A Fairy Tale    


Chapter 5: The Party

    Ashanti’s birthday party wasn’t as big as the ball. Ashanti didn’t want a big party. She only invited people she knew, not strangers. And her parents invited some of their friends, of course. Everyone was dressed in their best outfits. They were talking and eating before the ceremony began. Then Ashanti was called up to the throne were her father sat. The king stood to address those gathered. “Thank you all for coming to my daughter’s birthday party. She has opened her birthday presents and now I will grant whatever my daughter wishes on her birthday. Anything within reason that is,” he said, causing laughter. “Now, Ashanti, what is your birthday wish?”
    Ashanti stood by her father, looking out over the crowd. “At the ball just a few weeks ago, I met someone who has become a special friend. She told me that, about a year ago, her family’s land was taken illegally by one of the tax collectors. Because of this she and her family was forced to find work here, at the palace. I only wish that her family’s land would be restored to her.” She finished and looked at her father to see his reaction.
    It was clear that he had not expected what Ashanti said. Finally he said, “Who is she? I wish to see her.”
    Ashanti motioned to Leila. Leila approached the king and curtsied low before him, terrified.
    “Father,” Ashanti said, “This is my friend, Leila Monte.”
    The king looked Leila in the eye. “Well,” he said, “if you and your parents come talk with me I’m sure that we can straiten everything out and I will also give you twice as much land as you had before.”
    “I, I don’t know what to say,” Leila said. She was overflowing with emotion. “Thank you. Oh, thank you so much! And thank you Ashanti,” she said, turning towards her. “I couldn’t ask for a better friend.” They hugged and people started to dance. Then Leila and Ashanti went to find Shasta and Fibro. Fibro explained what had happened to him since the ball and how he was back with his uncle. Leila explained her part and so did Ashanti. Then Shasta pulled Leila over so they could talk alone.
    “Leila?” he asked.
    “Yes?” Leila said.
    “Or is it Lila?” Shasta questioned.
    “Oh,” Leila sighed. “Shasta are you angry with me? I didn‘t mean to lie to you, honest.”
    “I think I understand,” he said. “You were afraid if I knew, that I wouldn’t like you, right?”
    “Yes,” she said. “I didn’t mean to lie, I didn’t think anything would come of it. I just wanted to have some fun, you know? I didn‘t mean to fall in love with you.” Her words trailed off as she looked into his eyes.
    “I told my father about you,” he said.
    “All good things, I hope,” Leila teased.
    “You know,” Shasta said, “I’m glad it happened the way it did. If you hadn’t come to the ball I never would’ve met you. I’m glad you let me think you were what you weren’t. I never would’ve fallen in love with you if you hadn’t.”
    And, of course, they all lived happily ever after.


The End.