Ella was sitting at the Starbucks café, sipping coffee, casually flipping the pages of one of the cheap fashion magazines. Her blonde hair, tied up in a messy bun was coming loose as she time and again flipped back a strand.

“Damn these shoes,” she commented, throwing it down on the glass table, which rattled.

“What happened? ” someone put down her vanity bag and picked up the magazine, flipping the brochure enclosed.

“Glass shoes, Snow. Have you ever heard of such a stupid thing? We women should definitely think of shattering glass ceilings, rather than fitting our feet in dainty, glass slippers,” she hissed through clenched teeth.

The tomboyish girl, with short jet-black hair, dressed in a stylish electric blue crop top and black leather pants, lifted her legs to show off her new black wedge stilettoes.

“Now this is fashion,” Snow White commented, raising her eyebrows, “But why is my girl so pissed off?”

“It’s because of Kit,” Ella made a face, absentmindedly twirling her black choker necklace.

“You mean that high school crush of yours, the one you used to swoon on and then talked on Facebook and finally met. And you’re dating him now,” Snow picked up the menu card, utterly bored.

“That freak,” Ella’s gorgeous blue eyes lit up, “He wants me to come to a ball in dainty little glass shoes and a gown, just to introduce me to his parents. I told him that I don’t like formal parties and he said he’s breaking up with me. These parties ultimately turn to a free for all as the boys get intoxicated and things happen. Ugh! I’m going to puke.”

Snow put down the menu, her dark eyes searching the room. She beckoned to the waiter, ordering two latte.

“Simply ignore him,” she suggested, “You give too much attention to him. He takes you for granted.”

“Maybe,” she shrugged, “What about that boy who was drooling after you, in that frat party?”

“He had tried to touch me. I grabbed him by the collar, flattened him against the wall, narrowed my eyes and warned him to stop stalking me and not to dare repeat his mistake again. He fled, never to show his face again,” Snow grimaced.

“Hey guys, How’s your fucking life going on. I’m definitely in at the wrong moment and you guys look fucking angry,” the orange haired girl, with her arms linked through those of her brunette boyfriend, was standing there, grinning.

Eric gave them a nervous smile, his metal braces showing, making him look cuter.

“Stop using the F-word, Ariel and stop wearing such things,” Ella said, her eyes half opened, the latte held to her lips.

“What’s wrong in this?” Ariel commented, running her hands on her flimsy transparent top, through which peeped out her shell patterned violet beach-bra.

“That’s a beach dress. Have some common sense. We women must maintain our dignity. It begins with giving up too revealing dresses, but maintaining our freedom in dressing,” Ella chided.

“I love your dress, by the way,” interjected Snow, pointing towards the bluish-mauve off-shoulder crop top, with artfully placed bows.

“It’s definitely stylish,” exclaimed Ariel.

Eric was looking from one woman to the other, definitely confused.

“It’s okay darling,” Ariel snatched the car keys from his hand, “I’ll drive it back home. I need to spend some time with my girlfriends.”

Eric simply nodded and left.
“Girl, you’re definitely lucky to have got him,” Ella gave Ariel a mock push and they both burst out in fits of laughter.

“Hey girls, hope I’m not late for the party,” a girl in pink overalls, with suns painted on it, was standing at the table, her blond hair sweeping her waist, tied in interwoven plaits.

“Nah, Rapunzel. Join in,” Snow invited.

“What have you done to your hair? ” Ariel exclaimed.

“I chopped it,” she replied, “It’s a bother. Takes an hour to comb and style that damned thing. Long hair isn’t what defines a woman anymore.”

The others nodded in agreement.

“So how’s life,” Ella leans forward to take her hand across the table.

“I thought you have a story to tell. Aren’t you getting engaged to that boy, Kit or whatever,” Rapunzel enquired.

“Damn him. My love life is so fu…,” she stopped herself just in time, “I promised to myself that I won’t swear.”

“You’re still lucky. I’m yet to grab one,” Rapunzel sighed.

“Hey Ella what about your stepmom and your sisters,” Snow suddenly asked.

“Don’t ask me about those bitches,” Ella made a face, “Mom would never get a match for them and they’re like 30 or something. So the regular drama in our home is dating apps and marriage sites. They scavenge the internet for millionaire boys, wear slutty skin-fit dresses, which give boys a good look at their fat butts and go to parties, drink and do things and then, the boys just leave them. Perfect treatment for a slut!”

“Come on. It’s them and their life. But yes, if they hurt you in anyway, you must protest,” Snow commented, offering her another croissant, “Now see those idiots who gave me bad apples leading to my being laid up in hospital for days. I simply went and sued them. No one in that whole market area now dares dupe me.”

“Yeah, that’s hot news,” Rapunzel chuckled, “Gothel is so strict about me leaving the house. It’s because of her that I can’t even go on a date. But I don’t dare protest or she’ll throw me out, and I’m still not 18.”

“Being under foster care is definitely bad, but I can say I’m an orphan too, because my father definitely doesn’t give a shit about me. He and my stepmother are always busy going on trips, and screwing each other,” said snow, rolling her eyes, with wild hand gestures.

“My stepmother is afraid that I’d get engaged before my sisters. I might have, but the whims and fancies of Kit are definitely growing every day. I feel like throwing temper tantrums. He’ll definitely come groveling at my feet,” Ella informed.

Her phone buzzed. She glanced at it and thrust it in her vanity bag, away from the eyes of others.

“You have him perfectly wrapped around your little finger. We girls definitely shouldn’t let them dominate,” Ariel, who was silent till now, commented.

“It’s not like that. I respect his wishes. I just hate when he makes outrageous demands. Glass shoes! Abominable! That’s demanding attitude. I want him to respect my personal space. That’s how relationship grows, isn’t it,” Ella explained.

Her phone was vibrating. She knew it was Kit, and she was determined not to receive his call. Let him get to know what she is.

“No one knows better than me,” Ariel blushed, “I’m getting married this month.”

“Oh my God! ” the others screamed in unison, “When, where, we need to make preparations.”

“It’s okay guys. No need to get panicked. Eric and I with your help will definitely manage it,” her face glowed with excitement, as she handed them a sample of the wedding invitation.

“Black on ivory, embossed gold roses, that’s definitely costly,” Rapunzel admired, turning it over.

“Yup, Eric wants it all to be extravagant. I object, but he likes to pamper himself and me,” Ariel lowered her eyes.

“Your father is coming,” Snow enquired.

“Don’t kid me. Triton is too busy with his parliamentarian job and his constituency. A politician’s life is so damned. Moreover I won’t send him an invitation too. You know, I rebelled and sneaked out of the house to be with Eric. Dad has disowned me.”

“Oh, I forgot. So sorry for you,” Snow apologized.

“I’m freaking happy without parental constraints in my life. Sometimes you need to break free. He would have forced me into marriage with some influential politician guy to strengthen his party and supporters,” Ariel said, gazing through the glass window, to the busy life on the streets outside.

“I know you miss him,” Ella squeezed her hand.

Ariel’s mask began to slip. She bit her lips, fighting back tears, still staring out of the window.

Finally she dabbed a handkerchief to her eyes and gave a dry smile, “It’s okay. I have Eric. Everything will be all right.”

“No, everything won’t be all right. Triton needs to come to this wedding and we’ll make him come. We’ll make him understand that a girl is not the property of the father, but a unique individual, who has every right to take charge of her own life,” Snow sounded determined.

“We’ll all go,” Ella said, just as her phone buzzed for the umpteenth time.

Dejectedly she picked it up and saw 6 messages.

Ell darling, whr r u? [10.30 am]

Ell did ya get the shoes? [10.45 am]

Ell reply please… [11.06 am]

Ell you’re angry with me? [11.08 am]

Babe I’m sorry… [11.15 am]

So sorry, please pick up my phone. I won’t ever make demands again. [11.38 am]

She chuckled before excusing herself as Kit called again.

She deliberately put the phone on a loudspeaker mode.

“Hey, I’m sorry baby, my darling. I’m so sorry. I know you’re angry. I’m gonna do whatever you want. Please. I know I was too demanding. I shouldn’t have asked you to come against your wishes, and to wear those stupid shoes and…” his pleadings were cut off by the giggling bunch of girls.

“What happened? Holy shit! It’s on loudspeaker,” a confused voice said from the other end.”

“Aww Kit, you’re so sweet,” Snow commented, “We were just discussing about you. Don’t worry boy. We’ll try to bring your fiancée back to you.”

Ella snatched up the phone and turned off the loudspeaker.

She mumbled something like, “It’s okay. I’m busy now. We’ll talk later.”

And with it she had to spend full fifteen minutes to make Kit believe that she wasn’t actually angry.

Final she put down the phone and beamed at others.

“You shouldn’t trouble such a dearie. Poor man,” Ariel made a pout.

“It’s okay. You guys don’t have to feel sorry. Let’s come back to you,” she said to avoid the light teasing.

“Hey guys. Let’s just give it all a break for some time and go enjoy a girl’s day out,” suggested Rapunzel, “We could go shopping.”

“Done,” the others exclaimed in unison.

They all paid the bill and exited the café, chatting excitedly.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

“Hey sugar, wanna go with us?” the man commented, taking a puff of the cigarette in his hand, his gaze lingering dangerously on the lone girl.

She cringed, crossing her arms over her chest, taking a defensive position.

She backed off, when another voice sounded from behind, “You can’t run.”

She shivered, looking around for help. But the people on the streets passed by as if nothing was happening. The goons were famous in the area and people generally avoided any kind of scuffle with them.

“Help someone!” she screamed as they advanced menacingly towards her.

Her screams fell on deaf ears, as people gave disinterested looks.
But there was someone who had witnessed the scene.
Snow had broken free from the group, came and deftly placed herself between the girl and the jerks.

“Just see who’s come to her defence,” the ugly brute chuckled.

Unable to bear anymore, Ella walked right up to the man and slapped him hard across his face.

His face turned red at the insult. He lunged for her. She effortless used the forearm block to deflect his attack and almost immediately, a roundhouse kick on his midsection had him grounded.

The other man, unnoticed by all was trying to slip away, but not before Rapunzel greeting him with a punch of her own. He whimpered in pain, collapsing at her feet.

“These are kids,” she commented, rubbing her hands.

Rapunzel turned to the girl and pull her into a hug, caressing her hairs, providing assurance while Ariel promptly rang up the police.

Soon the sirens filled the air and the police vehicles parked in front of the scene.

A young man jumped down from the police vehicle, rushing to hug the girl, sighing in relief. The girl cried against his chest for a bit.
He looked gratefully at Rapunzel, “Thanks for saving my sister.”

“It’s nothing,” she replied, “Make her take karate lessons. Every girl today must learn to defend herself against such freaks.”

He straightened up and looked at her, his eyes admiring. He was definitely hot, with a well-toned body and gorgeous hair and eyes. He was dressed in expensive Gucci shirt and his shoes screamed money.

“I like strong women, who create a new definition of feminity,” he gave a small smile.

“I’m a badass,” Rapunzel commented unfazed.

“Nice to meet you,” he extended his hands, “Flynn Ryder.”

“Rapunzel,” she shook it, still unaware that Flynn was already beginning to fall for her.

“Umm, would you and your friends mind coming over to our house this Saturday? It’s Lyra’s birthday and I want you all to be present,” he looked from one girl to the other.

“We’d like to see her again,” Snow commented, giving the girl another hug.

“Fine then, see you,” he dithered for a moment, looking at Rapunzel “Could I please get your number?”

“Yeah, definitely,” she wasn’t a bit fazed.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

“You are crazy,” Ella commented, “Flynn is definitely falling for you."

They were going to attend the invitation and had suitably groomed and dress up for the occasion. Flynn had sent a chauffeured car to pick them up. They were enjoying a lot in their regal ride.

“I saw it,” she replied, “But I won’t be the first to throw myself at him. He can win me only if he has the guts to come forward. I hate weak willed men.”

“Suit yourself,” Snow commented, “But your punch was definitely something.”

“Snow, it’s you who jumped in first,” Ariel mumbled, “I definitely didn’t have the guts to join in. I shouldn’t be here.”

“It’s okay. Who misses a free treat,” Snow grinned.

“We’re all definitely foodies, but do control yourself, Snow,” Ella mocked.

Snow made a face.

On reaching the Ryder mansion, they were ushered in to a tastefully decorated room, where ladies in gowns, draped in expensive furs and men in suit were having a gala time chatting.

They in their one-piece dresses, definitely stood out from the crowd, not that it fazed them.
They liked to make bold fashion statements.

Ariel stopped short, just on her way in.

“What happened? Did you see a ghost? ” Snow joked.

“Triton,” her voice quivered.
And there was the man himself, with his well-trimmed white beard, in a pinstriped suit, chatting with the host himself.

“Oh, there they are,” Flynn commented pointing at them, “Miss Ella Cinder, Miss Snow White, Miss Ariel Waters and Miss Rapunzel.”

His pronunciation of Rapunzel’s name was caressed with love and longing.

Triton stared at them, blinking his eyes.

Ariel gave him a defiant look. But she was breaking inside. Seeing her father after such a long time, definitely stirred something inside of her.

In a trance she walked up to him. He was still staring, but his expression softened, his eyes moist. His hands shook. He was still unsure of how to react.

Ariel was less reserved. Breaking all constraints, she rushed up to hug him, crying inconsolably. He gently patted her, she looked up at his eyes.

A silent communication flowed between them and they both left the main hall, hand in hand.

They definitely had a lot to say to each other.

“Hey,” Rapunzel heard a voice behind her.

She turned around and saw Flynn. He gave a winning smile.

She grinned sheepishly.

“Umm, I actually don’t know how to…uh…approach a girl,” he confessed.

“You’re damn cute,” she commented placing a hand on his chest, “The surest way to a woman’s heart is to be honest to her and to yourself. I’m ready to give you a chance to please me.”

“Yippee,” he exclaimed with childlike glee.

Rapunzel gave a coy smile as the duo moved to the private garden of the mansion.

Kit, who was a business associate of Flynn had been invited too.

When Snow got a glimpse of her, he was still groveling at her feet, while Ella was having a good time, pretending to ignore him.

“A perfect ending,” Snow chuckled to herself as Lyra rushed up to her, dragging her to the center of the dance floor, excitedly chatting about her dress and the attractions at the party.

She grabbed a glass of apple fizz from the juice bar, when she heard a voice behind her, “Excuse me.”

She turned around to find a tall man, with sharp features and brown curls.

“I was passing by in my car that day during the incident. I saw you defend the young girl fiercely. I had stopped my car and would have come if not for my stupid driver, who refused to let me get involved,” he shrugged.

“That was nothing,” she retorted, “We need to help ourselves when men don’t. There were lots like you who passed by, without stopping.”

“I’m so sorry,” his apology was genuine, “I actually work with the crimes department of the state police. I’m a detective to be precise. Would you perhaps like to work with me?”

Snow was baffled. She definitely needed a job. She hated to be dependent on her father. The job would be a savior.

“It’s an honor,” her eyes were moist.

“No. I’m honored to be able to work with you," he deftly wiped away her tears.

She looked surprised. No man had ever seen her vulnerability. She always had the tomboy mask on.

“I’m Florian,” the man put an arm around her, "I guess we need to get to know each other.”

“I’m Snow”, she replied, reaching up on her toes to give him quick peck on the cheek.

3000 words completed.

A/N Written for the Disney rebels contest by Fanfic and Rebel_Town

Thanks to everyone for reading... Dedicated to phoenix_MB23 KashishBelikov EverSinceNever
I he people I know definitely love Disney Princessses.