The excitement was tangible with anticipation through the entire town. Madam had purchased an extensive list of items for Anastasia and Drisella to wear to the ball and expected Cinderella to go around town collecting it all. Every detail was thought of from new shoes, dresses, broaches, necklaces, and gloves, to perfume and makeup. She also picked up another bag of rat poison Madam had ordered. Cinderella was always ordered to sprinkle this around the house and property, but never did! While she no longer had much time to socialize with the mice and rats, she still loved them and valued them over anyone else in the world.
Everywhere Cinderella went was buzzing with giddy girls and elated ladies looking forward to the gorgeous gala they would soon get to go to. As her to-do list grew smaller, her jealously grew larger. She didn't even want all the fluff and gaudy accessories, but to know she was not even welcome burned a hole in her heart that would never be mended.
Cinderella had stolen away time from the glass shop each day to prepare herself for the ball. She'd had enough of taking orders from the wicked woman who refused to love her. She had decided to go to the ball and not tell anyone!
Instead she went to her mothers grave and knitted a cloak. She had loved knitting with her mother as a child and kept up the practice throughout the years. She also incorporated feathers that she had saved from all the chickens she had to prepare for dinner. She kept bags full of feathers in the shed next to the full bags of rat poison. There was one blouse left of her mothers, so she used that and embellished an old skirt with feathers as well.
The first night of the ball arrived quickly. Once she had gotten the mistresses all dolled up Madam looked down at Cinderella and laughed, "Why, you're filthy Cinderella. It's a good thing you're not going to the ball. Everyone would laugh at you and turn you away."
"Yes, I'm glad that wont happen. I have far too much work to do here anyway. You ladies enjoy your night." Cinderella replied almost smugly. Then the ladies left and she got to work. First she bathed herself - inside for once. Then she used the make up and perfume that she had just picked up for the mistresses. Finally she ran out to her mothers grave where everything was waiting for her. She dressed and donned the glass slippers that Mr. O'Leary had given her.
They had one horse and no carriage, so she was able to take him to the ball.
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