CHAPTER 8

Everybody, Dance Now!

The next morning at breakfast, Cupid brought up the Grand Ball.

“So, how was the ball?” she asked while she served plates. “Did you have fun?”

“It was okay,” Prudence said. “The music was good.”

“If the music was good, why didn’t I see you dancing?” Stepmother cried. “Honestly, Prudence, I just don’t understand you.”

“Yeah, Prudence, why wouldn’t you dance at the ball?” Charlotte asked, helping herself to a heart-shaped waffle.

“What are you talking about, Charlotte?” Prudence said. “I certainly didn’t see you dancing, either.”

“Maybe not, but I wasn’t the one tapping my feet in the corner,” Charlotte said. “Oh, don’t look so shocked. I saw you—everybody saw you! You clearly wanted to dance, so how come every time someone asked you, you refused?”

“I’m… I’m picky? Yes! That’s it! I’m picky. I’ve fairy picky. I’m soooo picky,” Prudence said nervously, while Charlotte and their mom stared at her in disbelief.

“I don’t understand, Prudence. If you wanted to dance, why didn’t you just dance?”

“And I don’t understand you, Charlotte,” Prudence snapped back. “Why do you even bother going to a dance if you don’t want to be there?”

“I don’t understand either of you girls,” their mother said with a fairy weary sigh. “Cinderella, pass me some more of those heart-shaped scrambled eggs, please.”

Later that day, Cupid continued to do her chores, this time with Maddie by her side. They talked about Hopper turning into Prince Charming and the terrible time the sisters had had at the ball.

“You would think they would be hexcited about going to a ball and getting to meet a prince,” Cupid said. “But, Maddie, I’ve never seen two more unhappy-looking girls in my entire life… and I can’t figure out why they are so unhappy.”

Maddie was so excited that she started jumping around as she spoke. “Prudence has two of the same shoe! She’s heavy on her toes! She goes left, left, up, down! She’s never right! Even when she’s right, she’s left!” Maddie explained. With that, Cupid was suddenly able to figure out what Maddie was trying to tell her. Prudence has two left feet—she can’t dance! Cupid smiled. She knew hexactly what to do.

Later that afternoon, Cupid went up to Prudence’s room. She was surprised to hear hip-hop music blasting.

“I hate to bother you, Prudence, but I’d like to ask you a favor,” Cupid said.

Prudence turned off the music. “I don’t even like doing favors for my friends,” she replied. “Why would I do one for you?” When Cupid didn’t answer, she added, in a slightly less grumpy tone, “Well, out with it. What’s the favor anyway?”

“I have a confession to make, but it’s a bit embarrassing,” Cupid said. “I don’t dance fairy well. But I love music, and I love to dance, too! I thought maybe I’d be better with a little practice, but I need a dance partner. And I just heard your music playing as I was passing by your room, and I was wondering if you would like to practice dancing with me?” Cupid hoped her plan would work.

Prudence’s face immediately changed. She lost her usual sour expression, and her eyes lit up. “Oh! I love to dance, too,” she said. “But I have my own style, and it’s not like any of the other girls in the kingdom. When I try to copy the way the other girls dance, I just can’t do it. I always feel really awkward and uncomfortable and end up tripping over my own two feet.”

“Is that why you didn’t dance at the ball?” Cupid asked.

Prudence nodded. “I dread getting asked to dance at the balls, because I know I’m just going to make a fool out of myself. So I always refuse. It’s better to stand on the sidelines and watch instead of embarrassing myself, don’t you think?”

“Oh my wand! Who told you that you had to dance like everyone else?” Cupid exclaimed. “That’s the great thing about dancing: You can just do your own thing and be yourself!” She jumped up and waved her arms in the air and made a funny face. “Crank up that music, and let’s both dance the way we like to dance—in our own way, in our own styles!”

Prudence smiled happily and put the music back on. Together, they danced around the room like no one was watching—just the way they both wanted. Cupid had never seen Prudence look so happy as she did when she twirled around her room. She was jumping and spinning, and her eyes were sparkling. She had a huge smile on her face.

“I can’t believe you can dance like this!” Cupid told her. “You may be the best dancer I’ve ever seen!”

“Do you really think so?” Prudence asked, stopping for a moment to catch her breath.

“I really mean it,” Cupid replied. “You are a fairy good dancer. I love your style! It’s spelltacular!”

“Thanks,” Prudence said shyly. Then her face lit up into a big smile once again. “You know what, Cinderella? Now I’m actually looking forward to the next ball. I’ll just get up and dance and not worry about looking silly!”

“Never be afraid to dance the way you want to—remember, no matter how you dance, it will always be the perfect dance for you,” Cupid told her.

“Thanks, Cinderella!” Prudence said.

“Anytime!” Cupid replied.

Yay! That’s one stepsister down, only one more to go, Cupid thought. Now she just needed to figure out the deal with Charlotte!