The car sped down the road. She sat at the wheel, her body forward, her foot against the gas pedal.
"How could you have been so stupid?" she said pulling back her cloak. A pale pointed face emerged with long curly hair framing around it. She had large brown eyes and pink tinted lips.
"I'm sorry mother." I said bowing my head. She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye.
"Your hair looks nice," she said. "They didn't find out did they?" I shook my head.
"No," I said. "I told them there was nothing special about it, but I don't think they believed me."
"You weren't good enough to convince them?" mother spat. "How long have I been training you?"
"I can't change their minds, if they're already set on something else!" I cried.
"Don't you dare ever raise your voice like that again!" mother said sharply. I folded my arms and stared out the windowpane.
There was silence between us.
"I can't take you back to your old tower," mother said. She sounded tired. "It's too obvious of a place. I'm taking you to my old home." my ears perked up.
"Will my real parents be there?" I asked excitedly. My mom jerked the car to a stop.
"Why do you care?" she asked. "I'm your mother now!" she cupped my face between her hands. "I love you more than you will ever know." she whispered. I bowed my head.
"I'm sorry mother." she started back up the car and began to drive once more.
"You're too spunky for your own good."
My hair started to glow. My mother smiled.
"It's doing it again," she said. I closed my eyes and felt the warmth start from the roots. "Your powers are growing stronger, and your hair is growing faster. You are developing quite nicely. Such a beautiful, beautiful girl."
"Your such a skinny boy." the woman tusked. "Don't your parents ever feed you?"
"They died when I was young," I said, which was a lie. I had no idea what happened to my parents. I just remember growing up in the dark grimy room.
"Oh, bless their hearts." she said placing a hand over her own. "I'm going upstairs to retire. You can sleep on the couch. I'm sorry we don't have an extra bed."
"No, it's alright." I nodded. She smiled and climbed up the stairs. When I heard the door shut, I jumped to my feet. I felt awful stealing from such a nice lady, but the Rapunzel's life was on the line.
I looked through the drawers and found no money. There were no wallets, or safes to be found. I checked behind an eagle painting and ran my hands over the wall. Something clicked and the wall slid back to reveal wads of cash. I packed them into my pants pocket and the wall slid back. I put the painting back into place. I creaked open the back door then stepped outside. I let the door click behind me then I made my way to the stables.
I clicked on the light and six beautiful horses came into view.
"Hello," I said softly. The one that caught my eye was a white mare. She had a long mane with small braids tied with pink ribbons. She snorted into the air then glanced at me. I put a hand up and she nuzzled against it.
"Well aren't you friendly?" I muttered. I creaked open the gate and the horse stepped out. I found a saddle and strapped it on. I held her by the reins and led her out of the stables. I climbed on aboard and kicked the horse gently in the side and it took off. It darted towards the fence and leaped up and over it.
"I'm coming for you Rapunzel," I whispered.
We unloaded from the car I looked up at the house. It was three stories and made of dark brick. In the front was a garden full of weeds, dead plants, and thorns.
"Where was I born?" I asked. I could feel the tension coming from my mother.
"Over there," she said jerking a finger to the left. But before I could see it, she clung to my wrist and pulled me into the house. She flipped a switch and the house flickered into light. It smelt musty and old. I felt awkward standing there. It was more like an antique gift shop instead of a home.
"Let me take you to your room." mother suggested. She led me up two flights of stairs into a plain room. The walls were white, and there was a white bedspread. In the corner was a sewing machine and a paint set.
"Lets brush out that hair of yours," said mother pulling out a stool. I sat down and allowed her to take out my braid and brush through it.
"Sing the song for me," she demanded. My voice rang out loud and clear. She always said I had the most beautiful voice in all of the land. She could tell I was going to be a singer by my musical gurgles. I guessed that was why she always wanted me to sing for her.
"Your birthday is coming up," she said fighting with a knot. "What do you want this year?" I sat in thought.
"My dress has become pretty ragged over the years," I said looking down at my purple rags. "I could use a new one." my mother nodded.
"I'm going to fix you a snack," she said setting down the brush. "I'll be right back." she walked out of the door and I heard a soft click.
I jumped up from the stool and yanked on the doorknob.
"Mother!" I shrieked.
"I'm sorry," her voice called faintly. "But I can't risk you leaving me my little sunshine. And I need to lock you up so no one will take you again. Do not let down your hair unless its me!" I heard her footsteps recede down the steps then the front door closed and locked. I fell down on my knees and began to cry.
All my life I had been locked up. I thought of how mothers were supposed to protect their children. How when their children left, it was like taking a piece of their heart. They didn't just give them away for food. How mothers took their children to the park and taught them how to swim. They didn't lock them up in a tower for their whole life. She didn't love me. I dried my tears and tried to sing softly. Nobody loved me. And nobody ever would.