Cinderfella Read online

  Thank God! A herd of officers run across the field. Armed police jump from a helicopter before it even touches down. Benny is lifted to his feet and dragged away. Two cops have Bruno in handcuffs, which makes me smile inside. Then I see Ash’s white shirt turning red and I forget any small piece of pleasure that I had. Sirens ring out in the distance.

  “They’re almost here.” Ash pats Jack’s cheek gently. “Stay with me.”

  “Ash?” His eyes flutter.

  “Yeah?”

  “You’re still my big brother, right?”

  “Always.” Ash smiles down at him. Jack smiles back before his eyes close.

  “We’ll take it from here.” A paramedic towers over me. Ash quickly relays information to the two men.

  “Be careful with him.” He’s so calm now when only minutes ago he was so full of anger. He stands; putting his hand out he pulls me up. One of the men places a foil blanket around Ash’s naked shoulders. An agent joins us.

  “Your Highness. I’m Special Agent Tremaine.” He bows. “Those two won’t be a problem any more. Are you, all right? Do either of you need to go to hospital?”

  “No. We are both fine?” I look to Ash, he nods that he is.

  “We will need to question both of you tomorrow but for now we should get you back to the palace, Princess.”

  “But I want to stay with Ash.”

  “It’s okay.” Ash holds my shoulders. “You should go. Your family must be so worried about you. I’m gonna go to the hospital with Jack.”

  “Are you sure?” My eyes sting with stubborn tears.

  “No. But it’s the right thing to do.” He pulls me in and kisses me softly. My body sighs against his. The kiss becomes greedier, more passionate, I never want him to stop. I know that when he does, I might never see him again, never taste his lips on mine. I’ll never see him smile with that certain twinkle in his eye that I believe is just for me. Tears flood down my face as our kiss ends. We stand silently staring into each other’s eyes. I want to remember every piece of him, the way he frowns, the way his hair sometimes flops in his right eye and he tries to blow it away. I want to remember this moment as the time when I was my happiest. The time I met my Ash.

  “Err, Your Highness?” Tremaine clears his throat and I realise we have an audience, some look shocked, some more confused. I guess to them, I’m cheating on my fiancé, a man I barely know. I’m cheating on my country. Finally, I step away from Ash’s arms. I’m cold, numb and empty. “It’s time.” The detective nods.

  “I don’t want to leave you.” I reach out for Ash’s cheek. His eyes close at my touch. When he looks at me again, there’s that ridiculously cute twinkle which only makes this ten times harder.

  “You’ll always be my Ellie. Never forget me. Never forget who you are, the things you want to do now.” He sighs. “I love you.” A warm glow spreads throughout my body. He loves me? He really loves me? I feel elated. He said it before, but I wasn’t sure if it was real then. There are tears of joy and then the cold reality sets in. I want to tell him that I love him too but can’t speak or can’t move. Turning, he walks away. He doesn’t look back as he steps into the ambulance. Guess it’s too hard for him. It is for me. It feels like a part of me is dying. As the doors shuts, his head slumps into his hands. This is almost worse than having a gun to my head. It’s like having my heart ripped out and not dying, just walking around with a huge Ash shaped hole in my chest. This is how grief must feel.

  “Are you ready, Princess?” The detective looks upon me with such sympathy. I can’t answer. We watch the ambulance pull away. I collapse onto him, shaking, crying. He carefully places his hands around me and lets me sob into his shoulder. “Let’s get you home.” He ushers me to his car.

  I don’t know where home is anymore.

  14: Ash

  I spent the night at the hospital, waiting for news on Jack. The doctors know me well and kindly let me stay in the staff lounge as everyone in the patient waiting areas were either talking about me or judging me. News of Ellie’s return was already all over the news somehow and her face peered at me from every T.V. monitor around the place. My face also flashed up a few times, through old photographs I presume my father had given them.

  I couldn’t bear to look at it, to hear any of it. None of it was true. How could they know the truth? How could they see my heart breaking? I ache for her. I ‘m hollow inside, lost. I was a fool to think we could be together. I was a fool to let myself love her. Happy endings only happen in fairy tales, and not to people like me.

  Jack was still unconscious when I left a few hours ago. The surgeons successfully removed the bullet from his chest and he needs time to recover. There are dozens of reporters outside the house and the barn, all wanting a piece of me. They’ve been there ages and by the looks of it, they’re here to stay. There are police outside for my protection, keeping the vultures at bay. So, I’m a prisoner again. Hopefully this will die down and tomorrow I’ll be yesterday’s news, I’ll just be some invisible farm boy again.

  I promised I’d bring Jack’s stuff back up to the hospital. I escape through my secret gap in the wall and make a mad dash for it over to the house. The door swings open. Clara waits for me, arms outstretched.

  “Ashley James Thompson you come here right this minute and give old Clara a hug.” I do. She squeezes me so tightly, that I have no choice in the matter. “How are you? Why didn’t you come to me?” she asks, finally releasing me.

  “It all happened so fast. I didn’t know when I met her who she was.”

  “Ash, my poor, poor boy. Do you love her? Don’t tell me you love her?” Her eyes bulge. I simply nod. “Oh, my boy, is there anything I can do?”

  “No, but thanks. Just having you in my corner is enough.”

  “I’m always in your corner, you know that.” She winks. “Shall I make your favourite, omelette and baked beans?”

  “Nah, not hungry.”

  “You need anything, you come to me first.” She scolds, and I feel like a kid again. “You need to keep your strength up, you hear?”

  “I hear. I need to grab some of Jack’s stuff. Could you maybe take it for me? I have bloody reporters following my every move.”

  “Why are you helping him? He’s never done anything for you?”

  “Let’s just say he came through for me last night big time. He’s a victim of all this too. So, you’ll take it?”

  “Of course, I will. You go on up and get his things. Shout me if you can’t find what you need.”

  “Will do boss.”

  “I know it feels like the bottom of your world has fallen away, but you’ll smile again soon. Time heals all wounds.” She smiles.

  “Really hope so.” I sigh and make my way upstairs to Jack’s room. Passing Bruno’s room, his door is slightly ajar, I wander in. It’s a state. The guy has absolutely no self-respect. Ironically, he gave me the name ‘Pig Boy,’ when he lives more like one than I ever did. Something glistens at the edge of my vision. Ellie’s glass shoe sits alone on the windowsill, twinkling against the sunshine. Taking it, slumping onto the bed. Looking at it for so long that my eyes have unfocused completely. I concentrate on the rainbow of flickering colours reflecting from it. It’s dainty and unique, just like its owner. I close my eyes to keep myself from tearing up. I wonder what she’s doing right now and what she’s thinking. Is she all right? Is she missing me too?

  “You’re home then.” My father falls against the doorframe. I open my eyes and refocus on the shoe. I can’t bring myself to look at him or hear what he has to say. “I’m glad you’re okay, son,” he slurs.

  “You are?” I angle myself to look at him.

  “Course.”

  “Whatever.” I stand abruptly. I’ve been here too long. “I’m just here to get Jack’s stuff. Clara’s taking it up to the hospital soon. Remember Jack, your son? Your blood?” I snarl. “The one who got shot last night? The one who nearly died?”

  “Yes. I’m off to visit him
later.”

  “When you’ve sobered up, you mean.”

  “Don’t be like that, son.” He frowns like he actually cares or believes he does.

  “So now I’m your son? You really are a piece of work. What about Bruno, your real blood? Huh? Are you proud of him? Are you proud of what’s he’s done…of the man he’s become?”

  “He is dead to me.” He burps.

  “So, you’re just gonna leave him to rot in jail? You’re not even off to visit him? Don’t you want answers? Don’t you want to know why?” I walk right up to him. “You made him what he is and now you’re punishing him for it?” Bewildered, he looks at me as if I’m speaking another language.

  “Son, let’s you and I start over? Let’s build that old tree house that we never got to finish.”

  “I finished it. But you’d know that if you ever gave two shits about me.” I look down on him. He’s not so tough now. He seems small, old. “All you’ve ever cared about is yourself.”

  “No, I cared about her. I loved her.”

  “So, what? When she died so did everyone else? We needed you more than ever…all you needed was your precious booze.”

  “Let me try again. I took my grief out on you. I was wrong. Let me be a real father to you.” He puts his hand on my arm and I brush it off.

  “You think I have a chance at royalty, at money, don’t you? That’s what this is about.” I prod his chest. “My God, that’s it!”

  “No, that’s a lie!”

  “You are so transparent. So full of crap!”

  “But you love the girl, right? Then we are halfway through that palace door.”

  “Unbelievable!” I push past him and head for Jack’s room.

  “Ash!” He’s following me. “Ash don’t be like that. What would your mother think?” I spin to face him.

  “Don’t you dare speak about her! She’d look at you and Bruno and be devastated by what you’ve become. You’re not capable of loving anything or anyone except yourself and your whisky! Sell this place, give me my share and we’ll never have to see each other again.” I walk into Jack’s room, slamming the door on his pathetic, drunken face.

  * * * *

  There’s a knock at the barn door.

  “Go away! Leave me the hell alone!” I shout, believing that it’s my father back for another attempt or the wrath of the press, beating down my door for answers. I’m surprised and a little shell-shocked when The King steps inside. I spring from my bed. “Your Majesty.” I nod my head in a half bow.

  “You may leave us.” He waves away the two bodyguards.

  “Ashley is it?”

  “Ash is fine, Your Highness.” Panic flutters in my chest, or excitement…is he here to give his consent? Is she with him? Will he call off the wedding and let me love his daughter?

  “Alright, Ash it is. I guess you’re used to having royalty visiting?” His brow quirks like he’s toying with me.

  “Please sit.” I gesture to my little stool.

  “I’ll stand. So, this is where my daughter’s been sleeping?” He narrows his green eyes on mine. I can’t help but see her in him.

  “How is she, Sire? How is Ellie?”

  “Elle,” he over pronounces her correct name, “Elle is no longer your concern.”

  “What?” My heart is beating out of my chest. “But I’m…we’re friends.”

  “I’ve merely come to thank you for saving my daughter’s life and to thank you for taking care of her.”

  “Believe me, that girl can take care of herself. And you don’t need to thank me, it was a pleasure. I’ve never met anyone like her. You should be really proud.”

  “Is that right? Who are you to tell your king how he should and should not feel?” His nostrils flare in annoyance.

  “I meant no disrespect.” This really isn’t going the way I’d hoped.

  “What are you, twenty, twenty-one?” He looks over me. I look down at my ripped jeans and faded tee shirt then at his expensive designer suit. Guess he doesn’t see past that. I guess that’s where he and Ellie differ.

  “I’m nearly twenty-one, Sire.”

  “And you live in this barn?”

  “Mostly, but not for much longer.” I chew my bottom lip.

  “You can hardly say you’ve lived or seen much of the world yet, not enough to tell me how I should be feeling.”

  “Of course, I merely meant…”

  “It no longer matters. I’m a very busy man.”

  “I know.”

  “As the ruler of this country and a father, I only want what’s best for my daughter, for us all.”

  “I understand…but…”

  “I have come to reward you for your bravery and inconvenience.”

  “She was no inconvenience, Sir. I loved my time with Ellie, with Elle.”

  “Here.” He steps forward holding out a cheque. “Take it. You’ve earned it.”

  “I don’t want it, Sire.” I’m holding back my secret rage the best that I can.

  “Are you saying no to your king?” His eyes widen. I bet no one ever says no to him. Snatching it, I rip it into tiny pieces, then throw it on the floor.

  “I don’t want your money. You can’t pay me off. All I ask is that you let me see her again?”

  “I’m afraid that’s just not possible.” He folds his arms. I fold mine.

  “Isn’t it? I thought you were the King? I thought you made the rules?”

  “Touché.” He strokes his little white beard. “Look, if you really do care for my daughter, and I clearly see you do, then walk away with some dignity.”

  “If you care for her then why not let her decide her own future? Let her decide who she loves?” I stand firm. King or not, he can’t stop me loving her. “If you’d only see her like I do…she has so many great ideas. One day, she’ll make a fantastic queen.”

  “I know her well enough.” He snaps, and I’ve crossed a line. “If things were different young man I think I may actually like you. I can see what she sees in you.” He smiles. “But you could never fully understand. How could you?”

  “Me being a simple farm boy, right? Try me.”

  “Let’s just say that relations with Prince Henrik’s country are ‘delicate.’ His father and I have had this marriage arranged before Elle was even born. Our children will marry to unite our countries and that is that.”

  “So, if she doesn’t marry this guy then it’ll be all out war?”

  “Not at first, not for many years. But someday it could happen. I can’t be held responsible for that. We have a lot of trade deals on the line. They send an awful lot of money and big business our way.”

  “And there’s no other way around it? She has to marry a man she’ll never love, who’ll never make her happy like I can, just so we can keep trading with a country that’s practically holding us hostage?”

  “It’s for the good of us all.”

  “But it’s so backward.”

  “And yet, Elle realises it is our only way of moving forward. She is selfless.”

  “So, you’re implying that I’m selfish for wanting to be with her?”

  “I never said that.”

  “Have you ever been in love?”

  “My marriage was arranged. Elle’s mother and I have grown in our partnership over the years.”

  “And you don’t want more for your daughter?” I’ve crossed so many lines now that I may as well keep going. “She’s happy with me, I know she is.”

  “And what could you offer her?” He looks around my rustic home. His eyes land on Gus who’s snoring away in the corner.

  “I won’t always be this. I have goals. One day I hope to become a doctor. I’ll provide for her, look after her if she wants me to.”

  “What could you possibly provide that a princess doesn’t already have?”

  “I forget about her title sometimes. To me, she’s just Ellie.”

  “Has she said that she loves you?”

  “Not yet, but I kno
w she does. I feel it. Why not ask her? Or are you afraid I might be right?”

  “Ashley, please.” He suddenly drops the snobbery and talks to me like a normal man. “Please, my hands are tied. For the good of the kingdom, for the sake of your country, please let her go?”

  “I can’t do that. Not unless she tells me to herself.”

  “You want to be a doctor? Let me get you into the best medical school in the country. You only need to say the word.”

  “No, thank you. If I can’t get in by myself, then I shouldn’t get in at all.”

  “Very honourable. It’s a real pity that things between you both have to end, but sadly they do.”

  “I won’t back down, Sir, unless I hear it from her.”

  “Then I’m afraid there’s nothing more to say. You will not be allowed to see her again.”

  “Is that a joke? You can’t do this! I don’t care who you are! You can’t stop us.”

  “I’m afraid I can. I am the King. I am sorry for your loss.” He turns to leave.

  “My loss? You’re talking like she’s dead. Is that it? Is that how you treat the guy that saved her life?”

  “So, you do want a reward?”

  “No! I don’t want your money. You can’t just buy people off!” I throw my hands up in frustration.

  “I find it often works.”

  “Well not on me.” I stare him down, willing him to blink first. Mentally fist bumping the air when he does.

  “If things were different, I really would welcome you, Ashley.”

  “Make them different.”

  “I wish I could.” He nods. “I am truly sorry.”

  “So am I.” Now I’m even more determined to see her again. I just have no idea how.

  15: Ellie

  It’s been three days since I returned to the open arms of my family. Both my mother and my father cried the moment that they saw me. I wasn’t expecting my father to. They want me to talk to the royal counsellor about my ordeal, but the only person I want to speak to is Ash. I miss the jean wearing, boot wearing Ellie. I miss the girl who rides on tractors, and feeds chickens and gets dirty. I miss seeing myself through his eyes, if that makes any sense. Now I’m back to being Princess Elle again, the girl with obligations. The girl whose future is already set. I plan to talk to my parents regarding my ideas about becoming an ambassador for healthcare. I just need to let my heart mend for a little while longer.