I've noticed that my story's been all action and suspense, but lacking romance. While I think about the "Maleficent" situation, how about I treat... anyone who still reads this... to a chapter full of romance. This is to Bal fans, Jaudrey fans, and CarVie fans.
Leave a review after reading. Please.
A day has passed since Evelyn's defeat and the downfall of the Order of the White Fire. Those who were associated with Evelyn were promised a pardon if they assist in the reconstruction of Auradon Prep dormitory. Mal announced the heroic deed of Katherine, Uri, Fernando, and Garth to the entire kingdom. They were loved for their part in Evelyn's downfall. While it disgusted them to be referred to as "heroes," they were satisfied with the royal service they were receiving from Ben.
Not wanting to keep secrets from the kingdom anymore, Mal also told of her mother's return. Instead of having every kingdom under lockdown for protection, some of Evelyn's former knights offered protection. Half remained on the dormitory rebuilding while the other half join the army of other kingdoms.
Meanwhile, Carlos visits the pet hospital and takes Dude back home. Since classes are still on hold due to the rebuilding of the dormitory, the VKs stayed in the castle along with the hero kids. Since Mal doesn't know where her mother is, the best they can do is relax until the time comes.
Mal was in the royal dining room. Alone. She was eating strawberries off a bowl as big as a punch bowl. Strangely, she doesn't feel like feasting on strawberries rapidly this time. She was just taking one strawberry at a time and eating them slowly. Thirty minutes have past and she has only finished a quarter of the bowl. She wasn't gonna be alone for long because Ben just entered.
"Hey," he greeted.
"'Sup," she greeted back, although still feeling troubled.
"What's the matter?" asked Ben. "The girl I love wouldn't be sulking if there was a mountain of strawberries in front of her."
"The usual. My mother," answered Mal. "I thought I finally got rid of her, but now, she's back. We're back where we started after Evie's Isle adventure."
"You're not blaming her again, are you?" asked Ben.
"The only person I'm blaming is myself," said Mal.
"Mal, self-pity never helps," said Ben.
"I know," said Mal. "It's just that... I just can't get a break. No matter how many times I save the day, there's always trouble popping to replace the one I just fixed."
"The world never works the way you want it," said Ben.
"Trust me. If the world did work my way, I'd have all the power in the world, there will be no more trouble in Auradon, and we'd already be married," said Mal.
"Still power hungry?" asked Ben.
"I'm sorry," apologized Mal. "But that's really who I am."
"If you really want to be an ace-level sorceress, I can have Fairy God Mother schedule some lessons," suggested Ben.
"Thanks, but no thanks," said Mal. "I prefer to teach myself."
"Mal, I know all this good vs. evil stuff can be stressing, but always remember. Good always wins," said Ben.
"I know Ben," said Mal. "But it's just... difficult. I mean after we defeat my mother, then what? Can I finally live here in peace, or is there going to be another problem threatening Auradon?"
"What are you trying to say?" asked Ben.
"Do you really want a future with me?" responded Mal. "I may have changed here in Auradon, but I still bring trouble wherever I go. Am I really deserving a seat at the royal throne?"
"Mal, we talked about this. No one deserves that seat more than you do," said Ben. "I love you."
"I love you, too," said Mal. "But still..."
Ben moves his chair closer to Mal's.
"What's it gonna take for you to truly accept a future with me?" asked Ben.
"A sign," said Mal. "That I am really deserving to rule this kingdom by your side."
"I'm guessing my words are not the sign you need," said Ben.
"If the universe is kind enough to give me a sign, I'll try to see it," said Mal.
"Sometimes, I wish things weren't this difficult," said Ben. "After my coronation, I thought all I had to worry about was my duties as king. Instead, I had to constantly worry about Maleficent, the... Frightening Foursome... and Evelyn. You have no idea how often I think about how our lives would've been like with no worries, but I try to stop thinking about it. I just focus on the present and try to build my future from there."
"I've said this before, but I'll say it again. This kingdom is lucky to have you as king," said Mal.
"Mal, please, at least try to stay positive," said Ben. "You've beaten your mother lots of times before, you can beat her again."
"My mom may be a nut, but she's still crafty," said Mal. "I hate to even guess what she has up her sleeves this time."
"Do you want me to force you to relax again?" questioned Ben.
"You took me to the Enchanted Lake," reminded Mal. "Ben, you're sweet, but everything is just too much for me to cope with."
"Well, you've been through a lot. I wouldn't know what you feel unless I'm you," said Ben.
"But that doesn't I want to face them alone," said Mal. "I need friends. A little company always helps."
"Well, I'm here," reminded Ben.
"And I'm always pleased to have King Cutie by my side," said Mal.
Ben smiled, amused at what Mal called him. The two leaned towards each other and shared a kiss. After ten seconds, they stopped.
"I can still taste the strawberry," said Ben.
Mal picks up a strawberry, takes a bite out of it, sticks her finger in the rest, and rubs the juice all over Ben's lips. Mal grinned, amused. Ben just licked all of the juice.
"Are you sure there is no way to fix that dangerous sense of humor of yours?" questioned Ben.
"Touch my funny bone and I'll break yours," threatened Mal with a sweet tone and a big smile.
Ben nodded, agreeing not to mess with Mal's humor. The two just spent the rest of the time eating strawberries together. Being her usual quirky self, Mal took two strawberries, ate them halfway, and pressed them on Ben's cheeks, soaking them. Mal kisses both of Ben's cheeks, sucking the juice while she does. Ben felt uncomfortable, but he still smiled. Mal may not be perfect, but she doesn't need to be perfect. He loves her in every way.
Meanwhile, Jay was taking Audrey for a walk in the park. They realized that they haven't been spending much time together due to the "Evelyn" crisis. Instead of a big fancy restaurant or visiting Audrey's parents, Jay thought a simple date would work out.
"So, Audrey, how is with Mal?" asked Jay. "You accepting the 'sister' thing yet?"
"Still feels weird calling her that," replied Audrey. "But we haven't talked about it lately."
"Well, you should," said Jay. "Before we go against Maleficent again, we need to treasure these moments with the ones we love... while they're still there."
Noticing the depression on his last few words, Audrey says, "I'm sorry."
"That's okay," said Jay.
"But you miss your dad," said Audrey.
The sad look on Jay's face was present.
"He was no perfect father, but he was my father," said Jay.
"Besides being evil and obsessed with collecting junk, what was he like?" asked Audrey.
"He was... not bad. He may not be entirely supportive of me, but he still motivates me and hopes for me to be better at being bad," said Jay. "I know that sounds weird to someone like you, but to me, that's a sign of a loving father."
"At least you loved him," said Audrey.
"I just wish our last words to each other was worth remembering," said Jay. "The last time we talked, I just told him that me and my friends will take care of the bomb. And we didn't."
"I know it's a hard time for you, Jay, but I want you to remember that I'm here for you," said Audrey.
Jay smiled. "Nice to see you finally embracing selflessness."
"You and your friends have really helped me," said Audrey. "And Chad."
"Solved the mystery why Lonnie's dating him?" asked Jay.
"Nope. It's still a mystery," answered Audrey. "I think it's best to just be happy for them."
The two kiss, but their moment was cut short by a phone. It was Audrey's.
Audrey answers. "Hello?"
"Hi, Audrey. It's Jane."
"What do you want? Jay and I were in the middle of a special moment."
"Were you two kissing? I'm sorry," apologized Jane. "I was asking if you can come by mother's house and help me with something."
"With what, and why me?" asked Audrey.
"I'd rather you find out when you get here. Also, I called already called Mal and Carlos, but they were busy," answered Jane.
"Okay, I'll be there," said Audrey. She looks back at Jay. "Sorry. Friend in need."
"Can I at least see you later?" asked Jay.
"Back at the castle?" suggested Audrey.
"I'll be there," responded Jay.
Audrey kisses Jay on the cheek before walking away. Jay just stood next the fountain, smiling.
"You definitely found the right one, Jay."
In another part of Auradon, Evie was driving Ben's scooter, which she stole, through a forest. She was looking for Carlos. She remembered the program he made on his laptop that can triangulate a cellphone signal to pinpoint one's location. She was able to use his laptop because Mal told her Carlos' password, which was "bluecrowns". The reason she stole Ben's scooter is because she still hasn't passed the driving test. She had taken it sixteen times and each attempt ends with skidding on the grass or the driving instructor ending up in the hospital.
Evie stopped when she spotted Carlos. He was sitting with Dude next to a pond.
"Hey," she greeted.
"Hey," greeted Carlos.
Evie sits down next to Carlos and pets Dude.
"How is he?" asked Evie.
"If he stays out of harm's way, his tail will be healed in three days," answered Carlos. "So, let me guess. You figured out my password."
"Actually, Mal told me," said Evie. "I'm touched you chose a password after me."
Carlos smiled, feeling embarrassed.
"That was back when I kept my feelings a secret," said Carlos.
"I'm still touched," said Evie. "So, what is this place? And why are you here?"
"It's called the Lake of Serenity," answered Carlos. "It's magical. It releases an aura that keeps anyone and anything around these woods calm and peaceful."
"I do feel very calm," said Evie. "But again. Why are you here? And how did you even know this place existed?"
"You know I love to read books. I've read dozens of books about the world before Auradon. The lake has always existed. Even after Auradon was formed, it still remains," answered Carlos. "Also, I came here to chillax."
"What's going through your mind now?" asked Evie.
"Well, I'm alive. For good," said Carlos. "But that still doesn't change the fact that I hid a very important secret from you."
"I understand why," said Evie. "If you'd told me, I'd be obsessed with trying to save you instead of focusing on the Order."
"Do you really forgive me or is it the lake getting to you?" asked Carlos.
"I do forgive you," said Evie. "I know what it's like to keep a secret. Remember the Forgotten Island? I broke up with you, but that wasn't really me. It was Maleficent. She tried to tear us apart to throw us off our mission. She figured breaking both our hearts will affect Mal and Jay as well."
Carlos smiled, knowing Evie was telling the truth.
"I guess my little secret makes us even," said Carlos.
"I guess it does," replied Evie.
Carlos continues staring at the lake.
"Carlos, please, tell me everything. I want to make sure you're feeling alright," pleaded Evie.
"It's just that..." Carlos paused. "I'm not so sure about this relationship."
"Why?" asked Evie.
"Whenever it looks like things between us are working out, something just gets in the way and ruins it," said Carlos. "It just makes me wish I never talked to you that night."
"Carlos, I can't believe you're saying that," said Evie in a calm outrage, due to the lake.
"I know, but... can it really work between us?" replied Carlos.
"You said you love me," reminded Evie.
"I know," replied Carlos.
"And I said I love you," said Evie.
Carlos just stayed silent.
"So, what? You want us to break up?" asked Evie.
"I'm not saying that," said Carlos.
"Then what are you saying?" asked Evie.
Carlos looked at Evie's eyes for a few seconds, then spoke. "What I'm saying is... can this relationship last? Keeping a big secret from you has made me feel like I was falling forever in an endless abyss of guilt. My time was limited and I just let you think I'm back for good. I wanted to tell you, but I just fought the urge to tell the truth."
"You kept a secret from me, but it's past now," said Evie. "I thought you always lived by your words from our musical number. Let the past be the past."
"It's not about the past," said Carlos. "It's about me. I've died. I came back to life. Now that I'm back forever, can I really just go on with my life?"
"You're starting to sound like Sofia," said Evie.
Carlos looks at Evie.
"I think what you're going through," said Evie. "You're worried about living your life after it ended once. You've escaped death, but it doesn't feel right."
"Well, now I know who I should be talking to, but unfortunately, she's gone. Again," said Carlos, mourning his friend.
Evie puts her arm around Carlos and gives him a hug, trying to comfort him.
"You've faced her death once. I'm sure you can do it again," said Evie, being her usual optimistic self.
"Not exactly the right words," said Carlos.
"Sorry," apologized Evie.
"What would she say if she was here?" asked Carlos.
"I don't know. I'm not Sofia," said Evie. "But I'm sure she would say that you should just continue enjoying life."
"If she did say that, it would probably sound more mature and she would use more sophisticated words," said Carlos.
"I know. She's awesome," said Evie.
"But I got this aching feeling in my gut saying she isn't really dead," said Carlos. "Wouldn't her family have called us to the wake?"
"I understand wishing someone you care about is still alive, but I guess this time, we have to face it. She's gone," said Evie.
Carlos just frowned.
"Now, back to our relationship," said Evie, changing the topic. "Do you want to break up or not?"
"I don't know," said Carlos.
"Do you love me?" asked Evie.
"With all my heart," asked Carlos.
"Then answer me," said Evie. "What do you need?"
Carlos didn't answer. He stayed silent for a minute. Evie just threw a pebble into the pond, waiting for an answer.
"I wish Sofia was here," said Evie.
"You and me both," said Carlos.
"But I'm not waiting for her ghost to just suddenly show up and fix us," said Evie. "Just tell me. What do you need?"
"I don't know," said Carlos.
Not knowing what to do next, Evie just grabbed Carlos' face and kisses him on the lips. Carlos was thinking about pulling away, but his burning cheeks and accelerated heart rate made him loose himself in the kiss. He removes one hand off Dude and puts it on Evie's cheek, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss. Dude was feeling uncomfortable seeing human lip-to-lip contact. He leaves and naps behind a tree. Carlos didn't notice he was gone because he was completely lost in his moment with Evie. Their lips stayed attached for over half an hour before they finally stopped.
"How long was that?" asked Evie.
"Sorry, no timer," said Carlos. "I do wish it was the longest."
"Well, we can always do better," said Evie.
"Wait, where's Dude?" wondered Carlos.
Before he can panic, Carlos saw Dude's tail sticking out from behind a tree. He gets up and takes a look. Dude was napping.
"He's fine," said Carlos. "He's just tired."
"Then come back here and let's set a new record," said Evie sweetly.
"I'll activate the timer," said Carlos.
After starting the timer, Evie and Carlos locked lips again. Carlos was still troubled, but right now, all he cares about is cherishing this moment with the woman he loves.
I have to be honest. Writing this almost made me cry. Even from an author's point of view, it's just too beautiful. I hope you also think so.
Leave a review. Please.