An Unexpected Brew

by J E Mueller

  No wonder you can’t keep a guy, but I kept the thought to myself. Instead, I shrugged and continued on my way.

  Upstairs, I set the dress out on the bed and started to look for the deep blue flats I had that would look perfect with it. After a few minutes of shuffling things around, I found them and went to hop in the shower. Halfway through shampooing my hair, I felt a weird tingle of magic. I didn’t know what was going on, but knew it had to be Henrietta. What could the step monster be up to? Probably something for Diamond since she’d be needing to get her hair and whatnot done soon.

  As soon as I stepped out of the shower a sense of dread gripped me. The only thing keeping me upright was the magic from the latte earlier. What could have happened?

  I opened the door from my bathroom and my jaw dropped in a silent scream. The dress was everywhere. Shredded to bits. Cut, torn, and ripped to pieces. Even my flats were cut apart. Why would they do this?!

  I sunk to the floor, trying to hold the towel tightly around me. There was no way I could go now. I finally had a chance to do something exciting, different, fun and…

  It was all torn apart.

  On the counter, I could hear my phone buzz. Slowly, I forced myself up to look at it.

  “Can’t wait for tonight.” Vincent had messaged me.

  Well… you’re going to have to. The feeling of defeat was crushing. I didn’t even know what to tell him.

  With shaking hands, I called Callie instead.

  “What’s up?” I heard her voice say.

  “They ruined it all…” I wasn’t sure if she even heard me at first.

  “Give me an hour.” She clicked the phone off before I could even reply.

  I didn’t know how long I stood there before I finally texted Vincent.

  “I don’t know how tonight’s going to work,” I typed, not sure if I should send it at first. Maybe Callie could save the day here. I sent it and added, “They ruined my dress, but Callie seems to have a plan.”

  After a few minutes, he replied. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

  “Me? Yeah, nothing happened to me. Just the dress, and my shoes. Everything is destroyed. Callie just said to give her an hour. I don’t know what she’s planning. Hopefully, things can still work out.” I wasn’t feeling too optimistic. Maybe I should have asked for a luck boost.

  “They will. Dress or not, I’d still love for you to be my date tonight,” Vincent replied.

  He was too sweet. I hoped whatever Callie was thinking would work.

  About forty minutes later she sent me a message. “Let us in through the back.”

  Us? What was she doing? I scurried downstairs but paused before I turned the corner at the bottom.

  “That’s a terrible rumor!” I could hear Diamond complain. “How can the prince have a date to the dance? He better not, otherwise that bitch needs to go.”

  Classy as usual. I rolled my eyes at her statement but waited to see what else she’d say. I didn’t want her to know I was up to anything.

  “Right?” Rose said in her overly bubbly voice. “It’s like so lame. I hope it’s wrong. You’d totes be the cutest pair at the dance!”

  “Exactly. We’ll have to see when I get there. Come on,” Diamond replied.

  After a moment, I peaked around and was glad to see they had actually left. Relieved, I went to let Callie and whoever else ‘us’ was in. When I opened the door she was standing there with an open box of fabric and a rolling suitcase of who knows what else.

  “Well, let’s do this.” She nodded for me to move.

  I stood back to let her in, and her two friends I recognized from around school. Nola had deep, neon pink hair that was braided back. She lugged in another series of boxes, followed quickly behind by Jasper who gave me a wink.

  “You’re going to love what we’ve got planned,” he said, trying to shove tulle back into the overflowing box he carried.

  “What do you have planned?” I asked, wondering how much stuff they brought along.

  His dark eyes met mine. “Miracles.”

  With nothing more to do, I shut the door and followed them up the stairs.

  Callie had already shoved everything off my coffee table and set up a sewing machine. Nola was carefully walking around the room and one by one the pieces of the tattered dress were floating up to follow her. Jasper dumped his box on my bed and began sorting through the materials he had brought.

  “I think the original is a goner.” Nola gave a sad sigh. “Such a pretty color, too.”

  “Right? Someday I’ll get my vengeance, but for now, we’ll create something even better.” Callie’s eyes seemed to be glowing from magic. “Jasper, are you ready?”

  “Can we use a little glitter?” he asked in reply.

  “Of course. What’s a princess without some sparkle?” Callie smiled at me. “Arnessa, get your hair dried up and change into something a little more form-fitting. We’ll totally make this dance, but it’ll be just on time at best.”

  Not wanting to argue with her while she was in the zone, I followed Callie’s orders. After I finished, I sat off to the side not wanting to get in the way of the trio’s magic. Instead, I sent Vincent a message. “Callie’s got this. There’s no way I can meet up early, though.”

  “That sucks. I need to be here a little early too.”

  “I’ll meet you there. Promise.” With everyone’s help, there was no way I’d let Diamond win this one.

  The hours went by quickly. Jasper put the finishing touches on the dress and Nola did an amazing job turning my hair into something out of a fairytale. Not to mention my makeup was out of this world. I looked exactly like a princess. While I twirled around in front of the mirror, the other three finished getting ready.

  “I don’t think we’ve done something like this in forever.” Callie just about skipped over to me. The reds in her dress were an excellent compliment to the deep greens in mine.

  “You’re amazing. I have no idea how you pulled this plan together so fast.” I couldn’t stop smiling. The dress fit perfectly. The mixture of skill, luck, and sewing magic really had saved the day.

  “We owed her a few favors.” Nola laughed.

  “And everyone needs a fairy god-makeover once in awhile,” Jasper added.

  I turned to see his fantastic suit jacket. The deep red wine color glittered as he moved. The cotton broadcloth mix was stunning, jaw-dropping even. The fact I even knew what it was made of told me I actually had taken in some of Callie’s ramblings over the years.

  I glanced into the mirror once more and admired how the sleeves hung just off the shoulders. The neckline, I was told, was scalloped lace, as was the bodice. The skirt was tulle with slight lace accents toward the bottom with glitter. It looked gorgeous when I spun around. I could not help but giggle in delight before turning back to the others.

  Nola turned her hair from neon pink to a more cotton candy shade to better match her dress. “So, are we going to make a grand entrance now or what?”

  “Let’s,” Callie agreed as she looped her arm through mine. “We’ll be the best-dressed group there.”

  The parking lot was packed, but I was fine with the walk thanks to the gorgeous glittery silver flats Callie had brought me. Together, we had to have looked like models walking in. While everyone around us was dressed their best, these fashion students were runway ready. It almost felt like I was sneaking into something big, hidden among the trio.

  As soon as we were inside the gym, I could feel the tension melt away from my shoulders. I did it. I actually somehow made it here. I glanced around, lingering in the doorway for a moment before Callie grabbed my hand.

  “Let’s go find your guy.” She smiled, and I let her drag me into the room full of booming music and dim lights.

  “There’s so many people… I’ve no idea how we’ll find him.” I let her lead the way while I tried to figure out this crowd. I had forgotten about the mask part of the masquerade, but it hardly mattered. Only about hal
f of the people followed the theme anyway.

  “Found him.” Callie finally smirked, pointing up towards the small stage setup.

  Stunned, I looked from Vincent to Callie. He wasn’t in his normal illusion, instead he was exactly as I saw him last night. The facts all lined up in my head. A royal pain indeed.

  “You knew?” I didn’t try and hide my shock.

  “Best secret I’ve ever kept.” She smirked.

  “What do I do?” I wasn’t sure how to react. “Like, yes, he’s Vincent, but… a prince?” Diamond was going to kill me. Maybe even resurrect me and kill me again.

  “Don’t worry about them.” Callie gave me a reassuring hug. She knew my fears too well. “Dance the night away. They won’t even be able to get close.”

  “But–”

  She cut me off. “No buts. Do you think he’d let anything happen tonight, or even after?” Her glare told me she was ready for any argument I could muster up. Instead of trying, I just shook my head. “Exactly.”

  “I don’t know what to do now,” I replied lamely.

  Callie glanced over at the stage. “We’ll just have to magic his attention.” She smirked, and before I could protest I could feel her let loose a tendril of magic his way.

  Instantly, he glanced over and excused himself from the conversation he was having. Curious eyes watched him walk down from the stage and over to us.

  “I was hoping you’d make it.” He smiled at us. The happiness in his voice was enough to make me smile.

  “I can’t believe I didn’t get any of your stupid hints.” I laughed. They were too blunt to make sense at the time, and now...

  Callie took a step back. “And I, for once, didn’t ruin the surprise.” She winked at me.

  “Might have been nice to know a smidge sooner.” I couldn’t help but laugh more.

  “So, you’ll still dance with me, then?” he asked hesitantly.

  “Of course. You’re still Vincent, right?”

  “Yes, I am.” The relief in his face was instant. “Can you stand one more surprise?”

  “I don’t think you can possibly top this one, so why not?” Silly boys and their surprises.

  Or could he? Without another moment’s hesitation he got down on one knee and pulled out a small box. “Would you marry me?”

  Somewhere in the background, I heard someone screaming no. It was quickly muffled by a thunderous applause. I stood there in shock for a moment before frantically nodding my approval. “Yes.” I was just about in tears from excitement. As he put the ring on my finger I glanced over at Callie who was smirking away knowingly. She knew!

  “I guess I was wrong. You could top it.” I hugged him tightly, hardly caring that we were the center of attention.

  He held me tightly. “Anything for you.”

  We pulled away from each other, still smiling widely. And I knew that this was exactly how happily ever afters began.

  Acknowledgements

  Aud: Thank you for continuing to be an awesome beta, supporter, and outstanding friend. I’m glad to have you at my side.

  Nichole: It was wonderful being able to have you beta. I loved the comments!

  Jasper: This book probably needs more glitter. Book you was a blast to have. Thanks for making an appearance.

  Crystalyn: I hope you enjoy book you making it to the ball! You made this so much fun to write.

  Steph: I’m so amused that book you got a job at a coffee shop before real you. It would be extra cool if you could brew magic into your lattes.

  Liz: Years ago you said something so hilarious to me that it made it into this book. I’m not going to say what though. Just going to low key troll and laugh while you look.

  About The Author

  Jessica is a fantasy author who formed a love of reading at a young age. While unicorns and magic sparked an interest in the genre, it was childhood friends that convinced her to write. When not dreaming up new adventures, Jessica also enjoys video games, board game nights, and sending bad jokes to friends.

  Her author page can be found at:

  https://www.facebook.com/authorJEMueller/