A Belated Birthday
A few days later, Red and Chloe were back in Auradon. They were trying to get back to normal, going to class, spending time with their friends, and participating in their respective clubs. The routine of school offered a semblance of normalcy, though the pain of loss and memories of the battle still lingered.
Red attended her classes with distracted attention, her thoughts often turning to the future and the decisions she needed to make. Talking to her classmates, homework, and projects helped keep her focused, but questions about her future remained in her mind.
Chloe, meanwhile, did her best to support Red while continuing her own activities. She attended fencing practices and student council meetings, finding comfort in the routine and interactions with her friends.
One night, as Red returned to the room she shared with Chloe, she was greeted by an unexpected surprise. The room was decorated with garlands and balloons, and in the center of the room was a beautifully decorated birthday cake.
“Happy belated birthday!” Chloe, Bridget, and Ella all shouted together, beaming smiles on their faces.
Red blinked, amazed and touched. “You did all this for me?”
Chloe walked over to Red, taking his hands in hers. “Yes, Red. You deserve to celebrate your birthday, even if it’s a little late.”
Bridget smiled and winked at Red. “We couldn’t let this opportunity pass us by. And I made the cake!”
Ella nodded, adding enthusiastically. “Exactly! It’s time to celebrate!”
Red felt tears well up in her eyes, but this time, they were filled with joy. “Thank you, really. I don’t know what to say.” »
Chloe kissed her tenderly. "No need to say anything. Just enjoy this moment."
The evening was filled with laughter, lively conversations, and tender moments. They ate cake, exchanged memories and anecdotes, and shared moments of genuine happiness.
Bridget and Ella gave Red symbolic gifts. Bridget gave her a bracelet engraved with words of encouragement, while Ella gave her a book of inspiring poems. Red thanked them warmly, touched by their kindness.
As the evening progressed, Red began to feel lighter. Surrounded by her friends and Chloe, she finally began to envision a future where she could move forward, despite the pain and losses.
When the evening came to a close, Bridget and Ella took their leave, leaving Red and Chloe alone in their room. Chloe took Red's hand and guided her to the bed, where a small gift package was waiting for them.
“I have something for you,” Chloe whispered, a soft smile on her lips.
Red gently unwrapped the package, revealing a silver pendant with two pictures inside. On one side, a picture of Maddox smiling, and on the other, a picture of the Queen of Hearts.
Red felt tears fall down her cheeks, overcome with emotion. “Chloe, this is beautiful. Thank you.”
Chloe hugged her, offering silent comfort. “I knew how much you loved your mother, even if she never loved you back. And Maddox… he’ll always be with you.”
Red hugged Chloe, tears falling freely. “Thank you, Chloe. You’re amazing.”
Chloe smiled at her softly. “Always there for you, Red.”
After a moment of silence, Red took a deep breath. “Chloe, I’ve made a decision, but I need your advice.”
Chloe nodded, ready to listen. “Tell me everything, Red.”
Red took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “I’ve decided that I’m willing to become queen… But that means you’ll have to leave your kingdom one day, to come to Wonderland and rule by my side. Are you ready to do that?”
Chloe’s eyes widened, surprised and a little shocked. “Red, is this your way of proposing to me?”
Red blushed, avoiding Chloe’s gaze. “Um… it’s more of a wish, actually. And if you accept… it could become a promise. A promise that one day… I’ll ask you.”
Chloe smiled softly, touched by Red’s love and sincerity. “Red, you know I love you, and I would do anything for you. So yes, I am ready to follow you and reign by your side.”
Red let out a sigh of relief, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. “Thank you, Chloe. Thank you for believing in us.”
Chloe kissed her tenderly, their lips meeting in a kiss filled with love and promises for the future. “Always, Red. Always.”
They stayed like that, entwined, savoring the warmth of their love and the softness of their caresses. Red knew that the road to rebuilding and peace would be long and difficult, but with Chloe by her side, she felt ready to face the future.