Read Online The Story Traveller by Judy Stubley - Free Book Online Page B

invisibility.’
    â€˜And?’
    â€˜And I forgot.’ Lucy hung her head down, sure she was about to be fired.
    â€˜Yes, you certainly did! But I have to say you showed remarkable bravery and clear thinking in the way you managed to escape.’
    Lucy felt her heart lift. Perhaps she wasn’t going to be sacked after all.
    â€˜Do I still have my job, Twinkle?’
    There was a long pause, during which Lucy’s emotions yo-yoed. It was unbearable.
    â€˜Well!’ Twinkle began very slowly. ‘You did disobey one of your instructions and not for the first time. But you showed you can cope in emergencies without magic, you used commonsense and so, yes, you still have your job. But no more chances Lucy; next time you’re out.’
    â€˜Oh thank you, thank you Twinkle! I won’t let you down again, I promise.’
    â€˜No, I don’t think you will. Now let’s go and send Cinderella off to the ball.’
    As Lucy and Twinkle got to the bottom step, the door was flung open and a worried Cinderella stood there, Lucy’s cloak clutched in her hand. ‘Lucy, I thought I’d never see you again. My stepmother was beside herself. Said there was a thief in the house. I thought she was going to faint.’
    â€˜Sorry Ella! I didn’t think she’d be back.’
    â€˜She’d forgotten the invitations.’ Cinderella looked much happier now her friend was back safe.
    Suddenly she saw the fairy godmother. ‘Oh, I’m so sorry, my dear, I didn’t see you there. I was so worried about my friend. Come in, both of you. I’ve some bread and cheese we can share.’
    Cinderella handed Lucy her cloak and gently sat Twinkle down.
    â€˜The footmen who chased after you said you’d run into the Forest of the Furies. Everyone thought that would be the end of you. I did too. How did you get out?’
    â€˜It’s a story of foolhardiness and courage,’ Twinkle said, as she stood up and smoothed her apron. ‘Lucy can tell you all about it on another occasion. But for now we must get you ready for the ball.’
    Cinderella spun round to face the smiling Twinkle.
    â€˜Me, go to the ball – but how?’
    â€˜Trust me. I’m your Fairy Godmother and Fairy Godmothers can work magic.’
    Cinderella looked from Lucy to her Fairy Godmother in amazement.
    â€˜My Fairy Godmother! I remember now, my mother used to tell me stories about you, but I didn’t know they were true. My own Fairy Godmother!’ Cinderella sank down on her bed, caught between surprise and joy. Lucy could see she hadn’t really grasped she was going to the ball, so she put her arm round Cinders.
    â€˜You’ll get to see the Prince.’
    â€˜Oh I will! I will…but I’ve nothing to wear. I can’t go like this and anyway the castle’s too far away for me to walk.’
    â€˜Oh ye of little faith!’ Twinkle’s sapphire blue eyes flashed with mischief. ‘Now Cinders, go and look for six white mice. They must be white. Bring them to the front drive, then find a sleek brown rat.’
    Cinderella’s face fell.
    â€˜
Six
white mice! I’ll never manage that!’
    â€˜Really Cinderella, you are more trouble than Lucy. Seek and you shall find. Now Lucy, on your rush to the Forest of the Furies, did you pass any pumpkins?’
    â€˜I’m sure I must have!’ ‘Good girl – find me the biggest and the best and bring it…‘
    â€˜To the front drive!’ ‘You’re a quick learner. When you’ve done that, find me two handsome frogs from the garden pond.’
    With a happy grin, Lucy placed her cloak round her shoulders and left the kitchen.
    Unlike Cinderella, Lucy knew she would find what was needed. And, as if by magic, she found the pumpkin patch and soon staggered back with a beautiful golden pumpkin. Then she ran to the pond and gently called out:
    â€˜Hallo, dear frogs. I