Hey! Okay, this is my second Ella Enchanted story, so be nice! Okay, the setting is when Ella and Char are dancing in that indoor garden.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Ella Enchanted.

I said without thinking, "It does not matter for you. You can marry anyone."

Char asked me, "And you cannot?"

I felt as if I told him I could, I would betray our friendship or something like that. I sighed and looked away from his eyes.

"I…well, Father is going to chose me a husband. See, we lost all our money and he needs to be rich again. So, he married Dame Olga to gain money and now I am to wed in order to get him money." I was scared to look into his eyes. What would he think?

I dared to look into his eyes. Anger was in it. I stopped dancing and so did he. "Char…"

Char shook his head. "That is just downright…selfish and greedy! How could he think of marrying you off?"

I looked away from his angry gaze and muttered, "I do my Father's bidding, Char."

Char looked at me, shocked. "Are you seriously willing going to marry someone you do not love?"

I sighed and looked away, anywhere but him. "I don't have a voice in this matter, Char. I'll somehow make it…"

Char shook his head and began to pace. "It's a good thing that not all fathers force their daughters into wedlock in order to gain money! It just…infuriates me!"

I put my hands on my hip. "And it does not to me? Look, Char, I'm not eager to wed some old, rich man. And it's happening to me, not you!"

I stormed out of the indoor garden and began to race down the corridors. I heard his thundering footsteps behind me and in a second, I felt a strong hand grab my hand.

I turned around and looked into Char's eyes. He said softly, "I am sorry. I guess I was so caught up in what was going to happen to you that I…" he trailed off.

I nodded slowly and whispered, "It's okay."

His grip tightened on my hand. "Ella…I need to tell you something. I…I am going to Ayortha for a year."

I blurted out, "Are you serious? A year!"

He looked saddened. "Yes. Father says it is time. I shall write to you. Shall you write back?"

The topic of me being married to some old man was forgotten and all I could think was that Char was going away.

"Yes. Of course I will."

He grinned.

I glanced at the stairs. "My family is now probably going to look for me since the wedding is over. Come on."

He held my hand still and grinned. "Can you no longer resist temptation?"

He glanced at the stair rail and I grinned. "If you go to."

"I'll go first so I can catch you at the bottom."

He did and went so perfectly that I knew he must have done it many times. The ride was so wonderful. I forgot all my fears, all about my curse, and all about the fact I was soon to be wed. All was forgotten as I sailed into Char's hands.

We raced up for another turn and when I was sliding down, my new family came through the front door. As I sailed into Char's arms, I saw them and wanted to laugh.

Char didn't see them until he twirled me around. He set me down gently and was laughing so hard, tears were rolling down his cheeks.

Father grinned. Mum Olga smiled uncertainly. Olive wore her puzzled frown. Hattie glowered.

"Thank you for the honor of your presence," Father said, giving him time to collect himself.

But not enough. "You have…" Burst of laughter. "…my best wishes for your felicity…" Laughter "which is assured…" Peals of laughter. "Forgive me. I'm not laughing…" Laughter. "…at you. Please understand…" He trailed off, laughing.

I laughed too but I couldn't help but think that Hattie would make me pay.

Okay, that was the prologue. The next chapter is much more interesting, I promise. Next chapter: Char sends the love letter, Ella gets a special but not handsome visitor…please review!