Once Upon A Switch

18

Woah! I can't believe that this book have come this far. It's the last chapter! I never thought that I could actually finish a short story. This is a really huge achievement for me!

Well, let's get on to it!

--

"Cassandra, stay still!" Rapunzel whined as she wrapped the measuring tape on her waist.

The dark-haired girl grunted and crossed her arms—making Rapunzel have a more hard time on getting her waist size. The blonde frowned and set down the measuring tape.

"What's gotten into you, Cass?"

"Oh, nothing," said Cassandes too quickly. "The ball is in three days and everyone will see my face as his fiancee so yeah, nothing has gotten into me. Absolutely nothing." There was a nervous edge on her voice.

Rapunzel sighed, realizing what's at stake in the current situation. "I'm sorry, Cass. You shouldn't be dealing this kind of stress and-"

"No. It's okay, Raps." Cassandra sighed. "I choose this and I'm not regretting it."

A sly smile ran across her friend's lips. "Is it because of Varian?"

"Yes–no." Cassandra looked away.

"Aww, come on, Cass! You don't need to hide it from me."

Cassandra's lips formed into a thin line, her heart beating fast. Why does it feel like she doesn't want this charade to end?

It can't be because of Varian...

Can it?

--

Cassandra's POV:

The wind swept my black hair as I stared at the horizon, the sun starting to set. It's wonderful color exploading in the sky, bringing a view that is pleasant for any person who can see it.

A soft sigh left my lips as my eyes landed on Varian who is tending his horse from below, Marion by his side. It looks like the two were having fun. Marion looks like Varian's little sister. I smiled sadly. I'm going to miss him.

The ball is just an hour away and it looks like the two wanted to use the spare time outside.

Varian have a special place in my heart. He's not like any other guy. He's not boastful — except when he's talking about Alchemy and stuffs that I still can't understand up until now. He's kind and considerate. He can be stupid sometimes but that's one of the things I like about him. I closed my eyes as my mind wandered back on the times we hang out.

---

I held the bow on my hand and released the arrow, hitting the bullseye. I spun around when I heard a sound of clapping. A small smile made its way on my lips when my eyes landed on Varian.

"Nice shot," he commented.

"Thanks." I took another arrow and shot it straight at the target.

I continued to shoot a series of arrows, making sure I hit the bullseye. I can see Varian giving me a look of awe from my peripheral view. I chuckled.

I heard Varian cleared his throat, making me stop. "C-can you teach me how to do that?"

A light chuckle escaped my lips. "Took you long enough to say that," I teased.

He scratched the back of his neck, his shoulders curling forward. "Well-"

I cutted him off. "Hey, I was just teasing," I quizzed. "No need to get freaked out."

He sighed and walked towards me. I handed him the bow and an arrow, a small smile on my face.

"Now," I started, pointing at the target. "Focus on the target and not the arrow. Use a mechanical sight. You should concentrate on the bow to aid your aiming. A rear sight can also adjunct for a consistent anchor point."

He nodded and tried to do what I instructed. He released the arrow and it landed a few inches away from the target. He frowned and tried again, only for the arrow to miss the target once again. I heard him groan.

"It's okay," I said. "You just need to practice."

"It's not okay," he mumbled.

My eyebrows scrunched up. "Why not?"

"Because I wanted to look cool in front of you, impress you." He dropped the bow to the ground. "I don't look cool now, do I?" He wined sarcastically.

I stared at him and blinked, my mind processing what he just said.

I bursted out laughing.

"Really?" I laughed. "You're such a dork."

His cheeks puffed out. "I don't know if I should be happy about that."

I wiped a nonexistent tear of laughter from my eyes just to tease him. "At least you tried."

---

I opened the door to his room and found him reading a really thick book with a hard bound for a cover.

"Hey," I greeted, closing the door behind me. He didn't looked up or responded.

I frowned and moved closer. "Var?"

Still. He didn't respond.

"What are you reading?" I asked. He continue to flip through the pages of the book, still not answering me.

I huffed and tapped his shoulder. He flinched and quickly turned around to meet my eyes. "Oh, sorry. I didn't realized that you were there."

I nodded. "It's okay." I sat on the bed. "Do you mind reading the book to me? I'm not really used to reading one," I explained.

His eyes sparkled and placed the book on his lap. "It's about greek mythology, you sure?"

"Yup," I answered, popping the word 'p'.

He smiled and read. I lay on the bed as he spoke, the moon shining in the windows.

Later that night. I slept calmly in his bed.

---

I still can't believe how far it has been since the day I agree to this shenanigans Rapunzel suggested. The pain in my chest never subsided, not now that the day is nearing where everyone would find out that I am a huge fake.

I heard a knocked on my door. It creaked open and Rapunzel's head popped out with a smile on her face.

"Let's go, the ball is starting."

A painful smile spread across my lips as I stood up from my chair.

"Let's get this over with."

It's time.

---

So, the next part would be the 'Epilogue' of the story.

So, what do you think of this chapter? Share your thoughts!