Wow! I'm glad that people are liking the story so far. The POV keeps changing in this chapter so hopefully people won't get confused. Phew! Another 10 pages of a word document gone by.

Disclaimer: I used several quotes for this chapter which I had stolen from watching trailers of 'A Cinderella Story'. Feel free to ask if you want to know which ones they are.

::Chapter 2::

But alas, Cinderella made it to the ball...

Days had passed since Galaxia had delivered those harsh words to Serena. The dance was fast approaching and her misery was thriving with much thanks to a particular horrid step-mother. The only thing Serena could be thankful for was that Galaxia was too preoccupied with preparing Prisma and Birdie for the homecoming that she had no spare time to pester Serena.

"So have you asked her about it yet?" questioned a curious Lita.

"The earlier you ask, the more likely you'd be allowed. At least that's how it works with my parents." Amy was always one to do things by the rules.

"Um...no not yet. Galaxia hasn't been in the best of moods lately so I'm trying to save it for when she's feeling remotely pleasant."

Raye snorted. "Well good luck waiting for a hundred years."

Serena could only weakly laugh at the witty comment. It was somewhat depressing to see her friends so diligently preparing for the homecoming when all the while she knew that she would not be attending it with them. Yet she had not the heart to ruin their fun by announcing that she was not allowed to go. 'I will tell them tomorrow' she always said to herself. But tomorrow never came. Serena mentally chided herself for the lack of courage; telling her friends was a mere stroll in the park compared the larger hurdle of disappointing her mystery guy.

The wallowing in self-pity session was cut short when the bell sounded for the beginning of next period.

"Better get going guys, Ms. T still gives me the shits about being late last week so I don't want be tardy again, especially since it's the middle of the day."

"Hey Sere, wait for me!" Mina called after Serena when she eventually realised was in the same English class.

"Hurry up; we're going to be late."

However, it seemed the panic was all wasted as the teacher had not yet arrived when they reached the classroom. Serena shrugged it off as a delay by morning tea, but was thwarted and overcome with absolute horror when Ms. T finally entered with another figure in tow. A smiling Beryl looked terribly proud of herself, and Serena was sure she was up to no good.

"Class, please settle down. I apologise for being late but I had to attend to some final procedures in order to cater for the new addition to our class. I'm sure you all know Beryl since she really isn't a new student, but she decided to join us due to her particular interest in the texts we are going to study next. Beryl, please take a seat."

Beryl didn't need to be told twice. As soon as the introductory speech was over, she found an empty seat and scooted right next to none other than Darien Shields. There was no mistake as to the real reason Beryl changed classes. She, being a less than conscientious student, was not likely to be that passionate about what text she was studying.

"Psst!" Mina whispered to Serena, "Rumour has it that Beryl is quite insecure about how the Prom Queen votes are swinging. Seems to me like she trying to bury her claws as deep as she can into her insurance."

"Insurance?"

"Darien. Like duh!"

"Oh!" Serena silently mouthed with understanding.

She curiously snuck a look Darien's way, and sure enough he didn't appear too pleased with the arrangements. In fact, if her eyes weren't playing tricks on her, he seemed to be trying to squirm out of Beryl's grasp. Serena felt sorry for anyone who had to put up with Beryl, especially Darien. Darien. Oh what a powerful word that was; one mention and Serena was cherry red. Although her mystery guy understood her like he had been there her whole life, Darien was the one who ultimately stole her heart. If only Darien would look at her in the same way she looked at him, if only Darien understood her as well her mystery guy, then her world would be at peace. But seeing the way Beryl was draping herself over him, she didn't suppose her fantasies were going to be answered any time soon.

Beep! It was an sms.

I hope I will be seeing you on the dance floor tomorrow night.

Serena wondered how she would answer that.

Love to go, but can't.

That sounded like she was trying to come up with a lame excuse to cover up not wanting to go. It wasn't what she wanted to sound like. Scratch that.

I'm afraid I can't make it due to unforeseen circumstances. Love to meet you another time though. Arrange something else?

A little formal but it will have to do. She didn't have much time to ponder and perfect, as she was expecting an unpleasant call from Galaxia at any time now.

"SERENA!"

Yes, there it was.

"Come down here, I need to discuss something with you."

Discuss? Demand was more like it. Galaxia wasn't one to 'discuss' things, especially not with Serena. Discuss generally has the implications that one may not end up getting what they want. Would Galaxia be willing to take that risk?

"Ok, your sisters will be attending the homecoming dance tomorrow night so you have a day off from making dinner. But I still expect you not to slack off. I shall be off on some business until midnight and since it will be the diner's weekly late night, you are going to stay there until then, is that clear?"

"Crystal."

"Good. Now come over here and help your sisters with their outfits; they seem to be having a bit of trouble."

"Mum, I can't fit into this damn thing. I thought I told you to get one size bigger," whined a pained Prisma.

Birdie gloated back, "I told you to cut down on the chocolate last month; now you're fat."

"Like you can talk, you aren't fitting into your dress any better."

"Girls, stop it! Serena, don't just stand there, go help them."

Serena approached Prisma from behind and gave the material a yank. Prisma was right. This dress was way too small. Serena didn't know what to do; if she voiced her opinion about it she'd be sure to get a beating, yet if she kept yanking she'd eventually rip the fine material.

"Oh give me that you damn weakling. Just scuttle off back into your room."

Serena had never been gladder to hear Galaxia's voice. She hurried away before Galaxia could change her mind.

The diner was having a great day today and Serena was thankful, as it took her mind off things, namely the homecoming dance that practically everyone would be attending tonight. At least she could work away a bit of misery tonight and hopefully get over it by morning.

"I don't suppose Galaxia gave you permission to go tonight did she?" asked Luna empathetically.

Serena shook her head. As sad as she felt, she was to have Luna working with her at the Diner. Luna had been a waitress there for years and also despised Galaxia to the bone. With the absence of a maternal figure and Galaxia not being a very good replacement, Luna had somehow slid into that role.

Serena watched sadly as she saw some girls from her school show off their new gowns to each other. Her only solace was finally seeing the door swing open at 4:30 to reveal a sweaty Darien. Tuesday. Football practice. She beamed with satisfaction when she realised that Darien had only brought Andrew and Greg with him today. Absolutely no Beryl to deal with, which was a good thing, considering Serena was not in the mood to put up with her antics. Judging by the dark look on Darien's face though, it seemed like he wasn't in much of a cheery mood.

"Hey Serena," Andrew called.

"Hey," Serena replied as she walked up to their table.

"So, you'll be at the dance tonight right?" Greg inquired.

"Yeah, sure. I'll be seeing you there," Serena lied. She really didn't want to be giving them a big sob story about her horrible life. "So what do you guys want today?"

Darien didn't give much of a reaction so Andrew replied on his behalf. "Just 3 chocolate shakes thanks."

Serena really wanted to ask Darien what was wrong, but who was she to pry anyway. It wasn't her place to be concerned with his well-being. She quietly retreated back into the kitchen to deliver the order form.

When Serena had disappeared, Andrew started his counseling.

"Dare man, don't get so hooked up about some girl you've never met. I'm sure she has her reasons for not coming."

"Yeah, but I was really looking forward to meeting her."

"I'm sure you were, but it's not like you won't get another chance."

"Guess so." Somehow, Darien's mood hadn't improved.

It was 7 o'clock when her phone rang.

"Hey meatball head, the limo's coming by your place in half an hour so you better be ready by then."

"Um, Raye, I know I should have told you guys sooner but I didn't want to ruin your mood. I'm not going."

"WHAT???!!! What do you mean you're not going?"

"I mean that Galaxia is a bitch and she wouldn't let me go"

"But it's our homecoming dance, you can't not go." "Fun can wait, Princeton can't."

"But..."

"Look you guys have fun, I'll be ok. It's no big deal."

"Alright then...but we'll be thinking of you. We'll give you a call when we get back."

"Ok, bye."

"Bye."

Serena lied. She wasn't fine. She was far from fine. Dropping down to a crouch, she allowed her tears to spill like a fountain.

"You should be there Serena." It came from Luna.

"I...I..."

"You're not going to let Galaxia bully you around like that forever are you?"

"No not forever, but for now, yes."

Filled with sympathy, Luna held out her outstretched hands to offer Serena some comfort. Serena accepted with gratitude and temporarily unloaded her burden as she remained in the embrace so full of maternal warmth. Her troubles were not going to go away, but for a while, she'd like to pretend that all would be well.

'Luna would make a great mother someday,' thought Serena as she watched the woman wipe away the mess left on one of the tables. After spending a great portion of the night weeping in Luna's arms, Serena was finally feeling a bit better. It seemed like the hour was creeping by ever so slowly, and she made the mistake of checking the clock. It was 10 o' clock; her friends were probably having the time of their lives at the homecoming dance right now. And what was she doing? Feeling sorry for herself because she has a wicked step-mother.

Being so engrossed in her thoughts, Serena was given a terrible fright when the diner's doors suddenly swung open to reveal four very formally dressed teenagers. Raye, Amy, Lita and Mina – they were four girls with a mission and they looked determined to succeed.

Luna smiled. She knew Raye wouldn't let it slide so easily, and sure enough Raye and the girls hadn't let her down. There was a great gleam in Luna's eyes when she saw the many packages the girls had with them.

The customers were quite shocked however, to see a bunch of girls, in their lovely evening wear, who came in to disrupt their meals with a big bang.

"What are you guys doing here? Shouldn't you be at the dance?" Serena was too confused to worry about much else.

"We couldn't just go without you. Besides, you still have to meet your Prince Charming so we decided to take action. You are going to the dance and that's final."

"You're being unreasonable and I can't believe they talked you into this, Amy. You're usually the sensible one."

"Sometimes even a good girl has to break some rules," replied Amy mischievously.

"I'm supposed to be here until Galaxia comes back, what if she returns and finds me missing?"

But of course Luna had it all planned. "Don't worry, just make sure you keep your phone on and I'll give you a holler when she's back. I'll tell her we're out of milk and you just went out to get more; it'll buy you enough time to get changed and rush back."

"As tempting as that sounds, I still don't have anything to wear. I already knew I wasn't allowed to go last week so I didn't bother getting a dress."

Raye just snickered, "Oh give me more credit than that, of course I remembered that little detail. Just be thankful that the shops are opened late tonight. We couldn't find anything magnificent so this dress was the best we could do."

Serena turned her attention to the gown Raye held out. Running her hands across the white fabric, she was met with a silky feeling. It was as smooth as satin but not as heavy.

"This dress is better than any that could have picked out myself." Serena was now given a new sense of hope and excitement hung in the air.

Lita had just remembered something. "We also took the liberty of getting you a mask so that your step-sisters don't recognise you"

Serena was absolutely amazed at how prepared her friends were. Obviously they had the intention of making her go and wasn't taking no for an answer.

With another happy glint in her eyes, Luna handed Serena a small box. "Take this now and don't ask any questions. I will explain when you get back."

Without putting up a fuss, Serena took off the lid and was no sooner blinded by a sparkling tiara. It must have cost a fortune. She was about to make a comment when she remembered that Luna was going to explain when she got back.

Luna gave her a friendly slap on the buttocks, "Well what are you stalling for, hurry up and go get changed."

Serena bit her lower lip nervously but then broke into a smile. Nodding in agreement, she took the dress with her and four very impatient friends followed behind. But before she made any movement to change into the gown, she took out her phone.

Guess you will be seeing me tonight after all.

The message was sent with the dorkiest grin on Serena's face.

The song ended and Darien slid out of Beryl's arms as quickly as he could. With the excuse that he needed to go find Andrew, he managed to escape without arousing too much suspicion. However, just in case she was still monitoring his actions, Darien decided to seek out Andrew anyway.

"Hey buddy, you look like a nervous wreck."

"Yeah. When I got that message I was absolutely ecstatic but now I think the nerves are finally settling in."

"Well you have about 5 minutes to get over it and haul ass to the center of the dance floor."

"Um...Drew?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't want to sound like a wuss...but...can you come with me?"

"Hahaha! Of course I will, but believe me I will never let you hear the end of it."

"I'm looking forward to it," Darien countered sarcastically.

"Ok Sere, we've done our part. You're on your own now," Mina gave her a reassuring nod.

Before Serena could argue, the girls had dashed off into the ballroom, leaving Serena standing with no-one to support her and no-one to tell her everything would be alright. Mina was right; Serena was on her own now. For the first time in her life, she felt like she needed to face something flying solo. It was a do or die situation for Serena and she felt that she owed it to the girls to at least give it a try.

Nervously clutching her purse, Serena took a few steps forward and found herself being thrown into the land of fairytales.

"Stop glancing at the door, Dare. Beryl's going to know something is up."

"Let her. I don't care anymore."

"If you say so, but..."

Andrew never finished his sentence, as he realised his best friend was no longer listening. Instead, his eyes were fixed on the grand staircase entrance but more importantly on the new arrival. All eyes in the room were drawn to the lady dressed in white. The tight bodice hugged every inch of her chest and abdomen while the rest of the soft material fell down her legs and trailed elegantly behind her. Her identity was hidden by a matching mask which disclosed half her face. The blonde beauty had fixed her natural tresses into mild ringlets which could only be described as luscious locks. A marvelous tiara sat at the crown of her head and the jewels on it reflected away every attacking ray of light.

"Drew, I've never met her before but I am sure that's her."

Darien was suddenly pulled out of his dream when he heard Beryl's voice dripping with envy.

"Who's the bitch anyway? Well, love her dress, but hate her."

Ignoring the snide comment she made, Darien re-affixed his attention to where it belonged. Suddenly, as she approached him, all his best pick-up lines just flew out of his head.

The angel who now stood in front of him appeared confused and tilted her head in questioning.

Serena was sure he had said the centre of the dance floor. Yet instead of the mystery guy she was expecting, not that she knew what he was, there stood Darien Shields in the most exquisite form of fairytale princely outfits. She cocked her head in confusion. He extended his arm in invitation.

"I have been waiting for you," he said to her.

His eyes held the warmest beckoning and it gave Serena a fuzzy feeling. She suddenly understood why he had looked so disappointed and indifferent this afternoon. Darien Shields was the one who understood her like no other and Darien Shields was the one who was now gazing at her the same way she looked at him every day of her life. This was exactly the fairytale she had been dreaming of and she no longer cared that jealous girls all around her were spitting out nasty remarks. Answering his call to her, she extended her own arm to meet his. With a quick sneaky yank, Darien had Serena in his arms.

"I'm stealing you away," he whispered ever so gently. It was a command.

Leaving a room full of confused people, Serena was felt like she was running away with a lover. Darien held onto her hand firmly and she let out a trail of silvery giggles as he led her into the spacious balcony. When the main party had a sufficient share of gossip, the music had finally resumed.

"May I have this dance, Princess?" asked the gentleman.

"You may." Serena was feeling deliriously happy and there was nothing that could ruin her mood. She was swaying to the music in the embrace of the only person she's wanted since the 8th grade. With her true identity being hidden by the mask, she let herself go without a single reserve. Serena contently rested her head on Darien's chest.

Darien sensed a familiarity in the girl but couldn't quite put his finger on it. There were simply too many girls at school to recall them all by voice and nature. Perhaps he could ask her to remove her mask at the end of the night. Although he was dying to know who was underneath there, he was also infinitely intrigued by the mysteriousness of it all. He felt like he was falling in love with her but he was only 18. Was he too young to love?

"Do you believe in love at first sight?" he questioned.

She thought for a second. "I'll let you know," she said thoughtfully.

Darien had to be content with the answer for now. He moved onto another topic.

"So, do you realise that after this night, we are still going to be passing each other in the corridors each day?"

"Yes. Wouldn't it be strange? We'd be bumping each other all over the place."

Darien shook his head. "No, hopefully we won't have to bump into each other if we were walking side by side, preferably with you in my arms." Oh my god, that was probably the cheesiest line he had ever used on a girl.

However, Serena found a focus elsewhere, as she felt herself blushing and melting at the same time. She replied by nervously licking her lips.

That last stunt Serena pulled unconsciously, had Darien's eyes drawn to her lips and like a magnet, he felt himself being pulled towards her. Leaning down, Darien brushed his lips past Serena's teasingly. Serena closed her eyes, ready to be swept into 7th heaven when suddenly her moment was shattered by the polyphonic imitation of the Sailor Moon theme. Hesitantly pulling away from Darien, she answered the call.

"Hello?"

Darien watched as Serena's smile was immediately replaced by a frown. She flipped the phone close and gave him an apologetic look. She said nothing before turning around and started hurrying away.

"Wait where are you going?"

"I'm late."

"For what?"

"Reality."

Darien had absolutely no idea what she meant, but before he had time to react, she had dashed of and fled the scene, but not before clumsily bumping into a guy dressed as Chip from Beauty and the Beast. Deciding that he didn't want to lose her, he started to follow but was once again interrupted in his ventures by the Sailor Moon theme song. Glancing towards the ground, he saw the phone that his angel had been using not so long ago. She must have dropped it when she bumped into that guy.

Picking up the phone, he diverted his gaze back to the dance floor where he scanned the entire room. She was nowhere to be seen. For someone that was weighted with an evening gown and stilettos, she sure made a fast dash. He clutched onto the phone like it was his lifeline, which was what it was in a way. It was his only clue to the true identity of his mysterious fairytale princess.

Ok, I have a question for everyone. Basically Beryl is going to win her bloody Prom Queen thing so should I make her not care about Darien anymore or should she still be clinging onto Darien? Plz review everyone!!!