"Cendrillo"- A "Cinderella" Fractured Fairy Tale

THIS IS A STORY THAT I WROTE 2 YEARS AGO! Keep that in mind, my writing has definitely improved :)

Once upon a time, in France, Cendrillo looked out the casement window to gaze at the aestheticism of the season of spring. No clouds had roamed the sky, and only the poetic singing of the birds could be heard in the majestic breeze. Summer was coming very soon. France was awake and well at this time of day. The doors of the window were slightly ajar, letting in the gusts of wind that danced with his golden blond locks. Just a slight inhale could satisfy you to the very core of comfort.

“Cendrillo? O Cendrillo?” A woman’s voice had called from behind him. He turned around, to see his step mother, Lady Tremain. She wore a dark purple skirt, with a black rhombus pattern, and a black bodice. There was a small silver brooch that complimented the black diamond necklace. Her black hair was in a very formal bun, restrained by a large hair clip that had silver roses on the top of it. Anyone who saw her could admit that she was wealthy, and quite beautiful. Cendrillo’s father, who was in an egregious pit of debt, had married the young woman.

“What is it?” Cendrillo asked as his lips curled with annoyance.

“I don’t ask for a lot from you from time to time, but enough is enough. You need to get out of the house and do something for a living. I cannot tolerate your behavior any longer.” Lady Tremain’s voice was much more serious than she normally sounds. She isn’t known for being the one who gives out all of the orders and remarks in the family.

Cendrillo sprawled onto the chaise lounge that sat in the center of his chambers. “I am perfectly happy right here. Leave me, woman, before I call the butler to come and escort you out.” Lady Tremain folded her hands in a polite manner, she placed them right onto her stomach.

“Perhaps, you can gain something in a working acquisition,” said the fair woman, “but I refuse to raise a son who doesn’t know how to lift a finger.” Lady Tremain turned on her heel and briskly walked out of the room.

“She’s right you know.” Anastasius, one of Cendrillo’s step brothers, popped his head out from outside of the doorframe.

“We are worried about you,” said the other step brother, Darren, in his passionate voice with a kind smile.

Cendrillo lifted up his head with astonishment, forgetting that the chamber door hadn’t been closed when his step mother walked out. But now the very people that bring him the most annoyance in life are right outside. Cendrillo feels a great amount of antipathy towards them, even the sight of the two boys gives him a terrific headache.

“We’re sorry to disturb you, but Mother had told us to address you about something.” Stated Darren as he and his brother strided through the door.

Cendrillo rolled his body towards the wall, removing the locked gaze on the boys. “I don’t want to hear anything from her.”

“There has been an announcement today at the square in town today.” Anastasius, with his bright green eyes lighting up with a certain excitement, took out a piece of paper from his jacket pocket. “The Grand Duke had announced that there will be a three night festival next week, celebrating the last three days of spring. Every family has the permission to go to the palace as well. Mother said that you must go, to get your head out of the ground for just a moment.” They said that last sentence in unison. That is very common for the two brothers, they stick together like glue. Each one looks after the other.

“Why on earth would I be going to that? I can say that this decision will not be unilateral! Tell her that I refuse.”

“But, you must go,” Darren’s eyes widened, “Mother said that you have no choice in the matter.”

“Tell her that I refuse!” Cenrillo sat up on the chaise lounge, his voice had changed into an unpleasant tone, it made the brothers unsettled as they both took a step back.

Anastasius spoke up, he waved the flier in his hand, “You will go, mother said, whether you like it or not.” The brothers exited the room. Most uncoordinated Darren stumbled on the corner of a sofa, but he kept his head high behind his brother. Cendrillo sat there, with his arms crossed, not feeling very complacent after that conversation.

“But I don’t want to go! You can’t make me!” Cendrillo argued as his butler fitted his suit for the first night of the festival. “I would rather die!” The blond boy wore a black waist coat with dark red roses patterned on. His black tail coat was a size too small, but that was intended. Lady Tremain told him that women like seeing men’s figures through their clothes. At this point she wants me to get married! Cendrillo then realized that everything that he wore was a size too small, his waist coat nearly constricted his gut. The only thing that felt remotely lose were his shoes. But he did in fact look more appealing to the eyes. His hair was fluffed up and styled, his look was then finished off with a small layer of a substance that made his skin paler and blush. These were the beauty convictions these days, very pale and natural.

“You look splendid!” Lady Tremain burst through the door, holding a cane and a fancy purse. She was very much over dressed for the occasion, and Cendrillo predicted that his two step brothers would have over dressed as well. Anastasius and Darren walked in, with their over-the-top coats and high topped shoes. Cendrillo rolled his eyes at the sight, ridiculous!

The carriage ride wasn’t very long, the wealthy side of the city was very close to the palace. There was an exceedingly long line of carriages that were dropping off people at the entrance. Bright lights could be seen from the outside, showing their rays on the marble stairs. The sun was lower, and it fell completely under once their carriage had finally made its way to the stopping point, the entrance.

Cendrillo’s shoes felt awkward in his feet, almost as if they were falling off. Lady Tremain made a mistake on this part of his outfit, the shoes were way too big. He nearly tripped on the stairs as he walked up. I want to go home! Anastasius and Darren looked rather pleased with this event, but they didn’t seem to notice all of the stares and silent remarks throughout the time. Cendrillo gazed with disdain, a wave of humiliation had climbed up to his face and ears. If his face wasn’t blushed enough, it was getting even more red. The ball room was large, yet it looked smaller to the eye with the amount of guests in the room. In an instant, the musicians in the far side of the ball room had started playing their instruments. Guests began to pair up, pecking their lips to a hand and then escorting to the empty center, the first dance was commencing. The music was upbeat and playful, there were smiles and laughter. Cendrillo could barely let out a groan because the suit had continued to prevent any further movement of his chest and gut. Suddenly, at the top of the decorated staircase, came a man with a powdered wig and a golden coat. He was holding a long scroll, and with a heavy breath he spoke out,

“Presenting, Amelia Fayette Therese Augustine, Princess Amelia.” Everyone in the room looked up to the announcer, the music had faded away. At the top of the stairs stood a figure of a fair appearance. A young woman, about Cendrillo’s age. She had dark blonde hair, it was braided and put into a fancy bun. She wore a dark red ball gown with draped sleeves. On the gown was no pattern and she wore a fitted bodice that had made her waist appear smaller that normal. Atop of her head rested a golden tiara. Nobody could take her eyes off of the fair young woman, not even Cendrillo. His eyes were fixed on her and only her. The princess’s head was high and her body was straight as a line as she strutted down the steps. There was no spot light, but it looked as if she had every light on top of her with the way she looked. It wasn’t long until she walked to the center of the ball room, looking among the astonished faces. All of the guests in the room had bowed exquisitely. With a flick of Princess Amelia’s finger, the music had started up again once more. People began to flood into the center of the room with their dance partners.

Cendrillo sat there, still captured by the shining sight of the young woman. His trance then stopped with a sudden voice calling out to him. “Excuse me, but would you care for a dance?” Cendrillo blinked to the ambiguous sight, was the Princess Amelia really asking him for a dance?

“Uh- Well- I don’t- Alright.” He didn’t really want to dance, but he couldn’t waste this opportunity. She held out her delicate hand, Cendrillo received it with his shaking fingers. He has never danced before in person, only in his own time. But for the next hour, he was lost in her bright green eyes. They danced for many musical numbers, until the moon was at its highest. It was only then people began to leave, Cendrillo and Princess Amelia had thought it was best for the end of their dancing sessions.

“You’re quite the lovely dancer,” said the Princess, “But when you were stumbling with your words before I feared that I had chosen the wrong dance partner. And I could hear you swear under your voice when you would step on my toes. ”

“I had a wonderful time, Your Majesty.” Cendrillo kissed her hand with a bow. “But I've wanted to tell you this for a long time, ever since our eyes have met. Please be my wife, Princess, and I will make your life worth living.”

“I appreciate your empathy, but I do not accept. In your eyes I see a man that is cruel to his family, that would be cruel to me as well. I cannot take your hand in marriage. Good night.” Princess Amelia took her hands out of Cendrillo’s grip. And, clutching onto her gown, she paced up the stairs and through the doors, she was out of his sight. Cendrillo stood there in shock, not knowing what to do next.

“But...I have shown her kindness! Am I not passionate, charming, and proper? I love her! Is that not enough?” Cendrillo ran towards the exit. Guests around the room had stared in confusion. Nearly tripping on the stairs, one of his feet had suddenly felt cold and exposed. But he did not bother to look back, not for one second. Lady Tremain and her sons were waiting in the carriage for him, it wasn’t long until the miserable boy was sitting along with them. Anastasius and Darren got into an altercation about who Princess Amelia was looking at.

“She was clearly looking at me, I had a golden brooch on!” Darren argued.

“No way,” Anastasius shot back, “She was looking at me! She clearly likes red-heads more than brunettes.”

Cendrillo sat there, refusing to hear the princesses name ever again. As he looked down to his feet, he had realized that one of his shoes wasn’t there.

Cendrillo didn’t go to the second night of the festival, nor did he leave for the third one, he was sprawled onto his chaise lounge once more, wearing a long cotton robe. His face was stiff from all of the tears that had fallen from his ducts. Lady Tremain, Anastasius, and Darren had already left for the nightly festival. The blond was left alone in the mansion, alone and miserable. But, with the minimal strength that he had, he sat up on the chaise lounge, stood up with a stumble, and lurched towards the open window. His body leaned against the frame, his face was exposed to the warm breeze of the coming solstice. It was dark and moist outside, in the distance he could see the faint lights of the palace glimmering in the horizon. But that wasn’t the only thing that was glittering. In the air there came miniscule shining blue and white particles fluttering in the sky. Cendrillo leaned back with bewilderment, “What is this stuff?” The sparkles then began to fly into his hair and nose, which had given his nostrils a tickling sensation. “ACHOO!” The little blue and white sparkles scattered.

“Bless you,” said a voice, “Do you need a handkerchief?”

“I-” Cendrillo stuttered. “Who’s there? Who are you?”

“Oh, please excuse me.” Suddenly, a person dropped down from above right outside of the window. Cednrillo lunged backwards with consternation. There was a strange man right outside of his window. He seemed to be standing on nothing, he was flying as it so seemed. The man was wearing an outfit that Cendrillo had never seen so beautiful before, it was bright blue and white. From his waist down was a long skirt, but the front of it exposed his legs showing white trousers. But all that Cendrillo couldn’t ignore was his enormous wings. They were a transparent blue with a mystical pattern. The man held a long white stick that was smooth and pointy. He had a kind expression, one that looked far from fake. “I do apologize for my rude introduction, I didn’t mean to startle you. I am your fairy godfather!”

“I have a fairy godfather? But fairies don’t exist!”

“Oh, shush! I’m here aren’t I? You’re not dreaming, here I’ll prove it.” The Fairy GodFather struck his hand to Cendrillo’s left cheek, the boy put his hand to his face after the sudden slap. His face turned bright red, from the strike and from embarrassment.

“Seriously? Was that really necessary?” Cendrillo’s fist rubbed against his cheek.

“You see? Now you most definitely believe my authenticity. Now, I am here because I have received a distress signal from your aura. Us fairies are good at tracking auras, and yours is throbbing with distress like you wouldn’t believe.”

“Well, Fairy GodFather, I am in need of help. You see, there’s this girl-”

“You know you won’t be able to get to her heart with your current state. You’re much too sloth and have the attitude of a wasp. You do need all of the help you can get. Here, drink this.” The fairy godfather took out a vile from his side pocket. It glowed a bright purple. “This will change your ways, from a bad man to a respectful man. I whipped it up just for you. Drink it.”

“But I don’t want to drink that-”

“Drink it!”

“Alright, alright.” Cendrillo took the vial from the fairy's hand. With a hesitant nature, he popped out the cork and downed the potion.

“Now that will come into effect in an hour or so. And don’t worry, the magic will stay there even after midnight. I’m not like the other fairies, I make my potions extra well and boost them so they last forever.”

“I hope it works. But, does that mean that I get to go to the festival now? I can finally confess my love to Princess Amelia properly, now she would most definitely accept my hand.”

“Not by looking like that.” Fairy God Father’s hands were on his hips, his eyes judged Cendrillo’s oversized robe and bed head. “You need a makeover. Come closer.” The fairy inspected the boy’s face, Cendrillo coincided with his action and looked away from the towering face. The Fairy Godfather flew backwards, far out. “Close your eyes!” Cendrillo did so, he didn’t want to see what would happen anyway. With the flick of his wand, a beam of glittering light had been released, striking Cendrillo. The boy felt different, like his clothes were swapped. He no longer felt the robe touching his toes and his messed up hair tickling his ears. He opened his eyes to see himself wearing a white waistcoat, with golden trousers and golden tail coat. And looking more below, he noticed the sparkling golden shoes that fitted perfectly. Everything wasn’t a size too small, nor a size too big. He felt comfortable in his new outfit.

“What have you done? I look incredible! You’re amazing!”

“Thank you, I know.'' The Fairy Godfather ran his fingers through his hair in a fabulous manner. “Now off you go! You have a ball you need to get to! Win that princesses heart!” With another flick of the wrist, a beam struck a pumpkin. The pumpkin grew larger and larger, until it suddenly became a glittering carriage with horses and a coach.

“How did you-”

“No time! Go go go!'' The Fairy Godfather picked up Cendrillo by the arms and carried him out of the window. Cendrillo hopped into the carriage.

Fairy GodFather gasped, “One more thing, there is a possibility that your current outfit won’t last forever. On that last strike of midnight your appearance will change to its past state. But that probably won’t matter, I hope. Now get out of here!” The horses champed down the paths and the streets. In no time Cendrillo arrived at the festival. He could hear music already playing inside. There was a warm sensation inside of his heart, like his life had changed. The potion was working. Now Princess Amelia will love me.

He walked into the ballroom, everyone stopped and stared and the man was the most fair. Cendrillo looked amongst the people, searching for his love. There she was, standing at the edge of the sea of guests was Princess Amelia, in her red dress and golden tiara once more. Cendrillo stood right in front of her, he took her hand politely and leaned in close. “My dear princess. Please take my love, for I am a changed man. I now know who I was before and I regret everything that has faced me at that state.”

Princess Amelia stood there, staring into the bright blue eyes of the man. She looked down to think, then she looked back up to lock her eyes to his, “I am sorry, but I cannot accept.” The princess lifted up a shoe, not just any ordinary shoe, but it happened to be Cendrillo’s shoe that he lost during the first night of the festival, “I can see that you have changed, but I just cannot simply love you. You cannot make up all of your years in just a single day. Once again, I am sorry. Here you’ll need this back.” She placed the shoe in the saddened man’s hand.

Cendrillo stood there, cast down. But there was something else inside of him that lifted up his heart, it began to beat much stronger than it used to. Cendrillo realized that Princess Amelia was right, he couldn’t simply make up for all of those years of lost labor and ungrateful attitude towards his family. Cendrillo left the festival, not in tears, but with a look of confidence on his face. He will from now on spend his next few years making up for everything that he had done and not done, cleaning the house, helping his step mother and step brothers, anything that he could that would help. For the first time he felt happiness, but a different sort of happiness that he cannot explain. But there was one thing that Cendrillo had never found out until very later on in his life. The very potion that the Fairy GodFather had given him was but a fake, a trick to fool Cendrillo’s mind into thinking it had literally changed his ways. The Fairy GodFather didn’t do anything to help Cendrillo, the boy had changed all on his own. But, for the next few years, Cendrillo would be living happily ever after.