A/N: Part of this chapter was inspired by watching Cinderella II: Dreams Come True earlier tonight. Please proceed with caution.
It was almost time for the End of the School Year Barbecue. Many students had to look their best for the few hours after the final bell and come back in time to celebrate the last day of school before summer vacation. Eight straight weeks of sun, surf, and fun in any way that they would love to celebrate, especially with no worries of school, homework, or anything else like that. There was no one more prepared for it than the Belfrey sisters though, especially in a chance of getting boyfriends. Dizzy was never in a hurry to get a boyfriend, though her sister made it sound super important and she failed to have a chance with Henry Mills like she wanted and her sister insisted on her trying to go out with as her boyfriend, but she was glad that they managed to talk things out even though it hurt that Henry wasn't interested in her like that.
Dizzy was currently playing with a loose hair ribbon when she should have been getting ready for the final countdown that was the last day of school, dangling it up and down, having a dreamy look in her eyes as she watched her music box of a prince and a princess dancing together to the music as she sighed softly. She had wished that could be her and Henry, but sadly, it wasn't meant to be. Under Dizzy's bed was a sneaky black cat, the Belfrey family cat: Lucifer. He seemed to smirk while under there before slinking out and pouncing at the ribbon as he tried to snatch it away suddenly.
This then pulled Dizzy out of her stupor as she cried out in dismay. "Lucifer!" she then complained to the cat and nearly fell back which made her knock over her music box. She then pulled the ribbon away and put the music box back in place with a small sigh.
"Stop hogging the mirror!" Ivy glared as she rushed over and shoved her younger sister aside as they were both forced to share a room despite their age difference. She really made Dizzy wish that someone like Evie could be her big sister instead of "Poison Ivy" or "Bat Belfrey" as other kids in school like Mal called her.
"Ivy, quit it!" Dizzy pouted as she pushed Ivy back and went to tie her hair up into pigtails, going to use one of the ribbons to support her hair.
Ivy gasped as she was pushed back before looking over and glared. "That's mine!" she then hissed at her younger sister.
"No! It's mine!" Dizzy glared back in defense.
"No, mine!" Ivy glared as she pulled on the ribbon, trying to get it from her younger sister before smirking as it ripped in half before she looked at it, giving it back to her younger sister. "Oh, you're right... It is yours~"
"You did that on purpose!" Dizzy pouted as she dropped the ribbon, letting Lucifer go and play with it.
"Did not!" Ivy glared.
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Girls, stop all this bickering at once," Victoria glared as she stepped into the room to see her daughters, emerging from the shadows. "It's the last day of school and your school has a tradition of throwing a special banquet with everyone on campus showing up after the seniors graduate. SO PAY ATTENTION!"
Dizzy and Ivy stood up straight a bit nervously from their mother's wrath. Ivy then turned at her younger sister and blew a raspberry at her as Dizzy firmly pouted. Seriously, Henry was really lucky when it came to having a big sister.
"I want you both to be on your best behavior and I hope that you can maybe find someone to keep you busy so you don't have to mooch off your poor mother forever... Ivy," Victoria said as she glanced out the window before giving her elder daughter a firm emphasis on her name. "And Dizzy, you need to find something useful to do for the rest of your life instead of playing with those scribbles in your notebook you call fashion designs. As if Ms. Edna Mode would find those at all interesting."
"...Evie likes them." Dizzy mumbled to herself sadly.
"What was that?" Victoria firmly demanded.
"Nothing, Mother!" Dizzy covered up nervously.
"Yes... See that you keep that nothing to yourself, young lady," Victoria said sharply. "If you're going to find something useful to do with your life or finding a potential boyfriend to become your husband, you have to make the most of this opportunity. I won't let you fail me. Again." she then instructed.
"Yes, Mother." Both Dizzy and Ivy nodded obediently.
"Ivy... Pin back that hair of yours. Dizzy, put more color in your cheeks," Victoria told her daughters who then turned around at their vanity table and began to make themselves up to look beautiful and interesting. "A perfect appearance is the only way to attract proper attention, even if you're the heirs to Belfrey Towers. We shall find you proper friends and men of wealth and nobility. You had your chance with the mayor's son, Dizzy, but you blew it."
Dizzy pouted, but she didn't say anything.
"We shall see what we can do about that, especially over the summer," Victoria then said. "I think that you both shall be working in your father's office over your summer vacation."
"What?!" Ivy gasped and cried out. "Mother-"
"Ivy... Is that backtalk?" Victoria warned sternly.
"But... I can't have a summer job! I'll miss... Summer!" Ivy defended.
"I'm sorry, but my word is final, you two don't have any other proper or interesting summer plans, so you shall work for them," Victoria decided sternly. "You'll begin very soon and I'll be sure to find something useful for both of you. Is that clear?"
Ivy sighed sharply. "Yes, Mother."
"Yes, Mother..." Dizzy added softly as she hugged her fashion notebook.
"Good," Victoria nodded as she walked out of her daughters' room to let them get ready for the day. "Now hurry up. I can't be late for work and you can't be late for the last day of school. Thank your lucky stars that neither of you has summer school this year."
Eventually, the Belfrey family went to go inside a black car with the license plate reading "VB1" which obviously belonged to Victoria. She heaved a sharp sigh as she began to start the car until suddenly...
"BOO!"
"AUGH!" Victoria cried out and clutched her chest before looking over to see that Tilly had somehow made it into her car and was laughing as she wore her favorite White Rabbit mask. "I swear, you devil child, someday you are going to be the death of me. Do you enjoy trying to give me a heart attack?"
"Don't you need to have a heart to have an attack?" Tilly smirked.
"Very funny!" Victoria rolled her eyes. "Now get out of my car or I'll put you in detention!"
"Well, it's a bit too late for that, isn't it?" Tilly smirked before she hopped out of the car as Dizzy and Ivy were on their way outside their house. "It's the last day of school, so detention is kinda pointless, ain't it?"
Victoria growled and reached out to strangle Tilly, but luckily for the blonde girl, she made it out of the way in time and laughed as she escaped. "Someone needs to throw that devil child in jail..." she then growled to herself.
Eventually, Dizzy and Ivy made it into the car and once they were buckled up, their mother started her car and began to take them to school for the day.
It was a time for a celebration and a hectic time at school as the final drifted closer and closer. Eventually, the time finally came as everyone was shivering with anticipation for the final bell so that they could be free to enjoy their summer vacation and the following week or so would be time to attend the Summer School Games. However, for some students, after leaving school for the day, they would come back in the evening for a special event if they wanted to which was the "End of the School Year Barbecue" and parents were invited as well as other guests.
Robin had come to the school to not only pick up Mal, Evie, and Henry, but he was currently speaking with Headmistress Fairgood about a certain affair. "Good day to you, Headmistress," he then greeted the woman. "Thank you for having me."
"Thank you for coming, Mr. Bedford," Headmistress Fairgood smiled at him as she stood up before sitting behind her desk as he shut the door behind him and she gestured to the seat in front of her desk. "Please. Have a seat."
Robin nodded and soon obliged.
"Now... Mr. Bedford..." Headmistress Fairgood began.
"Please, call me Robin." Robin requested.
Headmistress Fairgood merely blinked a couple of times at him.
"...Or Mr. Bedford's good," Robin shrugged with a bashful smile. "Whichever works for you really."
"Mm-hmm... Yes..." Headmistress Fairgood nodded as she continued with what she was going to say. "Now, certain students, especially Evelyn Mills seem to be flooding me with certain requests that involve a certain you."
"All good I hope?" Robin smiled. "Even if the school my children go to are bitter rivals with your school. No offense of course, but we were a little steamed how Ben French and Jay Sheherezade were able to win the game during our last match together."
"Yes... Those two certainly are talented in their sports," Headmistress Fairgood nodded as she clamped her hands together. "Now, there's something I must admit about your school being just a bit better than mine in."
"And what's that?" Robin asked, though someone was unknowingly behind the door and seemed to be eavesdropping on the conversation.
"Your archery... I've been told that you're very exceptional at it," Headmistress Fairgood revealed and explained. "Is this correct?"
"Oh, yes," Robin nodded sincerely. "Archery is a proud sport in my family. Why, my daughter is even great at it, and sometimes I think that she might be a little bit better at it than I." he then chuckled warmly.
"So I see," Headmistress Fairgood smiled. "Now, I know this is short notice as we have a week until The Summer School Games, not to mention tonight is the Last Day of School Barbecue with the students and their parents, but I'd like you to think it over and get back to me as soon as possible on whether you'd like to help the kids in the archery match against Emerald Acres or not."
"Y-You want me to do it...?" Robin asked, sounding touched and surprised as he put his hand to his heart. "I-I don't know what to say..."
"You don't have to say yes or no right away, but I do hope that you say yes," Headmistress Fairgood smiled warmly. "Consider it our greatest honor, Mr. Bedford."
"It would be my honor too, Headmistress Fairgood." Robin smiled back.
"OI! I OBJECT!" A voice shrieked from outside, startling both Robin and Headmistress Fairgood.
"W-What on Earth was that?" Robin muttered nervously.
"Oh, dear... I was afraid that this would happen..." Headmistress Fairgood sharply sighed.
There was a rapid knock at the door. Robin went to open the door before flinching as the door slammed open and in came a fiery young redheaded woman who stormed inside and looked very steamed.
"Of course. Come on in. I'm sure you're invited." Robin shrugged at himself.
"I demand to know what you are doin' with this fool from Sherwood as opposed to someone like me, Fairgood!" The woman snarled as she approached the headmistress and slammed her hands on the desk, leaning forward as her eyes looked as fiery as her frizzy hair.
"Ms. Merida, we've been through this," Headmistress Fairgood told the redheaded woman. "You're temporarily benched from teaching archery to the children."
"Yes, but why?!" Merida complained. "What have I ever done that was so wrong that you decide to go and replace me?! I used to shoot arrows all the time when I'd be with me dad and brothers and me mum would stay at home since she's apparently allergic to hard work and filth!"
"You have a temper problem you need to keep in check and you have no patience with the children," Headmistress Fairgood reminded. "While yes, you are an excellent archer, that's how you got hired, but you have your own issues you need to work out."
"You make me sound as bad as a slobbering and mangy old bear!" Merida huffed and put her hands on her hips as she rolled her sapphire eyes before she faced Robin. "YOU!"
"Me...?" Robin flinched and put his hands up.
"YOU!" Merida glared.
"Stop." Headmistress Fairgood groaned.
"Robin Bedford of Sherwood, I challenge you." Merida narrowed her eyes.
"Challenge me?" Robin asked.
"Ms. Merida, please, let's be adults about this." Headmistress Fairgood spoke up, trying to stop this madness before anything dangerous could happen.
"Oh, I will!" Merida smirked darkly. "And what better way to be adults than through a little competition... Unless Mr. Bedford is too scared?~"
Headmistress Fairgood sighed and shook her head.
"All right, I'll bite," Robin spoke up. "What do you want, uh... Ms. Merida, was it?"
"Aye, it was, and don't ya be forgettin' it," Merida nodded firmly. "I, Merida DunBroch, challenge you, Robin Bedford to an archery match, just the two of us."
"Seriously?" Headmistress Fairgood asked as even she thought that was a little silly.
"Yes!" Merida insisted. "It's the only way to prove who can go on the trip to Emerald Acres with the little ones, isn't it?"
Headmistress Fairgood just blinked in response.
"I don't know if that's really a mature idea..." Robin spoke up nervously.
"Someone's scared, he is!" Merida retorted with a smirk. "You're just worried about gettin' beaten by a girl!"
"...I am not scared." Robin firmly frowned.
"Then prove it, Sherwood boy!" Merida smirked and crossed her arms. "We'll have an archery tournament at the Last Day of School Barbecue, you and me. Whoever does the best will help the kids in Emerald Acres in archery and the loser has'ta go home kickin' and screamin' like a wee baby in Mummy's pram!"
Robin groaned slightly and rubbed his forehead. "If that's the only way to settle this, then I accept," he then said before facing Headmistress Fairgood. "Is that all right with you, Headmistress?"
"I apparently have no say in the matter, so you two do whatever you want, as long as no one gets hurt." Headmistress Fairgood shrugged in defeat.
"It's a deal then!" Merida smirked. "We act at dawn in 0600 hours!"
"It's the last day of school." Headmistress Fairgood reminded.
"Then we compete at the barbecue after the final bell!" Merida then said before she leaned into Robin with a smirk. "Prepare to cry home to Mummy, Mr. Bedford~... I never lose."
"Well, neither do I." Robin narrowed his eyes in determination.
"See you then..." Merida nodded firmly before she walked off, opening the door, and slamming it shut on her way out, making a framed diploma wobble on the wall before falling and shattering in the middle of the floor.
"...Seriously, what just happened?" Robin asked Headmistress Fairgood.
"I've been working in this place for over 20 years, Mr. Bedford, and I'm not sure," Headmistress Fairgood sighed as she rubbed her head. "Let's just say that Ms. Merida comes from a much different place than the others here in Auradon Heights."
"I think I can believe that," Robin muttered thickly before facing her. "Thank you for at least thinking of me."
"Thank Evelyn Mills, it was mostly her idea," Headmistress Fairgood then said with a small smile. "It seems she's rather fond of you."
"Well, I'm quite fond of her too," Robin smiled back. "I'd love to see myself as her father figure if her mother allows me to."
"It seems that you and Mayor Mills have gotten rather close recently," Headmistress Fairgood nodded. "I wish you both the very best of life together."
"I'd love it myself," Robin said as he shook hands with Headmistress Fairgood. "Well, I better go off then. See you tonight."
"See you tonight, Mr. Bedford." Headmistress Fairgood replied.
Robin smiled and he soon took his leave.
Headmistress Fairgood sighed as she collapsed into her seat and took a deep breath. "I might need to bring out my emergency coffee after that debate, not to mention what's to come later and I don't just mean the archery tournament." she then mumbled to herself as she took out a student's file which had Audrey's name on it as there was something that needed to be discussed as she took out her phone and began to make a few phone calls.
In honor of the last day of school, Wendy and Felix were shown to be arriving around the school hallways with baked goods. Dizzy was wandering the hallways alone as she hugged her fashion notebook before she sniffed the air and began to follow it as it smelled rather delicious.
"Come along, Danny," Wendy smiled at her little brother. "Lots of people are in a good mood today, so they deserve fresh baked goods."
"Coming, Wendy!" Danny told his big sister as he followed her. "I'm coming!"
"Thanks again for helping out, Felix." Wendy smiled warmly at the boy she went to the dance with.
"It's my pleasure really, Wendy," Felix smiled back before blushing. "I'd love to help you out with anything. All you have to do is ask."
"I appreciate that, Felix," Wendy beamed. "You're so sweet."
"You're the sweet one." Felix whispered bashfully.
Wendy smiled warmly before hugging him. Felix looked wide-eyed from the hug before he smiled back and blushed. Danny shook his head playfully as he went to get a plate of freshly baked muffins as Dizzy followed the scent and nearly backed up into him before they looked at each other. Dizzy and Danny merely looked at each other before they seemed to smile at each other. Evie, Mal, and Henry were coming down the hallway too before they suddenly stopped to see Dizzy and Danny together, aside from Felix and Wendy.
"Those smell so good." Dizzy beamed at Danny.
"Would you like one?" Danny offered. "Be careful. They're hot."
Dizzy smiled as she took one of the muffins and looked ready to bite into it.
"Dizzy! Get away from that!" Ivy glared as she swiped the muffin away from her little sister. "Don't you know that these people are inferior?"
"Excuse me?" Felix glared as he tried to step in.
"Felix. Don't." Wendy suggested as he took his arm to hold him back.
"Excuse me, but you can't talk back to me," Ivy huffed at Felix. "I'm a Belfrey. Besides, you could build a house out of these bricks." she then scoffed and tossed the muffin on the floor.
Dizzy gasped and winced as her big sister had ruined her life yet again.
"If I see you with that loser muffin boy again, I'm going to tell Mother, do you hear me?" Ivy said sternly as she removed Dizzy from the scene.
"Yes, Ivy." Dizzy pouted as she walked away with her wicked older sister.
Evie looked sharp and firm as she saw that before looking over. Danny sighed and pouted as he looked a little sad to see Dizzy leave, but there was something more in his eyes than sadness and missing his possible new friend as Wendy and Felix tried to comfort him.
"He's got that look and I know that look." Evie said to herself.
"Seasick?" Mal guessed with a smirk and a shrug before laughing.
"Mal!" Henry pouted.
"Henry." Mal smirked in response.
"Oh, very funny," Evie rolled her eyes slightly before smirking. "I think that they're in puppy love."
"You think little Dizzy's in love?" Mal asked.
"Yeah! Anyone can fall in love," Evie smiled. "Besides, this might be a chance for her to not worry about Henry all the time since he has a puppy love crush on Dee Dee."
"Who... Who said I had a puppy love crush on Dee Dee?" Henry asked bashfully and nervously. "I certainly didn't."
"Maybe she just needs some help." Evie then suggested.
"Sounds like she could use lots of help," Mal replied. "After all, I had lots of help too when I first liked Ben until I realized that I liked Harry."
"I remember that." Evie nodded.
"So do I." Henry added.
"We just have to figure out how to get them together again." Evie then said to Mal and Henry.
"Hmm..." Mal and Henry both then paused thoughtfully.
"Oh! Maybe we can lure them into the cafeteria together?" Mal suggested.
"That just might work, we only have until today, it's the last day of school after all," Evie nodded as she leaned in. "And here's how we'll do it." she then started to say as they all huddled together. She then whispered a big plan to them, hoping that it would work, even if Danny and Dizzy were kids, they decided to have some love too.
"Oh. That's sure to work," Henry nodded. "We'll call it Operation: Love Birds."
"That's right, Henry." Evie agreed.
"They'll never know what hit 'em." Mal remarked.