A Happily Ever After of Her Own Read Free

wretched curse doesn't make me non-human!"
    "I'm sorry," she said, using her reasonable voice again, "but you just don't look human. I won't be able to find Beauty and the Wicked Witch if you come with me."
    Fairy Godmother nodded. "She's right."
    The Beast's massive shoulders were hunched in frustration, and Melinda felt guilty again. This was the second time she'd caused him unhappiness, but she couldn't let him come with her. He would be an obstacle. But she could make it up to him by finding Beauty as soon as possible.
    The Beast looked at Fairy Godmother grimly. "May we talk privately for a moment?"
    "Of course." She turned to the remaining three in the room. "Excuse us."
    *** *** ***
     
    They went into the soundproof antechamber next to the meeting room. It was sparsely furnished, with walls covered by thick and dreadfully dull books, but the high glass ceiling made the place seem airy. Fairy Godmother sat in one of the chairs at a small circular table, and Edward shut the door and faced her. "Mother, why are you opposing me?"
    "Was I, dear? I didn't realize."
    He prayed for patience. Mother could be so frustratingly dense at times. He was sure it was intentional...and people wondered why he had a temper. "Have I ever asked you for a favor?"
    She frowned. "Not that I can recall."
    "That's right. Not when I was cursed--"
    "Well, the curse. Perhaps you shouldn't have called her Auntie Beet."
    "It was the truth! And I was only nine!"
    "Of course, dear." Fairy Godmother made a vague gesture. "Do go on."
    "Stop humoring me. Why are you on her side? It's not as if you like her."
    "She is still my sister, and she is occasionally capable of being pleasant."
    "As pleasant as Charming," he muttered.
    She beamed. "Yes! Such a delightful boy."
    "You mean annoying."
    Fairy Godmother sighed. "Do get to the point, dear."
    "Of course. The point. The point, as you say, is that I have never asked you for favors, not even when Beauty's evil sisters sent murdering townspeople my way. I endured all the hardships, all the obstacles, in order to earn her love."
    "So you did. Quite admirable."
    "Thank you." At least his mother was somewhat reasonable -- for a woman -- unlike his witchy aunt. "But surely you realize the current situation is untenable. This Lightfoot trespasser is untrustworthy, and I cannot put my fate in her hands. Without Beauty I can never regain my human form, and Aunt will triumph."
    "I understand, but Miss Lightfoot has a valid objection. Her world is not like ours. It has lost much of its magic. Most people there don't even believe that happy endings are possible."
    Edward stiffened with shock. "Blasphemy! How can people not believe in happy endings?"
    "Well, that would be your aunt's influence." She sighed. "This is why I cannot risk a failure. If she wins, the fairy tales will be no more, and all the happily-ever-afters will vanish. Miss Lightfoot must succeed, and I'm afraid your presence will hinder her."
    "You are the most powerful fairy in our world. Surely there's something you can do so that I can go."
    "The curse isn't something I can undo," she said primly. "You know what's in the Seventeenth Neverland Magical Accord as well as I do."
    He wanted to hit something. Better yet, someone. Even better yet, his aunt. "I'll sacrifice anything to go. Please."
    The silence stretched. Edward didn't dare say a word, lest he prejudice his mother against his cause.
    Finally she said, "Are you sure?" She held up a finger. "Once done, it cannot be undone, you know."
    He nodded. He had to break free from the curse. He couldn't let his aunt win. And he certainly wasn't going to allow the clumsy
Light
foot to destroy his only chance.
    "Very well, then." His mother rose. "We shall do it your way."
    *** *** ***
     
    Melinda waited for Fairy Godmother and the Beast to return from their little timeout. The judge and prosecutor sat down and didn't have the courtesy to offer her a seat. She didn't bother asking; the chairs looked