So this working for a living and not having a lot of time off thing is really kicking my butt, xD I finally had some time to finish this story so I'll be posting it in its entirety very soon! Thanks guys, you're the best. :)

~ Chapter Fourteen: Guidance Please ~

So far school life has been going quite well. I was actually going to head to the Village of Bookend with the girls this afternoon. I finally felt like my old self. I wasn't worried about my studies or fitting in. I just gave up and decided to move on. I shoved everything to the back of my mind to pack it away later. I was done stressing out. Albeit I know it's only the beginning of the year… but I'm done.

I was about to go meet up with the girls when there was an announcement over the P.A. system:

"Darling, Daring and Dexter Charming – please make your way to the Headmaster's office at once!"

What?! Right now? Ugh… how inconvenient. Well… an order was an order… even if I wasn't totally fond on who the order came from. "Darling!" Apple waved me over happily. When I put my hand up in protest her eyes automatically filled with wonder. How did they do that?

She quickly walked over and attempted to take my arm. "Are we not headed to the Village of Bookend?" She asked, almost as if she knew the answer before I even spoke it.

"Unfortunately I just got called to Headmaster's office."

Madeline scrunched her nose up. "It's like asking for Chamomile and receiving Honey Lemon!"

I doubt anyone understands Madeline Hatter - I know I don't. "Uh yeah. I'm sorry guys, I'll have to take a rain cheque alright?"

Apple solemnly nodded. "It could be a matter of urgency. Do what you must. We will catch up soon."

I couldn't help but feel I let the two of them down. So I started off towards the office wondering just what could be in store for me.

I entered Headmaster Grimm's office solemnly. I was a good student, I never caused much trouble (until recently) and I hoped this won't take too long. I noticed that Dexter and Daring were already there… as well as Headmaster Grimm, Baba Yaga and our father. Oh boy. I thought this crap was behind us?

"Welcome Darling," Baba Yaga began. She gestured towards an empty chair. I decided I would stay standing. Or maybe I was in shock? "have a seat."

"I'll stand." I told her quickly. I was positive this wouldn't take long so why get comfortable?

"Sit. Now." My father's voice was stern and non-negotiable… so I sat down.

"The fact that you don't think you'll be here long tells me there's much going through your mind child." Baba Yaga spoke with such wisdom it was hard to escape anything. She nailed it right on the head every time.

Headmaster Grimm excused himself and let the five of us reside in his office for the meantime. "Well… let's start since there's so much to get through."

I earned a glare from my father and I knew it without even looking in his direction. "We're here to discuss the entire summer's events with Baba Yaga and how it's changed us. Now please cooperate… all of you."

"Dexter," She called upon him first and I was kinda thankful. Though I didn't envy him. She toyed with the rings on her fingers as she spoke. "It's to my understanding that you've discovered a bit of depression about you."

I could tell he didn't want to speak about his personals any more than I did… but I owed it to him to at least give him my undivided attention.

He gave a nod. "Of sorts… yes. I don't know why… I don't know how or exactly when it started. And it's no one's fault. It just kinda… haunts me. The sadness I mean. I get frustrated the most because I don't have a reason to feel such a way but sometimes I do."

She gave a nod… and her bangles jingled. "Depression is such an overwhelming sense of sadness and almost drowning in it. You are never alone but most of the time it makes you feel that you are. But the truth is… your entire family cares about you."

Daring shifted almost uncomfortably as he went to speak but them stopped himself.

"Go ahead child. Please… don't leave things unsaid." She urged him. The only thing I was wondering was why Baba Yaga was the one to speak to us. I mean… last I checked she wasn't hexactly a guidance counselor.

"It's just that… I wanted to apologize for not realizing that you were upset when it all first started."

Dexter shook his head. "Daring no… no please. Don't feel guilty or anything – you'll only make me feel guiltier for admitting anything in the first place."

She tapped her long nails upon the desk. "Dexter have you been hiding your depression for a long time? Afraid of the reaction?"

Dexter thought about it for a few moments. "It's not about the reveal of it… it's about this. About guilt and thinking none of you are there for me enough. Believe it when I say it, it's not you guys… it's me. I have to deal with this and I am. Trust me when I say I'm trying."

Hmm, as I look at my father I notice he seems sad… maybe he's thinking about Clara's late husband? Apparently he had the same thing as Dexter… it makes me nervous thinking about it too. "I'm here for you." Daring blurted out rather awkwardly. He's not very good when it comes to the gushy mushy stuff… but at least he was trying. "If you need to talk… ever. Please don't shut me out… alright?"

Dexter gave a nod. "I promise."

I smiled. "Darling, thoughts?"

I shook my head when I was called upon. "None really… I mean, it warms my heart to see my brothers bonding is all. I mean, those who don't really know Daring wouldn't expect him to care so much. If we ever doubted that he cared… we know better now." I meant the words I spoke just now.

"Good. Anything else going on in your life Dexter?" She asked him.

Utterly confused… Dexter shook his head in protest. "Not that I can think of ma'am."

"Well now… let's focus on Daring. I've seen how you look at one Miss Lizzie Hearts." Daring's entire face went from normal to beet red. Lizzie? Hmm. "I notice a lot more about you students than you think and personally… though she is royalty… I hardly believe she is a good fit for you. Perhaps she's misunderstood… but in that relationship you'd both be holding yourselves higher than any relationship you'd share."

Daring… though entirely embarrassed as he didn't reveal anything about his love life to any of us… still decided to listen. "But she's desirable though."

"Ah-ah, desirable or… out of your league?" She shook a long, crooked finger at him. "You aren't the manipulative type… I believe Miss Hearts could be and most of the time manipulation is toxic. That may or may not be true but how she carries herself says a lot and I think you should be directing your interest elsewhere."

Daring was looking down towards the floor and biting his bottom lip. He was showing signs of insecurity. I've never seen it in my brother before. "So let me guess, you think I should be with Apple too?" He briefly shared a gaze with our father before looking at Baba Yaga.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I believe that Apple White is a safe choice. You two would rule a Kingdom well together… sure you'd make beautiful children but – is there passion between the two of you? No. I believe you two like each other's company… but that's about it. Have you ever thought about what's underneath her dress?"

I choked and coughed… barely being able to breathe. His face was completely reddened. "Can we not discuss that?"

Baba Yaga let him squirm a little longer before relieving the pressure. "Clearly no desiring thoughts like that, hmm? All I'm saying is that she's a safe, good match… but she's not your heart's desire. Don't lock closed doors before you have a chance to open them."

Uh oh… she's done with Dexter and Daring… it must be my turn. I didn't want to volunteer though.

"Now Darling… there's been a few interesting events happening around you lately. Let's discuss." Let's not. "As far as you dropping Marian's class – I don't blame you. It sounds like you've gone hungry and been late many times." Finally, someone who knew what they were talking about!

"Yes. Many times." I agreed.

"But then… there was an accident in the library and the shelf began to topple over. Had you not been there Hopper would've been crushed to death." That was true. I'm not sure if our father knew about this. By the look on his face… he didn't.

"Uh… yes. That's right." I figured I'd start off slow… not giving away more information than I had to.

Baba Yaga paused almost as if she was gathering her thoughts. "But after that… I guess things began to get strange… Daring?" What? Why was she calling Daring into this?

"Yes ma'am?"

"Describe how things became strange after Darling 'saved' Hopper. He's your roommate. You must know something." She knew exactly what she was doing and I hated it. Did we have to go through all of this?

He sighed and shifted in his chair. "Yeah… the guys started shoving Hopper around… going on about him being a disgrace… being saved by a girl." Oh man, this hurts. "It was getting bad… I'm pretty sure they broke a rib and his nose for sure. He avoided Darling but can't say as I blame him."

"I didn't know they were hurting him… because of me." I sighed inwardly. Why was this so complicated? "I… I 'like, like' him and I just can't stand to see him get hurt."

Baba Yaga let out a sigh of frustration. "Darling… we're all grown-ups here. You fancy the boy?"

"Uh… I guess so." I sort of confessed.

Daring scoffed. "If you can't stay out of his fights… you being his girlfriend could get him seriously injured… if not killed. Don't you see it's not a good idea? You should stay away from him, I already told you that." He narrowed his eyes at me. "It's for the best."

"Now, now..." it was the first time our father actually jumped in. "we've all been through a lot this summer and it seems like this year will be merciless as well. I believe Darling needs to make her own decision and the only other person it sounds like it involves is Hopper. You can have your opinion Daring… but ultimately it's up to your sister." He looked almost defeated. "Thank you Baba Yaga for sitting here with us while we go through the motions."

She gave a docile nod. "My pleasure, King Charming."

"I would like to request the three of you come home for an upcoming weekend. Your mother would appreciate that very much and so would I."

I wasn't sure how my brothers felt about it but I wasn't exactly thrilled. But hey… this could have been so much worse. Actually… I kinda feel a bit better. I hugged both of my brothers and my father before we all left Headmaster Grimm's office… feeling rather cleansed - at least I did.