I would have updated this sooner, but I have been lacking in the motivational area lately... I think it's school. Or perhaps the snow that we're getting AT THE END OF APRIL! Is that lame or what?
Even two and a half months after Rapunzel was returned to the kingdom, she and Eugene were still finding new things around the castle.
On this particular day, Rapunzel and Eugene were taking a stroll around the enormous gardens of the castle. Nearly every three minutes, Rapunzel would stop walking and kneel down to smell the flowers.
"Well Blondie, if I were ever to meet someone who embodied the phrase, 'stop and smell the roses' perfectly, it would be you," Eugene said as Rapunzel knelt down again and smelt a bunch of brightly colored roses.
"Ha ha," she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes, "But aren't this flowers lovely? I know I've seen them a bunch of times before, but they are so pretty." Rapunzel took one last sniff of the roses and stood back up.
"I believe you," Eugene said with a laugh. Rapunzel slid her hand into Eugene's and they began to walk.
"I wonder how they get these flowers to stay so nice all the time," Rapunzel thought aloud.
"Ah, I'm glad you asked that because I actually know the answer to that one," Eugene responded.
"Is that so?" Rapunzel asked.
"Yes, you see, your parents hired a wonderful person to come out here and water the flowers every day. And this lovely person happens to love these flowers. And this fabulous person wants to keep the flowers looking nice so that everyone can enjoy them as well. Did I mention how truly amazing this person is? I think-" Eugene looked down and saw Rapunzel staring at him with a straight face.
"And would this wonderful, lovely, fabulous, amazing person happen to be you?" she asked, her lips curling up into a smile.
"Perhaps," Eugene replied. Rapunzel laughed and gently rested her head against Eugene's shoulder before something caught her eye.
"Eugene, what's that?" She rushed in front of him and to the very edge of the castle. She placed her hand on the wall and was looking intently at something. "Eugene, come here." Eugene hurried to Rapunzel and stared at the wall. There were large plants growing over it, but not randomly like they had been before. These plants were intricately swirled around on the wall and it was split into two sections. In the very middle of the wall, the two sides were wrapped around and met in one large circle.
"What do you think it is?" Rapunzel asked, her hands following the plants.
"I don't know. Hey, maybe it's a secret passage," Eugene said, nudging Rapunzel.
"Eugene, don't be silly, why would there be a secret-?" Rapunzel began to say, but Eugene had already pushed on the wall and it slid open, revealing a small room. "Oh." Eugene smiled at Rapunzel and pushed the door open a little more. The two of them slowly walked inside the secret room.
In the corner, there was a small fire burning. Eugene noticed that directly above the fire, there was a large bar of wood, laying on an edge. Rapunzel held onto Eugene's arm as he reached for the wood. He held in his laughter and lit the wood on fire. Eugene took a few steps forward and saw small containers on the stone wall, holding wood in them as well. He lit the first one and continued around the room.
"Eugene, what if there's something bad in here?" Rapunzel whispered.
"Rapunzel, if there was anything bad in here, they wouldn't have put the fire in for us," Eugene replied as he lit the final container of wood. Both of them turned around and surveyed the room.
"Eugene, look! It's a piano!" Rapunzel exclaimed and ran over to the piano. Eugene stared at it quizzically.
"Why on earth is there a piano in here?" he asked.
"I don't know, but it's so pretty…" Rapunzel ran her hands over the keys and sat down on the bench. "Do you know how to play, Eugene?" she asked, turning to him. He rubbed his forehead and shook his head slightly.
"Well, I did kind of teach myself when I was younger. In the orphanage, you know," he confessed.
"Really? Do you remember anything?" Rapunzel asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Um… I might, but it's been years…" Eugene sat down next to Rapunzel and stared at the keys. Rapunzel looked at his hands expectantly, as he raised them over the keys. "Don't make fun of me if I stink."
"I won't." Eugene sighed and then slowly began to play a song. He didn't know why he remembered this particular song, but for some reason, it had stuck with him. Rapunzel watched him closely as he played. She never knew he was so good at playing piano! For not having played for years, he was very good. Eugene stumbled at one part of the song and stopped playing for a moment.
"Eugene, that was wonderful! I never knew you played piano," Rapunzel said.
"Well, I didn't think I could still play it. Last time I played, I was a young Flynn Rider."
"I think I like it better when you play as Eugene Fitzherbert."
"Yeah? I'd have to agree on that one." Rapunzel smiled and pushed some random keys down.
"I wish I could play piano… Eugene, would you teach me?" Rapunzel asked excitedly. Eugene held up his hands and said, "Whoa whoa, let's not jump to conclusions. That's the only song I know, Rapunzel." Rapunzel frowned at him. "I'm sure you could teach yourself! You taught yourself how to play guitar," Eugene pointed out. As Rapunzel was about to retort back, there was a soft knock on the door. Rapunzel and Eugene quickly jumped to their feet and turned to face the door.
"I had a feeling you would find this one day," the Queen said.
"Mother! We just… we were…" Rapunzel looked at Eugene, hoping he would help her out.
"No need, Rapunzel," Eleanor stepped in the room and looked around, "Wow, it's been a long time since I've been in here." Rapunzel and Eugene glanced at one another, not saying anything.
"You know about this room, too?" Eugene asked.
"Oh, yes. Jonathan and I used to come in here and play piano together."
"You can both play the piano?" Rapunzel inquired. Eleanor nodded and walked toward the piano.
"Yes, but we don't play much anymore. This was before we were even married," Eleanor said with a laugh, "We used to come in here whenever we wanted to get away, and just play the piano."
"But how did it get here in the first place?" Eugene asked.
"That's a good question. It was here when I was a child. Perhaps my parents made it? I don't think I'll ever know," Eleanor responded. There were a few moments silence before Eleanor sat down on the bench and began to play. Rapunzel and Eugene watched in awe as her hands flew over the piano. She played for a few minutes before stopping, smiling to herself.
"Oh, it's wonderful to play again," she said, standing up.
"Mother, that was amazing!" Rapunzel said.
"Thank you, dear. I'm sure Eugene over here would be more than willing to give you lessons. From what I heard, you're very good," Eleanor said to Eugene. Rapunzel beamed at him.
"Oh, all right. I'll give you lessons," Eugene responded. Rapunzel jumped into the air and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you, Eugene!" Eleanor laughed and placed an arm on his shoulder.
"Eugene, there's one more thing I need to ask you," she said.
"What's that?"
"Could you go out and water the plants again? The tulips are looking especially thirsty."
So this one was different, right? I honestly have no idea where it came from. I think that playing the piano makes Eugene even awesome-r than he already is! Don't forget to review :)