Opposites Attract

True Hearts Day

"Really? Again?" I questioned myself, looking down at the foot that was missing a shoe.

"It's in your blood, (Y/n), don't be surprised," Cerise said, sitting on her bed as she played on her phone.

A knock came from the door, and I groaned. Could this day get any worse?

"You really are a Cinderella. We're not even out of high school and you're already playing your destiny," Jonas teased, holding my glass slipper gently in his hands.

I blushed madly, stepping outside and shutting the door behind me. I slipped my slipper on, sighing.

"I really need to put some, like, sticky tape in these shoes that keep the socks to the shoes," I said, slightly nervous that he was annoyed.

"Then where's the fun in returning the glass slipper to his princess?" Jonas said, smiling.

I froze, the "his princess" making my mind go blank. He walked off, a smile and a small blush on his face.

~~~

I smiled when I turned around. It was my sister causing the gasps in the Castleteria. She was holding hands with Hunter. I gave her a thumbs-up, showing my support.

"Ashlynn? You and Hunter are—are dating? B-b-but you're a Royal. And he's a Rebel," Apple said in disbelief.

"Apple-" Jonas started.

"Totally awkward, oh!" Sparrow sang, cutting him off.

Ashlynn walked off with Hunter before Apple could get another word out.

"Way to go, sis. I'm so proud of you," I whispered.

"Thanks, (Y/n)," Ashlynn said with a smile.

"Apple, leave it alone for now."

"But-"

"Leave it alone."

~~~

"Cerise, give it back!" I shouted, laughing despite myself.

"Come on, (Y/n), you don't need makeup," Cerise argued, holding the blush out of my reach.

"We're supposed to put makeup on, Cerise, it's how a princess maintains her beautiful image," I recited.

"Well, your idea of a princess differs from mine. I'm sure Jonas and Ash would agree with me," Cerise assured me.

I sighed. "Fine. But I'm blaming you if I get any insults tonight."

"(Y/n) Ella, daughter of Cinderella, getting insults? When penguins fly," Cerise scoffed.

~~~

We showed the bouncer the invitations we were given, and we were let in. I was anxious about this. I never really went to parties, especially big, successful ones that Briar threw.

"Hey, (Y/n)! Thanks for coming!" Briar greeted me.

I looked past her shoulder and frowned. Jonas's fangirls surrounded him. Cerise put a hand on my shoulder, comforting me.

"Guess it's too late to ask, isn't it?" I said disappointedly.

"Not yet," Briar said, pointing at the stage.

"Give it up for Melody Piper!" Cupid cheered. "Now, since True Hearts Day hasn't been spellabrated in such a long time, I wanted to tell everyone what it was all about. Once upon a time, there grew a very special tree—the Heart Tree. And even if the winter was harsh, and the other trees failed to bloom, the Heart Tree blossomed no matter what. And so, our fairytale ancestors gave the blossoms to each other on True Hearts Day. To show that even though it's not always easy, true love will always find a way. And so, to encourage all of us to follow our true heart..." Cupid whistled.

Heart blossoms dropped into our hands, one for each of us. I smiled at mine, debating if I should give mine or not. "Make sure to give yours to someone special to you."

"Can I—Hunter?"

I didn't notice my sister was on stage until she spoke. "When I listen to my true heart, it tells me that you're my Prince Charming."

"But, how can you be a Royal and date Hunter?" Blondie questioned.

"I don't know. But if writing our own happily ever after means I can't be a Royal, then call me Ashlynn Ella the Rebel!" Ashlynn announced.

I cheered for her, happy that she was happy. She smiled at me, knowing that I would be there for her no matter what she decided. "I'd like to give this to you, Hunter, if you'll have it."

"Of course," Hunter assured her.

They hugged. Apple walked up to them. I noticed Jonas ready to move in case Apple said something off-handedly.

"Apple! I'm so sorry. I just had to do what-"

Apple held out her blossom to her. Ashlynn took it in surprise. "Why are you giving this to me?"

"I might be worried about you, and I might think you're doing the wrong thing, but I want you to know that we'll always be friends, no matter what. That's what's in my true heart," Apple explained.

"Thanks, Apple. You're the best," Ashlynn said.

Apple giggled. "I know."

The party started back up again. I stared at my heart, then looked over at Jonas. He seemed so calm. I noticed one girl come up to him and offer him her blossom. He mumbled something, and she walked off, ready to cry. I was confused. Who was he going to give his to?

"Having trouble with my brother?" Apple asked, sitting me down at a table.

I sighed. "Yeah. I think he's saving it for Briar or Rosabella, or someone else important."

"(Y/n)?"

I jumped in surprise. Please tell me he didn't hear me. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure," I replied, dumbfounded, as I got up from my seat.

Jonas led me off to the side. I noticed his nervousness. Or it must've been mine radiating off of him. He was almost never nervous. That's just not Jonas White.

He held out his blossom. I blushed as red as a red carnation. I shook off my blushing, forming words I didn't know how to speak.

"W-why are you giving this to me?" I managed to say.

Jonas blushed. "I was always hoping you would be the princess that I would sweep off her feet. And, maybe, one day, you will be."

I took his blossom and handed him mine. "I'll count on it, Jonas."