18 Years Later

"Mother, why can't I go outside?"

"It's a dangerous world Rapunzel. I'm only trying to keep you safe darling." Nimueh reached out and tucked a strand of Adelines hair behind her ear.

Nimueh had begun to call Adeline Rapunzel in case the she ever heard her name come from the lips of a stranger and got curious as to why they knew her.

"B-but what if I only went out for a minute." Adeline twisted and fiddled with her sleeve "You would be right by my side the whole time, mother please."

"I've told you no a hundred times Rapunzel." Nimueh grew irritated.

"Oh but mother pleas-"

"I SAID NO RAPUNZEL!" Adeline flinched hoping that her mother wouldn't strike her like she usually did when she asked to leave.

"I'm sorry mother."

"I wish I would have to be so harsh my sweet, but it's your fault." Nimueh sighed

"I'm sorry." Adeline repeated in a broken whisper.

...Adeline/Rapunzel's POV...

Mother and I sat in silence that dinner.I always hated when her mother was mad at me. She had the habit of closing her self off from me and when that happened she usually left for a week or so before coming back and acting like nothing happened.

"I've packed a meal for you mother."
Mother only nodded stiffly at me.

"I really am sorry, I hope you can forgive me."

Mother said nothing but I could see she wanted to so I continued

"I won't even ask about the stars this year."

Oh, how it pained me to say that. The stars were the most beautiful part of the whole year. I'd made it a habit every year to try and get mother to take me. They were very odd and I loved them because whenever I saw them on the night of my birthday sitting perfectly in the sky, I felt like they were meant for me.

"No stars?" Mother perked up.

"I'll watch from my window like all those other times. As long as your happy." I crossed my fingers behind my back.

"You're forgiven Rapunzel." She smiled brightly.

"Mother perhaps while your gone you could pick me up some new paints. I've run low."

"Of course Rapunzel."

We finished our meals quickly the silence a bit easier. Mother left in a hurry bidding me goodbye with a kiss on the head.