Title: Ella's Plan

Rating: PG

Genre: Romance/ Drama

Author: twinsRus (Lauren)

Summary (as in bio): Ella devises a plan on the morning of the third ball to let Char know the truth about Lela. So what happens if Hattie never snatched off Lela's mask? Would Ella let Char know that its been her the entire time? how will she get rid of the curse?

AN: My copy of Ella Enchanted disappeared when I was writing the past two chapters, but I found it! I realized that my version of the third ball is completely different than the original. So I'm going to try to put some of Gail Carson Levine's original story with my fanfic, to have some of Ms. Levine's fabulous work.

Disclaimer: Bolded words are exactly from the text, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine.

A random quote:

"I have given a name to my pain, and it is Batman". Jack Nicholson as "The Joker" in Batman.

Narrative: Still First Person in Ella POV

Scene: December 14, the third ball on the palace balcony.

Chapter 4: The Third Ball Part II

"Did you enjoy Ayortha?" I asked, wanting to hear Char' voice.

"I did, it's a beautiful place to be," Char answered. I loved the sound of his voice. I remained silent, cherishing his voice.

"It's very quiet there as well. Have you ever visit Ayortha?" He asked in my silence.

"No," I answered, "but I have a friend from Finishing School who lives there."

"You went to Finishing School?" he asked, surprised at my answer.

"Yes, my father insisted that I go, I left with a good friend, and of course, grace and manners." I smiled kind of sadly, and he noticed.

"When was the last time you saw her?" Char asked, noticing my facial expression.

"Who?" I asked, confused.

"The good friend you met in Finishing School?"

"Oh, over a year ago. I didn't get to say good bye," he looked confused.

"I had to leave in the middle of the night, so I never got the chance to see her again."

"So why don't you visit her?" Char asked wisely.

"You know, that sounds like a good idea. Perhaps when I go home, I'll go see her."

"I'm glad. But I must tell you, people are wondering who you are. 'Who is this mysterious stranger?' they ask."

"I am simply a maiden who wears a mask at a masked ball," I replied, nervous.

The song ended, the clock struck 12:30. We sat on the bench together.

"When are you going to sing?" I asked, changing the topic.

"At 1 o'clock I believe," he answered, and then asked, almost in a worried manner, "Are you still going to be here?"

"I have to be home at 1:30, but I certainly wouldn't mind coming home late, if it means that I sacrifice listening to your performance."

"I don't want you to get into any trouble; I can sing earlier," Char said, concerned with the possibility that I could get into trouble on his behalf.

"My family will understand," I said, clearly telling a lie because if my family knew where I was, they'd be furious and I'd get punished. However, they were at the ball, and would not leave before Char sang. Therefore, if I left before they did, and hurried home, I would be fine.

Char sighed deeply, sat back on the bench, and then announced, "I have something to tell you, something that I hope you will not be angry with me for." I was silent, and turned towards Char.

"I apologize if I unintentionally raised your expectations, but I've resolved never to marry."

So the balls hadn't been his idea. I stifled a triumphant laugh. "You didn't mislead me. Being here has given me many memories and experiences." I smiled, and so did he.

"Would you like to go inside now? We have time for one more dance before I sing."

"I'd love to," I said, putting my arm through his, and looked inside, and laughed. "It looks as if many people have heard that you are going to sing, and wish to hear it."

He groaned, "I will either be surrounded by worshipping music lovers or be shunned by all."

I laughed, "Surrounded, and I would never shun you."

We found a place to dance, and began to dance. Unlike the others, this was a spirited dance, a gavotte, and involved changing partners. I wanted to cringe every time I was separated from Char, for tonight could possibly be the last time that Char would speak to me. Tomorrow, if my plan goes accordingly, then Char will either forgive me, or he will hate me.

The dance ended, and I was with Char again. I checked my mask to make sure that it was still perfect, then seeing that it was, I looked up at Char and smiled, he smiled as well.

King Jerrold stood up from his chair, Queen Daria was beside him.

"Good evening friends," he said. "Thank you for coming! My son, Prince Charmont has agreed to sing a song that he learned during his stay in Ayortha." People cheered, looking from King Jerrold and Char.

I heard Char give a sigh, "You'll do great, with a song like that, how can you go wrong?" I said, hoping to comfort him. He in return turned towards me, smiling, and then walked to his father.

I moved myself to the back of the crowd, so that I could still see and hear Char, but not be so close to the other guests that I could leave quickly.

From my spot, I could see Hattie try to push her way to the front, and Dame Olga and Olive stood where they were, in the center of the crowd.

Char got to the stage, well, where he would sing, and looked for me. I stood up straight and winked, he grinned.

The chorus started playing, and Char began to sing the lovely homecoming song that he sang in my ear the other night.

Oak, Granite,

Lilies by the road,

Remember me?

I remember you.

Clouds brushing

Cloved Hills,

Remember me?

Sister, child,

Grown tall,

Remember me?

I remember you.

There was more to the song, but I was no longer paying attention. Char had a lovely, deep voice that had me entranced. The song ended, and I smiled, with tears falling from my eyes. Not wanting anyone to see me cry, I wiped the tears away, took one last look at Char, who was being applauded, and smiling, and looked for a servant.

I found a maid by the food table, clearing away dirty dishes.

"Excuse me," I interrupted, she turned around. She was young, in her twenties I would guess, and looked friendly and trustworthy.

"Yes miss?" she asked.

"I was hoping that you could deliver something from me," I said, hoping that she was able to.

"Of course miss, what can I do?" she said, eager.

I found the letter that I planned to give to Char. I took it out, and carefully looked at it. When I finally looked up, I saw the maid look curious.

"Could you give this to Prince Char?" I asked her.

"Of course," she said. "I can deliver it when he retires to his chambers, miss."

"That would be perfect," I said. "It's very important that he gets this, I trust that he will receive it."

"Yes miss," she said, nodding her head.

"Thank you very much," I said, turning away.

"Who should I say delivered it?" she asked my retreating form.

"It's a surprise," I said, turning around and smiling. I left the palace, and found my orange carriage. I got inside, took off my mask, and breathed a deep sigh.

Dear Char,

I have had a wonderful time at the balls with you. You have been such a wonderful host, and a greater friend. I will be leaving two days after the third ball, on December 16.

I have a request of you, to meet me. There is something that I wish to tell you, and I hope that you will understand.

If possible, could you please meet me at the OldPalace before the clock strikes ten times tomorrow morning?

Your friend,

Lela.

An: Well there it is! The end of the ball! If you enjoyed it, let me know! If you hated it, I also want to know! REVIEW please!

Thanks, Lauren