Diversity announced that the party was over and ordered her guests to retreat to their bedrooms and go to sleep. She then commanded her gremlins to search around the castle for Mary Sue and followed me to my and Mary Sue's room.

I had hoped that Mary Sue was in the room when we got there, but as I expected, there was neither sign of her nor a trace of her. Her suitcase and all of her belongings were gone, and her bed - what used to be hers - was a complete mess. Both the blanket and sheets were tangled, and the pillow was as flat as a pancake because of the feathers that were scattered all over the floor.

But those were the least of our concerns. What really took us by surprise were the deep scratches on the walls. Who made the scratches? Was it a wolf or another wild animal? However, something told me that my used-to-be friend was behind the markings. Now that I know what became of her, it was understandable that she had lost her mind.

But Mary Sue losing touch on fictional reality did not explain the note. It was a fact that she did not write that note. Her handwriting was big and sloppy. This handwriting was neat and in cursive. I would be unable to read cursive if Dr. Maxwell had not taught it to me.

I became both sad and worried about Mary Sue. Where was she? What happened to her? Was she kidnapped? If so, who would want to kidnap her and why? I sat on the edge of my bed as these important questions invaded my brain, and Diversity stood by my side.

"I deeply apologize for your missing friend, Ada. As we speak, my gremlins are going around the property of my castle to hopefully find her. I can only imagine how you feel."

My thumbs and fingers trembled in fear. I wanted to say something. Anything! Unfortunately, my fear was preventing me to utter a single word, so Diversity continued.

"My advice would be to give your body some rest, but you are obviously not in the mood to sleep."

I looked up and slowly nodded my head.

She snapped her fingers. "I know what will make you feel better. A night on the run." She patted my shoulder. "Be right back."

Diversity lifted up her dress, revealing her matching shoes, and hurried out of my and Mary Sue's bedroom. I mean, my bedroom. She immediately returned with a small box. The box was dark red with a yellow ribbon on top. She plopped next to me and handed me the box.

"This jewelry was given to me by one of my students. It is useless in my hands, but when it is in yours, it can make all your wishes come true."

I stared at the top of the box and fiddled with the ribbon.

"What are you waiting for, Ada? An invitation? Open it."

I did so and was shocked - and honored - to see a beautiful necklace inside. The lights made the necklace sparkle. It was a red jewel connected to a golden chain. Real gold. I was so captivated by the jewelry that I finally spoke.

"It is wonderful. But why are you giving it to me?"

"I see potential in you, Ada. And what better way to reach your potential than a magical jewel that will give you all kinds of powers?"

Diversity offered to put the necklace on me. I happily obliged, and she pulled it out of the box and helped me put it on. I touched the jewel.

"I do not feel any different."

"You will soon, my dear. You have to use it."

"How do I activate it?"

"By displaying your emotions. The jewel reacts to each and every one of your emotions."

"Cool."

"Hmm..." She placed a hand on her hip and rubbed her chin.

"What is it, Diversity? Is something the matter?"

"You could say that. None of the outfits that I have will match your new necklace. So I guess that it is time to go shopping."

"Shopping? At this time of night?"

"It will be fine, Ada. You will have a blast! Now put on the clothes that you came here with and follow my lead."

After I changed back in the outfit that I was born with, Diversity and I left the castle and wandered into town. We stopped by a small shop that sells the latest trends and looked around.

"Do you have ideas on what you might want to wear besides the tacky dress that you are wearing now?" Diversity asked me. "I am thinking red because your jewel is red."

"How about you decide for me?" I replied with a question. "You seem to have better taste than I do."

"Why, thank you, Ada, but we are here to get special clothes for you. There has to be something that you like."

I let out a yelp, hopped on one foot, and sat on a stool. Diversity ran up to me and asked if I was alright.

"My feet are killing me." I yanked off my heels. "They may be low heels, Diversity, but they cause pain to my poor feet. If only there were shoes that were flat."

"Like tennis shoes?" Diversity suggested.

"Are they comfortable?"

"If we find the correct size, they will be."

I picked out a pair of tennis shoes, and she slipped them on my feet. I stood up and walked around in them. They were better than the heels, but I was not thrilled how they felt.

I sat back down and took them off. "I wish that the people designed flat shoes. Shoes with no elevation."

"Ooh! I have just the shoes for you."

She vanished around a corner and soon came back with a shoebox and pulled off the top. They were black and had black bows at the tips.