Cinderfella, Page 5

“Wow. Who is your young lady friend?” The guy takes my hand and kisses it.

  “Now then, Harry, don’t go getting all fresh with my girl.” I gasp. “I mean…my friend. She’s my friend. She’s a girl…and my friend.”

  He looks so cute when he’s flustered. I bite my lip to stop myself laughing. I’m introduced to all the gang and feel welcome, and instantly accepted.

  “Come here, girl.” A lady with a purple rinse and a velvet robe to match, beckons me over.

  “Hello. Do you need something?” I ask.

  “And whom might you be?” She looks over her extra thick glasses.

  “Ellie!” Ash waves at me from across the ward where he’s giving out various bags of sweets, “meet Betty.” He winks.

  I gulp. “So, you’re Betty?”

  “And you are?” She narrows her eyes, studying me intently. I feel like I’m being tested and wonder if I’ll ever be good enough to pass.

  “Ellie. I’m Ellie.” I weirdly croak.

  “Is that right?” She frowns, and dozens of tiny creases form across her forehead.

  “Yes.” My mouth is suddenly very dry.

  “Turn around.”

  “Pardon?”

  “Twirl for me. I want to look at you,” she orders. I feel like I’m back at the palace being scrutinised by my father before a public event. Twirling slowly, catching a glimpse of Ash smirking. Maybe she made him twirl once too? I scowl at him before facing her again. “That wasn’t so hard now was it? Come closer, I want to look at that pretty face of yours.” My palms are sweating. My heart’s thumping inside my ears. What if she looks too closely? What if she sees I’m a fraud? “Come on, I don’t bite.” Leaning closer, she studies my face. I hold my breath the entire time. “Hmm.” She mutters. “So, you think you’re good enough for our Ash, do you?”

  “Err…I don’t think we…”

  “Oh, stop squirming. I can clearly see that you two are meant for each other. It’s painfully obvious child.”

  “It is?” I look over to him, he’s laughing in the middle of four old ladies, he’s the highlight of their week. I can almost hear them wishing they were forty years younger. And why wouldn’t they? He’s adorable, kind, gentle and he has that whole sexy doctor, farm boy thing going on. And what girl can resist those dimples and the way his eyes sparkle when he smiles…I sigh. Betty laughs.

  “See something you like, Dear?” She unwraps a humbug and stuffs it in her mouth. “Trust me, that one won’t be single for long…have you seen those strong arms of his? Bet he looks great in his swim shorts.” She giggles. I don’t like her talking about Ash in that way, he’s so much more than what you first see. “Come closer.” She orders. I step in. “No, closer than that.” I bend my ear to her lips. “Why are you here?” She whispers.

  “To visit with Ash.”

  “Break his heart and you’ll have all of us to deal with.” I pull away, worried at the lack of humour in her voice. Suddenly she’s up out of her chair, standing so close that my boots are touching her furry pink slippers. “I know who you are,” she whispers.

  “What?” Panic rises in my throat.

  “You can dye your hair, I prefer you blonde by the way, and wear silly glasses, but I see the real you, Elle.”

  “I don’t know…” I start to protest, but know I’m beaten.

  “Your time with him is limited. You know that. Don’t hurt him.”

  “I…”

  “It was lovely to meet you, Your Highness.” She dips her head slightly in a hidden bow. “Trust only him.” The room feels like it’s beginning to spin.

  “What?” I gasp, trying to steady myself.

  “Your secret’s safe with me. But it won’t be long before everyone knows you’re missing. Watch your back.”

  “Hey.” Ash appears from behind, startling me.

  “Hey.” My voice trembles.

  “Everything okay here?” He looks from Betty to me.

  “Sure is Sweet Cheeks.” She pats his thigh. He wags his finger at her.

  “Will you be a dear and get me the new ‘Knitters Weekly’ mag next week?” She shoves some coins in his hand.

  “Sure will. Do you think you’ll still be in here next week?”

  “Ashley, I’m a permanent fixture these days, besides I like it here.”

  “Ash,” I grab his elbow. “I need to go.”

  “Are you alright?” He dips his head to catch my eye line.

  “I just need some air.”

  “Okay, I’ll come with you.”

  “No. You should stay.” I turn to leave.

  “Wait in the corridor for me, I’ll be two seconds,” he says, and I hear him saying his goodbyes to everyone, which makes me feel guilty. “What’s up?” He joins me, and we make our way to the exit. “Was Betty mean to you? ‘Cos she’s only joking most of the time.”

  “No…I just felt a bit strange for a moment.”

  “Hmmm,” He touches my forehead, “You are a little hot. Let’s get you out of here. You probably need some food.” He places his palm on the small of my back and ushers me outside.

  “Okay. But I’m paying.” Reaching down, I pull an emergency credit card from my bra.

  “You are full of surprises.” He chuckles. I shudder. If only you knew.

  We eat at a quiet café in town and then take a slow walk back along the riverbank.

  “It’s beautiful here, do you walk here often?”

  “And the award for best cheesy pick-up line goes to…” He laughs. “Yes, I like it here. It’s peaceful especially at night. I do a lot of thinking here. He bends down, picking up a few large stones. “Here.” He places one in my hand.

  “You’re giving me a stone?”

  “Watch.” Effortlessly, he skims the stone over the river; it goes a long way before it eventually sinks. “Now you.”

  “Challenge accepted.” I nod, trying to copy exactly what he did. To my disappointment, my stone just plops and sinks. I screw my nose up.

  “Not to worry. Try again.”

  “We could be here for quite some time.” I sigh. “Poor old Gus may actually starve.” I throw another stone across the water, which also plops and sinks. “See? Useless.”

  “Don’t pout, Ellie. It’s just too cute.” He chuckles bringing out his ‘just too cute’ dimples, and boy I so badly want to touch them.

  “Here, let me help.” Moving behind me, putting his arm under mine, holding my hand in his. “When I say go, let go of the stone. One, two,” he moves my arm and our hips angle in unison. His breath kisses my neck and I shudder against him. “Three! Let go!” Releasing the stone, it skims over the water like it’s supposed to. “See.” He laughs against my ear. “You’re a pro.” His chin rests on my shoulder and I let my head rest against his as we silently watch the river flowing. I can’t remember ever feeling this content. I turn my face to his. We are stupidly close; our noses are almost touching, but it doesn’t feel wrong. His gaze flicks to my lips for a brief moment and I will him to kiss me. I hear Betty’s voice in my head. “Don’t break his heart.” I pull away. He reaches for me, but I pretend not to see. This is too hard. I’m being selfish. I should leave. If I stay much longer my own heart may break. My heart has been a prisoner for so long now, Ash has unlocked its cage. My head and heart are in a constant battle and I can’t pick a side.

  “So,” I start walking again., trying to ignore the deep frown above his eyes. “Have you ever had a girlfriend?” This is a dangerous topic, but I can’t seem to help myself. “Bet you’ve had loads, right?”

  “What makes you say that? Do you think I’m some sort of player?” I feel his gaze burning into me but keep looking straight ahead.

  “No, I just think that someone like you would be fighting them off. I mean, look at everyone at the hospital, they all worship you.”

  “Are you giving me a compliment?” He grabs my elbow to stop me walking.

  “I guess I am.” Shrugging, I walk away.

  “So, do yo
u think I’m cute?” He’s smiling at me with mischief in his eyes. My stomach flips.

  “Don’t look at me like that.” My entire body tingles. I walk faster, and my foot curses me.

  “Like what?” He scurries alongside me.

  “You know what.”

  “No. I clearly don’t.”

  “Stop it.” keeping my focus solely on the path, not daring to look at him. Right now, he’s hot, hotter than any guy I’ve met. But we’re friends and I haven’t got many of those. Not like him who weirdly, in a matter of days, I trust completely. I’d trust this guy with my life, yet I’m never allowed to share it with him. It would be so easy to fall for him. He’d just have to make a move and I’d be his…but to whose benefit? We can never have our happily ever after, not when I’m marrying someone else in a matter of weeks.

  “Is the guy from the ball better looking than me?”

  “He’s tall, blond, very proper and a little arrogant…so not my type.”

  “So, what is your type?” He cocks his head to one side. I walk faster still. We’re flirting outrageously and I must be strong.

  “I can’t do this,” I snap. Wanting him to just grab me and…and nothing. I must rise above this. For his sake and mine. “I should leave.”

  “What? Why? Did I upset you?” He runs in front of me to make me stop.

  “No, of course not. But I still have to go. I’ll leave in the morning. They’ll be looking for me and it won’t be long until they find me. It’s best that you’re not involved.”

  “Okay, but I am involved.” His chin and shoulders droop as he walks. We walk in silence for at least a mile. I’ve hurt him. The farm’s up ahead, he startles me when he speaks again. “So, this is our last night together. I want details. I want to know as much about you as possible before you go.”

  “Okay.” I agree. Me leaving on a high note is better than leaving him sulking.

  “So, tell me about your past boyfriends. Bet you’ve dated lots of famous actors, right?”

  “A few. Normally I’m too busy or my father puts a stop to it.”

  “Your dad sounds prehistoric.”

  “There was this one guy, a bodyguard…”

  “You have a bodyguard? How famous are you exactly?”

  “Famous enough.”

  “So? What happened with this bodyguard?”

  “Well, we had to keep it secret. We stole a few kisses here and there and that’s about as exciting as it got.” I shrug.

  “So, what…the studio says you can’t date or something?”

  “Or something.” Unable to look at him, I’m telling so many lies and for what? So, I can pretend to be a normal girl for a little while longer? I’ve got so wrapped up in this fantasy that I’m starting to believe it myself.

  “So, you like never…you know…” He clears his throat.

  “No, never. Is that weird?”

  “No, more like unheard of.”

  “So, have you…like a lot?”

  “You really want to know?”

  “We’re friends, aren’t we?” A look of disappointment reflects from his expression, and I feel it too.

  “There have been a few. There was this one girl, Katie Pickles; we were off and on throughout school. She was my first crush with her big blue eyes and blonde pigtails.”

  “And? Is she still in the picture?” Annoyance rattles inside of me. I have no right to be jealous; I have no claims on him.

  “No. My brothers caught us a few years back doing, you know, ‘stuff’ and took pictures. They said if she didn’t break up with me they’d post them online.”

  “Oh, Ash, that’s awful. That poor girl…”

  “I ended it for her sake. A year or so ago, she moved town with her family. We’re still friends and sometimes send each other a text. She’s engaged to some footballer. I’m happy for her.” He smiles.

  “Do you miss her?”

  “Sometimes. I mean, I thought I loved her, but now I realise it was always just a crush.” He looks at me, eyes flickering with warmth. “We’ve both moved on I guess.”

  “And did your brothers keep their word? Did they delete the pictures?”

  “No, they said they’d post them anyway. Guess they hate me that much.”

  “What did you do?”

  “Found their phones and smashed them to pieces. We got into a fight. I held my own, but Bruno pulled a knife.” He points to the scar under his cheekbone. “See, angry goat.”

  “That’s terrible! Did you tell your father?”

  “He said I had it coming and had to work harder to pay for the phones. He’ll always take their side, like he said, I’m not blood.” We scurry quickly past the farmhouse, hopefully unnoticed.

  “You need to leave, Ash.”

  “What and come with you?”

  “I wish you could, but it’s not that simple.” I hate making him look so sad. “But I can give you the money you need to go and start med school…or at least lend you it? Let me help you?”

  “No, I told you already I won’t take your money. Tomorrow you’ll go back to your cameras and red carpets…I don’t want to be in debt to you or anyone else. Money ruins friendships. It ruins people.”

  “Ash,” I stop walking and place my hand on his chest. “You don’t need to be alone anymore. You have me.”

  “I only have you until the morning.” He looks over my head. There are no words. I’ve already hurt him. I can’t bear knowing that. “You go on ahead and warm Gus’s milk. I’ll nip back to see if Cook’s got any leftovers.”

  “Okay. See you in a minute.” I watch him walk away knowing I must leave and run from him too. If I stay, I’ll want to stay forever and that’s just not possible. Heading back to the barn, putting Gus’s milk in a hot jug of water, like I promised. Looking around, I realise that none of this stuff is mine. Taking the fake glasses off and placing them on the table. I linger before heading for the door. “Goodbye, Ash.”

  7: Ash

  “Hey, Clara.” I give her the usual peck on the cheek.

  “Well, hey yourself stranger.” She stops washing the pots and wipes her hands on her apron. “Where’ve you been hiding these last few days? I’ve been leaving out plates of good food for you.”

  “I got them thanks.”

  “So, what can I do for you today? And be quiet, your father’s home early. He hasn’t managed to pass out yet.” She sighs and for a moment, she looks older than her sixty- one years, old and tired of it all. I know the feeling.

  “If you can spare a few sandwiches that’d be great.”

  “That’s all?” She opens the bread bin ready to start my request.

  “Yeah, had a big lunch.” A loud crash comes from the living room.

  “What the hell?” Clara scurries past me, I follow. On entering the room, the T.V. is booming out and my father is splayed across the coffee table face down.

  “Charming.” I huff.

  “Help me get him to the sofa…and turn that thing off. I can’t even hear myself think.” I head over to the T.V. and stop dead in my tracks. Ellie’s face flashes up on the screen.

  “What the?” Glaring, open-mouthed as the reporter talks about a huge reward for the missing princess. PRINCESS!!!

  “Ash, honey, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” I can’t even form words. I listen harder to the reporter, standing outside The Royal Palace.

  “Her Royal Highness, Princess Elle, has been missing since Saturday evening where she was last seen at a ball being given in honour of her alleged engagement to Prince Henrik of Austria.” Gulping, the air around me feels like it’s shrinking and I’m struggling to breathe. She said yes to him?

  The scene flicks back to the studio, “The Royal family are concerned for her safety. When asked why they didn’t make it public straight away, the police had instructed them to wait, in case of a ransom situation.” There’s a cut to her glass shoe, the one she lost finding me. “This shoe is the only lead the police have so
far, which the Princess was wearing the night of her disappearance. It was found in a field north west of the town of Hickling. Anyone coming forward with information will be greatly rewarded. The King has offered one million pounds for any leading information at this time. We have this statement from the palace advisor:

  ‘We are greatly concerned for the Princess. Anyone holding her against her will, will be gravely punished. Anyone with details regarding her whereabouts, please, please come forward.’

  I can’t listen anymore. An image of Ellie wearing a tiara flashes up before me. I feel sick. I feel stupid.

  “Ashley? Are you alright?” Clara appears at my side, her face, lined with worry.

  “I…I gotta go.”

  “What about your father?”

  “Leave him.” I shoot out of the door and through the kitchen, out into the night. I stop, needing to catch my breath and straighten out my head. I must confront her. How could she do this to me? Thought we had something? How could she lie like that to my face? Racing toward the barn, my heart pumping hard in my throat. Pulling the door open, walking straight into Ellie. We collide. She stumbles back against a tractor. “Going somewhere?” I feel my jaw clenching and my nostrils flaring. Her eyes widen, panic, or is it realisation falling across her face?

  “I, I was just…”

  “What? Don’t tell me you’ve lost all those posh words of yours?”

  “Ash, please…”

  “You’re a princess! A frickin’ princess!” I duck inside the doorframe, she inches away. “So now you’re scared of me? Please!” Throwing my hands up in mock despair. “You’re the princess for crap sake!”

  “Ash, please, let me explain.” She reaches for me, I flinch away.

  “Please?” She whispers. “I wanted to tell you.”

  “But you didn’t! Am I not worth that? Am I not worth the truth? Am I just some dumb commoner that you’ve used for as long as it suited you?” I rake my hands through my hair and start pacing.

  “Ash, no! Of course not.” She’s sniffling, but I can’t give in to her, as much as it pains me, she owes me answers.

  “You told me you were an actress, guess you really are!”

  “Says the boy who sleeps with pigs and hides his true self from the world,” she snaps.