I sat down on the floor and started to sort out the Tupperware, trying to hold back tears. I should've known that doing my chores wasn't going to be this easy. By sunset, my Aunt and cousins were in the living room wearing knee-length dresses with their hair pulled back into elegant buns. I guessed that they were going to a fancy party or a restaurant to show everyone that they were trying to look like high maintenance. "Serena, we will be back home by midnight, and I expect the kitchen to be done by then," Aunt Mary said as she and the girls prepared to walk out the door.

"And do NOT forget to clean the oven as well!" I let out a small sigh at the thought of having to clean the oven, and I felt a single tear fall down my cheek. "Yes, Aunt Mary," The front door closed, and I heard the car engine start. When I was sure that my abusers left, I ran to my room and called Vanessa for advice.

Vanessa: Hello?

Serena: Hey Vanessa.

Vanessa: What's wrong? You sound upset.

Serena: I am. I wanted to go to the auditions tonight, but now the evil queen's forcing me to clean the kitchen and oven as well. There's no way I'll be able to go now!

Vanessa: The whole kitchen?

Serena: Yeah, I'm still stuck sorting out the Tupperware! I don't know what I'm supposed to do!

Vanessa: Hold on, I'm coming over.

Serena: No, Vanessa. You don't have- Hello?

The other end started trilling, and I let out a small sigh and went back to sorting. About twenty minutes later, I heard a knock on the door. Who could that be at this hour?  I walked over to the front door, and when I opened it, I was surprised to see Vanessa and Ethan standing outside with smiles on their faces. "Surprise!" they smiled. "What are you guys doing here?" I asked. "We're taking you to the auditions!" Vanessa answered, with the bright smile still on her face.

"Guys, I told you the evil queen is making me clean the kitchen," I gently reminded them. Their faces fell slightly, and I invited them inside to show them the mess I had to clean up. "Oh wow, that is a lot," Vanessa shook her head in disbelief. "Well, this isn't the end of the world," Ethan said. Vanessa and I looked over at him in shock. "I mean, I've cleaned my kitchen before. I could help out with that," he offered. I felt hope start to rise inside me, and I silently thanked god.

"You'd do that for me?" I asked. Ethan nodded and smiled. I was so happy that Ethan said that, so happy that I ran towards him and hugged him tightly. "You guys are the best friends I could ever ask for!" I muffled into his shoulder. "You're the best friend we could ask for as well, Serena," Ethan said as he patted my back gently.

"Well, come on! Let's get you ready for the auditions!" Vanessa smiled. We didn't have much time, but we did have enough to put a small amount of make-up on my face and help me pick out some nice clothes. I picked out a black and purple t-shirt and a nice pair of dress pants and shoes. "You look amazing!" Vanessa smiled as I turned around to face her. We walked towards the front door but stopped by the kitchen to see how Ethan was doing and make sure that he was okay with doing this for me.

"You look just like a performer," he said when he saw my outfit. "Thank you so much. Are you sure you want to do this for me?" I asked. "Yes, of course! You go to that audition. I wish you the best of luck," he answered. "My aunt and cousins will be home by midnight, so we'll be back before then," I said before me and Vanessa walked out the door and got into the car.

"Are you ready to go to the ball, Cinderella?" Vanessa jokingly asked. I smiled at her and nodded.

"Yes, fairy godmother. I'm ready to go," I answered as I imagined my dreams finally coming true.