Cinderella

Cinderella lived a happy life. She was raised by an adoring mother and father, she didn't want for anything and she had friends and a beautiful home to live in. Then right around her 12th birthday her father died and their life fell apart. They could no longer afford the servants and the parties the were used to. They were kicked out of the society they had always been a part of. They were poor, but at least they had each other and their beautiful house.

One day when Cinderella was about 14 her mother sat her down and told her that there was going to be changes that she was going to remarry so that they would be cared for, their house could be repaired and they would have food on the table once more. Cinderella was upset. She loved her mother though and agreed to try for her.

Her stepfather arrived the next week and life was alright. He was a hard and uncaring man, but he was kind enough to her mother and ignored Cinderella. Cinderella did not care because her mother was no longer worried about money and could sit back and allow others to care for her.

Then one day Cinderella's mother grew very ill and she passed away. Cinderella was left alone. Her stepfather never saw her and was always away on business. She never saw anyone but the servants who were told to stay away from her. She heard that she had two stepbrothers that were older than her but she never saw them either as they were away at school.

The years passed and soon Cinderella was turning 18 years old. Within the week her stepfather arrived home with her stepbrothers in tow. She was commanded to come to the main hall for dinner that night and wear her nicest clothes.

When she arrived in dinner she found it was only her stepfather and stepbrothers and that they had already eaten and was drinking.

"Ah! Cinderella. Come your stepbrothers, Ted and Miles, have arrived home and it is time for you to meet them." Her stepfather stood and escorted her to her stepbrothers.

She curtsied and said, "Nice to meet you."

Ted laughed, "Father, you are right she is a beauty."

Miles chimed in, "Yes, she was grown quite well from the look of her."

Cinderella was confused. The men spoke as if she was not even there. She began to feel uneasy and said, "I must have missed dinner. I am sorry, but I am not feeling well and I will leave you to your drinks." As she went to turn away her stepfather caught her arm and pulled her into his lap.

"No, you came at the right time. You were invited for dessert not dinner, my dear."