Today is the last day of 25 Days of Updates.
But it is not the last day that this story will be updated.
This story only has two chapters left, both which will be massively long. Once I have updated all the stories I was going to do today, this story will be top priority to be finished. In a few hours a poll will be created on my profile for what story you want me to work on after this story is completed.
Merry Christmas!
And I'm sorry for what I did.
"We have nearly everything ready for our show next month, so free period from today on will be dedicated to those who will be performing a solo," Fairy Godmother announced to her ready to go seniors. "I know some of you"—she gave Ben a pointed look—"still have a ways to go. The only set that we need to work on is the prom portion. The boys still need to be fitted for their first and second suits and we have to decide which senior girls will be apart of the house scene."
"Fairy Godmother?" Celia piped up softly. "Can I make a suggestion?"
"If you think you have the solution, then by all means."
"We'll we know all family situations are not the same, so your selection should represent that," Celia claimed logically, surprising those with her deduction. "I think, Mal should be in the middle whole Umie and Evie are on either side of her. Mal's in the middle because she has both a mom and a dad, Umie is on one side because she has just a dad, and Evie's on the other because she has just a mom. The senior boys can sing and dance to the parts that pertain to the girls. And you know what would make it even more special? If their parents could be a part of it and do a special part with them. Dad and I have dance that we do with Umie and each other whenever we leave to do something. Surely, Mal and Evie can think of something to do with their folks."
"That is brilliant, Miss Facilier!" Fairy Godmother praised, causing the freshman to blush from such positive attention.
"I'll talk to Principal Yen Sid about letting the parents come in Friday to practice. Miss Facilier, Miss Fae, and Miss Queen, I want you three to talk to your parents to make sure they are okay with it. For now, let's—"
Riiiiiiinnnnngggg!
Fairy Godmother glared at her students, who hurriedly checked their pockets for the offending sound. "Whose phone?"
"Mine," Ben admitted as he struggled to get it out of his tight fitting jeans. Glancing at the caller ID, he furrowed his eyebrows. "It's Sherwood Hospital. I don't know why they would be calling me."
"You may answer it," Fairy Godmother surprisingly allowed. "It may be something important."
Dread filling up inside him, Ben answered the class as he reluctantly brought the phone to his ear. "Hello?"
"Ben," his mother greeted sullenly. "It's your grandfather . . ."
When he received the message, the first thing Ben did was dial another number while urging Mal to follow him out of the theater and through the school building.
Within five minutes, their ride appeared at the school entrance.
Not a word was said during the hour long drive to the neighboring city. Mal's parents were at the front of the car while she and Ben sat at the back seat. Mal laid her head on Ben's shoulder as she held his hand to comfort him.
They all knew what was about to happen.
Once they arrived at the hospital, Ben blatantly ignored his parents, who were sitting in the waiting room impatiently, as he walked straight to the reception desk, asking for his grandfather's room.
"I would hurry," the receptionist advised softly. "He doesn't have much longer."
Nodding solemnly, Ben informed, "I have a restraining order against my folks. They can't be within one-hundred yards of me, so they can't be in the room with me."
"I'll let the doctors and security know," the receptionist reassured. "Tell him good-bye, before it's too late."
"How can I say good-bye when he's been with me my whole life?" Ben grumbled under his breath.
The hospital worker didn't seem to hear him, but Mal did. Instead of chiding him, the girlfriend simply tugged on his arm, urging him to trek forward. Her parents insisted on staying behind to give the couple some privacy—
And to prevent any unwanted interruptions.
Poor old Maurice looked as though he has seen better days and was at the end of his strength. Many wires connected from his arms to the monitors that displayed his vitals, which he were deteriorating with every passing second.
Hearing the door open and lightly shut again in the same moment, Maurice weakly turned his head, visibly perking up when he recognized his visitors.
"King Ben," he greeted with a croak. "And his Lady Mal. You really came to see this crazy old man."
Sparing a glance at her beloved, who couldn't seem to get his thoughts straight, Mal spoke first, insisting, "Of course we came to see you! Why wouldn't we? You're our favorite person in the entire kingdom."
"My daughter and her husband told me otherwise." Gazing at his grandson once more, he informed, "They told me you and them had a falling out; that you wouldn't see me because of them. What happened?"
Sighing softly, Ben claimed, "It's nothing you should worry about, Grandpa. I've been living with Mal and her parents for a while now. Honestly, I have been happier with them than with my folks. I don't have to listen to my father constantly talking about Tourney and how I shouldn't be doing our school musical."
"How is that going?" Maurice wondered faintly. "Do you have a seat reserve for me?"
"You'll have the best seat in the theater," Mal promised, smiling sadly. "Everything is nearly finished. We just have a few minor details to work out."
"Wonderful. I can't wait to watch it for myself." Pausing for a slight moment, Maurice tilted his head the best he could. "Ben, why such the long face? Have I let you down?"
"Never," Ben denied immediately. "I'm just upset that you'll be going away for a while and there's nothing I can do about it. I'm also pissed because I know my folks are just waiting for you to go so they can take your money and everything you own. It makes me so made to think about it."
"They are not getting any of it," Maurice weakly vowed. "They may try, but it will all be given to someone who deserves it for how well they lead their kingdom." Eyes fluttering, Maurice wondered tiredly, "I heard two are performing a solo during the musical. Can you sing some of it to me?"
"Mine isn't finished yet," Ben informed, gazing at his beloved girlfriend. "But I know Mal's is done. I'm sure she can sing hers."
"Lady Mal . . ." Maurice trailed off with a yawn. "Would you mind giving this old man the opportunity to head you sing one last time?"
Unable to deny such a request, Mal took a moment to compose herself—
And to change the lyrics to make it more fitting.
"A million thoughts, in my head. Should I let my heart keep listening?" Mal sang softly, noticing how the monitors were now rapidly going down. "I know, it's time, to say, good-bye. So hard, to let go."
BEEEEeeeppp. . .
