Sinderella

Everyone knows the tale of Cinderella. The fair maiden, raised by a cruel family, tormented into contentment until she is visited by her fairy godmother, and her whole life changes.

What would have happened if the fairy godmother didn't show? Or worse, had appeared for one of her stepsisters instead, and sent them to the ball? How would our beloved fairy tale character have dealt with another blow, after so many times being pushed to the side in favour of the less-than-savory twins?

Lets explore that, shall we?

Cinderella's invite sits atop the mantlepiece, a teasing reminder that her life could go up in flames at any moment, thanks to the hold her Wicked Stepmother has over her. But, after they've all hurried away, having left poor Cinderella in rags, what happens next? There's no magic coming to save her, not this time.

It's time she took matters into her own hands.

Cinderella has always been a rule follower. She plays by the book - she's kind, helpful, never has a bad word to say about anyone. She cooks, cleans, and manages the entire household all by herself.

Really, it wouldn't make any difference to her life whatsoever if her Stepmother and stepsisters disappeared. Other than the obvious fact, that it would be a thousand times easier, and she'd be much happier for it.

With several hours of them dancing the night away, Cinderella had time to plan and execute everything she wanted.

Of course, if they all dropped dead at once, it would be too suspicious. It would need to be gradual, accidental. And she would need to put on good face, mourn for those she'd lost, and continue her life as it was before. Not for long, though.

Poison was the first thing that came to mind. Cinderella was fairly certain that that was the way her father had perished, either intentionally or accidentally ingesting some of the dangerous plants they had around their land.

Anastasia would be the first to go, simply because Cinderella thought it would hurt Drizella more to see her younger (by ten minutes) sister perish. The girls were as bad as each other, constantly fighting over clothes and shoes and 'I wanna be first' this and that.

And, if her father really had been poisoned, it would be payback to Tremaine for the pain she caused.

It should be simple enough to administer, as Cinderella was the only one that made any food or drinks. If she did it soon enough, they might just believe it was something she was served at the King's ball.

Cinderella sped to the bottom of their garden, which had overgrown to be something of a jungle in the few years since the gardeners were dismissed.

Hemlock could be found growing there. Cinderella planted it herself after her father had died, in case she ever would need such an out. Now, she had a much better plan for it.

With Anastasia's demise planned and prepared (blended into her favourite tea), next came Drizella.

Aside from the obvious choices, such as setting fire to the house while she was still inside, the next best thing could be water. Drizella had never learned to swim, and had almost drowned as a child in a pond near her childhood home.

There's a pond behind their house. One secret message, lets say, from the Prince, and a well timed shove, would be all that's needed to send her to an early grave. Simple.

Lady Tremaine remains.

Cinderella hates her name, because she took her father's surname and gave Ella a new name. Everything about that woman was what Cinderella despised.

The best punishment, and most personal.

Her Father's longsword.

Cinderella had always imagined stabbing her wicked stepmother through the chest with it, but hadn't pictured it a possibility until now.

Yes, that would work. That would work wonders.

Cinderella dug it from her Father's belongings, which had been carelessly shoved into the attic the day after he died, and hid it under her bed.

She heard the carriage arrive back home, with three very intoxicated women storming the front door. Three teas on a tray, waiting to be drank. They all knew who's cup was whose, and had drank them all within minutes.

Cinderella said goodnight to Lady Tremaine and Drizella, and goodbye to Anastasia.

No-one noticed.

Let the fun begin.