Chapter 2
Saturday was arriving fast, and still, Celina had yet to receive her answer from either her father or stepmother. Every time she tried to bring up the subject, either Penelope or her parents would order something else for her to do.
Finally on Friday, tired and hurting, Celina finally got the courage to confront her father on the subject.
She approached her Father after dinner in his study.
"Father?"
He grunted as a sign that he heard her.
"Have you made your decision yet?"
He snapped his paper. "Concerning what?"
"Can I go to the ball tomorrow?"
Silence filled the room for a moment and Celina bit her tongue to keep from saying anything that could ruin this for her.
Her patience paid off. "If you can finish your chores and get a suitable dress, you may go."
Celina felt her face light up and her smile almost didn't fit on her face.
"Thank you Father!"
Celina quickly sped down the hall to finish her chores for the night.
….
Saturday morning came and Celina couldn't have been more exhausted. Whenever she finished one chore, another was thrown at her.
Later in the evening, it was time for Celina to find a dress. As she started towards the cellar, her stepmother started screaming for her.
"Celina! Come help Penelope put on her dress!"
She sighed and started up the stairs to where her stepmother was standing.
"I need to get myself ready to leave as well, stepmother."
Her stepmother suddenly tensed and straightened her back. "Who said you could go?"
"Father did."
She glared as Celina for a moment then stormed off.
Celina sighed and took that as a sign that she could go searched for her mother's old ball gown.
About ten minutes of searching, Celina finally pulled out a large box. Smiling, Celina turned to go dress when she saw her stepmother and Penelope blocking her way.
Penelope was dressed in a bright purple ball gown with so many ruffles, Celina couldn't count them all. And she wasn't cruel enough to tell her that she looked like a pig in that dress.
Her stepmother cleared her throat "I was speaking to your father and we decided that you should stay home tonight."
Celina's smile disappeared and she couldn't help but notice the smug smile on Penelope's face.
She fought back tears. "Why? Father told me I could!"
"We need someone to watch the house in case someone tries to break in."
Celina let tears fall freely now. "No one is going to break in! Please let me go!"
Her stepmother tensed and glared at her like she was dirt. "Look at you! How could you possibly go? You're dirty! That dress your holding is probably full of holes and looks horrible! AND people like you are not even worthy of being in the same room as royalty!"
Celina froze at her words. Never had her stepmother been that cruel to her. She knew she was no true beauty, but for the truth to finally come out when Celina was finally receiving a wish come true, it tore her apart inside.
Her stepmother turned to leave.
"Let's go, Penelope."
Penelope gave one last sneer to Celina, and followed her mother out of the cellar.
As soon as the cellar door closed, Celina fell to the floor and sobbed.
After years of abuse from the only family she had, this was the worst they had treated her. Celina never wanted anything but a chance to finally see the magic that took place at the castle.
After a few minutes of crying, Celina remained in the cellar until she finally heard her family leave. She remained shivering on the floor when her mother's words to her filled her head.
Never depend on another to make your dreams come true, Celina. Never be afraid to step forward and make yourself happy.
Celina closed her eyes and felt warmth flow thru her for the first time in years. Her mother died when Celina was only four years old. She always wondered how a wonderful person like her mother could end up with a ruthless man like her father.
Celina took the box containing her mother's dress and opened it.
"You're right, Momma. Tonight, I'll make my dreams come true."
….
More coming soon! ^_^
And just a little info on one original story on Cinderella: In some versions, Her father was still alive. He was just too much of a coward to say anything on his daughter's behalf. I just changed it up a little.