Chapter Thirteen:
I Like... Your Hair!

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     "I don't like this idea."

     "I don't care."

     Ingrid huffed in response to Laila's oh-so-sweet statement. She was holding Eva, her cat, in her arms, except with Eva's fluffy ginger fur next to Ingrid's red hair, all it looked like was a fiery explosion.

     "Come on," Laila said, starting to grow impatient. "It's not that hard. Just hand Eva over to the nice lady and then we can go."

     The two sisters were at a new pet daycare that Fairy Godmother had created. It was a quaint place—though despite it being quaint, the lady working there had assured her that it was totally safe and sturdy, which made a lot of sense because, well, Fairy Godmother had made it with her magic—where you could leave your pet for the day, if you were busy, and they would look after them. Laila thought it was genius; Isak wouldn't have to stay cooped up in her room! Ingrid, on the other hand, thought differently...

     "I can't betray Eva like that!" Ingrid stared at her in horror.

     "I am this close—" Laila raised her hand and held her pointer finger and thumb a centimeter apart, "—to leaving now and letting you find your own way around Auradon. This close."

     Ingrid gasped. "Don't do that! I don't have a map yet—I'll get lost!"

     "Then hurry the fuck up."

     Grumbling, Ingrid lifted Eva so she was looking into her eyes and said in the softest voice Laila had ever heard her speak, "I'm going to miss you."

     Laila refrained from saying, You're only leaving her for the day. You are literally picking her back up tonight. Argh. She feared that if she started talking, Ingrid would engage in the conversation rather than dropping off Eva, like Laila wished she had done fifteen minutes ago when they had first gotten here. Laila had already said goodbye to Isak, and she could see him now, in the backyard, running around happily and chasing a bird (well... trying to. Isak couldn't fly, so instead he was running around in circles with his head pointed upwards, his gaze fixated on the bird that was circling the sky. He was trying, though).

     "Oh, my God, hurry up," Laila said impatiently, breaking her silence. "It's going to start any second. I don't want to be late."

     It was VK Day—Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos had selected four new kids from the Isle to come to Auradon. Laila and Ingrid had woken up early (much earlier than Laila would've liked) and had managed to make it to Auradon before the events of the day began. But now, Ingrid was taking forever, and Laila feared that she wouldn't get to see Evie before she left for the Isle to bring back the new kids.

     Ingrid looked at her like she'd grown two heads. "You don't want to be late? Wow. That's a new one."

     Laila admitted, "I don't want to miss seeing Evie."

     "Aha, there it is!"

     "Shut up."

     And so, after Ingrid finally gave Eva to the lady, Laila hurriedly ushered her out of the shop and practically dragged her down the street. Unsurprisingly, it was rather busy, and Laila pulled Ingrid through the town, the younger girl no doubt being annoyed about it, but Laila didn't care. They were so close—if Laila missed it, she was going to be so disappointed.

     Out in front of Auradon Prep was a massive crowd of people, all wearing smiles and cheering loudly. Laila smiled slightly—the excited atmosphere was a welcome contrast to what it was last time this happened. Sure, everyone seemed excited when Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos had arrived, but Laila knew that there were a handful of people who weren't happy about it. This time, it seemed as though everyone was thrilled about the prospect of new people.

     As Ben and Mal entered the vicinity, Laila sighed in relief. They had just made it in time. Laila swiftly weaved her way in and around people, Ingrid following her, stopping as she reached a point where she figured they'd be able to see. It was right next to Audrey—Laila decided she had some rotten luck... but she didn't want to move away and risk being in a spot they couldn't see... Laila decided she would just ignore Audrey and pretend she wasn't even there—and Audrey's grandmother, Queen Leah, plus Chad.

     A large screen displaying a close up of the couple was elevated on the castle wall, allowing the festivities to be seen by everyone. A large square platform that was raised about half a metre off the ground was in the centre, right in front of the statue of the King. Flags and banners of yellow and blue were everywhere, and Laila started to feel... almost nostalgic about school. She never thought she'd say that—but she had truly missed it. Well, the people, more so, but still.

     As Ben and Mal walked toward the platform, the band started playing, and the cheering got louder. When they got on top of the platform, Fairy Godmother gestured for them to stay put, so they did. She handed Ben the microphone.

     Laila suddenly smiled. She had missed her friends.

     "What's up, Auradon?" Ben let out, and the crowd cheered again. "Thank you, thank you so much for coming out to welcome our new arrivals. They'll be here soon."

     Laila had initially elected to ignore the people next to them, but as Queen Leah whispered underneath her breath, "Not like we had a choice," Laila had to fight back the urge to turn around—she thought the woman was awfully pretentious. She tried not to let the disappointing realisation that not everyone was thrilled about this get to her.

     "It worked out pretty well for the first four," Ben continued with a smile on his face.

     Chad called out, "Yeah, especially for you—" but was immediately cut off by Audrey snapping her fingers in front of his face, silencing him.

     Audrey scoffed. "Really funny."

     Laila gave them the side eye, though they didn't seem to notice.

     Ingrid had noticed Laila paying attention to their conversation, and she said, "Who's that?"

     "Audrey and Chad, and Queen Leah," Laila said quietly.

     Ingrid's eyes widened, and she leaned in to whisper, "Wait, the same Audrey who—?"

     Laila huffed. She did not want to talk about that subject. "Yes, now shut up."

     Ben continued, blissfully unaware of the conversation happening near him. He turned to face Mal, taking her hands in his. "Mal, this is the exact spot we first met not so long ago. I feel like I've known you my whole life. But did I mention I'm in love with you?" Ben then started to sing, "I met this girl who rocked my world, like it's never been rocked, and now I'm living just for her, and I won't ever stop. I never thought it can happen to a guy like me, but now look at what you've done. You've got me down on my knee..."

     And then he got down on one knee.

     Holy shit.

     Holy fucking shit.

     Laila couldn't believe it.

     "Mal, it's you and me. It's you and me forever," Ben said, and Laila slapped a hand over her mouth—she could not believe this was happening. "Will you marry me? Will you be my queen?"

     "No!"

     Audrey's outburst startled Laila so much that she almost missed Mal accepting Ben's proposal. Alarmed, she spun around to face Audrey just as the girl looked like she was about to faint. Holding her upright along with the help of Chad, her grandmother said, "A lifetime of plans—gone. Our family status—gone. Audrey, you were supposed to be his queen, and you let him slip through your fingers. Your mother could hold on to a prince in her sleep."

     Laila frowned deeply. Despite having previously decided to ignore them, Laila wasn't sure she could do that anymore. There was something so wrong about what Queen Leah had just said to Audrey, and despite Laila not liking the girl very much, she felt it in her to stand up for her. She opened her mouth to speak, but her train of thought was cut off as she felt a tug on her jacket.

     "Look," Ingrid said, jutting her chin in one direction, "there's Evie."

     All thoughts of Audrey went completely out the window the very second Evie's name had been uttered. Ingrid went to say something else, but Laila paid her no attention as she started to move closer to where Evie was standing.

     As Laila got closer to Evie, a smile couldn't help but form on her face, growing larger as Evie's eyes locked into hers. The blue haired girl squealed with excitement and stepped forward, meeting Laila in the middle to wrap her arms around her, to which Laila did the same almost immediately after. Now that was something Laila had definitely missed. Talking on the phone just wasn't the same—it was still good, don't get her wrong... but she had missed hugging.

     Pulling away, she opened her mouth to initiate a conversation, when Mal moved into her line of view. Laila's smile widened as she suddenly remembered what had just happened—Evie had momentarily taken up all of Laila's thoughts—and she said, "Mal! Oh, my God." She moved to give Mal a hug. "Congratulations!"

     Mal seemed equally as excited, if not more. "Thanks, Laila!"

     As Mal moved on and someone else went to congratulate her, Laila turned back to Evie. This time, Evie opened her mouth to talk, but was cut off as behind her, Ben said, "Okay. Let's do this."

     Evie sighed. "I'll talk to you after we get back, yeah? I've missed you."

     "Yeah, sure!" Laila nodded. "I've missed you, too."

     After shooting Laila one more smile, Evie turned around and started walking to the purple limo that had just pulled up nearby. Suddenly, a voice in Laila's mind urged, Tell her how you feel! Do it!

     "Hey, Evie!" Laila called out before she knew what she was doing, making Evie turn back around expectantly. "I really like y—" she faltered, her mind panicking, then: "—your hair. I really like your hair. Yeah. It is so cool."

     Evie laughed a little, and said, "Thanks! I love your shirt, it looks really good on you."

     Laila was certain she was blushing. She smiled at Evie, closed lip, because she was sure that if she opened her mouth then she wouldn't be able to contain her nervous giggles. "Thanks!" She managed to say.

     As Evie turned back around, Laila shut her eyes and inwardly groaned. 'I like your hair'? What?! Laila let out a huff of frustration. "Fucking hell. What was that?" She muttered under her breath, stalking off. She only made it a couple of metres before she was wrapped in another hug. Taking a second, Laila came to her senses and realised it was Jane.

     "Jane!" Laila exclaimed, pulling away from the embrace. "Oh, my God. I can't believe your birthday is tomorrow!"

     "I know!" Jane said, a wide smile on her face. Her eyes suddenly widened. "Oh, you've simply got to help set up—I know you probably won't want to, but it'd be really cool to have you there early..."

     Laila smiled. "I'd love to help set up."

     Jane smiled even wider—if that was possible—in response.

     Over the time that Laila had spent in Arendelle, the two girls had become a lot closer—thank fuck for modern technology!—and Laila found it hard to believe that a year ago they hadn't been friends at all. She was looking forward to becoming even closer with Jane, since Lonnie was busy being on the professional R.O.A.R. team for Northern Wei. Don't get her wrong, Laila was so happy for her, but she missed her dearly.

     Laila and Jane talked for a few moments before Laila decided she had better get back to her sister.

     "Did I miss anything?" she asked when she got back.

     Ingrid shook her head, no. Then she said, a smirk on her lips, "How's Evie?"

     "How's Saxa?" Laila snapped back, still reeling from the embarrassment beforehand. She had been so close to admitting her feelings! Argh!

     Laila then cast her eyes above them to the screen. It showed the barrier opening and the limousine starting to drive though, and Queen Leah, having an opinion on everything said, "The only reason they should be opening that barrier is for putting Uma back in, not letting more villains out."

     Laila's eyebrows flew up at Queen Leah's statement, and she exchanged a look with Ingrid, who had also tuned into the conversation.

     As the limousine drove through and past the barrier, the barrier began to magically close behind them... and then a hand shot through to the other side, trying to escape. It was a few seconds before Laila's mind registered who it was, but once it did, her eyes widened. Hades.

     "I am a God!" Hades roared. "I don't belong here!"

     Laila watched with horror as Hades used magic to knock down Jay, Ben and Carlos. Mal, in an attempt to stop him escaping, turned into a dragon—which, under different circumstances, Laila would've thought was so cool—except Hades struck her down, too. Laila covered her mouth in fear. Would Hades really get out? He seemed so close...

     "Do not panic! Okay, nobody panic!"

     Too late for that, Laila thought as everyone in the crowd gasped and clutched each other in fear. Laila placed her hand on Ingrid's shoulder uneasily, and they shared an apprehensive glance.

     Nearby, Audrey shouted for everyone to hear, "There's your precious queen! She can't even protect us!"

     "Shut the fuck up," Laila said, finally breaking her silence, rounding on Audrey with a scowl. "She's trying—and she's doing her best."

     Audrey narrowed her eyes on Laila. "What good is her best if her best isn't good enough?"

     Laila's scowl deepened, and she muttered, "Oh, that's it," and lunged forward to give Audrey a piece of her mind, only Ingrid's grip jolted her back at the last second. Ingrid shook her head, and Laila huffed, shrugging off Ingrid's hold. Ingrid was right. There were more pressing matters at hand. Her gaze snapped back to the screen where Hades continued to strike at Mal.

     As the screaming crowd around them started to disperse, Laila stayed firm in her position, watching the screen with anticipation. She wished she could do more to help. Though she had faith that it would all be OK. It had to be. Ingrid, on the other hand, looked around anxiously as everyone fearfully scattered, and her gaze flickered up to Laila as she wondered whether they should be doing the same. She stayed, though, by her sister's side.

     Laila breathed a sigh of relief when Mal roared at Hades so much that the force of the gust of air was just enough to send him back behind the barrier, the barrier closing behind him. "Fuck," Laila exhaled. She turned to Ingrid with a reassuring expression plastered on her face, though Ingrid was sure that Laila was just as scared as she was, and said, "It's all fine. Thank fuck."

     Glancing one more time at the screen, which showed the purple limousine driving away from the Isle and back to the mainland, Laila turned back to her sister. "We should go get Isak and Eva. I have a feeling that not much else is going to happen today."

word count: 2609
16.06.2021