Cinderella...Ish

2

"Ella! I don't care if it is your last day here. You still need to do your chores! So where is my food?" I heard Janis yell

"I'm coming jeez. Do you not want me out on time?" I said walking into the kitchen

"Do not talk to me like that" She said

"Do you want breakfast or not" I replied

"Mother i'm hungry" Mary said pouted

"Can she make waffles" Anne asked

"She can make what ever your hearts desire" Janis said

"Can you make us waffles" Mary asked

I nodded and got to making the mix. We are the same age but they ask me nicely for things because that know I won't do it if they give me an attitude. The funny thing about me leaving is, they don't know I'm leaving the barn too. Their horses don't ever come in from the field for them, only me. And I take care of their horses. Oh man, they are going to lose these horses. Or have to hire someone to take care of them. Their horses only likes me. My uncle, who i'm moving in with, their son rides as well. We are also the same age. We get along great he's one of my best friends. His horse is gorgeous too. So I guess our horses will be the new guys at this new barn.

"Here. Last time you get to have my waffles" I said

They took all of them and I made myself a waffle with the rest of the batter. I made a thick one too. I ate that in the kitchen since I served them in the dining room. Fluffy waffle. Once I finished eating, they brought me their dishes and I cleaned the kitchen. Then I went up to my room and finished packing. I started bringing stuff down to my truck and thank god it isn't raining today. Tomorrow we are getting hit with a storm, but not today. I hope.

"Hey girl. You want help?" Kate said walking over to me

"Of course, we can get in a work out together" I laughed

She nodded and we finished bringing down the boxes I had packed already. Then she helped me pack up every little thing I had left. This room is bare. It looks better then it did when I moved in though. I got to paint and decorate the room at least. It's stripped now.

"Well, good bye room. It's been real. I feel bad for what ever they do to you" I said

"Sentimental, I like it." Kate laughed

"Well, i'm finally gone." I said

She nodded and we walked back down to my truck. Well, they all left. Not my job to lock these doors.

"When are you getting Gypsy?" Kate asked

"Now. Gotta drive over an hour away. I'd rather do that once. Not 4 times" I said

"True. I'll follow you over" Kate said

Nodding, I hopped in my truck and drove over to the barn. Hooking up my trailer, Kate helped me clear out my locker and I got all of my stuff loaded into the small tack area of my trailer. The rest went into the bed of my truck with a tarp. I don't want anything to fly out. Walking into the barn, I went over to Mary and Anne's horses and rubbed their noses.

"Bye guys. Don't get yourselves killed okay. Try and be nice." I said

They both huffed and I got Gypsy out of his stall. Taking his name sign, I loaded him into the trailer and put his name tag on my seat.

"I'm going to talk to the owner real fast. I'll be back." I said

"I'll be here" Kate smiled

Nodding, I walked into the office and looked at the owner.

"Here's your last paycheck. You sure you don't want to keep working here?" She said

"It's over an hour drive. I'm going to try and maybe go to school. I don't know yet. Thank you for everything though" I said

"You've been a big help. Good luck" She replied

We hugged and I walked back to my truck. Making sure everything was secure, I hopped in my truck and started the hour drive. My family got there yesterday morning and are excited to see me. Kate is following me over since she wants to meet everyone again and she's going to help me unpack. I'm so excited yet so nervous at the same time. The sucky thing about this is, that dance is tomorrow night. So I have the rest of today to unpack and get to know my aunt, uncle, and cousin some more and tomorrow.

"Are you close?" Colin said

"I'm about 20 minutes away from the barn" I said

"Okay. You need any help there?" He asked

"No, Kate is trailing behind, Gyp is going to be so confused" I replied

"Okay. I'll see you when you get here. We are all excited. Their 24 year old son and 21 year old niece living at home" Colin said

"Sounds great" I laughed

We hung up and I finished driving the 20 minutes and arrived at the barn. Pulling around the front, the owner walked over and smiled at me.

"Hi Ella. So glad to have you here" She smiled

"Thank you, did my cousin bring his horse down?" I asked

"Yup. Your stall is right next to his. We had those two open conveniently" She laughed "If you two need any help, some of the other boarders should be coming soon"

Nodding, Kate and I moved my stuff into a locker and I put Gypsy in the field she pointed too. Once I made sure he wasn't going to kill anyone and vise versa, I grabbed his name tag and put it on his stall. These are actually bigger then the ones he's used too. He'll like this. Once we got everything out and away, I checked on my boy real fast and said bye. Then I went and chatted with the owner, just went over how he is. Since I'm not going to be here every single day.

"So, I don't know if you are currently working. But we could use another hand around here. The two open stalls you and your cousin took were two people who boarded and worked here." She said

"I was working at my old barn. I might look into going back to school, but till then, i'd love to work here. It'll put my horse more at ease" I smiled

"That's great!" She replied

We went over everything and I signed some papers then met back up with my friend and drove to the house. It's only 15 minutes away, so nice. Okay, I got this. I've met these guys so many times, the past few years i haven't seen them but you don't forget family right. I saw them in court when all this went down. I have Colin on social media so we were talking and took things into our own hands. Parking my truck, Kate parked next to me and everyone walked out of the house.

"Ella!" Colin yelled

I ran over and hugged him then his parents. Kate just leaned against my truck smiling with her phone up.

"That's your friend right?" My aunt said.

"Yeah. She was going to help me unpack everything. She actually lives kinda close to here. 20 minutes away" I said

We walked over to my truck and started getting everything out. Over the course of that, Colin and Kate became friends. They both helped me bring my stuff to my room. Which, is so nice. Oh my. The bed looks so comfy.

"Well, i'm going to head home and leave you guys to bond. I'll see you tomorrow for the ball" Kate smiled

"Oh yeah. I forgot about that." Colin said

"I forgot you were going" I laughed

"Hey, you needed a date" He shrugged

"I mean, you do rope and ride bulls. So, you can go." I said

"I'm making pasta for dinner. I'll let you guys know when it's done" My aunt said

I nodded and walked up to my room and flopped on the bed.

"Oh man. This bed is so comfy. I can't wait to sleep in it tonight" I said

"Better then your old one?" Colin asked

"My old one was a worn out mattress from who knows when" I said

"True. Well, would you like help unpacking, or are you good" He asked

"I should be good. Thank you" I smiled

He nodded and walked out, while I looked around the room. Hmm, there is so much room for clothes. A huge closet and a dresser? Man, I might need to buy more clothes. The floor of the room is covered in my s**t right now. My truck is empty and the trailer is next to the one they brought Colin's in. His trailer is so nice. So is his truck. But hey, I love my old OBS. It's going to blow up on my one days but as long as the trailer isn't attached it's fine.

"Colin! Ella! Dinner" I heard

Oh man, I haven't not cooked for everyone in a long time. Heading down to the kitchen, we all sat at the table and my aunt served me. I said thank you many times.

"So, how is unpacking going?" My uncle asked

"Pretty good. You can see the floor now" I laughed

The rest of them laughed and we chatted during dinner. I told them about me, they told me about them. It was fun. We are going to watch a movie later tonight so I'm going to finish unpacking. Almost all of my clothes fit in the closet. I still have a lot of space left. I filled the dresser though. It's a long semi tall dresser so it fit a lot. And it's a great place for my trophies. I still have room for more. I tied a string along the top of the window and hung my ribbons on it. Might need to expand this. I stored my suitcase and duffel bags under my bed and broke down all the boxes. My uncle said he'd take them so I brought them down to the living room.

"All done hun?" My aunt said

"Yeah. Uhm, you said you wanted the boxes?" I said

"Yep. Thank you for breaking them down" He replied

I nodded and stood there for a second before walking over to the couch. We continued to chat and then decided it was movie time. Mostly because it started raining. I guess that storm is hitting tonight.

"Well, welcome to your first official movie night with us." My aunt said

I smiled and was brought a bowl of popcorn. You know, Kate and I have done this but being 'home' and doing this. It's been a while. I can't wait to sleep in that bed though.

~*ZzZz*~

"Oh girl, that bed was so comfy. Best sleep i've had in the longest time" I said

"It is pretty comfy. Are you ready" Kate asked

"I guess" I laughed

"That's good. I can't wait for this ball" Kate smiled

"I know you can't. Is Tommy coming here?" I asked

"Yeah. So I can help you get ready" She replied

Shaking my head, we sat around a bit more before it was time to get dressed. It's still raining outside so that's going to be fun.

"Alright b***h. Let's start getting ready" Kate said

Nodding, we got our dresses out and got changed. I took a shower this morning and Kate got one sometime before she got here.

"Oh girl. Look at that dress. I still love it" Kate said

"I don't know why you didn't buy it. But your dress is to die for too" I smiled

"We are going to be the hottest girls there" She smiled

"I'm wearing cow boy boots though" I laughed

"Same" She replied

We both got a black pair of boots to match out dresses, and masks. I don't know what possessed these people to do a masquerade ball thing but I kinda like it. No one will know who I am. And I won't actually see my lovely now ex step sisters. I don't live there anymore so.. ex.

"Alright. Tommy should be pulling up now. Are you ready?" Kate said

"Yeah. I hate dances" I laughed

She shook her head and we went down stairs. Where we got awed by my aunt and Uncle. Colin is driving me, while Kate and Tommy are driving together. Tommy dropped her off this morning so there's not 50 million cars here.

"Well, let's get some pictures then I'll let you go." My aunt said

We all shook our heads and took pictures before running out into the rain.

"I'm so glad this place is only half an hour away" Colin said

"I wish it was only 5 but hey. I have a comfy ass bed to come home to" I laughed

He shook his head and we talked on the way there. I love chatting with him. He tells me all his family stories that I don't have. Haha. Pulling up to the venue Tommy and Colin parked next to each other and we all booked it. They had an onning so it wasn't that bad. Time to waltz in and steal the show. Kate and I are both in long black dresses. This is a very fancy kinda ball since we are with the jumpers and all them. So, I have long sleeves to cover my tattoos. Kate has sleeves too but not full length. She doesn't have many tattoos on her arms since she's a nurse. Well going to school for it but she's also working as one.

"Names?" The guy at the door said

We gave him all our names and got to go inside. Wow. Everyone is really dressed up. Lots of dark colored dresses. Okay. I don't know who anyone here is, I guess that can be a good thing.

"So would you like me to stay with you?" Colin asked

"No no. Go away. Have fun. You moved across the country" I laughed

He shook his head and wandered off while I also lost Kate and Tommy. Okay. Walking around, you really can't tell who is who with these masks. We can't take them off either. The only way I can kinda tell people apart, is everyone in the rodeo wore black. The jumpers and dressage people wore colors. Well, the food table looks pretty good.

"Hey, are you rodeo?" I heard

"Me?" I asked turning around

"Yeah, you're in black." The guy replied

"I am rodeo" I laughed "Ha, that sounds funny"

"Would you care to dance?" He said putting his hand out "Unless you have a date already"

"Hmm, food. Or dance? That's a tough choice" I said

"How about dance with me, then we can sit down and eat food?" He said

"Sure" I laughed

Grabbing the boys hand we walked out to the dance floor and followed along everyone else. You know, this kids voice sounds familiar. I'm trying to figure out who he is. I know my tattoos would give me away so I don't think he can see them through the semi mesh sleeves. Actually, now that I think about it, unless it's any of the guys I follow on i********:, I always wear long sleeves at rodeos.

"You look gorgeous" The guy said

"You look pretty good too" I replied

"Think you can tell me who you are? Or are you going to make me wait till they let us take off the masks" He said

"I think i'll make you wait. Maybe you'll get sick of me" I laughed

He smiled then got called away by a group of guys. Okay, I have an idea of who that is. I just don't know which one out of that lovely group it is. Unless that's a totally different group of guys. Who knows.

"Hey babes. You hungry?" I heard

Turning around Kate and Tommy were standing behind me.

"Considering that guy wanted to dance so I couldn't stuff my face. Yes. I'm hungry." I said

We went and got plates of food, then found a table. Right next to the group of guys that i'm pretty sure stole the kid away. They all look the same honestly.

"Hii. You guys are in the rodeo right?" "We love watching you" Oh man, I know those voices

"Is that who I think it is" Kate laughed

"Yup. I don't even have to look to know" I said

Glancing back they were in light blue dresses. Very, frilly fluffy dresses. They stand out. Well, stick out.

"Yeah, you two aren't" One of the guys said

"How do you know" Mary asked, yeah I can tell their voices apart.

"Everyone in the rodeo wore black. Like those two girls right there" Another guy said motioning towards us.

"Oh, okay. Do any of you want to dance?" Anne asked

They all looked at each other and refused.

"I knew we should of copied Ella and done rodeo. I could do what she can. All her stuff would of been mine" Mary said

"Mary, you fell off when you tried that. I would of won" Anne said

"Your horse took off with you and you fell off too" Mary said

"We'll just make her teach us when we see her at the barn. She may not live with us but she works there and we get our way" Anne said

"Wow, little do they know" I laughed

"Oh wow. They are going to be pissed" Kate said

"I would like to see their reactions" Tommy laughed

I laughed and we got out food. Oh man this is so good. My fat ass could eat so much of this. But I might pop out of this dress if I do.

"Hey guys" Colin said walking over

"Bro. This food is so good" I said

"It looks it" Colin said

We sat around for a little bit then all got up and walked towards the dance floor.

"Hey, did you want to dance again?" The guy from earlier asked

"She would love to" Colin said pushing me towards him

"Well thanks cuz" I replied

"Was your cousin your date?" The kid laughed

"Yup. He just moved around here and is gonna join our circuit" I said

"What's he do" The guy asked

"Roping and bull riding" I replied

"Oh nice. My buddies and I are all ropers. Some of us ride bulls as well and some of us steer wrestle" The kid said

"Nice. Maybe y'all can be friends" I replied

He nodded and we danced for a little bit. He's really cool. I hope if it's someone from that group it's like Ryan or one of the nice ones. Ryan's okay. Kinda cute.

"Hey Cuz. Come here real fast" Colin said tapping my shoulder. "My dads truck won't start and he has a call to go to. You mind leaving now?"

"Yeah no problem. Just gonna tell Kate" I said

He nodded and I walked over to my friend.

"Hey babes. We gotta go. I'll see you later" I said

"We are heading out too." She said

Nodding, we all headed out the door and went home. Tonight was fun. I really want to know who that was though. I guess i'll find out eventually.