As the days went on, Ella tried her hardest to gather her courage. She knew that at one point, her family would run out of bread and she would have no choice but to face Greyson. She was constantly preparing herself for that time. How does one exactly proclaim their hidden affections for their best friend? How does one prepare for the possibility of rejection? How does one even prepare for acceptance? Ella was unsure as to which outcome worried her most. She had dug up her old storybooks, the ones that her mother once read to her as a child, and studied them carefully. They were her only source for this confusing matter of love, as she no longer could consult her parents on the issue.
She tried to think back to how her parents interacted with each other. Their genuine warmth toward each other made it seem effortless, yet here, as Ella sat on her attic windowsill, a mountain of fables piled up beside her, she had not a clue on how to approach the subject. All of her books showcased grand gestures where true love was finally revealed after a thrilling adventure. Books where true love's kiss was the answer to any difficult situation. Books that, to be honest, didn't sound too realistic.
Ella tried to picture herself in such a situation. Would Greyson like a grand gesture, a humungous display, a dramatic speech? Ella thought about it and after a while she decided that that was not quite right for either of them. Little, simple displays, she concurred, were more her style. She thought them to be more thoughtful. In a way, it reminded her of her exciting night at the ball. Her dress was stunning, the decorations were over-the-top, and the dance she shared with the prince was grand. And Ella enjoyed the whole occasion very much but noted that she was happier when she was dancing in the bakery; it was a time where she wore her worn-down clothes, the storefront was untouched by a designer, and her moment with the baker was simple and intimate. She would never find that moment in one of her fairytales, and yet she thought it to be just as magical.
After much planning and re-planning, Ella had finally made a decision on how she was to reveal her feelings to Greyson. She decided that she would go visit him at the bakery to pick up some bread, a task which she knew would have to be done sooner or later. There, if he was not terribly busy, she would address the issue in a straightforward manner. She would explain that she valued few things more than their friendship. She would talk about the incredible impact that he has had on her life. Then, she would confess that she had feelings for him. If she was feeling particularly bold, she might go into detail. She might tell him how she melted when he gave her that genuine smile or how she felt the most secure when she was encased in his arms. Ella hoped that she had the bravery to manage this. She especially prayed that she had the daring to stay in the bakery long enough to allow the man to respond to her declarations. Just imagining the situation made her heart rush with anxiety.
Meanwhile, Greyson was sorting out his own version of the planning nightmare. In his mind, all of the odds were stacked against him. "Hey Ella, instead of becoming a princess and having anything in the world you could ever desire and more, would you like to be with me and eat bread together?" The whole situation sounded absurd. It also made the baker feel a pang of guilt in his chest. Who was he to complicate Ella's life and ask her to give up such a wonderful life of riches just so that he may get to spend more time with her? Still, Greyson felt as though it was something he needed to do. He did not want to look back later in life and regret not telling her how he felt. However, he did not have a single clue on just how to tell her.
This whole idea was completely foreign to him. For as long as he could remember, he had always been too preoccupied with his work to develop feelings for a woman. Sure, every now and them a beautiful girl would walk in the bakery, but Greyson was too busy playing the role of the shopkeeper to see them as anything but a customer. There was one occasion where a young girl flirted with him for nearly half an hour before giving up due to his obliviousness. In addition, his parents had died abruptly when he was just sixteen. He never had thought to ask them for such advice because he assumed that he had all the time in the world for such things. Life was tragically unpredictable, which further pushed Greyson to admit his feelings. What if he died suddenly due to unfortunate circumstances? What if Ella's Stepmother decided to pack up her family and move halfway across the world? What if the unthinkable happened, leaving Greyson with remorse over words never spoken?
So, it was decided. Now all that was left to do was figure out how to express his feelings without damaging the friendship he valued so dearly. Should he be direct and tell her? Should he merely imply affection? Should he just flat-out propose? His brain was playing out scenarios and picturing all of the possible outcomes. He grew nervous at each and every possibility, both positive and negative.
Eventually, he made a decision on how he would carry this whole situation out. The next time that Ella came to the bakery, he would simply tell her what he felt in his heart. He would tell her how his heart swelled whenever she walked through the bakery doors. He would explain how he felt his legs turn to gelatin whenever she smiled at him. He would confess that he loved her. He only hoped that he could muster the courage to proclaim such things.
The day finally arrived where Ella was sent out to the town to purchase more baked goods. Before she left, she gave herself one final glance in the mirror to make her hair as tidy as possible, flitting away the cinders that resided on it. She was not going to allow herself to return home until she had expressed her feelings. She could feel her heart pounding ever-faster as she made her way to town. When she finally approached the bakery, she felt as though she had a million butterflies rapidly flapping their wings in her chest. She carefully peered in the window to see if the baker was busy. What she saw made her heart drop. At the counter of the bakery was a beautiful woman. She looked to be purchasing an order of cupcakes with extraordinary flowers frosted on them. The woman herself looked to be equally extraordinary; she wore a stunning dress and had her hair done up quite lovely. She must've had some sort of ranking in the kingdom, probably a lower one, as the castle had its own staff of bakers and she would otherwise have no purpose here. But nevertheless, a ranking. Greyson was behind the counter, casually conversing with the lady. The two were laughing and looked to be having a grand time. Ella felt a new sort of emotion fester at the bottom of her stomach.
The woman then had the audacity to reach out and put her hand on the baker's chest as she threw back her head in a loud fit of laughter, making Ella clench her petite hands with what could only be described as jealousy. Who was this woman? How did she know Greyson? What was happening here? Ella felt her cheeks flush a dark red at the sight of the interaction. She watched as the woman picked up her package of cupcakes and kissed Greyson on the cheek. Ella could not believe her eyes! What was happening here? She felt a whirlwind of emotions rush over her. Sadness, jealously, disappointment, anger, It was a new sensation for Ella, for she had never felt such and unusual mixture of feelings. As the woman left the bakery, Ella looked in the window once more to see how Greyson was responding to this affection. She was taken aback when she saw his surprised brown eyes looking back at her! She was caught! Ella froze. Surely, she couldn't profess her love for the baker if his heart belonged to someone else. Without thinking, Ella ran away from the bakery. She'd make up an excuse when she returned to the house without the baked goods she was sent for. For now, however, she just ran.
Greyson felt utterly trapped. This woman had been at the bakery far much longer than she needed to be. She had been difficult enough already, cancelling her cupcake order several different times, demanding a very specific flower design. The baker wished that she would simply pay for her order and leave. But his parents had taught him that good business came out of kindness, so he politely listened to her long story that she seemed to think was totally hilarious. Greyson faked laughter as best as he could but couldn't help but feel he was convincing no one. As the woman obnoxiously cackled, he felt her hand rest on his chest. He tried to pretend as if it didn't bother him, as if this customer wasn't making him terribly uncomfortable. When it finally looked as if she was about to leave, the woman stuck her neck out and planted a big wet kiss on his cheek in farewell. It was disgusting. However, he was happy that she was gone as he wiped his cheek of the residue. He glanced out the window, and much to his surprise, he saw Ella looking back at him.
Her eyebrows were sloped in worry and her cheeks were of a deep red. Greyson felt his heart fall to the floor. Oh no. What had she seen? How did she interpret the bold actions of the bothersome customer? Greyson opened his mouth slightly, but no words came out. Then, much to his horror, he watched as Ella turned from the store and ran.
Running from him once again.
He couldn't breathe.
When he at last came to his senses, he ran after her, determined not to lose her this time.
"Ella!" he called to her, with no result. She was too far ahead, nearing the town square. How funny was life that just mere weeks ago the two of them were here together during the announcement of the grand ball, the event that would shake up both of their lives so greatly?
As Ella ran toward the square she could've sworn that she had heard someone calling her name. No, it must've been her ears deceiving her. It had to be. However, the voice came again.
"Ella, wait!"
Ella stopped in her tracks and turned to see Greyson, out of breath, running towards her. He had followed her from the bakery. Ella wanted so badly to continue running, to avoid what was sure to be an awkward and heartbreaking conversation, but she could not bring herself to do so. She was tired of running from him. If heartbreak was bound to happen, let it be so.
Greyson was relieved to see that she had stopped running. He was out of breath and his feet ached. Ella was faster than she looked. He finally caught up to her. He noted that her face held a look of confusion and…hurt. She was hurt. Because of him. He did this. Greyson felt as if his heart was in a vice. How could he hurt her, the person he loved the most?
"Ella," he started, trying to find his words. "Ella, it's not what you think, I promise. Whatever you thought you saw, I promise you it's not what it seems to be."
Ella grew more confused. What did he mean? He seemed to have known that woman awfully well. She was practically all over him, for goodness sake! She kissed his cheek! Her lips parted to speak, but she couldn't think of what to say. How could she describe the hurt she felt without first describing its reason?
Greyson's face showcased his growing desperation. "She was a customer," he began, "Nothing more. She was downright obnoxious and I wished for her to leave but she just kept talking. I had to be polite, as that's how my parents raised me. But I was terribly uncomfortable with the whole situation. I assure you, this is the truth." he insisted.
Ella felt light tears begin to trickle down her face. Whether they were out of confusion or relief she was unsure. This whole ordeal had put great strains her mind and hear and she had no clue what was even going on anymore. So he didn't feel for the woman in the way that she thought he did? Then why was she crying in the middle of the town square?
Greyson felt his heart crack at the sight of Ella's little tears. The poor girl's life had grown so overwhelming recently with such excitement and here he was, adding to the problem. Guilt struck him like a knife and at this moment he wanted nothing more than to cease her pain. "No no no…" he whispered. "Ella, please don't cry," he pleaded. His face displayed panic. The baker reached out to cup her face gently with his hands, wiping away the falling tears with his thumbs desperately. Much to his dismay, they continued to fall. His panic grew intensely. He continued to wipe away the tears but they were quickly replaced. What was he to do? He searched her eyes but could find no answer. He could practically hear his panicked heartbeat clouding his mind. Without thinking, he frantically closed the space between them, bringing his face down and pressing his lips to hers.
He had no idea what he was doing, not only because he was so desperate to stop Ella's tears but also because he had never kissed a woman before. He did the best he could to calm her, moving his hands from her face. One found its way running further along her jawline, weaving itself through her hair. The other rested around her waist as he brought her closer to him. He tried urgently to convey all that he couldn't bring himself to say to her. He could feel the wetness of the remaining tears on her face, which drove him to hold her even closer. His eyes were shut tight, but later relaxed as he embraced and furthered the kiss.
Ella was in complete shock, her eyes wide at the revelation of what was happening. Greyson was kissing her. He was holding her tightly to him with his arm wrapped around her waist as if she were made of helium and would float away if he loosened his grip. Ella felt shivers ripple up and down her body as his fingers caressed her hair. His lips felt urgent, but not rough. Shaking slightly, she brought her hands up to reach around him, one lightly nestled in his hair on the back of his head, the other resting on his chest.
The two suddenly were interrupted by the sounding of trumpets. They quickly detached out of surprise and looked to see what was going on. Once again, the king's royal messenger addressed the town square with important news from the kingdom.
"Attention, all!" he bellowed, his booming voice resonating throughout the masses. "It has been decreed that as a result of the grand ball, the prince has found the woman he wishes to wed. His love has been declared for the mystery princess who wore slippers of glass!" The man then held up for all to see the glass slipper that Ella had hastily abandoned on the steps of the palace. She began to quietly panic as one of her greatest worries was realized. The kingdom would be looking for her. The prince wished to marry her. Why couldn't he have fallen for some other maiden? A real princess, perhaps. "The king has declared that this woman be brought to the palace at once! The king's royal guard will be fitting this slipper on every eligible maiden in the kingdom until its proper owner is found." Ella began to sweat. She had to leave the square immediately; one of the guardsmen might recognize her. She took one last longing look at Greyson, who was watching the announcement with a look of uncertainty, before she quietly slipped away before the announcement was over
After the announcement concluded, Greyson figured he only had a few fleeting moments to get out what he wanted say before he lost his nerve. He shut his eyes tight and spoke rapidly, he couldn't even look at her. "Ella I don't know what's about to happen so I'm just going to say it – I'm in love with you!" he exclaimed in one breath. After hearing no response, he opened his eyes and turned to find that Ella was gone, nowhere to be found in the square.