Ooh, honestly, I don't like this chapter. Why? I thought I dragged it too long; I wanted to end this chapter with the fairy godmothers' instructions to Emily, but eh, my muse had other plans. Thanks so much to LacytheRomanWerewolf (aww, don't worry about reviewing late; I love reading them no matter when I get them!), SouthunLady and Rugbygirrl for reviewing! Do read and review; let me know what you think of this chapter. Enjoy!
P.S: As you can see, I maintained some of Penelope and Derek's modern day speech patterns. Honestly? I can't picture them speaking so formally! Although, Spencer's is a mixture of both modern and... I wouldn't say archaic, but again, a more formal tone. Let me know what worked and what didn't!
It seems that with the arrival of the two fairy godmothers –Emily still wasn't sure if she had entered another dream realm or if she had gone insane- that hope had blossomed once more. Emily feels butterflies flutter in her stomach at the prospect of being able to see her Prince, and this excitement is further enhanced by the sparkling red gown the blonde called Penelope whipped out. With trembling hands, the brunette walks dumbly to her room and finds that the dress fits her like a glove. Well, perhaps it fit a little too much.
Emily felt awkwardly exposed in the gorgeous red dress, and poking her head out of her room to speak to her eagerly awaiting animal friends and fairy godmothers, she winced, "Uh, are you certain that this dress is complete?" She reluctantly stepped out, a hand uncomfortably tugging at the rather low neckline. Clearing her throat, she waved at the speechless crowd, "Do I really look that horrible in it?"
Penelope was the first to break the silence, squealing as she rushed forward to hug her fairy godchild. "Ohmigod! You look absolutely breathtaking, peaches! Your Prince certainly would not be able to resist you!" JJ nodded and beamed proudly at her, "You look a vision, Emily and I'm sure you'll be the belle of the ball." The mice chattered their agreement and Elle sighed and clasped her paws at the sight of their beautiful friend. Certainly, the feisty mouse was tough and never let the boys forget that, but she was a closet romantic, and the prospect of Emily reuniting with her Prince certainly was the most romantic thing she had ever heard.
Emily smiled uncertainly at their praise, indulging them with a little twirl. "Again, I repeat: are you absolutely certain that this…this neckline will not have me thrown out of the castle?" JJ chewed her lip and looked at Penelope, "Well I do think that perhaps it is a little… advanced, shall we say, for fashion this era? Pen?" The shorter blonde pouted and crossed her arms petulantly, "Well I think it's perfect! I mean, your Prince will definitely not be looking at any other woman any time soon." Jason hooted and tapped Penelope on her head, "Perhaps it would be best to allow Emily to maintain her dignity, Penelope. Perhaps a little lace to cover up her décolletage?"
Of course, Emily had no idea what Jason had just said, but she was pleasantly surprised when Penelope shot him a mock glare and wriggled her fingers to JJ. "You choose the design, Jayje. I am not going to have anything to do with covering up our baby's delicious body." She winked at the others, letting them know she was merely pulling the other blonde's leg. JJ snickered and waved her wand, and with a slight tinkle, a shimmering gold lace covered up Emily's bust, although still leaving much for her Prince to ogle at.
Emily looked back into the mirror and nodded her head in approval; much better. Smiling brilliantly at everyone, she dropped an elegant curtsey, and the mice's breaths were taken away by how much the dark haired beauty looked like a princess. Penelope again, broke the silence with another squeal. "Oh wait a minute! How can you get to the ball without a carriage? JJ!" Turning to her serene counterpart determinedly, she gestured for the amused animals and a confused Emily to follow her out to the backyard, "We have more work to do!"
The entire group, consisting of three mice, an owl, a thoroughly confused woman, and two fairy godmothers with their luminescent wings fluttering excitedly, causing a slight buzzing sound in the air. Penelope let out a piercing whistle and beamed at everyone, "Well we all know, that our Gumdrop simply cannot attend the ball without a carriage, and said carriage simply cannot function without horses, a footman and a coachman. So, who shall be who, now that, my loves, is the question."
Derek grinned a wide mouse grin and waved his hand, jumping up and down. JJ smiled and nodded, "Well, Derek just volunteered to be the footman. So Spencer," turning towards the younger mouse, she gave him a gentle smile, "Will you be all right being the coachman then, Spence?" He chattered and squeaked, nodding his head so fervently that Emily had to chuckle at his enthusiasm. Penelope motioned for them to stand back, "All righty, Derek, you're up first. Stand in the middle, please." Standing up on two feet, Derek looked up curiously at the fairy duo. Penelope winked at him and along with JJ raised their wands, "Don't worry, it shan't hurt. Too much, anyway."
A shower of sparkles enveloped the little mouse, and Emily felt her jaw drop for the second time in the night when a tall, dark skinned man with a brilliant smile emerged from where little Derek the mouse stood. "Oh… is that?" Jason flew to perch on her shoulder and nodded his head, hooting lightly. She turned to him and stroked his downy head, "Oh, so now you talk as well?" He nipped her finger gently, as if affronted she insulted his intelligence. Which he was, really.
Derek stared at his human hands and whooped, "Oh Lord, this is way too strange." Suddenly catching sight of his reflection in the window, he blinked and strode over to it. Running his hand over his bald head, a twinkle entered his eye. "I am quite a fine specimen, if I say so myself. Thanks Pen, you really outdid yourself this time." Said blonde just beamed and winked suggestively at him, "Only because you're naturally delicious, my oh so handsome chocolate thunder." Emily stared at JJ, "Is it me, or is it somewhat off-putting to see Penelope flirt with a mouse?" The slender blonde shrugged and smiled helplessly, "Apparently, they have history together and Derek is originally human." Seeing the brunette open her mouth, JJ shook her head, "You really do not want to know."
Spencer squeaked impatiently and bounded to the fairy godmothers, chattering indignantly. JJ chuckled and nudged Penelope, "Fret not, Spence, we certainly have not forgotten about you. Now, hold still." A lanky man with sandy brown hair stepped out awkwardly from the sparkles, and he waved at Emily. "How do you do." Penelope grinned and hugged the thin man tight, "Oh look at you! You're absolutely adorable!" Spencer struggled to remove himself from the blonde's arms. "Penelope! You're cutting off my airway!"
JJ pulled her friend away from her chokehold on Spencer, "Calm down Penelope, I'm sure you'll have plenty of time after the ball to smother Spencer, but not now. There is still the matter of procuring a carriage for Emily." The blonde paused for a bit, "And a horse, for the matter."
Jason narrowed his yellow eyes and hooted, disappearing back into the house. Derek, who was leaning against the cottage wall, smirked when the owl emerged with an irate Ian Doyle within his claws. Dropping the hissing (and bound) cat onto the ground, Jason returned to his perch on Emily's shoulder, looking even smugger than ever.
Spencer scratched his head, brow furrowed. "Are you certain, Jason? I mean, what's to stop him from overturning the carriage and harming Emily?" Penelope and JJ grinned evilly at each other before turning to the rest of the group, saying in complete synchrony, "Oh we have a plan."