Chapter 35: Party Time!

Jake and Mandy entered a large room in the town hall where the party was being held. A lot of people had already arrived, including Regina and Cora who somehow managed to arrive before they did. Everyone started clapping and cheering when they saw Mandy some in. She didn't like all the attention on her, she wasn't used to it. Jake could feel how nervous she was but helped her through it. He squeezed her hand a little tighter, letting her know he was there for her.

After a while of mingling with people she had never met before, Jake whispered in her ear. "Would you like to meet some of my friends?" She nodded and he led her over.

"Hey Jake! How's it going?" One of his friends asked as he shook hands with Jake.

Jake introduced them. "Miranda, I would like you to meet Patrick, Kyle, Dylan and Artie. Guys, this is Miranda."

"Hello." She said softly.

Artie grabbed her hand and kissed the top of it. "Pleasure to meet you, Miranda."

Mandy was weirded out by the gesture but assumed that's what they did at parties such as these. "Likewise."

"So what's it like having magic?" Dylan asked before taking a sip of his drink.

Mandy narrowed her eyes. "How do you know I have magic?"

"You saved every kid from those horrible witches. We were all there." Dylan responded.

Mandy lowered her eyes. "Oh, right…that."

"Yea, I heard you almost died." Kyle added.

Jake put his hands up, silencing his friends. "Alright guys, let's not be morbid."

Kyle nodded. "Right, sorry. Sometimes I don't think before I speak."

"Happens to the best of us." She said offering a weak smile.

"You're also the daughter of the Evil Queen…what's that like?" Patrick asked curious to hear her answer.

Mandy was feeling totally blind-sided by Jake's friends. They seemed to know more about her when she knew absolutely nothing about them except for their names.

"Her name is Regina" She corrected them through gritted teeth. "And she's wonderful. You shouldn't believe everything you hear."

The guys could hear the hostility in her voice as she spoke. "We didn't mean to offend you, Miranda" Kyle said.

"Yea, we were only trying to get to know the girl our best friend is interested in." Patrick said defending their reasoning for the questions.

"Maybe we can lay off the 20 questions for a bit and just hangout?" Jake suggested.

They all nodded. Jake pulled her close and whispered, "Sorry about them. They don't mean any harm."

"I know, I'm sorry too." She whispered back. He squeezed her hand letting her know everything was alright.

When they were finished eating, the music started to play and people began to Waltz around the dance floor.

"Would the birthday girl like to dance?" Jake asked as he extended his hand.

Mandy turned in her seat. "The birthday girl doesn't know how to Waltz."

"Just follow my lead." He said pulling her up from her seat.

I wish I let Cora teach me how to dance! She thought to herself as Jake was dragging her across the dance floor.

She watched her feet, trying to get the pattern down but her brain wasn't processing the moves.

"Ow!" Jake yelped when she stepped on his foot for the fourth time.

Mandy blushed. "Sorry…I told you I don't know how to Waltz."

"You're thinking about it too much. Don't look at our feet, look at my eyes." He instructed. Mandy felt a little unsure but followed his directions, letting her mind run free as she stared into his sparkling blue eyes. She didn't even notice she was gliding across the dance floor.

When the dance was over, Cora came up to retrieve Mandy. "Miranda, you need to start mingling with your party guests."

"I did when I first arrived." She said.

"Well you missed a few people." Cora pointed out.

"But I'm with Jake right now." She protested.

Cora grabbed her wrist. "She'll only be gone for a half hour at best…you understand."

Jake nodded. "Certainly. I'll be with the guys when you're done."

Mandy shot him a weak smile before Cora pulled her away. "This couldn't have waited a little longer?"

"Sorry dear, but you have many guests that you need to thank for coming." Cora said.

"Very well." Mandy said as she began to mingle once again.

After 15 minutes of constant talking, she found her way over to Snow and Emma, thankful to talk to people she actually knew.

"I feel like I haven't talked to you two all night!" Mandy exclaimed.

"That's okay. You've been very busy." Snow pointed out.

Mandy smiled. "Snow, I hadn't noticed your dress earlier but you look awesome!" She was wearing an ash grey silk dress. It was a sweetheart up top with a high-waisted think silver belt with an interesting pattern as it flowed freely down and around her.

"You've seen it before, Miranda." Snow reminded her.

"I know but it looks better now with your make up on and your hair all done." She said before looking over to Emma. "Emma, you look so different…"

"Thanks…"She said sarcastically.

"Different meaning pretty." Mandy corrected herself.

"I feel kinda weird, this dress is huge!" Emma said looking down at it. The crème colored straps hung off her shoulders in the shape of tiny roses as her torso was covered with an interesting pattern. The skirt of the dress was a light gold color but was very plain. She didn't want anything to attention grabbing so she kept her hair down in loose curls.

"I'm having trouble with the heels." Mandy sighed.

"Will you two stop complaining." Snow said playfully hitting their arms. "And enjoy yourself."

Emma glared at her. "It's a little hard when you're wearing a parachute."

Snow ignored her. "You and Jake seem to be hitting it off."

Mandy's eyes brighten at the mention of Jake. "We are! I'm having a good time so far. Thanks for suggesting it to my mom and helping with the organizing."

Snow waved her hand. "It was no trouble at all. I enjoy planning parties."

Henry ran up to Mandy and gave her a hug. "Oh, hey Henry!" She said returning the hug. "You look so cute in your little tux."

Henry pulled away. "Thanks. You look great too!"

She felt bad she didn't get a chance to talk to Henry earlier in the night. "Sorry I haven't hung out with you all night. I hope you're having fun!"

"I am for the most part…this music is kinda boring though." Henry admitted.

"Henry, this music is what we danced to in our world. It's lovely." Snow said as she closed her eyes as she remembered the many balls she went to.

"I agree with the kid." Emma said placing her hands on her hips. "This music is putting me to sleep."

Snow shook her head. "I don't see anything wrong with it."

Mandy looked at the dance floor. "They're right, Snow. No one is dancing except for the people who know the elegant dances."

"Snow, will you come here real quick." David called a few feet away.

Snow shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what to tell you three." She said before leaving.

"We need to get people dancing." Mandy said.

"We need a DJ, but I don't see that happening…" Emma sighed.

"I do!" Henry exclaimed.

"How?" Mandy asked puzzled.

"You and Emma have magic…so just poof one up." He said as if they should've thought of it before he did.

Emma crossed her arms. "Snow and Cora are gonna be pissed,"

Mandy shrugged her shoulders. "Oh well. It's my party and I want a DJ. They'll just have to get over it."

"I do want to dance to better music than this classical crap…" Emma said.

Henry nudged her. "So…is that a yes?"

Emma smiled down at him. "Yes."

Mandy grabbed Emma's hand. "Ready?"

Emma quickly pulled away. "Whoa…I didn't know I had to use magic…I thought you were gonna do it!"

"Our magic is stronger together." She said slipping her hand in Emma's once more. "Besides, mine isn't fully restored yet…who knows what will pop up."

"Alright fine." Emma sighed.

"Close your eyes and picture a DJ." Mandy instructed.

Emma complied and their hands began to glow. They suddenly heard a loud beat and Maroon 5 playing. They opened their eyes and there was a DJ where the orchestra used to be.

"Wow!" Mandy said at their accomplishment.

"We did it!" Emma whispered in amazement.

"You sound surprised." Henry pointed out.

Emma nodded. "I am…I honestly don't know what just happened. Magic is still foreign to me." She admitted.

Everyone was startled by the sudden music change. All the kids instantly jumped up and began dancing. The adults, especially the royals, were hesitant.

"What is going on?" Cora asked angrily and she walked up beside Snow.

Even though the people who were in group therapy wouldn't talk to each other, Snow answered. "I think I know." She marched up behind Mandy, Emma and Henry. She was followed by Cora who was eager to know what was going on.

"Emma Swan! What is the meaning of this?" Snow asked in an authoritative tone.

Emma was startled to be yelled at by Snow. She wasn't used to being scolded by her and she didn't know what to say. She looked like a deer stuck in head lights.

Mandy saw Emma sinking fast. "I changed the music." She said not wanting Emma or Henry to get in trouble.

"Why?" Cora asked angrily.

"I like this music better…and everyone is dancing." She said pointing to the dance floor.

Regina walked up beside them. "Who changed the music? I'm loving it!" She said as she started to sway back and forth.

"If Regina likes it, then it can't be that bad." Emma pointed out.

"Much easier to dance to…and no one has to know those stupid dances." Regina added and she began to move a little more to the music.

"Regina, those dances are classics!" Cora reminded.

"Oh lighten up, Mother! Loosen up a bit." She said bumping hips with Cora who wasn't enjoying it at all.

"How much did you have to drink, Regina?" Emma asked observing the way Regina was acting.

Regina stood up straighter but kept swaying to the music. "I'm perfectly fine, Miss Swan. I'm just having fun."

"She had 3 glasses of wine." Cora said answering Emma's question.

"And 2 shots." Snow added.

"You saw that?!" Regina asked shocked. Snow nodded.

"I'm cutting you off, Regina, before you make a total fool of yourself." Cora said firmly.

Regina ignored her and joined the other people on the dance floor. Henry and Emma followed her.

Mandy rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe her mother was acting like that. "I'm going to join Jake. Excuse me."

"So much for that." Cora said crossing her arms.

"You can change it back…" Snow pointed out.

Cora sighed. "If this is what my granddaughter wants, then I shall leave it."

Snow turned to look at the older woman in amazement. "Wow, Cora. That's very selfless of you."

"I'm just full of surprises, aren't I?" Cora said smiling watching Regina, Emma and Henry dance.

Snow nodded. "That you are."

"Liking the music?" Mandy asked Jake and his friends who were dancing like crazy.

"Loving it!" Jake said grabbing Mandy's hands and making her dance.

"Did you have anything to do with this?" Patrick asked.

"Maybe a little…" She laughed.

"Great choice!" Kyle said.

"Would you like to meet my parents?" Jake asked.

Mandy was surprised by the question. "Sure." How could she say no?

He smiled and led her over to where his parents were sitting, talking to a few people. She was a bit nervous to meet his parents. She was worried that because she was related to Regina that his parents wouldn't let him see her anymore. As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she felt guilty. Regina has done so much for her; she shouldn't be ashamed that she was her mother.

"They seem deep in conversation. Maybe we should come back another time." Mandy said pulling his arm the other way.

Jake chuckled. "Are you nervous?"

"No, why would you say that?" She said denying it even though it was true.

"I can tell when you're nervous…you always bite your lip." He admitted.

"I do?" She asked not realizing she did that.

Jake nodded. "It's cute.

"Jacob?" He heard his mother calling him. He walked over to her with Mandy following behind,

"Jacob, I haven't seen you all night!" His mother said grabbing his hands.

"I'm sorry, mom. I was spending time with Mandy." He said.

Her eyes wandered behind her son, eyeing the young girl. "You must be Miranda." Mandy only nodded. "Come here, dear."

Mandy slowly walked over to her. "It's nice to meet you." She said softly.

"You too, dear. Jacob has told me so much about you." She said smiling.

"Really? He hasn't said much about you, I'm afraid." Mandy admitted feeling blind-sided for the second time that night.

His mother waved her off. "I'm not surprised. He never liked being a Prince."

"Prince?!" Mandy asked her voice rising from the shock.

"Did I forget to mention that?" He asked rubbing the back of his neck.

"You seemed to have forgotten that little detail." She said through gritted teeth. "It explains why you're so charming and such a great dancer."

"Valerie, some people would like to talk to you." A man said as he stood next to Jake's mom. Mandy assumed this was his father.

"I'll be there in a few minutes Charlie." She said patting her husband's chest.

"King Charles and Queen Valerie…of the Southern Kingdom?" She asked remembering them from the Enchanted Forest.

Valerie nodded. "Have you been there, dear?"

Mandy shook her head. "Oh no, but I heard it was a lovely Kingdom, one of the best in fact."

"We try to rule with a firm but fair hand. We want our people to live comfortably." Charles said in a deep voice.

Mandy sighed. "I wish other royals would follow your example."

"As do I, but it didn't seem to catch on." Valerie said patting the girl on the shoulder.

"Did you know my mom?" The question shot out of her mouth before she even knew what she was saying. She was scared of what their answer might be but they both seemed fine with the mention of her mother.

"Your mother used to come to the Kingdom with Leopold." Charles informed.

"I loved when she came for a visit. We would spend hours talking." Valerie said remembering the times she spent with Regina.

"She even kept our deals after Leopold passed away." Charles said sounding very grateful.

"But she didn't visit anymore." Valerie said sadly. "I was shocked when I heard of the things she had done as Queen."

"You mean the Evil Queen…" Mandy said putting her head down.

Valerie shook her head. "No. She will never be evil in my eyes. She will always be my friend, the one I spent hours talking to."

"Why haven't you talked to her since the curse broke?" Jake asked is mother.

"We haven't spoken in so long…it just didn't seem like I could." Valerie admitted.

Charles patted his wife on the back. "You should go talk to her, Val. I know you want too! You miss talking to Regina."

Valerie nodded. "I do…I'm going over right now."

"Charles…over here." Someone called him.

"If you'll excuse me, children I have some mingling to continue. It was nice meeting you, Miranda. Happy Birthday!"

"You too, sir. Thank you!" Mandy said curtsying towards him. She didn't know what else to do. When he was gone she playfully hit Jake. "Why didn't you tell me your parents were King Charles and Queen Valerie?!"

Jake grabbed her shoulders. "I didn't want it to freak you out…it doesn't matter who I was back there."

"Yes it does. It's part of who you are." Mandy argued.

"That may be so, but I didn't want it to affect my relationship with you." Jake shot back.

Mandy was silent for a moment. "I understand…I didn't want it tell you about my past…"

"You can if you want…" Jake said wanting her to open up to him.

Mandy shook her head. "No, I really don't want to…maybe someday but not right now."

"I'll be here when you do." He smiled at her.

"Good to know." She said smiling as she wrapped her hands around his neck.

"So, are you okay with me being a Prince and all?" His hands resting on her waist.

"It'll take some time to get used to I suppose, but I think I can handle it."

He leaned down and kissed her softly. It was the first time she had been kissed since Peter but she didn't pull away from him. She stood on her tippy toes to deepen the kiss. She really liked Jake and didn't want to screw anything up.

Regina was arguing with her mother when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around, startled to see a familiar face she once talked to for several hours at a time. "Valerie." She whispered.

"I missed you, Regina!" She said hugging her.

Regina was surprised. "You did?"

Valerie pulled back. "Like crazy! I missed your visits to the palace. I thought I had done something to hurt your friendship."

"I was going through a tough time." Regina said not wanting to get into any details.

"Yes, I'm well aware…"

"I didn't think you wanted anything to do with me since I became the Evil Queen." Regina sighed.

"You're not evil, Regina. I know you. I know of the things you have done but you're still my friend." Valerie said.

Regina arched her eyebrows. "Are you sure? People still hate me…I don't want people to hate you as well just by association."

Valerie shook her head. "I don't care, I want my friend back." Regina gave her a soft smile. "And since our children are dating…"

"Jake is your son?" Regina asked surprised.

"Yes…is that a problem?" Valerie asked.

Regina smiled. "Not at all…it's terrific in fact."

"Why don't we have a seat? We need to get caught up." She suggested. Regina didn't argue. She wanted to reconnect with the only friend she ever had.

Mandy and Jake had moved to the hallway, a little bit down from the door that led to the party. They were sitting on a comfy, red couch. He held her head in his hands as he kissed her, hers were wrapped around his neck.

Jake pulled back, breaking the kiss. "Mandy?"

"Hmm?" She hummed.

"I don't know if you've noticed but I really like you…"

She giggled. "Just a little."

"Well I was wondering how you felt about me?"

Mandy's heart stopped. She wasn't' ready to be asked to reveal her feelings to him. "I really like you too." She smiled.

Jake smiled back. "Would you like to be my girlfriend?"

"Jake…"

"You don't have to say yes. Just know that I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes." Jake said looking deep into her eyes.

Mandy's heart and mind were racing. She wanted to answer him but no words were coming out.

"Mandy, are you alright?" Jake asked concerned that she was taking so long to answer him.

Mandy slowed her breathing so she could answer him. "Yes…I'll be your girlfriend."

Jake's eyes lit up." You will?" She nodded quickly. He pulled out a tiny box and handed it to her.

"What's this?" She asked taking the box from him.

"Open it." She did and it revealed a promise ring. It was the infinity symbol shaped out of two hearts with the engraving 'True Love is Magic'. She couldn't believe what she saw.

"It's for your birthday. I was going to give it to you regardless of whether you agreed to be my girlfriend or not. I really do like you, Miranda." Jake said as she continued to stare at it. "Do you like it?" He asked nervously.

"I love it!" She slipped it on before jumping into his arms. "Thank you."

He pulled her close to his face so he could kiss her. He kissed her long and hard. She loved every minute of it; it felt right…for her and Jake to be together. She didn't feel this way with Peter, it was different with Jake. Their kiss was interrupted by someone calling her name.

She turned around angry at whoever interrupted her perfect moment with Jake. "What Henry?" She growled.

"I need to talk to you." He said seriously.

"Now?!" Mandy asked aggravated.

"Yea, it has to happen now."

Mandy caught the uneasiness in his voice. "I'll be right back." She said to Jake before kissing him and then turned to join Henry around the corner of the hallway.

"What's wrong, Henry?" She asked.

"I'm worried about you." He admitted.

"Why?" She asked confused.

"I don't want you to turn dark. It's going to happen in a few hours, ya know." He said making sure she was aware of what time it was.

Mandy new it was going to happen soon. She had been receiving small urges throughout the night but didn't tell anyone. "I've been a little preoccupied this evening."

Henry crossed his arms. "Yea, I saw you two sucking face."

Mandy could hold in her laughter. "Well, I can't stop it from happening so I'm not gonna worry about it." She lied. Deep down she was scared to death of what would happen to her in a few hours but she didn't want to show it to Henry.

Henry knew she was just as scared as he was. He pulled out Regina's spell book he stole form her house earlier and began flipping through the pages. "What's that?" Mandy asked.

Henry found the page he was looking for and began blowing on the pages. The ink flew into Mandy's face. "What are you doing? Henry!" She yelled but was engulfed in a purple smoke. When the smoke disappeared, it revealed a small and scared little girl.

"Who are you?" The little girl asked shyly.

"Henry, what's yours? How old are you?" He asked.

"Corinne." She whispered. "I'm 5." Henry couldn't believe he was staring at the 5 year old version of Mandy.

"It's nice to meet you Corinne." He said sweetly as he bent down to her level.

"Are you friends with Jackson?" She asked hesitantly.

Henry remembered Jackson from Mandy's stories. He was her foster brother back in the Enchanted Forest. "No, I'm not. I'm your friend." He smiled.

"You are?" She asked shocked. He nodded. "I don't have friends."

"Now you do." He reached out to take her hand but she cringed, afraid he was going to hit her.

"Henry, what are you doing?" Emma asked from behind him.

Henry turned around quickly, shocked to his mother standing there. He fumbled with his words. He really didn't think his plan through all the way.

"Who's that?" She asked noticing the small girl behind him.

He still had the page open in the spell book. He didn't want to get in trouble so he blew on the pages once more as Emma became engulfed in the same purple smoke as Mandy had. When it cleared, he was staring at his 5 year old mother.

"Where am I?" 5 year old Emma asked looking around at the unfamiliar hallway.

Henry looked between young Emma and young Corinne. He didn't know what to do with two 5 year old girls, but he did know he was going to be in serious trouble.

So the beginning was tough to write but I'm interested in what you all think of how they party is going so far. What do you think will happen next?! Review!