Ella

An middle-aged woman, with a stern but beautiful face came through the automatic doors. Her dark hair was pinned tightly around her skull in a bun. Her makeup was hash, with red lips the color of blood. She wore a black dress that revealed little of her pale skin. The skin on her face was minimally wrinkled, showing her true age.

Behind her, followed three young girls. Two of which, showed similar resemblance to her; the same dark hair, and harsh faces. They wore similar white tops and black shirts. The last, and third girl, was almost the opposite. She had hair of gold, and a soft, kind face. Her summer dress was the shade of light blue.

The woman walked to the desk counter, tapping on it impatiently. The secretary glanced up, a phone nudged between her cheek and shoulder. “One second,” she said to the phone, placing it back down. “Is there a problem, ma’am?”

“Yes,” the woman said. “There is very much a problem.” She motioned the blond-haired girl forward. She walked up hesitantly. “I wish for my step-daughter to be admitted into this hospital.”

The secretary was quiet for a moment. Her eyes gazed over the girl, who was staring down at the ground. “Ma’am,” she said slowly. “I mean of no insult, but are you sure of your daughter having an mental disorders? This is your first time here, correct?”

“Step-daughter,” the woman snapped. “And, yes, I am sure. This girl–” She grabbed her by the shoulder tightly. “She’s been muttering about having a ‘fairy godmother’ for the past few days — the poor thing has been hallucinating about who knows what. She needs medical assistance.”

“It’s true,” the girl tried to exclaim, but stopped when her step-mother gave her a hard look. She closed her mouth.

The secretary nodded, looking through her papers. “She’ll need to take an exam by a psychiatrist first. But, I will see to her being admitted after, ma’am.”

“Thank you,” the woman said. “Come girls, let’s leave Ella — or Cinderella — to make herself at home.” She turned around, her daughters following. Ell watched them leave, hovering by the counter. Her jaw was clenched, but she wasn’t crying. For, she wouldn’t miss her step-mother or sisters.

This was an escape for her, if anything.