Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True Book 1)

by Alex Bailey

  How much do I tell her? Do I tell her the men I’ve met have not been the marrying type? They’ve turned out to be more interested in themselves, their careers, their sports? Probably not. “I think it’s because I haven’t met the right guy yet.”

  “So you admit it! Darren’s not the right guy?”

  “I mean, um, that I don’t know if he’s the right guy. It’s too soon to know.”

  Ariel’s face lit up. “Have you ever seen the movie Enchanted?”

  “Nope. Not that one. Is that a Disney movie?”

  “Yeah. And there’s a perfect song for you in it.” Ariel sung the words to the tune of the song in the movie, asking whether Darren ever took Sophie dancing. Ariel looked sideways at her as if she was waiting for Sophie to respond with an answer she already knew.

  Sophie shook her head. “He doesn’t like to dance.” Was Ariel making it up? It sounded too convenient for Ariel’s argument to be a real song.

  Ariel sang another line from the song asking whether Darren ever dedicated a song to Sophie. Again she searched for an answer from her aunt.

  Sophie pressed her lips tightly together, forming a not-quite smile, and shook her head again.

  Ariel’s face fell and formed into a bleak stare. Then she slowly sang the final line, and Sophie felt that Ariel got great joy out of singing Darren was not her love.

  “Oh look, the line’s moving.” Sophie nodded toward the crowd in front of her. Thank you!

  WHEN RAY RETURNED, he said all was well back at the hotel and it was time for their FastPasses to the Tower of Terror ride, a terrifying elevator drop, one of Ariel’s favorite rides. She was definitely into thrill rides, much to Sophie’s distress, who preferred the calmer, tamer, movie rides; the ones which no longer existed.

  “Aunt Sophie, you’ll go, right?”

  “Tell you what,” she glanced from Ariel to Ray, then back to Ariel, “you two go have fun, and I’ll wait for you at the Fairfax Fare café that we just passed. Deal?”

  Ariel’s stance with hands on hips said she was not having any of that. “Aunt Sophie, you have to come. You already left us on the Star Tours ride. And this one’s not a scary-scary ride. It’s just a little bit. You can do it.” She grabbed her aunt’s hand and tugged her forward into the short FastPass line.

  Sophie dreaded going up. It was one of the rides she had always sat out and waited for her family. But Ariel was persistent and insistent. And this trip was for her, so Sophie gave in and fell in line.

  Once inside the hotel lobby, it was dark, dressed in heavy burgundy drapes, dusty antiques, and old clothes. Suitcases and newspapers laid about as if someone had suddenly left them. The entire room was spider-webbed with jazz music drifting throughout the room.

  Since they hadn’t completely dried off yet, Sophie was grateful it wasn’t freezing inside, but her hand started to shake anyway. “What have I gotten myself into?”

  Ariel said, “Ray, come down here, I have to tell you something.”

  Ray obliged and bent over so Ariel could whisper in his ear. “Deal!”

  Sophie eyed them, wondering what deal they had just made. She would soon find out, for when they boarded the car that would drop them thirteen-stories, Ariel wriggled her way in front of her aunt, while Ray sat next to Sophie on the other side. As luck would have it, they got front row seats. “This was your deal? To make a Sophie sandwich?”

  Ariel giggled. “Not exactly. You’ll see.”

  When the Twilight Zone music played, sweat poured from Sophie’s hands. She wiped them on her dress and took a deep breath.

  The car moved forward and then suddenly stopped. Guests in the car chattered. One said, “Uh-oh. I think it’s broken down.” Another said, “I’m sure it’ll get fixed soon.” An impatient elderly man said, “This was the only reason I came here today!” They can complain all they want, but I’m glad it’s broken. Now I don’t have to look like a wimp. Only question is, how do we get out?

  Then, just as quickly, the ride started up again to cheers from the other riders. Sophie’s stomach lurched as the car moved through the hotel scenes. Her heart pounded in terrifying anticipation.

  Once she could feel the heat from outside, Sophie knew what was coming. “Ugh, I feel sick.”

  Suddenly, strong muscular arms were around her shoulders, embracing her. She wanted to glance at Ray, but it was too late, the door sprung open to the outside and the elevator plummeted several stories. Sophie’s eyes were glued shut and Ray held on tight. Ariel squealed in delight, while Sophie screamed with fright the entire length of the drop, “No!”

  As soon as she finished screaming, the elevator sucked them back up and then slammed back down again, this time the drop felt like double the number of stories it had just fallen. Everyone in the car was shouting; some were yelling words Sophie wished Ariel didn’t hear. She stopped breathing, hoping it would soon be over. The entire time, Ray held Sophie tightly, which gave her a tiny sense of security.

  When the elevator ride came to its final resting spot, Sophie glanced down at Ray’s forearm, across her chest. She had been gripping his arm just as tightly and hadn’t realized it. His face was so close, she could hear him whisper if he had made a peep, which he hadn’t. She turned to face him and smiled. “Thanks.” His aroma calmed her.

  He lingered a few seconds and then dropped his arms. “You okay?”

  “I think so,” she smoothed her hair down, deciding she’d put it in a ponytail as soon as they got outside.

  When they exited the ride and walked into what looked like a hotel registration desk, minus the cobwebs of the lobby when they first walked into the ride. Attendants were dressed in 1930s attire of black pants, burgundy overcoats, and bellhop hats with gold and black stripes. Ray led them to the hotel’s desk, where pictures of guests on the ride were displayed.

  “There we are!” Ariel squealed. “Look! Aunt Sophie, look at your face!”

  Ray stifled a laugh, but Ariel full-out roared.

  “You look like you’re being attacked by zombies,” Ray said.

  Her mouth hung open and her eyes were squeezed shut. More like, I’m being made to go to WDW! “I think I would prefer zombies, thank you very much.”

  But something else caught her eye in the photo. Ray’s arm was around her squeezing her opposite shoulder. And he wasn’t facing forward. His attention was fully on Sophie, with a look of elation. I’m sure he’s been on this ride so many times, it was more fun to watch me act like a buffoon.

  When they returned outside, the sunlight was a stark contrast to the dark interior of the ride. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” wafted through the air. Sophie turned to Ariel and said, “Well, Miss Sneakypants. That was your secret, huh? To have Ray hold me like a little baby?”

  “No! I told him we should each grab a hand, so you wouldn’t be scared.” Ariel swished her hands in front of Sophie. “That was all his idea.”

  Ray shrugged. “Sorry, I was overtaken in the moment. You seemed so scared. I didn’t want you to blame Ariel for forcing you on the ride. But mostly, I didn’t want you throwing up, because that stuff”—he motioned toward his face, like he was getting smacked with a pie—“would be flying right in my face.”

  When Ariel giggled, Sophie understood his concern. She had worried that might happen as well, but very glad it didn’t. “You know, that wasn’t so bad. After the beginning part with the music and those creepy people and the stars, I think I handled it pretty well. Don’t you think?”

  Ariel and Ray shared smirks. “Uh-huh,” Ray said.

  “No, seriously. I think I did great.”

  “Okay,” he said. “You ready to go again?”

  Sophie knew there was no way she was ready to go again, but also not ready to concede, “Sure! But oh wow, just look at how long the line is. Don’t think we could possibly make it.”

  “Not a problem,” Ray dug into his shorts’ pocket and pulled out some pieces of paper. “When I came back in the gate, a cast
member stopped me and asked some marketing questions. For my time, he gave me these fine little babies, extra FastPasses.” He turned to Ariel and winked. So, you see, we can go again!”

  Ariel roared with laughter. “Yes! Let’s go again!”

  Sophie panicked. “I don’t...think we should...waste them, on a ride we just went on.” Yeah, that’s good. That’s a good reason, and I don’t have to look like I’m too chicken to go again.

  Ray nodded and smirked. “You’re right. Why waste them? But now that you’ve discovered your newly-found courage, let’s use these babies for the upside-down roller coaster!”

  THAT NIGHT, AFTER ARIEL brushed her teeth and got into her pajamas, she exclaimed, “We’re having a sleepover!” She climbed up on the top bunk, grabbed Figment, and pointed downward, “Yours is the bottom one.”

  “Ah, you gave up the best bunk!” Ray walked over and stood beside the bunk beds. “I thought when Aunt Sophie said you had enough room, that I’d be sleeping on the top bunk. Never did I dream of having the best bunk.” He turned around and smiled at Sophie.

  “You certainly are welcome to the bottom bunk if you like. But, I think the best bed would be those rather nice and comfy chairs on the deck. There’s a perfectly warm breeze blowing out there.” It was Sophie’s turn to hand out the smile.

  “You know”—he tapped Figment on his nose—“as accommodating as the chair sounds, I think I’ll stick with the bottom bunk. But thanks for the . . . um . . . kind offer. And thanks again for the hospitality.”

  “Ray, will you read me a story?” Ariel asked.

  “A story?” He lifted his index finger to his chin, as if deep in thought. “Hmm, how about I tell you a story instead?”

  “Okay!”

  “And how about we make it an add-on story?”

  “An add-on story?”

  “You know, one person starts. Then the next person adds on. We all participate.” He gave a single nod in Sophie’s direction.

  Sophie liked that idea. She loved books and stories, and would have no problem coming up with some exciting adventure to fill in her parts. “Sounds fun.”

  “And it can only be about Disney characters!” Ariel added.

  Of course. What else would it be?

  “You start.” Ray said to Ariel.

  “Okay, once upon a time there was a bear named Baloo. He had a friend named Winnie the Pooh. And they lived in a shoe. You’re next, Ray.”

  Ray shook his head, “Okay...one day the two bears left home and moved into a castle with Moana and Tiana. You’re turn.” He turned in Sophie’s direction and handed her the reigns.

  “Okay, I see how it is.” How it was, was a terrible story so far. But she’d play along and continue with the lines that had been drawn. “So, Baloo and Pooh and Moana and Tiana all set out on a hike. They ran into Mike. Wazowski. The end.”

  “Aunt Sophie, that was terrible!” Ariel giggled.

  “Hey now,” Ray tickled her side as Ariel squirmed to get away. “We can’t all be super add-on storytellers like you and me.”

  Sophie rolled her eyes. “Okay, time to get some sleep. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, and we’ve got another big day. In Epcot.” She tucked her niece in and kissed her cheek.

  Ray gave Ariel a hug, then went into the bathroom to change.

  “Aunt Sophie,” Ariel said, “This was a great day. And I think that you were actually happy.”

  Sophie could feel the guilt rising. She knew she hadn’t been the best vacation-goer, but she was trying. And she was glad her niece felt she was happy to be there. “I was very happy. You know I’m always happy when I’m with you.”

  “Except in Disney World,” Ariel said in a sullen tone.

  “Not true. Never. I’m truly happy to be here. With you.” Sophie gave Ariel a hug and she realized that what she’d just said was absolutely true. She was really happy. What she didn’t realize at that moment was that it wasn’t only Ariel that made her happy.

  When Ray came out of the bathroom in a pair of Mickey Mouse pajamas, Sophie roared, “Wow, don’t you think you take this Disney job of yours a bit too seriously?”

  “What?” he looked around as if he didn’t know what she was talking about.

  “Your pjs! Aunt Sophie is making fun of them.” Ariel burst out.

  “I’ll have you know, ladies, these are made of the finest knit material. And I always wear them. Not just when I’m working!” He took a bow, as if what he’d just said warranted applause.

  “Well, now, that’s even more reason for me to ridicule you.” Sophie took her Kate Spade blue and white striped short pajamas, with a cat-shaped chest pocket into the bathroom, and when she returned, she put on her Mickey flashing necklace and Ariel’s flashing ears that Ray had given them at the Christmas party. “If you think that’s fancy, then this is how I sleep, even when I’m not working, too.” She switched them both on so they were flashing, but not in synch.

  “I like it, Aunt Sophie, I think you should wear the ears and necklace all the time!”

  “Me too,” Ray said. “Though, I have a feeling that as soon as we fall asleep, they are going to be on her nightstand. What do you think, Ariel? Think she’s bluffing?”

  “I don’t know. Aunt Sophie can be pretty stubborn when you dare her to do something. My mom was like that too.”

  Sophie’s expression changed instantaneously, and she slowly moved to the dresser and removed the ears and necklace. “Well, good night all. Okay for me to turn the lights out?” She flicked the switch before they had a chance to answer.

  Sophie was glad the lights were out; she was having a moment. And not a very pleasant one. While she climbed into bed, tears streamed down her cheeks and fell onto her pillow. Just thinking of Natalie brought back memories, both good and bad, but more importantly, Sophie’s loss. She lay a few minutes and turned onto her side. She could hear Ariel’s steady breathing and knew she had fallen asleep.

  “Sophie?” Ray whispered.

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m really sorry. About losing your sister. I’m sorry you have to be here and relive all your painful memories.”

  She sniffed up the dripping snot that had made its way to the edge of her nostril. “Thanks, Ray.”

  “But I’m also not sorry that you’re here. I’m glad I met you two. You’ve been...” There was a long silence, and then he rolled over, facing away from Sophie. “Good night.”

  What? We’ve been what? Did he just do that to get my mind off of Natalie? Or did he have something he wanted to say?

  Chapter 12

  Christmas Eve morning, Sophie cracked open her eyes to a stream of sunshine. She lifted her head and movement on the balcony alerted her. Ariel! She’s outside! Her niece hung over the railing, pointing and yelling.

  Sophie darted out of bed toward the balcony and threw open the sliding glass door.

  She was met with Ray’s almost-blinding smile. He was still in his Mickey pajamas, his hair tousled. “Well, good morning, Sleeping Beauty. I can’t thank you enough for letting me stay here last night. I had a blast. And Merry Christmas Eve.” Then he must have noticed her panicked look, because he said, “What’s wrong?”

  Forgot he was here. Sophie reached up and smoothed her own locks into place while wondering whose hair would win the bed-head contest, hers or Ray’s. She then took a deep breath and mimicked his cheerful smile. She didn’t want him to know about her lapse in memory. “Oh nothing. Bad dream is all. Merry Christmas Eve to you as well. And I’m glad we could help, it was fun having you.”

  “Aunt Sophie, how can you have a bad dream here?” Ariel pointed. “Look, a cow. With horns!”

  “Those are Ankole cattle,” Ray said.

  Sophie stepped outside next to Ariel and put her arm around her niece’s shoulders, then kissed the top of her head, welcoming the change of subject. “And look over there,” she pointed to her right. “A gaggle of geese.”

  “Gaggle?” Ariel laughed. “That’s a funny w
ord!”

  Ray leaned way over the balcony and pointed to a pelican, “It’s Nigel!”

  Ariel nodded like a jackhammer. “Yeah, looks just like him.”

  Sophie had no idea who Nigel was and didn’t feel the need to ask.

  Ray explained anyway. “Nigel is the pelican in Finding Nemo.”

  “You would know that, wouldn’t you?” Sophie felt left out of the knowing-all-Disney-characters-club and tried to find an animal she could name.

  “And there’s a Mr. Ray in the movie too. Ariel patted Ray on his back. “He’s a teacher. Kind of like you with Aunt Sophie. Teaching her how fun Disney stuff is.”

  Sophie turned away, trying to come up with some clever comeback. “Okay, well, Ariel’s in The Little Mermaid. How about that?”

  Ariel nodded, and when she leaned over the balcony again, Ray grabbed her and pulled her back in. “Whoa now!”

  “Yeah, Aunt Sophie,” Ariel stepped back and set her hands on her hips, “of course there is. That’s where my mom got my name from.”

  “And what about Princess Sophia?” Ray grinned as if he knew something Sophie didn’t.

  “Who?”

  “Princess Sophia?” Ray looked at her as if what he just said was common knowledge and something she should know. “Sophia the First?”

  “Sure! Now I know what you’re talking about. Not!” Sophie squinted and glanced at Ariel, who jumped back up onto the railing searching for animals. She rested a protective arm around Ariel’s waist.

  “She’s from a TV show,” Ariel said. “I used to watch it when I was a little kid.”

  Ray’s eyebrows shot up when he looked at Sophie above Ariel’s head.

  Sophie grinned and wondered when Ariel thought she had no longer been a little kid.

  Ray stepped back from the railing and turned toward the room. “Well, I have to pack my things. My royal quarters should be ready today.”

  Ariel giggled.

  “You can leave your stuff in here and just pick up your bag tonight if you want?” Sophie asked.

  “Thanks. Sounds good.”