Cinderella Complex

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  I realized I was the only person sitting close to the teacher. Total suckage. But at least someone was talking to me.

  “Yeah, I’m excited about this play.” And staying as far away from the others as possible.

  She clapped her hands together and for one wild moment, I thought she might kiss me. “Good—good, because I’ve got the perfect part for you to read today.”

  I pasted a grin on my face. “Can’t wait.”

  The students settled into their seats, chattering as she took attendance.

  She pulled out several new scripts.

  “Today, we’re exploring relationships. As actors, we need to embrace our emotions on stage. To make our characters believable. Acting is more than just putting on a costume or changing your identity. It’s more of a learning process and becoming that character.”

  Relationships? Seriously? I ducked lower in my seat. Please let her pick someone else.

  “Now, not every relationship is romantic. There are parent/child relationships, best friends, enemies, and co-workers. Each of you will be paired up with someone of my choosing. You’ll get a few minutes to get your costumes in order and look over your roles.”

  Mrs. Monteray read off several names. She glanced at me, a twinkle in her eye. Definitely not good.

  “Maggie Winters and Seth Charmaigne. You will read the parts of Olivia and Desmond, a medieval couple. Desmond is jealous and assumes that Olivia has chosen another lord over him. But indeed she has not. This, Mr. Charmaigne, will allow you to tap into the inner Romeo you displayed last week in the hallway.”

  The class erupted in laughter. My face warmed. Great. Mrs. Monteray chose the worst time to play matchmaker. I faced the stage, too scared to see Seth’s reaction.

  She handed me a script, then went to deliver the rest. Once finished, she released us to find costumes. Backstage, I searched through racks of outfits until I found a cobalt-blue gown and a light-blue cloak. I went into the changing room. My fingers trembled as I tried to button the back.

  Someone gently brushed my hands out of the way and finished doing it for me. I turned to look. Kat. She didn’t speak to me, but at least she wasn’t completely ignoring me.

  “Thanks.”

  She nodded then walked away.

  Twinges of nervousness tickled my belly. I sucked in a deep breath and let it out slow. “I can do this.” After reading through the scene several times on my own, I wanted to run from class. Of course, Mrs. Monteray would torture me today.

  Seth joined me, his face unreadable.

  “Hi,” I said.

  “Let’s just get through this.”

  “Right. Let’s forget we were ever friends because I missed one movie. Good plan.” The teacher called our names and I pushed around him.

  A wooden bench sat stage left, next to a constructed rose garden. Fake weeping willow branches drooped against the painted blue sky.

  “Whenever you’re ready.” Mrs. Monteray took a seat in the front row, a notepad on her lap.

  I closed my eyes. Stay focused on the play. You’ll be fine. I opened my eyes, again. Seth stood in front of me. The white tunic hung open in the front, giving me a peek at his carved chest. Why couldn’t she have paired me with Ethan Galligher, aka shrimp? It’d be a lot easier to concentrate.

  Seth spoke his first line. “You betrayed me.” His eyes glimmered with contempt.

  “No. I’d do no such thing.”

  “Then what of Lord Perren?” He stepped closer. Heat radiated off him like the sun.

  “Lord Perren is a friend. You must know you are the most important person in my life.” My voice cracked. “You are my reason to breathe.”

  “How do I know I can trust you?” His gaze bore through me, like I was all that existed. His eyes softened.

  “Because I love you,” I whispered. “I always have.” My heart pounded. Crap. That wasn’t the line. Oh no. I just told him I love him. Panic time.

  He drew close to me. He tipped my chin up. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear those words.” Also, not a line.

  I heard Mrs. Monteray flipping through her script. I fell into Seth’s arms.

  He pulled me into his embrace and pressed his lips against mine. His lips were soft, the kiss urgent. I gave into the urgency, giving him my soul. Each beat of my heart sounded for him. He deepened the kiss. I wrapped my fingers around the back of his neck. He was mine.

  I whimpered. At last, he moved back, leaving me breathless. Seth’s gaze never left my face. Even when everyone clapped and cat-called at us.

  “We need to talk,” he whispered.

  “Yeah.” I smiled. “You say that a lot.”

  “Nice improvisation.” Mrs. Monteray snapped us back to the reality of drama class.

  She had no idea.

  ****

  Mom waited in the kitchen for Jack and me when we got home. “Your dad called. He wants the two of you to go over to his house tomorrow.”

  Jack tossed his book bag on the floor. “I’m not going.”

  “You have to go.” Mom sighed. “He’s accusing me of brainwashing you into not liking him.”

  Jack glared. “Trust me, he did that himself. Besides, why does he want us on a weeknight when all he does is work?”

  Mom frowned and busied herself with wiping off the already clean counter. “He’s hosting an engagement party.”

  “What?” we said at the same time.

  No flipping way. Thorna was going to be my step-mother. Evil. Wicked. Step-Mother.

  “I’ve talked to Grandma. She said she’d go with you. That way you can leave whenever you want. Your dad said it was fine.”

  Jack went rigid, his fists clenched at his side. “I hate him.”

  Mom dropped the washcloth. “Jack, please don’t talk like that.”

  “It’s true. He ruined everything.”

  She crossed the kitchen and hugged him. “I know. Trust me, no one understands more than me. But he’s still your father.”

  More like sperm donor. Because one had to actually participate in their kids’ lives to be considered a dad.

  “Fine. I’ll go. But I’m not congratulating him.”

  Mom kissed his head. “Thank you.”

  Someone knocked at the door. I went to answer it.

  “Seth. What are you doing here?”

  “Can you come outside for a minute to talk?”

  “Um—yeah.” I shut the door behind me and followed him to the end of the porch.

  He ran a hand through his hair, then turned to me. “I can’t stop thinking about you, Mags. I’ve tried to stay away. But I can’t anymore. I’m tired of fighting it. I need to know if you meant what you said today.”

  I licked my lips. I knew I was about to cross the best friend line and step into a whole other realm.

  “Yes.”

  He cupped my face in his hands. His breath fanned across my cheek before his mouth covered mine. My lips parted, letting his tongue dart in and out. He pushed me against the house, his body pressed against mine. My fingers traced the back of his neck. He groaned, taking my bottom lip between his teeth in a playful nip.

  “You drive me crazy.” His hand slid to my waist. He pressed me closer until we melded together.

  “Should I be offended?” I teased, rubbing my hands over his chest.

  He chuckled. “No.” He brushed strands of hair from my face. “I’m sorry about how I acted the other night. I got ticked off because I thought you’d dumped me.”

  “I’ll never do that.”

  He trailed kisses down my neck. “Go to Homecoming with me.”

  “Are you asking or demanding?”

  “Demanding.” He lifted his head and grinned. Turquoise eyes blazed like crisp waves on the Caribbean.

  “In that case, how can I say no?”

  “You can’t.” He kissed me again, this time harder.

  If he kept this up, I might have to shove him into the bushes and jump on top of him. And I doubte
d it would go over well with Mom. Or Jack.

  At last, he stepped back. “I should probably head home.”

  “I’m glad you stopped by.”

  “Me too.” He winked, catching my hand in his. “Promise me you’ll stay safe?”

  What did he mean by that? “I always am.” I stiffened, waiting for him to explain. But he didn’t.

  “See you tomorrow. Hope your dreams are as hot as mine.”

  My face burned. “Perv.”

  “Only for you.”

  He got into his car and drove away. I went back inside. Mom sat in the dining room sipping a cup of coffee. “Who was at the door?”

  “Seth.”

  “Oh, what did he want?”

  A smile tugged at my lips as I plopped down across from her. “He asked me to Homecoming.”

  Mom’s eyebrows rose. “As friends, or as more than friends?”

  I giggled. “Definitely more than friends.”

  She groaned, covered her face with her hands. “We’re doing away with the sleepovers, then. You are being careful, aren’t you?”

  “Mom, please! Let’s not have the sex talk tonight.”

  “Well, I’m just trying to make sure you’re being safe.”

  “Um—yeah, because we’re not doing it. Seriously. We’ve kissed a couple times. That’s it.”

  A look of relief flooded her face. “Okay. Then this conversation is officially over.”

  She stood up to rinse out her coffee mug.

  That was a close call. Did parents actually think we wanted to talk about sex with them? Gag me!

  Chapter Thirty-three

  “You two need to hurry up!” Mom hollered upstairs.

  I slipped on a pair of black heels and grabbed my coat. Like I wanted to go Dad’s. We’d spend the whole night on the sidelines, watching him escort Thorna around a roomful of people we didn’t know or care about. And Dad would pretend to be a loving father. Luckily, Mom got his permission for Grandma to bring us.

  Jack popped his head in my room, his black dress-shirt untucked, hair spiked in messy tufts.

  He laughed, pointing at my dark clothing. “I see you dressed for a funeral, too.”

  “I’m in a somber mood.”

  “That makes two of us. The good news is he’ll be too preoccupied to pay any attention to us.”

  “We could only be so lucky.”

  We walked downstairs to find Grandma waiting in the living room. Her long white hair was braided, and she wore an elegant brown pantsuit. Even with make-up on, I noticed more wrinkles and a pale sheen to her skin.

  How did she age so much since last I saw her?

  I swallowed the lump in my throat. I conjured images of what future visits might be. Sunken features, skin that barely clung to her bones? My stomach knotted. I didn’t want to think of it. Not now. Not ever.

  “You two behave tonight,” Mom reminded us.

  I snorted. “Well, I’d rather not go at all. Thorna is such a witch.”

  “Knock it off. Just because you don’t like her doesn’t mean you have to call her names.”

  I gripped the back of the recliner. “You’ve obviously never met her.”

  “Enough, Maggie. You’re going.”

  Jack grinned. “As long as you don’t accept any apples from her, you’ll be fine.”

  Mom narrowed her eyes. “I’m serious. Be good.”

  Grandma stood up. “You kids ready?” She reached for me.

  I looped my arm through hers. “Yeah.” I helped her out to the car.

  Jack took her keys and slid into the driver’s seat. Grandma sat up front with him while I climbed into the back.

  “Are you two all right with this?” she asked once we pulled from the driveway.

  Jack adjusted the rearview mirror. “We don’t really have a choice. Dad didn’t ask us what we thought.”

  “He’s different now, Gram. Like he’s Thorna’s puppet.” I stared out the window.

  She turned the radio off. “Sometimes people change, and not for the better. But you need to keep the lines of communication open.”

  In my mind, Dad should be the one making the attempt. Not us. He walked away. He chose not to call us or pick us up. I doubted he knew what I got on my last report card.

  I’d tried talking to Dad, but every conversation turned into a long, drawn-out discussion on how wonderful Thorna and her perfect daughters were.

  When Jack pulled into Dad’s driveway, the number of parked cars surprised me. I didn’t realize Dad knew this many people. And I darn sure didn’t believe Thorna had any friends.

  Grandma pointed to a spot at the curb near the lawn’s edge. “Park over there so we can get out easier.”

  “Planning a fast getaway?” Jack laughed.

  “Smarty pants.”

  Dread pooled in my gut. Okay. I could do this. Paste on a smile. Pretend to be the dutiful daughter, even if I knew my dad had made a horrible mistake by asking Thorna to marry him.

  Jack and Grandma waited for me to get out of the car. I promised Mom I’d go, but I didn’t say I’d go inside. Grandma tapped the window, gesturing for me to get out.

  Very reluctantly, I swung the door open.

  “Nice try.” Jack stood with his arms across his chest. “If my butt is going in, so is yours.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “Let’s get this over with.”

  Grandma ushered us to the front door. A housekeeper let us in. People milled around, glasses of wine in their hands. Meaningless chatter filled the air. I saw Blythe and Georgia sneaking sips of alcohol. Dad and Thorna floated across the room, mingling, greeting guests.

  A chocolate fondue fountain sat at the center of one of the tables with bowls of fresh strawberries surrounding it. There were all kinds of exotic foods spread out on the tables; trays of shrimp, raw veggies, crackers, a vast variety of cheeses, caviar, and various pastries.

  And, at the far end of the room, I saw a three-tiered cake decorated with black and red flowers. A string ensemble played classical music. I wondered how much it’d set Dad back.

  My skin prickled. Someone was watching me. I gazed across the room, staring at every face. Searching each shadow. Nothing.

  “Why don’t you go say hi to your father?” Grandma urged. “I’ll be over by the food table if you need me.”

  Jack and I picked our way through the crowd to our dad.

  Dad waved. “Maggie. Jackson.” Dad made a big show of hugging us.

  Thorna bent forward to kiss us on each cheek. The acrid scent of spiced apples clung to her, burning my throat.

  “I’m so glad you came.” Thorna trailed a long, blood red fingernail down my cheek.

  I smiled uneasily at her and stepped to one side. “Congrats on the engagement.”

  Jack stiffened next to me. “Yeah, thanks for inviting us.”

  Dad glowered. “Why wouldn’t we have invited you? You’re family.”

  “Oh, Hal, let’s not fight tonight. Everything is so perfect. I don’t want to ruin it.”

  He kissed her hand. “Of course, dear.”

  “My brother, Druce, flew in from London today. He’s eager to meet you.” Thorna scanned the room. “Make sure you say hi to him before you leave.”

  “We will,” I promised.

  Luckily, Dad and Thorna saw someone else they knew and excused themselves.

  Jack grabbed a plate and heaped food onto it. “Well, that went better than I thought it would.” He shoved a chunk of sharp cheddar cheese in his mouth.

  “Almost too well.” The air in the room felt heavy, the mixture of women’s perfumes made my head hurt. Dancing couples spun around us at dizzying speeds. “Hey, I think I’m gonna step outside for a few minutes, grab some fresh air.”

  Jack nodded. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. Just warm.”

  I pushed through the crowded area until I reached the French doors leading out to the deck. Cool air nipped my skin. I sucked in a deep breath. A crimson moon hung in the
sky like a bad omen. The eerie glint of light reminded me of massacres. I dug my nails into my palm.

  “You must be Maggie.” A voice smooth as silky chocolate spoke from behind me.

  I spun around to face him. My breath hitched. And I managed to nod yes.

  “I’m Druce, Thorna’s brother.” He reached for my hand and brought it to his lips before I had time to react. “Your father never told me how beautiful you are.”

  Wispy tendrils of darkness clung to him. His turquoise eyes swallowed me like a torrential abyss. He’d tied his sleek black hair away from his face with a single red ribbon. He looked both ancient and young.

  I bristled. Warning bells chimed. I stepped away from him, but he clung to my hand. His grip tightened. Searing pain sizzled like electric shock waves.

  What is he doing?

  “Let go.” I tore my gaze away.

  “What’s wrong, Maggie?” he whispered.

  My legs wobbled. I could taste the magic in the air. Who in the world was he? Or better yet, what was he? Wind whipped across the yard and my dress slapped against my bare legs. He pulled me in closer, his breath like sulfur.

  “I’ve waited a long time for this…” He drew a nail down my cheek.

  I froze.

  “Maggie! There you are, child.” Grandma and Jack appeared at my side.

  Jack’s lip peeled back. A low growl sounded in his throat as he jerked me back.

  “You must be Jack.” Druce’s eyes turned black with animosity.

  “And you are?”

  “Druce.”

  Grandma took a step back. Her face contorted with worry. “Maggie, it’s time to go. Your mom wanted you home early.”

  Jack pushed me toward the door.

  “Good to meet you, Maggie. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of one another.”

  Druce’s words made my skin crawl. I needed to get out of there. Now. The sickly sweet voice intoxicated me. I sensed the gloom clinging to him like an overcast moon. He was dangerous.

  Clutching my arm, Jack rushed me through the house. We didn’t bother saying goodbye to Dad. We hurried out the front door to the car. Jack shoved me into the backseat. Grandma climbed into the front passenger seat.