So this is an assignment my seventh grade language arts teacher gave me but I never truned it in. Mainly because I wanted it to be really good. So here goes my homework assignment from two years ago :D
My Cinderella Story
By: Breann Wathen
I sat on the wooden floor next to the window pane. I peeked at the beautiful town. People buying goods for their loved ones. Children dancing, laughing, and playing happily in the street. Elders feeding the pigeons bit by bit and playing a good old fashioned game of chess. Why can’t I enjoy the freedom & happiness everyone else has? I shed tears while thinking, How foolish of father to marry such an evil soul?
“Claire! Come clean these dishes and sweep the floor. It’s a pigsty down here!” Madam Florence yelled.
“Yes Madam.”
I somberly walked past Olivia’s room. She was wearing a beautiful sea green dress covered in emeralds. Combing her long chestnut hair while humming a sweet tune. I looked at myself dressed in an old tattered dress & dusty brown slippers spotted with holes. My red hair in a tight bun covered in ash and soot. I observed my hands. The hands of a hard working woman who doesn’t deserve this.
“Claire, sometime today!” Madam Florence yelled. I mad dashed down the stairs and onto the kitchen.
“And when you finish, you can clean and polish all seventy-two of my shoes and Olivia’s!” she ordered. She had a tight snarl on her face. She saw the plate that my mother had left me before she died. It was all I had left of her.
“Aw…this piece of glass is worth nothing!” She chuckled and with a flick of the wrist, she threw it on the ground. It shattered and broke like my heart. I fell to the ground and started to cry.
“And clean that up.” Madam Florence snorted and left. I couldn’t breathe. I lurked for the remaining pieces and wrapped them in an old piece of cloth. I held it close to my heart and sobbed. Olivia heard and came down the stairs.
“Oh Claire, come here!” she ran toward me and held me. Her touch was like my mother’s and I cried even more.
“How could my own mother do such a thing?! Don’t worry; I have glue so we can re-piece it. I know how much it means to you.” Olivia walked me to her room.
Her room was quite exquisite. Her bed sheets made of satin, the vanity covered in ribbons and perfume. Pictures of her early years hung against the scarlet walls. I stood in amazement. This was a room that you could only dream about and she had it. I unwrapped the cloth and showed her all the remaining pieces. We sat on her bed and glued them together.
“Oh, how do I despise my own mother! She’s just so…cruel!” Olivia pouted.
Well at least you didn’t inherit any of her traits. I mumbled. It turns out we have a lot in common. Madam Florence walked up the stairs slowly. I ran out of the room and into the hallway closet leaving the door open just little. Olivia tried to hide the plate but before she could hide it, Madam Florence ordered her to throw it away. Olivia placed it next to the trash can.
“Now Olivia there’s going to be a ball tonight. I want you to wear a stunning ball gown and get all dolled up.” Madam Florence kissed Olivia’s forehead. Olivia held a disgusted look on her face.
“Will Claire be able go?” Olivia questioned.
“Never! The prince would throw her out the door the second she walks in!” Madam Florence snickered.
I overheard the conversation. I will go to that ball. Pff. Yeah, I’d need a miracle. Madam Florence walked of her room. With devilish glare in her eye, she knocked down a plant and walked away.
“Claire! Come clean this up!” she stuck her nose in the air and walked downstairs. I waited quietly until she finally made it to the living room. I scurried to Olivia’s room. She was too busy looking for a dress. She twirled around and saw me.
“Oh my! Claire, you startled me! The plate’s next to the trash can.” She giggled. I smiled and picked up the plate. It almost looked the same.
“Thanks so much! By the way, you should that wear sleeveless pink gown and fresh water pearl set.” I suggested.
Olivia matched the two together and squealed. She gave a hug and got covered in ash & soot but she didn’t complain.
“Do you wish to go to the ball Claire?”
“Well yes, but you heard what Madam Florence said. She doesn’t want me there.” I hung my head.
“Well it’s not her choice Claire!” Olivia protested.
“Then yes! I would love to go!”
“Well follow me!” Olivia clutched my hand and lead me the down the stairs.
“Olivia, where are you going?” Madam Florence was pouring herself a tall glass of wine.
“To the…umm…Jewelers!” Olivia nervously giggled.
“For what?” Madam Florence
“To buy a new…lace choker because mine ripped in half.” Olivia looked down at the ground. Please let her lie work. I would just love to go to this ball. I thought while I was trying hard not to breathe loudly from behind the huge china cabinet in the downstairs hallway.
“Okay then.” Madam Florence sat on the couch and laughed softly.
“Be very quiet but she probably won’t notice since she’s drunk.” Olivia snickered. She grabbed my hand and led me to a mysterious forest.
“Now just wait here until I get back.” Olivia started to blend in with the trees. Nearby, there was a clear graceful waterfall. I sat on a rock and admired the beautiful scenery. I got closer and looked at my reflection in the waterfall. How could I be ready for the ball in time? I look hideous! Finally, Olivia arrived with some kind of golden locket.
“Umm, you needed a lace choker and I need a miracle.” I laughed and pointed at the locket.
“Just wait and see…” Olivia tossed the locket in the waterfall.
“What did you do that for?” I stood up and protested.
Unexpectedly a white beam came from the mist of the water. I squinted to see what it was but it was too bright. Olivia had a grin from ear to ear.
“So is this the one they call Claire, Olivia?” she asked. Her voice was heavenly.
“Yes Mother Laura. This is Claire.” Olivia nodded towards to me.
Mother Laura was dressed in a silky crimson gown, sunset colored wings and a ruby incrusted wand. She studied me very hard and with a pivot of her wand, I was dressed ever so elegant. I had a lovely sunshine yellow ball gown, a gold jewelry set with rubies and on my feet were the most beautiful slippers ever. I gasped with glee. My hair was unknotted and untangled. Instead of a dull red, I had blazing fiery red locks that fell to my elbows. I gave thanks to Mother Laura and gave her a hug but she disappeared. My eyes started to water with tears of joy.
“You don’t want to ruin your makeup!” Olivia giggled while wiping tears from my face. She was also wearing her ensemble.
“Now let’s go to that ball!” I hand motioned for her to hurry up while we weaved through trees and rocks. When we arrived, I stood in amazement. I never had seen the castle so close before. From my tiny bedroom window, it all looked a dream. It was breath-taking. We walked up the stairs and stepped in the ballroom. All there were was girls in huge groups gossiping to their friends. I saw the prince for the very first time. He just was so handsome. His russet hair fell over his eyes just a little. He sat impatiently on his throne.
“Father, all these girls?! How will I be able to find the one I shall marry and love?” Prince Travis questioned.
“It shall be the easiest decision of your life. This is how I met your mother!” King Andrew chuckled while slipping a snack cake into his mouth.
Prince Travis scoffed at his father and got up from his throne. All the girls started to murmur and squeal as he walked toward the crowd. I blushed and clung to Olivia when he looked at me.
“The Prince shall meet all the ladies.” the local tale-teller shouted.
It was a stampede! The guards had to pick up girls and carry them outside. Olivia and I laughed at the scene. When the guards had cleared out all the girls, only me, Olivia and some other girl where left. Of course Olivia made it and that other girl. She looked so beautiful. But how me? The Prince introduced himself.
“I am Prince Travis. Sorry about that, those girls were too rowdy. Now you three were the most pleasing to the eye but let’s see if you are pleasing to my heart.” He held his hand to the girl. She got a weird wrinkly look on her face and threw up on the floor. Olivia shrieked and I almost fell backwards from giggling. The girl ran out of the ballroom and never stopped. Prince Travis stood with a disgusted look.
“Eddie! Please clean this up and I will give you a promised raise of 43 frockles.” Prince Travis ordered.
Soon some little guy ran out to the ballroom and cleaned up the vomit. His tripped his hat at me and scurried out of the room.
“Now we shall dance!” Prince Travis chuckled. He grabbed Olivia’s hand and she blushed. They waltzed around and around. I sat by a table and watched them.
“What is your name?” Prince Travis asked with a gleam in his jade eyes.
“Olivia Lockhart.” She nervously giggled. She stumbled but he caught her.
“I must say that you look very lovely this evening.” He flashed an award winning smile and Olivia swooned.
I don’t need to be here. They were meant for each other. I stood up from the chair, got one glance and left the castle. I headed back to a hellhole I call home. As I went through the front doors, the wind began to blow really hard, so hard that by ball gown began to rip apart. As I ran home, I lost my slipper. I wanted to go back and get it but I was almost nude. Madam Florence had passed out on the couch with a bottle of wine gripped tightly in her hands.
I quietly tip toed up the stairs and into my room. I searched through all the boxes. I looked for an extra dress and I found one. It was the dress that my mother had stitched from some of her old dresses. It was beautiful. Now I had a plate that had been pieced together again and a dress to remember her. I slipped the dress on and grabbed my comb. I squinted at my dirty mirror. My hair was now dull and lifeless. I combed it with pain from all the mats and kinks. How could I be so beautiful for a minute but then return to my ugly self? I wish that the beauty I had was life long. I fell to my knees and began to cry. Why oh why? Only dumb made up fairy tales come true. This is all Olivia’s fault. That’s exactly why she has been so nice. Just to get my hopes up and then watch them crumble. I bet in the back of her mind, she’s laughing at me in despair. How could I believe that she was so nice? It was just an act. All of it. The evil witch. That smile and her warming words were just enticing me into fall. I feel so stupid. How could I be so blind? Questioning time is over. Payback time is now. I should ruin all of her dresses with wheel oil. Yes. That’s exactly what I can do. I started to creep down the stairs but Madam Florence began to burp and cough a lot.
“Claire! Claire!” Madam Florence began to wail. I held back any words that could get me in trouble. And I managed to let out a “Yes Madam?”
“Come here. Please my beloved.” Madam Florence must be out her mind. I was scared to go down the first step. I finally gained my courage and walked down.
“Claire, I’m so sorry for all those mean and hurtful things I’ve said to you and made you do. Is there any way could repay you?” Madam Florence is completely drunk. Just drunk as ever. Or maybe it’s an act like Olivia’s. Yes, they’re working together Mother and daughter. I’m just absolutely sickened.
“Madam, are you okay?” I managed to hold her old wrinkly hand. It felt like sandpaper.
“I’m fine dear. Now grab me a towel please.” Madam Florence slowly opened her eyelids.
“Yes Madam.” Before she could open her eyes, I scurried to the car port Looking for wheel oil. A hammer fell from the shelf and I prayed that it wouldn’t wake Madam Florence from her trance. Filing through the shelves, I finally found it. I slipped back through the door, forgetting about the towel Madam Florence wished for. I walked back into the living room were she was but she had fallen back to sleep. As I walked back up the stairs to Olivia’s room, I heard a lock click. Olivia was stepping thought the front door. I could hear all the squeals she was making coming up the stairs. I hid in the nearby broom closet.
“Claire? Claire? Where are you?” Olivia was looking in my room.
“Get out of my room you l-l-liar!” I burst out the closet door, my breathing speeding up.
“Wait, what? You didn’t have any of that punch, did you? One of those girls put whiskey in it. Devil’s child…” Olivia walked towards me, trying to reach for my hands.
“Get away! How could you do what you did?! Huh?!” The words made my mouth dry. I’d never said that to anyone but in room, cursing Madam Florence. My eyes began to sting from the tears rolling down my cheeks.
“Claire, what are saying? I’m lying about what? I’ve got a lot of questions for you.” Olivia came even closer, flawless tan arms reached out just for me, making me hate her more.
“You stay away from me you perfect droid!” I covered my face so she could not see my pain, but it must have brought her pleasure. I rushed to my room and locked the brittle door.
“Claire! Quit acting like this!” Olivia began to knock on my door.
I crawled back to the window pane, were this all started. I threw my head in my hands, wiping more and more tears away.
“Haven’t you gotten what you want already? I’m broken down! Go laugh it up with your mother! You’ve taken everything from me.” I sucked it up. I’ve got to be a warrior. I can’t let them see this side but it’s too late.
“Claire, I would never do to hurt you. You’re like a, like a si-sister too me.” Olivia began to cry too. I got up and walked back to the door and opened it slowly.
“What did you say?” I wiped my final and last tear.
“You’re like a sister to me. I’m so sorry for all those things I made you did in the past. I only did it so my mother wouldn’t punish me but never mind what she thinks. Claire, you’re the best person I’ve met and I feel that you shouldn’t be living like this, you’re almost sixteen.” Olivia looked at me, face stained with running mascara and tears.
“You knew my age? Like a sister too you? Olivia!” I fell down with her, hugging her tightly.
“You never tried to make my life a living hell?” I stared into her eyes.
“Never sister. I love you too much.” Olivia put on a faint smile and squeezed me even tighter.
“You’re killing me!” I strained.
“Sorry, I got caught in the moment.” She giggled. She got up and held my shoulders.
“I’m gonna break you outta here. This is not the life you should be living. God never wanted this for you.”
“What?! I can’t leave. Madam Florence will send a dog search for me, wanting me dead or alive. You are crazy Olivia.” I broke away from her grip, holding myself, shielding all the thoughts of my face on a ‘WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE’ poster around town. Too much for my brain to bear.
“I know someone, Claire. They can get you a shack outside of town, but not too far. Please, let me make this right.” Olivia held my shoulders again, speaking directly to my soul, not me.
“Okay.” Olivia snatched a knapsack from her bedroom vanity and she grabbed my hand again. She led me through the forest from earlier.
Olivia pulled out a flashlight from the sack and turned it on. It beamed on a small little shack. We got closer and a dragonfly flew right in front of me.
“Whoa!” I jumped back, swatting my hands vigorously.
“Don’t worry; they don’t fly around here much, unless it’s a full moon.” Olivia giggled while unlocking the ruddy door. I looked at the night sky and there it was without a shame in the world, the moon.
“Come on!” Olivia woke me out of my gazing moment. I walked into the place it looked fairly quaint.
“You like? It has a little bathroom with a tub, a stove, fridge, freezer, and cabinets. The bedroom is quite small but I think you’ll be fine.” Olivia placed her hands on her hips, smile from ear to ear.. I explored the shack and I loved it.
“Wow! This is amazing, Olivia!” I gave her a huge hug.
“Well, I guess you’ll be fine ‘till tomorrow. I’ll bring you some money and food, okay?”
“What about ‘Mad woman Florence’ ?” I snickered.
“Who cares? I she comes looking for you, I’ll be right here with ya. We gotta stay in this together. And if you want to take a bath, go back to that waterfall and fill the tub, the bucket is outside.”
“Yes! Thank you so much Olivia!” I hugged her again.
“This was for your own good, Claire. Stay safe and don’t go wondering off, I’ll give you a map tomorrow.” She let go and waved goodbye. I waved back and squealed. My own place. Now I can start over. I can make it. No more Madam Florence. No more misery. I like it this way.
THE END.
THE END.
