Thank you reviewers! You all get lollipops!
Lady Emma- Of course you should put up your story! When you do, I'll read it. Just tell me!
Lalaith- Thanks for reminding me! I'm trying to keep track what's happening to Ella at the same time as Areida, and I'll be sure to put the part about the journal entry in.
Crazayladay- I know! I love Areida too, but there's very little about her in Ella Enchanted. Dang!
Okay, on to chapter nine!
---------------------------
"Areida, stop moving! How do you expect me to do your hair right when you keep wiggling!"
I sighed as I listened to Mother's scolding, but tried to sit still. It was just so hard! I was so excited! Today was the Earl and Lady Albia's wedding day!
I hadn't seen Thomas in two days. We had spent almost everyday since we had seen the unicorn together, but the Earl had insisted that Thomas stay at the estate to help with the wedding.
I looked up as the door to my room opened. Grandmother stepped in, holding the light blue dress that Mother and Father had given me when I'd left for finishing school. I'd only worn it twice, both times at school. It was still the loveliest dress I'd ever seen.
I sat quietly while Mother finished twisting my flowing hair up in an elegant knot on top of my head, leaving two locks of hair to frame my face.
After putting on several petticoats, Mother helped slip the dress over my head, and then Grandmother buttoned the back. When I turned to look in my mirror, I smiled delightedly. The dress still fit perfectly, accentuating my slim figure and small waist.
Grandmother and Mother were also smiling, Mother nodding her head approvingly.
Soon Mother left to get herself ready. Grandmother fussed over my dress for a few minutes before hugging me and saying I looked like an angel.
Finally we were ready to leave. We entered the coach Father had hired for the occasion with Ettime Isti, and Grandmother waving their good-byes.
When we arrived at the manor, many people had already arrived. As I left the coach I saw Thomas standing at the entrance with his father and soon-to-be mother. He was trying to look interested in the people shaking his hand, but I could tell he was bored.
When he spotted me, his jaw dropped. I saw his eyes widen as he took me in. I don't think he was used to seeing me in a nice dress.
Thomas immediately started for me, but his father grabbed his arm and whispered something. He stopped, glanced at me, then unhappily went back to his spot. He motioned to me to come over.
Before I could get there, a man announced seating for the ceremony would begin. I sighed and went back to my parents.
The wedding was wonderful. Lady Albia had done a fabulous job planning, considering she had had only three weeks. She herself looked lovely in her wedding gown, and her bouquet of wildflowers.
After the service, Father, Mother and I joined the line waiting to congratulate the newlyweds. They stood at the head of the line, beaming as they greeted each guest. Thomas still stood by them, though he looked considerably happier.
We soon reached the Earl and his bride. I gave each of them a quick hug and greeting, then went to Thomas.
He brightened happily when he saw me. "Areida! You made it!"
I scoffed at him. "Of course I did! It's not like I had anything better to do!"
Thomas laughed, but stopped shortly as his father sharply looked up at him. He cleared his throat and bowed to me. "I hope you will enjoy the reception."
I was confused until he glanced at his father, then whispered to me. "Save me a dance. I'll find you."
I smiled and swept him my finest curtsy. "Why, thank you sir. I would be glad to."
As I continued on with my parents, I could tell Thomas was fighting not to laugh.
---------------------------
It was long after supper before Thomas was able to get to me. He was constantly being introduced to people by his parents, and always was asked to dance in between.
Every time he looked over at me, I had a queer fluttering in my stomach. I decided it was from all the excitement.
I was asked several times to dance. Most of the young men I danced with were snobby and rich and never seemed to stop talking. I had a horrible time and realized how lucky it was that Thomas had come to the inn and not one of these other nobles.
After a while I couldn't stand it anymore and politely declined almost every request. Once in a while an older gentleman would ask me. That was at least interesting. Many had traveled quite a bit, and told me stories of far away places.
Finally, Thomas found me thanking the Duke of Meddle for a dance.
"Would you care for a dance, lady?" he asked, bowing ridiculously low.
"But of course, my good sir," I answered sweetly, taking his outstretched hand.
We were able to keep straight faces for a few more seconds, but as we reached the dance floor, a chuckle escaped from Thomas. I began to giggle.
We tried to smother our laughter as we danced, but people were starting to look at us strangely.
At last, we were able to quiet ourselves. We danced quietly for a few moments. Thomas had a contemplative look on his face.
"What is it?" I asked.
He looked startled. "Uh, nothing."
We had to separate then, but a minute later I was back with him. We chatted gaily until the dance was over. While everyone clapped, Thomas took my hand. My heart beat a little faster.
"Come on," Thomas said quietly, pulling me towards a door leading out to a balcony. Luckily, no one seemed to notice as we exited the ballroom.
"I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier," he said as soon as we were out of earshot of the other guests.
I brushed this off. "It's alright. I know you were busy."
Thomas rolled his eyes. "That's an understatement. I felt like Mum Albia and Father were introducing me to the whole kingdom."
I smiled as we leaned against the railing, the cool night air washing over us. "There are an awful lot of people here."
He glanced back into the reception. We could see the Earl looking around. He was just about to see us when Thomas grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the stairway leading down from the balcony.
"Let's stay out here for a few moments," he said, letting go of my hand. I immediately missed the warmth of his hand.
After chatting a few minutes, the air turned chilly. I shivered.
Thomas noticed. "It's getting cold. Why don't we go in and dance?"
"Alright," I agreed, taking his offered arm.
We were able to dance two more songs before the ball ended. When it was over, Thomas bid me farewell, promising to come visit me while his parents were on their honeymoon.
I waved cheerfully to him as our coach left the manor. When I turned to face my parents, they both had amused smiles on their faces.
"What?" I asked suspiciously.
Mother ignored the question. "You and Thomas are certainly becoming good friends."
"Well, yes," I said, caught off guard. A few minutes later, Father spoke.
"Any chance of becoming more than friends?" He asked slyly.
I blushed. "Of course not. We're just friends."
"Are you sure Thomas feels the same way?" Mother asked, grinning mischievously.
"What?"
Father chuckled. "He couldn't keep his eyes off you."
My jaw dropped. Luckily, we were pulling in front of the inn. I hurried inside, lowering my head so no one could see my red face.
I made it to my room, closing the door firmly before me. I leaned against it, needing the support.
Did Thomas hope to become more than friends? Did I, for that matter?
I thought of how I'd felt when we'd danced or talked on the balcony. Wonderful of course, but was there anything more?
Yes, I finally decided, a warm tingling feeling coming over me. There was.
Lady Emma- Of course you should put up your story! When you do, I'll read it. Just tell me!
Lalaith- Thanks for reminding me! I'm trying to keep track what's happening to Ella at the same time as Areida, and I'll be sure to put the part about the journal entry in.
Crazayladay- I know! I love Areida too, but there's very little about her in Ella Enchanted. Dang!
Okay, on to chapter nine!
---------------------------
"Areida, stop moving! How do you expect me to do your hair right when you keep wiggling!"
I sighed as I listened to Mother's scolding, but tried to sit still. It was just so hard! I was so excited! Today was the Earl and Lady Albia's wedding day!
I hadn't seen Thomas in two days. We had spent almost everyday since we had seen the unicorn together, but the Earl had insisted that Thomas stay at the estate to help with the wedding.
I looked up as the door to my room opened. Grandmother stepped in, holding the light blue dress that Mother and Father had given me when I'd left for finishing school. I'd only worn it twice, both times at school. It was still the loveliest dress I'd ever seen.
I sat quietly while Mother finished twisting my flowing hair up in an elegant knot on top of my head, leaving two locks of hair to frame my face.
After putting on several petticoats, Mother helped slip the dress over my head, and then Grandmother buttoned the back. When I turned to look in my mirror, I smiled delightedly. The dress still fit perfectly, accentuating my slim figure and small waist.
Grandmother and Mother were also smiling, Mother nodding her head approvingly.
Soon Mother left to get herself ready. Grandmother fussed over my dress for a few minutes before hugging me and saying I looked like an angel.
Finally we were ready to leave. We entered the coach Father had hired for the occasion with Ettime Isti, and Grandmother waving their good-byes.
When we arrived at the manor, many people had already arrived. As I left the coach I saw Thomas standing at the entrance with his father and soon-to-be mother. He was trying to look interested in the people shaking his hand, but I could tell he was bored.
When he spotted me, his jaw dropped. I saw his eyes widen as he took me in. I don't think he was used to seeing me in a nice dress.
Thomas immediately started for me, but his father grabbed his arm and whispered something. He stopped, glanced at me, then unhappily went back to his spot. He motioned to me to come over.
Before I could get there, a man announced seating for the ceremony would begin. I sighed and went back to my parents.
The wedding was wonderful. Lady Albia had done a fabulous job planning, considering she had had only three weeks. She herself looked lovely in her wedding gown, and her bouquet of wildflowers.
After the service, Father, Mother and I joined the line waiting to congratulate the newlyweds. They stood at the head of the line, beaming as they greeted each guest. Thomas still stood by them, though he looked considerably happier.
We soon reached the Earl and his bride. I gave each of them a quick hug and greeting, then went to Thomas.
He brightened happily when he saw me. "Areida! You made it!"
I scoffed at him. "Of course I did! It's not like I had anything better to do!"
Thomas laughed, but stopped shortly as his father sharply looked up at him. He cleared his throat and bowed to me. "I hope you will enjoy the reception."
I was confused until he glanced at his father, then whispered to me. "Save me a dance. I'll find you."
I smiled and swept him my finest curtsy. "Why, thank you sir. I would be glad to."
As I continued on with my parents, I could tell Thomas was fighting not to laugh.
---------------------------
It was long after supper before Thomas was able to get to me. He was constantly being introduced to people by his parents, and always was asked to dance in between.
Every time he looked over at me, I had a queer fluttering in my stomach. I decided it was from all the excitement.
I was asked several times to dance. Most of the young men I danced with were snobby and rich and never seemed to stop talking. I had a horrible time and realized how lucky it was that Thomas had come to the inn and not one of these other nobles.
After a while I couldn't stand it anymore and politely declined almost every request. Once in a while an older gentleman would ask me. That was at least interesting. Many had traveled quite a bit, and told me stories of far away places.
Finally, Thomas found me thanking the Duke of Meddle for a dance.
"Would you care for a dance, lady?" he asked, bowing ridiculously low.
"But of course, my good sir," I answered sweetly, taking his outstretched hand.
We were able to keep straight faces for a few more seconds, but as we reached the dance floor, a chuckle escaped from Thomas. I began to giggle.
We tried to smother our laughter as we danced, but people were starting to look at us strangely.
At last, we were able to quiet ourselves. We danced quietly for a few moments. Thomas had a contemplative look on his face.
"What is it?" I asked.
He looked startled. "Uh, nothing."
We had to separate then, but a minute later I was back with him. We chatted gaily until the dance was over. While everyone clapped, Thomas took my hand. My heart beat a little faster.
"Come on," Thomas said quietly, pulling me towards a door leading out to a balcony. Luckily, no one seemed to notice as we exited the ballroom.
"I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier," he said as soon as we were out of earshot of the other guests.
I brushed this off. "It's alright. I know you were busy."
Thomas rolled his eyes. "That's an understatement. I felt like Mum Albia and Father were introducing me to the whole kingdom."
I smiled as we leaned against the railing, the cool night air washing over us. "There are an awful lot of people here."
He glanced back into the reception. We could see the Earl looking around. He was just about to see us when Thomas grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the stairway leading down from the balcony.
"Let's stay out here for a few moments," he said, letting go of my hand. I immediately missed the warmth of his hand.
After chatting a few minutes, the air turned chilly. I shivered.
Thomas noticed. "It's getting cold. Why don't we go in and dance?"
"Alright," I agreed, taking his offered arm.
We were able to dance two more songs before the ball ended. When it was over, Thomas bid me farewell, promising to come visit me while his parents were on their honeymoon.
I waved cheerfully to him as our coach left the manor. When I turned to face my parents, they both had amused smiles on their faces.
"What?" I asked suspiciously.
Mother ignored the question. "You and Thomas are certainly becoming good friends."
"Well, yes," I said, caught off guard. A few minutes later, Father spoke.
"Any chance of becoming more than friends?" He asked slyly.
I blushed. "Of course not. We're just friends."
"Are you sure Thomas feels the same way?" Mother asked, grinning mischievously.
"What?"
Father chuckled. "He couldn't keep his eyes off you."
My jaw dropped. Luckily, we were pulling in front of the inn. I hurried inside, lowering my head so no one could see my red face.
I made it to my room, closing the door firmly before me. I leaned against it, needing the support.
Did Thomas hope to become more than friends? Did I, for that matter?
I thought of how I'd felt when we'd danced or talked on the balcony. Wonderful of course, but was there anything more?
Yes, I finally decided, a warm tingling feeling coming over me. There was.
