Cinderella: The Cinder from the Ash

Chapter Two

Ella’s eyes widened. “But—I cannot.” She scrambled for a reason, any reason, her step-mother would accept. “What if my make-up runs? I could mar their chances with the prince.”

Celina nodded. “It is true that your ugliness would reflect poorly upon our family. Very well, if you wish to remain here, I will allow it. But that fact does not exempt you from your chores.”

Ella bowed her head. “Of course not, Mama. Evangline mentioned you had a list for me. Would you like me to run those errands first?”

“Stupid girl,” Celina muttered, nearly under her breath. “Get the list from Esmae. She needed to add a few things. Then go into town and purchase fresh brains. We are running low.”

“Yes, Mama.” Knowing full well the only way she would get to eat would be to visit the old garden behind the church, and thus be late coming home, Ella nonetheless agreed. It had taken years, but she had finally learned how to navigate in her step-mother’s household. As long as she agreed to everything, her steps were kind. It was only when she was defiant that their true nature emerged. She still bore the scars on her back from their rage.

“Get going, girl!” Celina snapped. “We do not have all day, and I should not have had to come up here at all. The ball is next week, and new gowns must be made!”

Ella scrambled for the door. She recognized that particular tone in her step-mother’s voice and had no desire to add to her scar collection.

“And be sure to purchase dark blue ribbons this time,” Esmae tossed her head. “The dark blue sets off my hair and matches my eyes.”

Ella stifled a snicker. Esmae’s hair was so matted and caked with filth that no-one would be able to tell its natural color, ribbons or no. She did have beautiful blue eyes, however. It was a shame they were obscured by false eyelashes and multi-colored bruises. Ella took the list from her step-sister’s hand. “Tell Mama I will return when the list is done.”

“It is not my job to broadcast your messages,” Esmae retorted. “Tell her yourself.”

Ella bit back the reply she wished she could make. Instead, she turned on her heel and marched out the front door, pulling it firmly closed behind her. Once on the front steps, she breathed deep. There was nothing in the world like being outdoors. Even if she was caked in enough make-up to choke a horse, and the light coating of ash between her fingers was driving her mad. She glanced back at the house, then peeled the gloves off and shoved them into a hidden pocket. Coated in gray like they were the chances of anyone noticing her hands were not normal was unlikely. After the dark of a house that used to be so bright and cheerful, Ella wanted to sing, but she stifled the urge. Celina would not approve of such behavior, and it was a safe assumption that Esmae, who lived to get Ella into trouble, would ensure her mother would hear of the matter. Ella glanced over the list, but it was nothing she did not expect. Ribbons and fabrics and three different kinds of raw brains, along with more false eyelashes, white powder, and hair combs. Those last she was sure Esame added simply because she could. She was the worst of the two step-sisters.

By now the day was bright and quite warm. Ella found herself humming under her breath as she walked past the wrought iron gates and onto the lightly wooded path. The undead did not readily venture outside during the day without cause. The chances of her being seen were not great enough to warrant undue concern. The birds in the trees modulated their chirps to match her humming and two brave deer crossed the path in front of her. It was a good day to be alive, even if she was the only person who truly lived. It did not take her long to reach the town proper, and enter the first shop on her list of errands.

“Cinder, what brings you out during the daylight hours, and where is your delightful step-mother?”