora relaxed herself and gave it a try. As soon as Samson started moving, she felt the goosebumps pop up all over her arm. It didn't help that Samson was having a neighing fit. "Shh, you guys it's okay…" Phillip carefully guided Samson around in circles. Aurora relaxed more and more and had finally got the hang of it by the fifth roundabout. She laughed and smiled down at Phillip who returned her ebullient expression.
"Kids! The food's ready!" All three of their heads turned towards the house where Ms. Gesner called out to them.
"Alright, time to go in, boy." Phillip told his horse. Aurora hopped off of the saddle and Phillip caught her. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and took the helmet off. They both walked the horse into the stable to put away all the gear and the horse, then walked towards the house.
"That was fun Phillip, thank you." She intertwined her hand with his as they walked and rested her head on his chest, cutely smiling. Phillip grinned down at her.
"You know, Auntie Pearl makes the best apple pie." He told her as they both walked into the house to join the two adults for some delicious food.
Rapunzel thought about how her relationship was going on with Flynn. She loved it so far. Last week's amusement park double date with Aladdin and Jasmine showed just what a kind and funny guy Flynn could be. Not to mention how well he could sing. Sing…Rapunzel thought. Just then, she got an idea and called up her boyfriend on his cell phone.
"Hey babe." Flynn picked up saw that Rapunzel had called him.
"Hey," Rapunzel laughed. "Listen, wanna come by some time and record a song?" she asked.
"Record a song? I don't know, I don't sing that well…" Flynn sounded unsure.
"Are you kidding? You showed me how good you sang at the amusement park last week. You can't hide that now." She told him, trying to persuade him to say yes.
"Okay, fine, fine. I'll do it…Tuesday?" he asked.
"Tuesday's fine." Rapunzel agreed.
"Alright then. See ya gorgeous." Flynn complimented her through the phone which made Rapunzel laugh and blush with bliss. After they hung up, Rapunzel fell back on her bed pillows. What an amazing guy…she thought to herself, as Pascal her chameleon was crawling up on the pillow next to her. She propped herself up and started petting Pascal, who didn't respond and just sat there on the pillow. Rapunzel laughed lightly at him and got out her guitar from the corner of her room and tuned it up. As soon as she did, she stroked a few chords and started experimenting with different melodies of songs that she knew.
Jasmine's room was filled with the sound of guitar from the music she was listening to. As soon as she heard those few familiar chords, she started tearing up. It was one of her favorite songs.
"Didn't know what time it was, lights were low, oh, oh. I leaned back on my radio-oh, oh. Some cat was layin' down some, rock 'n' roll 'lotta soul', he said." She started singing along softly. Her cat, Rajah, jumped onto the bed and snuggled up with her as she pet him and sang to herself. "Then the loud sound did seem to fa-a-ade. Came back like a slow voice on a wave of pha-a-ase. That weren't no D.J., that was hazy cosmic jive…" she sang, and the sweet and catchy build up to the chorus played. Jasmine turned her music up louder than ever. "There's a starman, waiting in the sky. He'd like to come and meet us, but he thinks he'd blow our minds. There's a starman waiting in the sky. He's told us not to blow it, 'cause he knows it's all worthwhile. He told me: 'Let the children lose it, let the children use it, let all the children boogie'…" Jasmine cried to the electric guitar that played after the words of the chorus. The song just hit a chord with her, and she couldn't help but get emotional. She loved old songs like this. They just gave her a sense of freedom. She could escape from the current times and travel back to whenever and wherever the music took her.
Just then, Jasmine got inspired and got out her art supplies. She laid out all her pencils, pens, and markers she used for art and started drawing. She put the song on repeat, so it would make sure she didn't lose the inspiration for the idea. She spent the rest of the evening working on a drawing she would end up coloring later. "La, la la la la, la la la la, la la la la, la la la la…" she sang over and over again at the end of each repeat. By the time she was finished with the piece, she had grown tired, but it was worth it. She got ready for bed and before turning off the lights, she looked at the drawing on her desk, the drawing of David Bowie.
Meg couldn't believe that the kids at the elementary got her into reading Harry Potter again. In just four days of reading the books, she was already on The Half-Blood Prince, which was her favorite because it was all about her favorite character, Professor Snape. As she was reading, she heard the room to her door creak open, but didn't bother to look up.
"Get. Out." She snapped.
"Geez Meg, I didn't even start talking yet." The annoying voice of her brother responded back to her.
"Okay, what do you want?" she asked, irritated.
"Since you let me down last time, I'm giving you another chance. Do this for me, and your life won't be ruined." Hades was more blunt about blackmailing her.
"Why do you even do this to me? Seriously. You gotta fuckin' ruin my life?" she asked him in a whiny tone.
"You're my little sister, it's my job." Hades answered.
"Shitty job. And a shitty reason. 'I'm your sister' should be one of the top reasons why not to have me do this shit." Meg retorted.
"Listen!" Hades was angry now, she could see it in his flaming eyes, "I need to get back at this kid. Remember when his dad was coach for the team? And I tried out? It's payback time for what happened then. Understand? These people need to know that I'm the wrong person to mess with. This is a warning for them, if they ever treat me like that again, then they'll be damn sorry." Hades was almost yelling, but wasn't because he didn't want their parents to hear.
"Hades, you're not even involved in that shit anymore. Why do you care so damn much? Can't you just trip him at lunch or something and call it a damn day? I don't need your shit right now." she spat at him, going back to reading her book.
"Well fine, if that's how you want to play it. I'll just have to tell mom and dad who you hooked up with freshmen year, and everything will be fine and dandy." Hades knew this would get her attention for sure. He was right. Meg's eyes widened and she immediately put the book down.
"You wouldn't." She pleaded.
"Um, yes I would. Face it Meg, you have no choice. Just give up already, just do it. Just, DO IT." Hades thought he was being funny by imitating Shia LeBouf. Meg couldn't believe it.
"Well, what the friggin hell do you want me to do?" she asked him. Hades smirked.
"I'll that up to you." He told her. Meg scoffed.
"You want me to do something but you won't tell me exactly how to do it? What the f-" she was cut off.
"Just, ruin. Him." Hades tried to make it as simple for her as possible.
"Fine." Meg settled for it and got back to her book. Hades was relieved and finally left the room. Meg couldn't read another page after realizing that she just agreed to something so stupid. She buried her face in her pillow and hoped she would suffocate. But it was not so, for she just ended up falling asleep.
"Thanks for letting me stay at your house, Tiana." Belle thanked Tiana as the two of them were gathering Belle's stuff from the car and moving it into the house that early morning, where she'd be staying for the next three to four weeks due to Mr. Desjardins' business convention.
"Don't mention it Belle, anything to help out." She smiled at her friend as they got the last of the load into the house and the guest room where Belle would be staying at. Belle's father was just getting acquainted with Tiana's mother, as any parent should if they were having their kid stay at another parent's house.
"She'll be fine. And if anything goes wrong, we'll call you right away." Mrs. Guidry told him.
"Yes, thank you Mrs. Guidry." Mr. Desjardins thanked her.
"Eudora." Mrs. Guidry held her hand out to shake Mr. Desjardins' hand.
"Maurice." He introduced, and shook her hand.
"Alright Papa, we got everything." Belle and Tiana notified their parents of their task being finished.
"Alright, well, I should be going then." Mr. Desjardins looked at the three of them and nodded at them before taking his leave. Belle and Tiana followed him out to Tiana's driveway to say goodbye.
"Bye Papa, I'll miss you!" Belle hugged her father for a bit and he patted her on the back.
"I'll miss you too. Be good now, don't give your friend here and her mother a hard time." He told his daughter.
"Don't worry Mr. Desjardins, we don't mind. We can handle it." Tiana assured him. Belle and Tiana both gave him wide smiles.
"Alright," he chuckled, "I'm off then." He entered the car and rolled down the window.
"Take care you two!" he called out before driving away.
"Goodbye Papa!" Belle waved back at him while yelling goodbye. When the car was out of sight, Belle turned around towards Tiana and gave her a hug. The two girls both jumped for joy and laughed. The two walked back inside to decide what to do next.
"Anything you have in mind that we can do?" Tiana asked Belle.
"You can teach me how to cook!" Belle smiled a cheeky smile.
"Everybody says that to me!" Tiana rolled her eyes.
"But it's true! You are a good cook, and I could use a thing or two. I mean, why not learn from the best?" Belle asked. Tiana was touched her friend felt that way towards her.
"Haha, alright, what do you want to cook?" Tiana asked.
"Hmm," Belle thought about it for a minute, "Beef ragout? Cheese soufflé? How about pie and pudding en flambe?" Belle listed all these foods she'd love to cook. Tiana was surprised.
"That's a mighty fine list you got there. I guess we can do a cheese soufflé." Tiana laughed at her friend's eccentricity. She then told her want kind of utensils to get as she retrieved the ingredients needed to fulfill the recipe. Belle knew she was going to have a fun time, spending a few weeks at her friend's house.
Guess who's back?
After many reviews of begging and pleading, I finally decided, "Why not?" and continued this story. Why did I stop? School, time, no ideas, got discouraged, realized that there were a lot of mistakes, and just didn't feel after that. Something inside me still wanted to continue this story though. But everything else kind of weighed it out. But then, I thought of you readers, and I said...yeah. They want this. Why shouldn't I give it to them? So here it is, and I'm sorry for being gone so long and leaving you all hanging. What made me come back was seeing that I was still getting support for something that I thought I seriously messed up on. I, at some point, will be going back and fixing all the spelling and grammar errors that are in the previous chapters. (Just seeing those were so ridiculous to me, I couldn't even.) One thing I can guarantee you guys is I won't know when exactly my updates would be. Before, I used to update my stories. But again, since I got stuff going on, I don't know if it will be 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 day, or 10 days, who knows. But I promise, it won't be years. Shame on me.
So thank you all again, I owe it all to you guys. The reviews really do help, so let me know what you like, don't like, etc. I'll see you all in the next chapter.
Read on, and your imagination will stay strong!