Realitly Check

We all know the story of Cinderella. She grew up with a terrible step-mother and was her slave until she met her lovely Prince Charming and lived happily ever after. Unfortunately, as much as we want to believe this story is true, it is not reality. Here is the reality of the story of Cinderella.
In a small town in England lived a young maiden named Cinderella. Her father had died when she was young and she was trapped in a small cottage with her horrid step-mother and two step-sisters. Each day they made her clean the house, do the laundry, make them food, and anything else they could think of while they pranced around like spoiled princesses.
One day Cinderella's step-mother demanded she go to the market to pick up apples to make her some pie. On her way to the market she noticed a foot sticking out from behind a rock. She walked curiously towards the rock. As she peaked over she noticed a handsome man attached to the foot. He wore royal robes and seemed to be in pain.
"Are you alright?" Cinderella asked.
"Uh I think so." the man groaned as he tried to sit up, "Just fell off my horse." Cinderella started to laugh at him.
"You dare laugh at the Prince?" he asked appalled. Cinderella suppressed her giggle, but continued to smile.
"Sorry your highness, but I figured you of all people would be graceful." Cinderella mocked. She grabbed his hand and helped him up.
"Thank you." he said as he got on his horse, "You are a very interesting girl Cinderella. I hope to see you again." He waved and she curtsied and laughed as he rode off.
She did see him again. Every day she went to the market he was waiting by that rock and he walked her to the market. They would talk and laugh and very soon became great friends. Once in awhile the idea of a Prince befriending a commoner crossed her mind and bewildered her, but she soon ignored the thought because she was starting to fall for him.
As the months passed the time for the Prince to choose his bride neared. The King decided to throw a ball for him and invited every maiden so he had a variety of choices, yet he preferred his son to marry into royalty.
Cinderella decided that this was her opportunity. She had been debating over the last month to tell the Prince how she really felt about him, but was afraid that he didn’t feel the same because she was a commoner. She began making a beautiful dress for the occasion and thought about how she would word her feelings towards him.
On the day of the ball Cinderella worked fast to get her chores done so that she was ready. Her step-sisters realized what she was doing and piled more work on her for they did not want her to ruin their chance at royalty. To their surprise Cinderella finished these extra chores in a timely manner. This angered them so much that they ran to her room and tore her dress in half.
When Cinderella saw what they had done she fell to her knees and cried. The ball was in an hour and there was no way she could fix it in time. Her family left for the ball as she sat on the floor frantically sewing. In her haste she broke the needle and had to go to the attic to find a new one. As she was rummaging through the drawers she noticed a trunk that she had never seen before. The name on the trunk was Heather. Her mother’s name. She opened the trunk to find a sparkling white gown. Her heart filled with joy as she raced down the stairs, put it on, and ran out the door.
When she arrived at the ball she became very nervous. Butterflies filled her stomach as she climbed the stairs to the grand hall. The room was so magnificent and elegant. Cinderella marveled at the décor as she made her way to wear the spectators were standing at the edge of the dance floor. She saw the Prince dancing happily with an elegant princess. Her heart sank only for a moment, but she reassured herself that he had to dance with everyone. The song ended and he looked around and noticed Cinderella standing in the crowd. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the terrace.
“I’m so glad you came.” He beamed.
“Me too.” She blushed.
“I have some exciting news. I’ve chosen my bride.”
Cinderella’s heart filled with both hope and dread. She hoped he would have chosen her, but deep down she knew she was wrong.
“Really? Who?” she asked.
“The young princess I was just dancing with.” He said excitedly. Her heart sank and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She was right to think he wouldn’t like her. She decided to hide how she felt.
“That’s great. I’m so happy for you.” She said sincerely.
“Thanks. That means so much to me because you are practically my best friend and your opinion matters most.”
She smiled at him trying to fight back tears. She looked up at the clock briefly searching for an excuse so he wouldn’t see her tears and said “I have to go. More chores.”
“Oh. Well Goodnight Cinderella.” When he turned to walk back in to the grand hall she raced away from the castle, tears streaming down her face.
One month later a beautiful wedding was taking place. The Prince and the Princess were to be married. At that very hour Cinderella sat on the kitchen floor of the cottage, scrubbing the floor. Tears streamed down her face, but she really was happy for him. She wanted nothing but the best for him. Even though she didn’t get her happy ending she knew he did and he deserved it.