Mail Day
Every Saturday morning at Auradon Prep, a special tradition was in place, one that the newcomers were about to discover. That morning, Chloe and Red, along with Ella and Bridget, headed to the large lecture hall, where the weekly mail delivery would take place. This allowed the students to stay focused during the week, and to have two days to respond to the letters they had received.
The students were excited to hear from their loved ones. Uma and Harry took to the stage to begin the delivery. Harry, with his usual smile, took pleasure in gently mocking the names of some of the recipients, while Uma, more serious, managed the delivery efficiently.
Chloe, stamping her feet with impatience, was electrified with excitement. When her name was finally called, she stepped forward with a half smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She received a letter from her parents and another from her brother, which lit up her face with happiness. "I can't wait to read their news," she whispered, all joyful.
Red, for his part, watched in silence, still wary. She didn't really expect any mail, knowing that no one from her world would bother to write to her, especially not her mother. But to her surprise, Harry called out to her: "Red Heart!"
Red froze, her eyes wide with shock. A letter? For her? She stepped forward slowly, retrieving the envelope with palpable distrust. Returning to her seat, she examined the envelope and realized that the sender was Maddox. He had managed to send her a letter in secret, showing once again his resourcefulness and resources.
Hesitantly, Red opened the envelope. She knew the news wouldn't be good, but the need to stay informed won out.
Dear Red,
I know this letter must come as a surprise. I have used every means at my disposal to get this news to you. First, know that I am fine. Your mother has discovered you missing and, as you can imagine, she is furious. She has ordered a search of all of Wonderland. The guards are searching every corner.
For now, she is focusing her efforts here, which means you are safe where you are. But be careful. Enjoy this new life that is offered to you and make friends. You deserve it.
As for me, I have been locked up, but do not worry about me. The Queen of Hearts thinks that I will eventually talk, but she is wrong. I am holding on because I know that you are safe.
I beg you, Red, do not come looking for me. Stay hidden and live your life in Auradon. This is your chance to start a new life away from your mother's influence.
Take care of yourself,
Maddox
Reading the letter, Red felt a wave of despair wash away everything she had tried to build since arriving in Auradon. Tears blurred her vision, and she stood up quickly, running out of the amphitheater. Fleeing curious glances, she finally slid down the wall of their room and burst into tears. Heartbroken by the news of Maddox, the reality of her situation seemed unbearable to her.
Meanwhile, Chloe, looking sad, had set off after her friend after seeing her comrade flee. Arriving in their room, she found Red collapsed, her body shaking with sobs. Chloe approached quietly, a sincere anguish in her voice. "Red, what's going on?" »
Red tried to blink back tears, but the pain she felt was too great to contain. "It's... it's complicated, Chloe," she managed to say between sobs.
Chloe sat down next to Red, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to tell me everything, but know that I'm here for you."
For Red, Chloe's gesture was both comforting and unsettling. She wasn't used to such kindness. "I got a letter... from a friend," she managed to whisper. "He said my mother is looking for me, and that he's been captured."
Chloe nodded, understanding that the details were too painful to share. "I'm sorry, Red. But you're not alone anymore. You have friends here. We'll help you get through this."
Red, naturally wary, had never known a friendship where she could rely on someone else. Yet, Chloe's words began to pierce her shell. She realized that maybe, in Auradon, she could find the support and strength she needed to face her past and build a new future.
As Chloe stayed by his side, Red slowly let a gap open in his wall of defense. Maybe, against all odds, she could find a reason to believe in the goodness of others, and maybe even in herself. Always doubting, always on guard, it was possible that this was the beginning of a profound change.