Cinderfella Page 16

  “I love you.” I sigh against her cheek.

  “You do, huh?” She grins that sexy grin. I think I’ve wanted her since the first moment I saw her. Maybe it was lust back then or was it love? Can love at first sight be real? I’m starting to believe it can. The first night we met she put me on my arse and she’s been putting me in my place ever since, flooring me in so many ways.

  “I do.” I smile.

  Grabbing at my shirt, pulling it over my head, she flings it across the room. I sit back on my ankles and undo my jeans. Standing up to pull them off. I’m in nothing but my boxers. She looks over me, biting her lip, driving me crazy like only she can.

  “Help me?” She pouts, and I don’t wait to be asked again. Sitting by her, pulling her jumper over her head. I unzip her jeans and pull them down as she wriggles free. Lying on my bed in just her underwear. Her milky white skin looks so soft, so perfect. She tries to cover herself with my blanket.

  “Don’t hide. You are so beautiful.” Leaving the cover off, she holds out her hand, which I take, pulling me back on top of her. Her skin feels so warm and welcoming. “I love you.” I whisper. “Are you sure you want to?”

  “I’ve never been surer in my life.”

  I lean across, pulling out the protection I keep in my drawer. She places her palm over my chest, which weaves slowly down over my torso and around my back hooking into my boxers, making me shiver. Sucking in my breath, clenching hard to keep my excitement at bay. She groans in pleasure as I slowly move down her body, kissing every inch of skin, taking my time as my lips hover over her waist. She moans blissfully as I weave my tongue along her hipbones. Knowing full well I’m driving her wild, not wanting this night to ever end. My whole being tingles in anticipation. She grabs my hair and guides me back up to her face. In the half-light she looks flushed and radiant.

  “Ash?”

  “Yeah?” I murmur, intoxicated by her.

  “I’m a princess not a china doll. I won’t break.”

  “Let’s see, shall we?” I laugh, letting her feel the full weight of me.

  “Ash?”

  “Hmmm?”

  “I love you.” She looks at me like it hurts her to say it, but inside I’m cart-wheeling, doing a happy dance whilst buzzing with pure joy.

  “About bloody time.” I kiss her deeply, smiling against her lips. Needing to know all of her; wanting to give her everything I am, so she’ll remember this night forever.

  * * * *

  We lay exhausted, her legs wrapped around mine.

  “That was…”

  “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  “No. That was amazing.”

  “You’re amazing.” I kiss her forehead.

  “Did I…did I do okay?”

  “You are so much more than okay.” I chuckle as she snuggles down onto my chest.

  “I never want to move from here.” She sighs.

  “Good, ‘cos I’m never letting you.” I stroke her hair.

  “No one could ever touch me or know me the way that you have.”

  “No because you’re mine.” I bring her chin up to mine. “Say it.”

  “My heart is yours. I am yours. When we get old we’ll look back and smile at the memories we have, no one can ever control that, or take it away.” A tear drops onto my chest as she nestles back down.

  “Fuck that!”

  “Ashley!” She bolts up, wide-eyed and gorgeous. Her hair is a wild mess, but I’ve never seen her looking more perfect than she does right now.

  “I want to grow old with you. I refuse to watch you being paraded around like bleedin’ show cattle on some rich guy’s arm.” I snap. “Run away with me. I’m serious. Let’s just go tonight.”

  “And spend our lives always running? Always dying my hair and pretending? You’d never be a doctor. Eventually they’d find us.”

  “You’re right. Sorry, that was a stupid thing to say. Would you be like me, a nobody, if you had the chance?”

  “What, shed all my luxuries and mountains of wealth?”

  “Yep.”

  “For you, yes and by the way you’re not a nobody. You could never be a nobody. But I couldn’t do that to my family. Annoying as they may be, I still love them.” I pull her back into me and hold her tightly.

  “If I wrap my arms around you, I can keep you here forever.”

  “You’ll fall asleep eventually,” she mumbles against me and I relax my arms because I’m squashing her.

  “Nope.”

  “I don’t want to leave either.” Her warm breath tickles my chest. “But you know that I have to.”

  “Nope. Not listening.”

  “Ash.” She looks up at me. “Close your eyes.”

  * * * *

  Daylight wanders across my face. I reach out for her, still half asleep and smiling inside. I pad the bed with my hands a few times before the realisation hits me. She’s gone. I sit up, rubbing my face. Refocusing, I notice an envelope with my name on, leant against the glass shoe. I already know this is her way of telling me goodbye. I wouldn’t let her say it…wouldn’t let her leave. Deep down, I’ve always known our time was limited. The moment I fell for her, I was at risk of getting my heart splattered all over these wooden walls. Gus, who thankfully slept in the corner all night, grunts at me from his box. Guess he’s hungry again.

  “In a minute, boy,” I reach for the letter.

  Ash,

  This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. If I’m honest, this letter is the coward’s way out. I should have said this to your face. You deserve that, but I just couldn’t find the words. I was born into privilege and duty and I must do this for my father, my country. If there were the slightest chance I could be with you, I’d gladly take it. I’ve tried running away it doesn’t work. I have to marry, and I know that you will make a brilliant doctor someday. Don’t worry, I’ll still chase up my ideas, the ideas that you inspired me to make. I won’t give up just because I’m someone’s wife.

  I’m watching you sleep right now. The more I look at you, the harder it is to leave. Last night was the best night of my life. I’m so completely in love with you and it’s not fair that I’ve put you through all this. Every minute I spend with you, the deeper I fall.

  Meeting you has opened my eyes to life outside of my gilded cage and designer shoes. If I had the chance to go back, I’d do it all over again. Thank you for everything, but mostly for being you, the man I love. Thank you for loving me, the real me. Don’t ever look back and be sad. Even if I never feel loved again, I’ll try to be content knowing that I had it once, with you. What we have is special. You are special.

  I will love you always.

  Yours forever,

  Ellie.

  x

  P.S. Please don’t come after me. I can’t see you suffer any more. x

  I hug the paper to my chest and fall back onto the bed, which still smells of her, sweet like cinnamon and candy. I startle when the floor hatch rises, and Clara pops her head in. Sitting up, quickly throwing a blanket over my naked body.

  “Here you are.”

  “Clara? How did you find me? How did you even know about this place?”

  “Child, I have known you since you were a little boy. I know most of your secrets by now.” She holds up a letter. “Thought you might want this. It looks pretty important.”

  “Thanks.” I take it and rip it open. “It’s from medical school!”

  “Oh, my goodness! What does it say?” She climbs the rest of the ladder and stands over me. “Well?”

  “I got in! I start in two months!”

  “Ashley, that’s wonderful news!” She bends and hugs me. “I am so proud of you.”

  “Thanks. You want to sit down?”

  “I can’t I’m afraid. There’s so much to do. The new family who bought the farm have taken me back on. Can you believe it?”

  “Clara, that’s great news.”

  “So, we’ve both had great news, so why do you look so g
lum?”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “Oh, it’s the big wedding today isn’t it? I’m so sorry child. I know you don’t want to hear this but there’s plenty of other fish out there in that big wide ocean. You may not feel like fishing for a long time, but someday…”

  “Thanks Clara.” I shrug. “But I won’t be casting my net again.”

  “You think that now.”

  “There’s no one like her. She was the one, I know it and now she’s gone just like everyone I care for goes. Guess I’m shit at this whole fishing thing.” I’m totally wallowing.

  “Maybe you can take this time to go travelling, see the places you’re always dreaming about? Clear your head, mend that heart of yours. Your share of the will money and the land sale will be yours in a few days.”

  “Maybe.”

  “But you still feel miserable, huh?”

  “I think I just need time. Maybe you’re right. Maybe a change of scenery will do me good.”

  “You think about it and make sure you come see me before you take off, you hear?”

  “Yes, I hear.” She leans down and kisses the top of my head before disappearing back down the ladder. Flopping back down on my bed, I pull the pillow over my face. The hatch creaks. “You forget something?”

  “What the heck are you doing here, boy?” I push the pillow away. Gerry stands over me, arms crossed. Looking really pissed.

  “What are you talking about? Where am I supposed to be?” I sit up.

  “You’re supposed to be stopping a wedding! Which…” he glances at his watch, “is about to start in about twenty minutes.”

  “Yeah, right…whatever. It’s too late.”

  “Ashley James Thompson! You get your scruffy backside out of that bed this very minute!”

  “What’s the point? Look, I know you mean well but maybe your magic feelings or whatever are wrong this time? Even you must know when you’re beaten?”

  “I wouldn’t have been assigned to you if there was no hope.”

  “Read her letter. She says not to go after her. She made it pretty clear.” I throw the letter at him.

  “I don’t need to read it. Read between the lines…fight for her.” He huffs, his face and bald head turning bright red like a shiny tomato.

  “You know she has to marry that prince. There’s no way around that.”

  “Oh Pish! There’s always another deal to be made isn’t there? So, you know everything do you? There is always hope. She is your match Ashley, your soul mate. This is not how it ends.”

  “So, what? I just go over there and burst into the church demanding they stop it?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re nuts.”

  “It was the same with that Alice girl, she just needed a good push down the rabbit hole.”

  “Gerry, not now,” I whine.

  “I’m serious. You have to show that father of hers, and the rest of the world that you won’t stop fighting.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “I’m serious. Get your butt up now.”

  “It’s too late.”

  “Now! I said.” I’ve never seen him angry before.

  “Okay, okay just don’t turn me into a rat or something.” I shuffle off my bed, holding my blanket around me.

  “Get dressed.” He orders, and I do. “When are you going to realise how special you are? You are so much more than they’ve forced you to be.”

  “I’m working on it.” I look down at my usual jeans and plaid shirt combo. “Do I look all right?”

  “It’ll have to do. I haven’t got enough magic to change you.”

  “Now what?”

  “Now we get you there, follow me.” I follow him down and out of the tree house.

  “Gerry, do you really believe that there’s still a chance?”

  “I know there is. Love always finds a way…well most of the time.”

  “Okay. I don’t now why I trust you, but I do. Where’s the Porsche?”

  “Not today. My magic is pretty much exhausted, there’s only a tiny bit left.”

  “The Mini then?”

  “She broke down again. I had to leave her in town.”

  “So, we’re screwed?”

  “Hmmm.” He rubs his chin. “Go get your pig.”

  “Why?”

  “Just go.” I go back inside and drag Gus from his box. He’s not happy at all that I’ve disturbed him. He wriggles in my arms, squealing all the way back down the ladder. “Put him down.” Gerry orders.

  “He might run away.”

  “Just do it, please.” I gently place him at my feet, ready to grab him if he makes a run fun for it. “Hmmm…let’s see.” Gerry rubs his chin.

  “Well? Should I ride him into town? That certainly would stop a wedding, me riding down the aisle on a pig.”

  “Shush! I’ve got it! Stand back.” He clicks his fingers at Gus and I’m thrown backwards onto my arse. A dazzling white light flashes, blinding me for a few seconds. When I look again, my little grumpy pig is now a large, beautiful, grumpy looking horse.

  “What did you do to him?”

  “He’s fine. Get on; the magic will wear off in less than an hour. It’s borrowed magic, it never lasts long.”

  “This is nuts,” I say, mounting the horse. “Sorry, Gussy,” I bend to whisper in his ear. In true Gus style he grunts, neighs and looks away. “Yeah that’s my Gus all right.” I pat his pink mane.

  “Now go! Stop that wedding!” He smacks the horse’s bottom. Gus rears up angrily and we race across the field towards town. “Go get her!” Gerry shouts.

  I’m heading towards the church on a horse that was a pig; to stop the woman I love from marrying a prince. I have absolutely no idea how I’m going to do that. But Gerry’s right, I have to try.

  21: Ellie

  Everyone’s fussing around me. I’m on my fourth cup of black coffee, but still I’m pale and utterly drained. But then, last night was totally worth it.

  Two women overpower my senses with their combined perfumes, which makes my already sore eyes water. They tug at my hair and dab powder on my face. Good luck hiding those black circles!

  I’m being pulled in two very different emotional directions. On the one hand, I’m numb. I’m getting married in an hour to a man I have no romantic feelings for whatsoever. On the other, when I let myself think about last night, Ash, me, my first ever time…I can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy. The way he kissed…touched me, our skin-to-skin contact. Making love with Ash was more than I could have ever imagined. Even though our time together has come to an end, my only regret is that he’s hurting. I hope that he hurts less than I do. I hope he’ll be able to move on. Thinking about that makes me so sad; that he could eventually replace what we had, when I never can. There’ll never be another Ash in my life, only Henrik, and we are working on being friends.

  “Chop, chop, ladies!” My mother claps her hands. “So, what do you think?” She gestures to her crimson, floor-length dress and matching stole.

  “You look stunning as always.” I try to sound enthused. Her make-up is a little harsh, but she looks good for her years. Her blonde hair, like mine, is twisted into a plait. I hope I age as well as she does.

  “Why aren’t you dressed yet? Ladies!” She claps her hands at two more women; it’s like a party in here, it’s so crowded. “The Princess needs help with her gown. Come along now, chop chop!”

  Cringing, hoping that I don’t inherit her snobbery too. They scurry over and help me step into the mermaid dress. The zip whizzes up my back and I feel like an instant prisoner in it, restricted by it. Trapped in a gown that I don’t wish to wear. Trapped in a marriage that is a lie.

  “Oh my God, Ellie!” Phoebe enters looking all grown up and pretty in her emerald green bridesmaid dress. “You look gorgeous.”

  “Yeah? But look at you, I mean Woo-hoo! You look hot.” I chuckle.

  “Hush, girls.” Mother frowns. “Remember who you are.” How could I ever f
orget? I roll my eyes at my sister.

  “Those flowers are all wrong.” Mother walks away to interfere with someone else.

  “How are you?” Phoebe puts her hand on my shoulder.

  “I’m fine.” I can’t look at her. She’ll know I’m lying, she always knows.

  “Hey, look at me.” She turns me to her. “What you’re doing is so brave. I really wish you didn’t have to. You are my hero,” she whispers.

  “Why so sad? You don’t have to marry the guy.” I force a smile.

  “I know.” She leaves. I try to go after her but my mother’s in my face again.

  “Someone come and sort my daughter’s make-up; can’t you see the bags? And her hair needs more spray. Do I have to do everything around here?”

  “My hair’s fine.” I stare into the mirror at my updo with a few cascading curls looping down. I look like a princess; right now, I want to be anything but.

  Has Ash woken already? Has he read my cowardly letter? Leaving him was horrible. I hope he knows that and forgives me one day. I was never allowed to believe in fairytales and love at first sight. That stuff was for hopeless dreamers, people with the freedom to dream.

  Everything changed the moment I stumbled into that barn and looked into his eyes. I changed. I believe that fate brought us together for a reason, so why now is it tearing us apart?

  “It’s time my beautiful, Elle.” Mother grabs my hands. “You look lovely. He is one lucky prince.” Her eyes begin to water. “I know you can do this.” She nods to me. A maid passes me my lavender bouquet, which I wanted as a reminder of my garden moment with Ash. This way a piece of him will be walking down the aisle with me. I just have to smell them to know that he is part of me, keeping me upright, keeping me strong.

  Our glass carriage arrives, pulled by eight pure white stallions. Each one wears a golden-feathered headdress. I can’t help but wonder if they are in any pain. Everything matches in gold, white or emerald. Everything down to the golden designer shoes I’m supposed to be wearing. My mother would flip if she saw the purple Docs Ash gave me, hidden under my dress. They can be my something borrowed and old and I can be the something blue…