Mal's POV.
I hadn't slept a wink last night, neither had Ben. We were just both too stressed which is why at 7:30am when Ben's alarm sounded we were already up. Since we had been awake all night we had ended up talking about our wedding and Godparents for the twins. Eventually we had decided on different godparents for each baby, two for each baby. I just hope we didn't upset people with who we chose. I know it's way too early to think about these things but there's only so much wedding talk I can handle in one night. It was weird to think I was now around seven weeks along in my pregnancy. So much has happened in the past few weeks that it feels like a lifetime ago.
Due to us being wide awake we were dressed and heading downstairs a short five minutes after Ben's alarm. As we walked into the kitchen it became clear we wasn't the only ones who couldn't sleep. The kitchen island was filled with various treats and breakfast items. Looks like someone stayed up all night cooking again. Wonder who it is. I didn't have to wonder for long.
"Looks like mom couldn't sleep last night either." Ben said as we walked further into the kitchen. I shot him a confused glance as we grabbed a plate from the small pile near the food and Ben started putting some food onto his plate. "Mom has a habit of staying awake and baking or cooking when she is stressed." He explained to me. I noticed there were various strawberry cookies and things which I immediately reached for. Breakfast be damned. Some cookies are just what I need right now.
Ben didn't say anything as we left the kitchen he merely shook his head a little and chuckled. We were going to go back to our bedroom but as we passed the dining room we heard talking and a lot of voices clearly trying to be quiet. I looked at Ben before we stuck our heads around the slightly ajar door. "Looks like were not the only ones who couldn't sleep and got up early." I stated to my fiancee causing all heads to turn to us. Sat around the table was all our friends and Belle. "Where's Adam?" I asked. I decided last night to try and not slip up and call them my parents in front of them again. I know they said it was okay but it just felt a little weird.
"In his office. He hasn't left there since he came home last night. He hasn't even left for anything to eat." Belle told us. The stress and worry in her voice was clear as day. Ben looked to me. His eyes shining with the question he wanted to ask. I nodded to him to show it was okay.
"It's fine. Go. Make sure you take him something to eat though." I instructed Ben. I know Ben felt bad about leaving his dad to control everything yesterday, so did I. I moved to sit in the empty seat near Belle and Audrey, opposite Evie.
"That's not exactly a healthy breakfast, M." Evie joked with me. It caused everyone at the table to look at my plate before laughing. I just smiled at my sister and shrugged before I tucked into the cookies. OMG! These are amazing! I need to make more of these. "Oh hey can you come back to school with me later? I need you to try on your dress for tomorrow and see if it fits okay." Evie asked me.
"How on earth have you finished it already?" I didn't mean to blurt it out like that. It had just kinda slipped out.
Thankfully Evie was used to it by now and simply smiled before replying. "Double free period yesterday."
"Sure but can I talk to you girls before you go?" They all nodded but Lonnie looked a little worried. "Lonnie? Everything okay?"
She nodded to me but a raised eyebrow was all it took for her to start talking. "I have to leave in a little over an hour. Mom wants me to go home so we can go shopping for tomorrow." She explained.
I quickly looked around and found the girls had all finished eating anyway. "Come on then. We can talk now." I told them all as I stood up. "Belle, can we please use your study?" I asked her. I knew from experience whenever there was a kitchen full of food she would go into the library and fall asleep reading. Makes sense now actually. I waited for her to nod before I began walking out of the room with Evie, Audrey, Jane and Lonnie following me.
Before long we were in Belle's study Lonnie closing the door behind her since she was the last one in. The girls all made themselves comfy on the various chairs and couches while I chose the chair close to the desk. As close as I now was to the girls I didn't know how this would go down. Well that's not exactly true. I knew how Evie would react, the others I had no idea. Once the girls were settled and they turned to face me I got a little worried. "Okay so I kinda wanted to ask you all if..." I started. Why am I freaking out? They're my friends. The worst they can say is no. I thought to myself as I took a breath "you would be my bridesmaids at the wedding?" Three of them squealed and jumped up, running to hug me.
"I would be honoured." The first response surprisingly, came from Jane.
"I'd love to." Lonnie told me. As they all moved away from me. It was then I turned to my uncharacteristically quiet sister.
After I looked at her with a questioning face she finally spoke. "Oh M, did you even need to ask me?" She said. Come to think of it, she has a point. Evie would have always agreed. As I looked around I realised Audrey hadn't moved or spoken.
"Audrey? Are you okay?" I asked her. It wasn't like Audrey to be quiet either so this was extremely weird. "Are you sure you want me there?" I heard her whisper. I couldn't even attempt to hide the look of shock on my face. How could she think that! "Of course I want you at my wedding as a bridesmaid. Why wouldn't I want you there?" I asked her, hoping to get to the bottom of what was troubling her. This wasn't like her. She was always so sure of herself but now she wouldn't even look me in the eyes.
"Because I have caused you and Ben problems. I tried to destroy your relationship when you first got together and now because of what I said my Grammie is trying to stop the wedding and split you up." She told me still looking anywhere but at me. Now I get it but It's stupid.
I really needed her to look at me for her to understand this so I decided to move and sit next to her. She looked at me sceptically before I started talking. "Audrey, you haven't caused me and Ben any problems. Sure when I first came here you weren't exactly happy but you were listening to what your Grammie told you. You have apologised for that, me and Ben have forgotten about it. You need to as well, okay?" I waited for Audrey to nod before I continued. "Like you said, your Grammie is trying to stop the wedding. Not you. Do you honestly think if I blamed you for anything I would have asked you to be one of my bridesmaids in the first place?" I asked her.
"No." She stated to me. "I would love to be a bridesmaid at your wedding." I couldn't help the smile that was creeping across my face. I noticed a similar look on Audrey's face as I moved to hug her, the other girls quickly joined in making it a group hug. I honestly have no idea how long we were sat like that since we only broke apart when my phone pinged.
"Give me a few minutes." I told the four girls when I saw Ben's name on my screen. I knew if I didn't reply back straight away he would worry. They had no issues with it and nodded before jumping into a conversation on what kind of dress you suit all of them.
From Ben: Hey Mal, I had to leave and help dad with some things. Mom said your going to school with Evie, please be careful. Both of you x
To Ben: We will, I promise. None of us are likely to let our guard down anytime soon. Besides I think Audrey and Jane will stay with us as well since I just asked them to be bridesmaids xx
From Ben: How'd it go? X
To Ben: Great! Audrey took a little convincing. She seemed to think we blamed her for what Leah has been doing. I talked with her and it's all good now. You still asking the guys today? xxx
From Ben: Yeah, once me n dad have sorted this. Gotta go but would you pop in and make sure FG is okay? I won't have chance. Love you xxx
To Ben: Love you too xxx
After I had finished texting Ben I realised the time. "Fancy heading back to school?" I asked them. The four of them quickly agreed since they knew it would mean they got to see my dress for tomorrow. "Mind if I transport us?" With no objections from anyone and after sending a quick text to Belle so she didn't worry that she wouldn't be able to find me, Evie and Audrey each took one of my hands their others taking hold of Jane and Lonnie's and we left.
Seconds later we were stood in mine and Evie's dorm. It's the first time I've been back here since Ben asked me to move in with him after out wedding. It's weird to think it wont be my room in a month. In a month's time I would be living permanently at the castle with Ben.
I had barely begun to bring myself from my thoughts when I felt someone move me. I quickly realised it was Evie pulling me into the bathroom with a garment bag over her arm. I don't know why she insists on having fittings. She has made most of my clothes and not once have they ever had to be altered. But Evie is a perfectionist so it really shouldn't surprise me.
After hanging the bag on the back of the door Evie left the room so I could change. I kicked off my shoes and unzipped the bag. The dress was truly beautiful. My sister had really outdone herself this time. It was a gorgeous deep purple, floor length ball gown with blue accents around the waist and neckline with purple and blue gems on the bodice. How she had done this in one day I didn't know. The dress screamed Auradon at it's finest but still had an Isle edge to it.
It wasn't long before I had the dress on. I turned to look in the bathroom mirror before I left to show the others and noticed the dress was a little long. That's odd. Evie knows how tall I am. It was as I looked at the bottom of the dress I realised why it was a little long. There near the bathroom door was a pair of heels. Evie must have placed them there without me realising. Once I had slipped them on I wasn't surprised to find the dress was absolutely perfect.
As I walked out of the bathroom the gasps confirmed what I thought. The dress was perfect. No one else in the entire kingdom could have done as good of a job on this dress in my opinion.
"That dress is beautiful." Lonnie told Evie before Jane and Audrey said "You look amazing, Mal." I couldn't help but smile. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately but hey I wasn't complaining. It makes a change from crying.
"E? This dress if fantastic. Would you make my wedding and you bridesmaid dresses? And the guys suits? If you have time I mean." I rambled out before I could stop myself.
It wasn't long before I was hugging Evie. "Like I would let anyone else do that." She told me as we continued to hug. I couldn't help but smile. Of course you wouldn't, E.
"Oh and would you be my maid of honour?" I asked. The squealing and shouting coming from my sister actually made me jump and move a little away from her. She needed to stop the squealing, seriously. If this carries on much longer Fairy Godmother is going to have a noise complaint. Thankfully, after a few minutes she stopped and nodded to me. Lonnie told us then she had to leave. Her mom was on her was to pick her up. I headed back into the bathroom knowing full well it was now mid morning and I still needed to go see Fairy Godmother before getting back to the castle. I had promised to help Belle put the decorations up in the ball room for tomorrow.
"E..." I started as I came from the bathroom after changing. "I need to go. I have to talk to Fairy Godmother before I get back to the castle." I explained. After saying goodbye and hugging the three of them I took the short trip to Fairy Godmother's office. I was not looking forward to this conversation. I mean she could very well blame me for everything and I wouldn't blame her either. Beside she would kinda be right. I was the reason Maleficent got off the isle all those months ago and I an the reason she wasn't returned to the isle after she was turned into a lizard.
I didn't need to knock since when I got there I saw the office door was open. "Fairy Godmother?" I said as I stuck my head around the door, just in time to see her jump. "Sorry." I apologised. God, what had Maleficent done yesterday. Fairy Godmother is never jumpy like that.
"It's okay Mal." She told me as she turned towards me. It was then I could see the faint bruises that were on her arms. "How are you today?"
"I was about to ask you the same question." I responded completely avoiding the question. How was I supposed to be when Maleficent is threatening the entire kingdom."What happened yesterday?" I asked. I needed to know. Like hell would Maleficent get away with this.
Fairy Godmother just looked quizzically at me. It was easy to see she didn't want to tell me but she eventually gave in. Sighing she said "Well I suppose you will know once I tell Ben anyway." She walked over to the chairs near her desk and sat down, gesturing me to sit opposite her. I went a little reluctantly. Sure I wanted to know but I really didn't want the blame I knew I would get for this. "I came back for a few bits of paper. I always announce the best costumes and things but I had left them here. Once I got here Maleficent and the others showed up demanding to know where the wand is. When I refused to tell them Maleficent got mad and well... I think you can imagine what happened then." She stated. I could only nod to this as tears filled my eyes. How could this happen. She always said no one else but me would get her anger. It was then her words came back into my mind. Get me the wand or the people you care about are next. Damn it! I was pulled from my thoughts when Fairy Godmother carried on talking. "She then wanted to know where you was. She couldn't sense you or something so when I refused to tell her that as well she sensed Evie and they left." She finished.
I couldn't believe this. How could she do this. "I'm sorry." I apologised again as I stood up and moved away, finally letting the tears fall.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Mal. It's not your fault." Fairy Godmother told me. I wanted to believe that I really did but I just couldn't. I looked back at Fairy Godmother and saw something in her face. "What aren't you telling me?" I asked her. Well more like I demanded.
Fairy Godmother seemed to have an internal battle before she looked back to me. "I don't know exactly what was said but I heard them say something about getting others off the Isle if you kids didn't agree to help them." She told me. "Who?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "The only names I heard properly was Gaston and Diablo."
Shit! Not Gaston and Diablo! That would destroy Belle and Adam. Gaston almost killed Adam last time they were near each other. I paled at the thought of Diablo getting off the isle. He could be just as horrid as Maleficent, maybe even more so if he was in human form. The two of them together would likely mean the end of Auradon as we all know it. I couldn't say anything due to the tears flowing down my face. I had to find Ben and warn him. Maybe we could somehow stop them getting onto the isle. "Are you okay?" I heard Fairy Godmother ask me. I shook my head before disappearing from the office.
I had no idea where I had transported myself to, I just thought of Ben. I looked around and noticed I was in a small street. Although as my eyes fell on one particular shop I realised where I was. Fauna's Bakery. I was in Auroria. I just hoped I would find Ben soon. The last thing I needed was to bump into Leah right now.
Thankfully I didn't have to wait long as a few moments later Ben and Adam walked out of Fauna's Bakery. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw me but once Ben stopped I ran towards him, throwing my arms around him once he was in reach. "Mal, what's wrong? I thought you were with Evie today." I heard Adam ask me.
Thankfully, now I had Ben's arms around me I had calmed down enough to talk. "I was. Then I went to see Fairy Godmother." I told them. They realised then what I was trying to say and they began leading me away from the shops and towards a familiar car. Once we were inside the car the questions started again. "Is Fairy Godmother okay?" Ben asked me. I nodded to him confused both him and Adam. "Then I don't get why your upset." He said.
"She told me what happened last night." I said causing them to sit up a little straighter. I began explaining everything Fairy Godmother told me and then told them about Gaston and Diablo. Both of them tensed at the mention of Gaston's name. I could swear I heard a growl from Adam. Ben opened the window behind us and whispered something to the driver before turning back to me. "Mal, can you take all of us home please." He asked. I just nodded and before Adam even fully understood what was going on we were back at the castle, in the ball room.
Belle walked in seconds after we got there. A stunned look across her face when she saw us all there. Adam immediately went to her and pulled her into a hug. Me and Ben just smiled as I moved further into Ben's embrace. If Adam and Ben hadn't already imposed the 'we must have someone with us at all times' rule they certainly would have now.
"What's going on? And why did I receive a worried phone call from Fairy Godmother?" Belle asked, unable to move from Adam's hold. "Come with me and I will tell you." Adam told her. But Belle was stubborn and responded with "Not until someone tells me what is going on." She looked around at all three of us.
I walked forward and took the last of the decorations from her. I know they were the last of them since there was already four bags on one of the tables as Ben decided to try and get through to her "Mom please, it;s better of dad tells you." Ben pleaded with her. She looked between me and Ben and after seeing our faces turned and left with Adam.
"I need to go and see the guys. Will you be okay?" Ben asked me, once his parents had left the room.
I rolled my eyes at this. "Ben, I will be fine." I told him.
"Okay, I will have Mrs Potts come in and help with this." Was all he said before he kissed me and left. I didn't even have time to tell him I didn't need help. Although after what happened yesterday I decided to just humour him. Why can things never just be simple for us. Every time I think things are going well something happens that proves me wrong.
Ben's POV.
I headed straight for the kitchen after I left Mal. There was no way I was letting her decorate that room by herself or be by herself. Not happening. I reached the kitchen a few minutes later and found Mrs Potts sat near the island. "Hi Mrs Potts." I greeted her, making her jump a little.
"Oh hi Ben." She said once she turned and realised it was me. "What can I do for you?"
"I was hoping you would do me a favour?" I asked. She just looked at me questioningly waiting for me to continue. "I was wondering if you would help Mal decorate the ball room for tomorrow? She really shouldn't be on her own right now and mom is talking to dad for a while." I explained. It wasn't often I came to Mrs Potts for help, I usually went to Chip. But I know Mal would feel more comfortable around Mrs Potts right now.
"Of course Ben. No worries." She told me. I breathed a sigh of relief knowing Mal had company but before I could thank her, Mrs Potts was out of the kitchen. I quickly text for a car to take me to Auradon Prep before I dialled the number of one of my oldest friends as I walked through the castle. After a couple of rings he picked up.
"Hello?" the voice said.
"Hey Az, how's it going?" I asked him.
"Ben! Things are fine. Although I hear you and your girlfriend are having a rough time. How you coping?" Aziz asked me.
"Mal's stressed as you can imagine but were getting through it. I actually called to ask you a question." I told him.
"Ask away." He stated. Although it was clear in his voice I had piqued his interest.
"I was wondering if you would be one of my groom's men at the wedding?" I asked him as I got into the car outside the castle. But I began to wonder if I had upset him as buy the time the car started heading towards Auradon Prep Aziz still hadn't spoke. "Az? You there?" I asked hoping to get a response from my very quiet friend.
"Yeah sorry." He apologised. "of all the questions you could have been calling to ask me I didn't think it would be that. I would be honoured, Ben."
I released a breath I didn't know I was holding as the car pulled outside school. "Listen Az, I gotta go. I need to go talk to Doug. Your coming tomorrow, right?" I asked. I really hoped he was so Mal and the others could meet him.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Bye Ben."
"Bye Az." I said as we hung up the phone. I got out of the car and realised I had absolutely no idea where any of them would be. Since I couldn't see anyone one the Tourney pitch I decided to play it safe and head for Jay and Carlos' dorm. It also helped that their dorm was right down the hall from Doug's. Although once I got to the dorm it became clear they were inside. You could hear Jay and Carlos' voice down the hall. How they hadn't been told to keep quiet I have no idea.
I knocked on the door and Doug answered. "Playing referee again, Doug?" I asked as he gestured me inside the room.
"As always." He replied. We both laughed a little at this. It was true. Those two couldn't even be alone for two hours without play fighting or arguing. It was like having kids. "Guys!" He shouted. They finally stopped long enough to realise I was in the room.
"Hey Ben" They both greeted me at the same time. "What's up?" Carlos asked.
"I wanted to talk to the three of you." I told them. They shared a look before they all saw down, looking at me expectantly. "I wanted to ask if you would be groom's men at mine and Mal's wedding."
Jay and Carlos nodded their agreement. Doug was the only one verbally respond to me. "Sure Ben."
"This probably goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway." Jay started. Causing me to look back at him and Carlos. "Do not hurt our sister. She has enough going on at the moment."
I knew this would come eventually and even though he was kind of threatening me I couldn't help but smile. Even now they still defend each other. "Jay, she is carrying my babies and I love her. There is no way I would hurt her." I stated. He already knew that he was just playing the overprotective big brother role I think. Jay merely nodded to me before I turned back to Doug. "Oh Doug, one more question. Be my best man?" I asked him. This time is was Doug's turn to nod. He wasn't big on emotions, he never has been. It was easy for me to tell he was a little overwhelmed but happy at the same time.
I ended up staying for a while and playing some video games with the guys before heading back home. It had only been a few hours but I was eager to get back to Mal. I knew I had to talk to Fairy Godmother but decided to text her and see what we could do about the others getting off the isle. Her response wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. She basically told me there wasn't a lot she could do but she would try and come up with a plan with Evie, Mal and Jane's help. I really hoped something would go our way soon. Whether we manage to change the barrier around the isle, we manage to catch Maleficent, Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella or even better, both of those. Something had to be done and fast.
Mal's POV.
It didn't take long for me and Mrs Potts to finish decorating the ball room. I honestly couldn't believe how quick we had finished. It had only taken a little over two hours. What kind of worried me was Belle and Adam hadn't been seen since they left the ball room. I decided to give them the space they obviously needed and left Mrs Potts to go and lay down. I was always tired lately, even if I hadn't done anything. Maybe it was the amount of magic I've been using lately. I don't know.
What I hadn't realised was I hadn't told anyone I was going to lay down so as I laid in Ben's bed and started to drift off my phone rang. "Hello?" I answered rather groggily. "Belle?... No I'm fine... I'm upstairs. I went for a lay down... Yes. I promise, I'm fine... Okay, bye." With that I hung up the phone and laid back down. It wasn't long before I fell into a peaceful sleep.
Author's Note: I know this chapter probably feels a little rushed. I hope you guys like it. Please let me know what you think with a review. Now I have little less work my updates should be a little more frequent. I am also thinking of writing some one-shots about what happened between the coronation and the start of this story... Would anyone be interested?