Raven862 asked about this song from Finding Neverland the Musical, so enjoy your request! I thought it would be nice if, on the day of Anya and Lorelei's debut ball, Cedric, and the family, helps to keep Sofia at ease, following Sofia's visit to Cedric in theblindwriter95's I'll Always Be With You. However, Sofia doesn't have to worry, since she has her friends and family's love and support for this new chapter of her life. Thanks to theblindwriter95 for helping with the story. Finding Neverland the Musical is not mine.
Sofia couldn't believe it was time already for Lorelei and Anya's debut ball. She had been a nervous wreck for the past few days about everything being perfect for them, even though everyone had told her that it was going to be fine.
"Sof, it's going to be fine," James said as he helped her sit down and took Lorelei in his arms and gave her a bottle. "We know to keep everything simple, Amber didn't take over, except to help offer a few decorating ideas, I'm not going to hog the karaoke machine..."
"I know," Sofia smiled as she gave Anya another bottle. "I'm just nervous about everything. I know everyone was at the baby shower, and they all offered me their support, and I know I can take the girls up to see Mr. Cedric any time, but..."
"I know," James smiled as Amber came over. "It's overwhelming, but you're a brilliant mom to those girls. And everything's going to be great."
"James is right. You are a brilliant mom," Amber smiled. "Last night I saw you feed both girls so early in the morning, yet you don't look the least bit tired."
"It's not the first time I've been awoken so early in the morning," Sofia smirked playfully. "Besides I can tell when they're hungry now. Anya gives out a hungry cry while Lorelei wails until I bounce her, then she calms down by drooling on the front of my dress."
"Speaking of, has she given you anymore scares? Especially while asleep?" James asked, smiling as Lorelei finished her bottle.
"No, thank goodness," Sofia smiled as she took her and patted her back. "She's sleeping through the night, she's a good eater..."
"That's great, Sof, and we saw how they act around Cedric too," James smiled. "They love the sparkles as much as we do, and Anya gets along really well with Wormwood."
Sofia smiled as she recalled how Anya liked trying to pet Wormwood. She glanced over at the gift table, and she saw a package that was suspiciously shaped like a raven. Cedric must have gone out after she left him and taken her up on her suggestion to get Anya a plush version of Wormwood. "Yes, and it looks like Anya's going to have a new plush birdie friend," she giggled, pointing toward the package.
"Well then, she'll have to bring him along when you visit me, and we can make up a story for her!" James grinned. He used his plush friends as writing consultants, and he said they often came up with great ideas for his stories.
"Oh, sure," Amber smirked. "I can just see you asking Lorelei's strawberry for ideas!"
"Why not?" James grinned. "I'm sure it can come up with some 'berry' good ideas!"
Sofia gave a mock pout. "Oh, James! You just couldn't help yourself, could you?" She bounced Lorelei, realizing that the patting wasn't working before instantly regretting it, feeling spit up splatter on the front of her dress.
"Lorelei Amberina! How could you!" Amber gasped mockingly.
"She's lucky this wasn't the new dress you made me," Sofia smiled, grabbing a handkerchief.
"Otherwise we'd really be in trouble," James snickered, wiping Lorelei's chin.
She giggled at his touch, waiting until he was finished to put one of his fingers in her mouth.
"That's right, Lorelei; I'm as sweet as your mommy, aren't I?" James grinned, stroking her hair with his other hand.
"Oh, James," Sofia giggled.
"James! Stop fooling around!" Amber chuckled, putting a rag on her shoulder before patting Anya's back. "Besides the girls still have to get dressed!"
"I thought they already were," James smirked.
"They were, but they need to get debut ball ready, and thanks to Lorelei, so does Mommy," Sofia smiled, giving Lorelei a mock glare.
"Let us help you, Sof," James offered, "As Mom says, many hands make light work."
"Thanks, James," Sofia smiled.
With Amber and James helping to get Lorelei and Anya ready, Sofia was soon ready herself. She looked at the girls, thinking about how sweet they looked in the new dresses that Miranda and Madam Colette had made for the occasion. They had made a pink and white dress for Anya, and a light green and white dress for Lorelei.
"You two look beautiful," Sofia smiled. "Just like little angels." She looked up and saw Miranda in the doorway. "Mom, the dresses are, dare I say it, ah-mazing! Thank you so much for doing this!"
"Nothing but the best for my granddaughters!" Miranda grinned, "But you know Madam Colette helped too!"
"And I'll be sure to thank her too!" Sofia grinned.
"As for you, let's straighten this dress collar of yours," Miranda smiled.
"Mom! No! It's perfectly fine!" Sofia fussed.
"I know, but now it looks even better," Miranda smiled.
Sofia smiled as she looked over the dress she was wearing. It was peach colored, made in a similar style to the gown she wore when she hosted her first Royal Prep tea party. However, instead of swans, it had a heart pattern on the skirt. "You're right, Mom, I guess it does look better."
"It does," Amber smiled, putting Lorelei in her arms. "Anya's giving James a hard time."
"Anya?" Sofia chuckled. "She doesn't even give Dad a hard time!"
"I think she's upset with James for telling you that you couldn't bring her snowman and Lorelei's strawberry to their debut ball," Amber smirked.
"James, Anya can have her snowman, and Lorelei can have her strawberry during the party," Sofia smirked. "You see how calm they get when they're holding them, and they'll certainly need their little friends today."
"Okay, and you're right, Sof; the last thing we want is for the girls to be cranky during their own party," James agreed. He took Anya in his arms and kissed her. "You can have your little snowman friend with you, Anya. And who knows? Maybe during the party, he and I can make up a story for you!"
Anya brightened at the idea and squealed before spitting up on James' shoulder.
"Okay; I can see that I had that coming," James smirked as he gave her to Sofia. "And you know that only works so much, right?"
Anya and Lorelei cooed in response, settling in their mother's arms.
"I believe that's a yes," Sofia smiled. She looked down at her daughters who were oblivious to what was going on. "Everyone's going to be so excited to see you! Especially Daddy!"
"Hugo hasn't seen them yet?" Miranda smiled. Like the rest of the family, she knew that Hugo and Sofia had called off their engagement for a year or two, until the girls were older, but Hugo had promised Sofia that he would be there for her and the girls.
"No, I want this to be a surprise for him," Sofia smiled.
"Speaking of our Daddy, he hasn't seen them yet either," Amber smiled.
"No, Roland hasn't," Miranda smiled.
Anya and Lorelei squealed upon getting their respective toys, staying quiet as Sofia held them while she was helped to the ballroom with James, Amber, and Miranda taking the lead.
She guessed they wanted everyone to be surprised when her and the girls' names were announced by Baileywick.
Sofia didn't have to wait very long before she heard the excited murmurs of the people in the ballroom. She looked up at Amber and James, and they patted her shoulders to reassure her.
"You'll be brilliant, Sof," James grinned as he took Lorelei so Sofia could hold onto the railing as she descended the stairs.
"I hope so," Sofia murmured as she and Anya led the way in.
"We're all here for you, Sofia," Amber smiled. "You know that."
"I do," Sofia smiled.
"And I'll be sure to give you back Lorelei once we're down the stairs," James smirked.
Sofia giggled, putting a hand to her lips before holding the railing and descended herself and Anya from the top of the stairs as the excited murmurs of the people in the ballroom turned silent.
"Presenting Prince James, and Princesses Amber and Sofia," Baileywick announced. "And making their royal debut, Princess Anastasia, and Princess Lorelei."
Sofia smiled as she took Lorelei from James, turning back to the crowd so they could meet her daughters. Her smile widened when she heard the crowd's applause. "Thank you, everyone, for coming," she greeted them. "I can't tell you how much this means to me to have all of you here with us."
"Some things are worth waiting for," Hugo smiled as he emerged from the crowd.
"Hugo! You made it!" Sofia smiled. "I'd hug you, but my hands are full."
"I know," Hugo smiled. He looked at Anya and Lorelei, his smile widening. "Sofia, they're beautiful."
"Little angels is more like it," Sofia cooed.
Anya and Lorelei looked at Hugo, staring at him in confusion before offering their drooled on toys.
Hugo chuckled at their offering, shaking his head. "It's okay, ladies, I've got my own kitty at home, but I'll bring him over to meet you one of these days, and we can all play with our little kitty friends," he said as he kissed their hands and gave their toys back to them.
"Sofia," Amber motioned to her when Hugo left to chat with some other guests, "Cedric says his surprise is just about ready for you and the girls."
"That's great! I've been wondering what it is," Sofia smiled.
"Well you don't have to wait any longer," Amber smiled, hearing Lorelei squeal. "That's right Lorelei! You get to see Cedric again!"
Lorelei waved her strawberry around in delight, accidentally knocking Anya's snowman from her grasp.
Anya's lower lip quivered before she started to cry as Sofia patted her back.
"It's okay, sweetheart, I've got your snowman," Amber smiled. "Your little friend would want you to be happy when Cedric gives you his surprise, right?"
"It's all right, Anastasia," Cedric murmured as he came over. He shot a few sparkles in the air, smiling as everyone, not just Anya and Lorelei, cheered.
"That's always been one of my favorite tricks," Amber smiled as she gave Anya her snowman again.
"And it looks like the girls like it too," James grinned as he watched Lorelei and Anya try to catch them.
Sofia held Lorelei and Anya as high as she could, helping them try to catch the sparkles.
Once the sparkles faded, Sofia smiled as the girls squirmed in her arms, trying to get to where Cedric was.
"Don't worry, girls. Mr. Cedric will come to us," Sofia assured, stroking their hair.
"That's right," Cedric smiled as he came over. "But the sparkles were only part of my surprise for them."
"You mean there's more?" Amber asked. "Cedric, if you're not careful, you're going to spoil Lorelei and Anastasia!"
"That's what a godfather's job is, right?" Cedric asked. "But hopefully the girls, and you, will enjoy the second part of their surprise."
Everyone watched as Cedric waved his wand, and music started playing. "Feel free to join in," he smiled as he waved his wand again.
"Karaoke at their debut ball," James smiled as he saw the words appear in the air. "Brilliant!"
"Yes, but I think I'll sing this with Mr. Cedric," Sofia smiled.
"No problem, Sof," James grinned, "This is your night, after all!"
"Oh, James," Sofia smiled.
Cedric shot a few more sparkles in the air as he sang, Standing here
All at once
All the words run dry
Anya and Lorelei looked around the room. So many people and things all at once that they didn't know how to feel.
As she kissed the girls, Sofia smiled as she joined in, Something changed
Can't explain
And I can't deny
"Isn't that cute?" Roland cooed, seeing their expressions. "Just like Amber and James during their debut ball."
"Except they probably didn't have karaoke sung to them, Rollie!" Miranda chuckled.
"It's too bad Corban had to miss this," Sofia smiled.
As she remembered this as one of Corban's favorite lullabies, she sang, Turning in circles
And blurring the lights
She, Roland, Miranda, and Cedric sang together, The unspoken is calling us tonight
"Well, he did fall asleep earlier, so we can't blame him for that," Miranda smiled.
"We'll still tell him all about this," James agreed. "And I'm taping the song so we can play it for him later."
"Always a good idea," Roland smiled.
As he and Sofia gently danced the girls around, they sang, I won't lie
I'm a little bit frightened
Of my imagination
Swear I'll try
I'm feeling enlightened
Your my inspiration
We can fly if we want to
I promise that faith will give you wings
"He'll enjoy it I'm sure," Cedric smiled. "I can already see him now holding his kitty and dancing along."
He shot some more sparkles in the air as he sang, Just take the second star on the right
Straight ahead till morning light
"And trying to get the girls to join him," Sofia agreed. "But I always have to tell him that they're too little to play with him."
"And gives you a grumpy face in return," Amber smirked.
She and Sofia sang to the girls, Just take the second star on the right
Straight ahead till morning light
"Well, good things come to those who wait," Miranda smiled. "We're trying to teach Corban how to be patient, but we know it takes one day at a time."
"Very true," Roland smiled as Cedric made another shower of sparkles appear as he danced with Sofia. "The three of them will be playing together before we know it."
Cedric nodded as he turned to Sofia and sang, Every word and every sentence
Doesn't seem to make a difference
Nothing can explain just what you mean to me
"I can see the mischief now," Sofia smirked. "And the three of them playing until the dinner bell chimes."
"Just like we did as kids," Amber reminisced. "And just like James before him, Corban will probably get in the most trouble."
"Corban? Get in trouble?" James smiled innocently. "Not my brother!"
"Oh, James," Sofia giggled.
She smiled as James sang with her, Every shape and all the colors
All the love from all the lovers
Never quite express just what you mean to me
Anya and Lorelei giggled, enjoying all the attention they were receiving from everyone around them despite not understanding why they were getting attention in the first place.
Sofia smiled as she heard compliments on the girls' dresses and coos on how adorable they were before she noticed that Cedric had stopped the sparkles, handing her the raven shaped package she had spotted on the gift table hours before.
By now, even Hugo had gotten into the act as he sang with Sofia, (Every shape) Every sentence
Every feeling (Every breath)
Breathless
All my senses reeling (All my senses reeling)
Cannot even say just
What you mean to me
To everyone's amusement, Anya let out a happy squeal when she saw the plush version of her raven friend and put its wing in her mouth to drool on.
"Good idea, Anastasia, you can do that with your plush friend, but I don't think Wormy would like it if you did that to him!" Cedric half joked.
He patted her hand as he sang to her, Turning in circles
And blurring the lights
I won't lie
I'm a little bit frightened
Of my imagination
I swear I'll try
Your my inspiration
"No he wouldn't," Sofia jokingly agreed before seeing Lorelei's bottom lip quiver. "Oh Lorelei. It's okay. You got gifts too!"
Lorelei immediately brightened upon seeing a gift with her name on it as Amber noticed her look and laughed softly. Miranda and Roland noticed it too and shared an amused smile.
"Oh no! She's Amber already!" James gasped in mock horror.
Seeing Amber's mock pout, James took her hand and led her in a dance as he sang, We can fly if we want to
I promise faith will give you wings
Amber smirked as she joined in, Just take the second star on the right straight ahead till morning light
Just take the second star on the right straight ahead till morning light
Lorelei squealed as Roland helped her open a package with a little stuffed unicorn in it. She put it in her mouth and started drooling on it.
"That's right, Lorelei Amberina," Amber smiled. "The star I discovered, Amberina Major, is just past the tip of the Unicornicus constellation."
"Now you'll have to discover a star for the girls," Sofia smiled.
"What a wonderful idea! Nothing but the best for my nieces!" Amber grinned.
"Oh, Amber," Sofia smiled.
She smiled as she finished the song with the family, Cedric, and Hugo, Every star that's ever fallen
Knows the way to where we're going
Now I really know just what you mean to me...
"And hopefully there's no more toys as gifts," James snickered. "Because I don't want my nieces spoiled rotten."
"James, I'm sure the girls got dresses or booties or little mittens I can put on their hands so they can't scratch themselves," Sofia smiled.
"They can scratch themselves?" Amber asked.
"According to the book I read in the castle library that talked about babies' eye color changing and all that other info I found," James explained. "It also mentioned that newborns have sensitive skin, so mittens and hand covers are used on their hands so they don't scratch themselves with their nails."
"Well, we learn something new every day, and that's a good idea, for now at least," Amber agreed.
"And hopefully if I do get some, they aren't identical," Sofia smirked. "I accidentally mixed the girls up yesterday and I haven't lived that down."
"You were stressed," Cedric assured her, producing sparkles for her. "Things like that happen."
"Cedric's right. Don't worry, Sof," James agreed, "We're all getting to know Anya and Lorelei too. We'll all know each other before you know it."
"I hope you're right, James," Sofia murmured. "I don't want to make a mistake like that again."
"And you won't," Amber smiled. "But don't worry. Everyone makes mistakes, but as long as you learn from them, you'll do just fine."
"But we know a few things about the girls already. Anya loves snow and animals while Lorelei loves strawberries and magic," Miranda cooed.
"Anya's a quiet sleeper while Lorelei's a fussy one," Roland added. "And from what I've seen during their feedings, Lorelei's a fast eater."
"I think that's because she wants to catch up with her twin," Sofia smiled.
"Lorelei, it's not a race with Anya," James smiled. "You don't have to compete with anyone. You do things at your own pace."
"He's right, sweetheart," Amber smiled, kissing Lorelei's cheek. "You just take your time."
Lorelei squealed up at them, and James smiled as he took her in his arms. "That's right, Lorelei. Take it one day at a time," he looked over at Anya, who was now in Amber's arms. "That goes for you too, Anya!"
"Very good advice, you two," Roland smiled.
"Just a few more gifts and then it's time for the girls to go to bed," Sofia cooed. "They're up way past their bedtime."
"I'm sure this is an exception," Hugo smiled, coming up to her. "It's not every day that babies get a ball to themselves."
"Very true," Sofia smiled. "But they deserve it."
"I'll help you put them to bed too," Hugo offered. "After I help put some of their gifts away."
"Don't worry about that, Hugo, Amber and I'll take care of the gifts," James said as he came over to check on them. "You and Sof take care of Lorelei and Anya."
"Okay, if that's what you want to do," Hugo agreed.
Anya yawned, dropping her snowman to the ground as she sleepily laid on Amber's shoulder.
Sofia picked up the snowman before hearing Lorelei yawn as everyone around them cooed at the sound.
"Looks like it's past their bedtime," Baileywick smiled.
"Well, we'll have to put them to bed, won't we?" Sofia smiled.
"We'll help you, Sofia," Roland offered, taking Anya as she reached out for him.
"Thanks, Dad," Sofia smiled as she accepted Amber's arm and watched as Miranda took Lorelei.
The girls yawned, laying their heads on their respective carrier's shoulder as Sofia gently stroked Lorelei's hair.
"Looks like their debut ball wore them out," Amber cooed. "So many people to see and presents to open."
"In their defense, everyone's excited about them," Sofia smirked. "And I got so many offers for babysitters tonight."
"Well, so many people offered you their support, and it was nice to see them and thank them in person," Miranda said as she led the way to the girls' nursery.
"Hugo even said he'd help hold the girls when Mr. Cedric tests them for Pelicant Eggshell Powder tomorrow," Sofia added. "But since they're my girls, they won't have that problem, will they?"
"Well, we'll just have to see," Miranda admitted. "They both might have it, or they might not. Or one could have it and not the other one. We'll have to see what Cedric says about it, but he did say that there's an alternative ingredient for potions that call that."
"I only hope it's not Lorelei who ends up allergic," Amber muttered, taking her from Miranda's arms. "She's been a little miracle so far."
"And Anya hasn't?" Sofia chuckled.
"In Lorelei's defense, she was asleep when she was born," Roland smirked.
"And she woke up to a wonderful new world!" Sofia smiled.
"I couldn't have said it better myself," James smiled.
"James? We didn't see you with us," Amber smiled.
"So? Can't I at least say goodnight to my nieces?" James chuckled.
"Oh James!" Sofia giggled. "But you're putting Anya down in her bassinet tonight. Even though she's no longer upset with you."
"Anya? Upset?" Miranda chuckled. "James, what did you do to upset her?"
"I kind of didn't want her to have her little snowman with her," James admitted, "She was going to be getting presents anyway, and I didn't want the snowman to get lost in the crowd, but Anya's very convincing, and she got to keep her little friend. Lorelei got to keep her strawberry with her too, and I promised them that they could help me write a story."
"Well, at least you learned a lesson from that," Miranda smiled. "Sofia told me how Anya spit up on you!"
"Yes; I'll never say anything like that to her again, but Anya knows that punishment only works so much!" James smirked.
Sofia giggled before stopping, not wanting to wake up Anya or Lorelei as James took Anya from Roland's arms and placed her down in her bassinet.
"It's okay Lorelei," Sofia cooed, hearing Lorelei start to fuss. "You had a big day but now you're sleepy."
"That's right, Lorelei," James said as he put Anya in her bassinet, then came back over to them. "And it's okay; this song will help you go to sleep again." He started rubbing Lorelei's hand as he sang softly, "Stay awake, don't rest your head...Don't lie down upon your bed..."
"Who are you trying to put to sleep with that song, James, me, or Lorelei?" Sofia smiled, knowing that she always fell asleep when she heard that song too.
"Well, you've had a big day too, Sof," James smiled.
"He's right," Miranda smiled. "You had a long day, and now it's time for you to rest too."
"Okay! I'll rest!" Sofia giggled just as Lorelei started calming down. "After I put Lorelei to sleep."
"I'll handle it," Amber offered. "You get some sleep, or do you want James to start singing again?"
"No! Anything but that!" Sofia gasped in mock horror. She saw James' mock pout and giggled, "James, of course you can sing to the girls! You know Lorelei loves it when you sing to her!"
"Well, okay," James smirked. "Since they like it so much and you asked so nicely!"
"Good," Sofia yawned. "Because Mommy's too tired to sing."
"Then we'll let you get some sleep," Miranda smiled, kissing her cheek. "We'll see you and the girls in the morning."
"Okay," Sofia smiled. She looked over at Anya and Lorelei, who were already asleep. "You have the right idea, girls. Let's all go to sleep. And tomorrow, we'll visit your godfather again! Won't that be nice?" She didn't get a reply, but Sofia knew how much they wanted to see Cedric again.
"Of course it will," Amber said before she left. "Lorelei and Anastasia know what they like, and visiting with Cedric is at the top of their list! Like mother like daughters, right?"
Sofia smiled as she relaxed and closed her eyes. "That's right. Nothing but the best for my girls!"
