Flynn...Again...and A Talk.

I'm going to link Zarina's post HERE so you can read about the changes Tangled Fan made.  We have the entire table, now; except Logan, Ray, and Fitz live on the table, too.  They're pretty good, though; Logan usually spends his time out and about, but Ray sticks around with us.  Fitz, for some reason, feels the need to help with the kids.  It's so funny - he was so volatile of a doll when he was "Hans", but now, since he's been out of the box (under the name of Fitz...it's so strange how different the JC Penney's dolls changed!) he's been so kind and shy.  It's amazing!  Audrey's really taken to him. 

Anyway, with that said...Flynn finally got what's been about a year in the making. 
All week, since the 31st, to be exact, he's been harassing me.  Calling me horrible things, saying I'm worthless, saying that Eugene's an idiot and that if he had half of a brain, he would've ignored me like the rest of doll population did back then, saying negative things about our kids and our parenting skills...You name it.  I didn't tell Eugene because...I mean, seriously.  He's probably sick and tired of hearing about complaints over a guy I knew a year ago.  I'M tired of hearing from a guy I knew a year ago!  Ugh.  Regardless.   
I went off on him, after I got a message reading only this:
"Too bad you didn't die when you were delivering your baby.  It's a shame nothing happened to your child, as well.  Such a useless doll, since he's blind.  Of course, coming from a doll like you, he couldn't be anywhere near perfect, now, could he?"  
I found this at about ten AM this morning. 
I couldn't go off on him then, because the kids were up and I was semi-busy with Zachary himself, but once they settled down for their four PM naps, you bet I sent him an email. 
I told him everything I'd ever wanted to tell him.  Maybe I ended up a little harsh, but...I'm sick of it.  Between him and Ariel, I've been experiencing that awful feeling of worthlessness again, and I can't bum around with that.  I've got four kiddos, and I can't be distracted from them, especially over something as STUPID as their opinions!  It makes me mad that I fall into their traps.  But regardless, I'll stop ranting about that and give you the message I wrote him.
"Flynn, I don't know what you want, but you will not get it.  If you're trying to break me, it won't happen, I won't let it.  I was wrong to love you, I knew that as soon as I left the old place.  You might think that I can't remember all the things that you did, but I can.  I can remember almost everything again, which is great.
You know, you are nothing to me.  Your opinions....they can't affect me as well as they did before.  Why?  I have a family.  I'm not alone.  I have a husband who helps me every step of the way.  You might think he doesn't hold a candle to you, but the reverse is true:  YOU don't hold a candle to HIM.  I'd prefer it if you stop insulting him. 
If you send me one more thing about my children, I'm going to get in contact with your wife.  I don't know how, but I will.  You might think she already knows you inside and out, but I knew you longer than she did.  Remember, I can tell her all the things you never wanted her to know.  I know she doesn't like me, but you don't want me to open that can of worms, now, do you? 
Oh, and that little bit about Zachary being imperfect, and 'too bad he didn't die because he's blind'?  He's just fine the way he is.  We love him, and we'll never let that get in the way of how we treat or feel about him.  He's our son. 
Sure, call me whatever you want, say I'm a freak, a loser, an ugly piece of plastic, the most abhorrent doll you ever knew, tell me you wished I had died....but don't you dare say one word about my children or my husband.  Thank you.  If you're planning on emailing back, don't.  I'll figure out your wife's email address next." 
When I punched send, I was filled with a tumult of emotions:  mostly anger, irritation, relief, and more anger...I took a deep breath and huffed it back out, trying to calm myself. 
Eugene popped his head in behind the cutout.  "Hey, is something wrong?" 
"Hm?  Oh!  No, no...nothing's wrong.  What's up?"  I asked, trying to change the subject.  I let the tablet lean up against the bed and looked up at him. 
He strode over and sat down beside me.  "I could hear you huffing around, and I was worried that I'd said something.  I wasn't entirely sure WHAT I'd said that could've set you off, but I wanted to make sure nonetheless." 
I gave him a halfhearted smile.  "No...you didn't make me mad, don't worry." 
"Then what's the matter?  I know something is," he told me.  "I've been wanting to talk to you all week, because I know something's been bothering you, but we just haven't had the privacy to lately." 
I sighed.  I wanted to tell him, but I didn't at the same time...have you ever felt that way?  "Um...Flynn's been emailing me again.  A lot...since the 31st of September."  I bit my lip and paused, looking down at my lap before I spilled it. 

I told him every detail about every little thing.  When I was done, he shook his head. "I can't believe him.  Do you want me to email him?" 
"No.  I sent him a...heh...a lengthy email telling him what I've been wanting to tell him for a really long time."  I sighed again. ( I'm starting to think that today, sighing is my choice way of expressing my emotions.  Sigh.)  "Although...if I would have told him EVERYTHING I thought about him..."
He chuckled.  "That's an email I'd like to see." 
"I just hope I didn't come off as mean." 
My hubby shook his head.  "After all he did to you - after all he's still doing to you--and you're still concerned about being mean?  You're...you're something else.  If I were you, I would've broken his heart and crushed his soul." 
"Maybe I should have.  I'm too soft." 
"No, you're just kind.  You know what it feels like to be treated that way, and no matter who it is, you don't want them to feel the same way.  Right?" 
I shrugged.  "I guess....I should stop being like that.  But there are a lot of things I need to stop being like--"
"Like what?" 
I snorted.  "Have you looked at me lately?  I'm a slob.  I'm still clumsy.  I'm too soft, and if I were harder on people, maybe they'd leave me alone.  I leave a lot to be desired in the appearance department.  I'm too insecure, sensitive, and I can't let things roll off my back...everyone's right about me."   My husband looked so upset at that point.  I felt terrible for obviously making him feel that way.   "I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have even said anything...I-"
He shook his head.  "No, babe.  Don't feel that way.  I'm so sorry I didn't talk to you sooner-"
"It's fine," I looked down at my lap, holding my breath for a few seconds before letting it all out in a big rush, waiting for a response.  When he remained silent, I bit my lip, wondering if I'd finally annoyed him too much.  But then he spoke up. 
"Sweet girl...everything you said about yourself is just...it's not important.  First of all, everyone is wrong about you.  Yes, they think you're a klutz.  Yes, they think you're less than impressive in the looks and dress departments.  Yes, they think you're too lax, and therefore, they can say anything and have you feel like crap.  But they're wrong, Rapunzel.  They're so wrong...I wish you could see yourself from my eyes.  You're not too lax.  You're one of the strongest people I know.  Sure, you break down every once in awhile, but you're so strong.  You carry a lot of things around with you; all these nasty comments, plus the daily adventures of being a mother and wife...you're strong.  You only break after you get a huge load of all this rudeness and childish behavior piled on, like now.  I knew something was wrong, but to have you put up with that and not even cry or say anything once?!  And yes you're a little clumsy, but it's okay.  I am too; everyone has their oopsies every once in awhile.  You say you're too sensitive, but you know what?  If you're insensitive, then you're like Ariel.  And gosh, Rapunzel, you're so beautiful.  If I were unmarried and had the choice between you and...and Ariel or...or Belle, or...I don't know, Emma...I'd choose you.  I'd always choose you."  he took a deep breath and cupped my face in his hands for a second.  "And do you really think I care how you dress?  You're fine." 
I bit my lip.  "But Ariel and Flynn both said that I was so ugly and dressed crappily.  I felt bad, of course, because...I mean...I don't know.  I'm sure going from a guy's point of view, Ariel's style is much--"
"Ariel's style is way overbearing...yeesh," he shuddered, trying to get a smile out of me.  It didn't work.  "Do you think I'd choose skirts slit way up the sides and seriously low-slung dresses over how my best gal dresses?  Modesty is beautiful, remember," he winked. 
I shrugged.  "I know..I'm just being--I don't even know.  Weird." 
"No, not weird.  It's pretty normal for individuals to let negativity get to them.  That's why you have me,"
"I'm sorry, though.  I hate having to load all this onto you.  You shouldn't have to give me these pep talks every time someone says something bad to me," I licked my lips and looked back down to my hands, which were clasped on my lap. 
He thought for a second, but the next thing I knew, he was gathering me into his lap, cradling me in his arms.  "That's right.  I wouldn't have to, but it's my choice.  There's nothing I would rather do, nowhere I'd rather be, and nobody I'd rather be with.  You're everything to me, and I'm fine with giving you those pep talks every once in awhile.  Okay?" 
I teared up.  Of course I knew that, but I still felt bad for making him have to listen to all my troubles.  Nodding, I tried to keep my tears from spilling.  "Okay.  I know..."
He bumped his forehead against mine, kissing the tip of my nose.  "I love you.  And please...if Flynn starts emailing you again, let me know right away, okay?" 
I nodded.  "I will.  Love you,"
He gave my shoulders a squeeze, which made my heart squeeze, too.  I didn't deserve a guy like him.  We just sat quietly for a few minutes, and he was the first to speak up again.  "Are you feeling any better about anything?" 
I nodded, pulling away enough to meet his eyes.  "Yeah...thank you.  Thanks for putting up with me,"
He chuckled quietly.  "My pleasure, m'lady." 
That got a grin out of me.  "I haven't heard that one in awhile." 
"Mmmhm...and I got a grin to boot.  Bonus points?" 
I laughed quietly.  "You're awful." 
"I know--" he broke off when we heard a faint whimper:  Jordan. 
I pulled away and stood up.  "Duty calls.  Thank you, again, Eugene."
"Anytime, beautiful.  But-wait.  Can't I even steal a kiss before we tend to the kiddos?" 
I shook my head, but I was more than happy to pull him to his feet and give him a quick, soft kiss before we went to get Jordan up. 

Eugene--father's day

--Eugene
Today is apparently Father's Day, which you humans celebrate.  When I woke up this morning, Rapunzel was already up with the kids.  As soon as I came out from behind the cutout, Audrey and Casey came racing over, yelling "Happy father's day, happy father's day, daddy!!" and they both shoved to get closest to me.  I scooped one in each arm, confused, and kissed them each on their foreheads before looking up to see my girl watching me with a kind smile on her face.  She quickly averted her attention down to Jordan until I went over to her, both girls still in my arms.
"I told them it was father's day," she grinned.
"At the cost of sounding stupid, what is that?" I asked.
"The humans celebrate their daddies today!" Audrey explained, and Rapunzel laughed at her enthusiasm, nodding.
"Hmm...well, thank you, you cuties," I winked at them, and Casey giggled before Audrey asked to be left down.
Never stationary for long, the two oldest girls went tearing off, likely to reek havoc with Pascal.
I turned to Rapunzel and watched her put Jordan down to watch the other girls play, and when she straightened, I promptly pulled her into a hug.
"So...father's day, huh?" I asked, grinning as her eyes met mine.
"Yup! Thought we should celebrate it, since you're such a great daddy to the kiddos," she nodded a couple of times before glancing over her shoulder.  Noticing the girls were preoccupied, she slipped her thin arms around me and gave me that smile I loved so much.  "Soo...happy father's day."
I couldn't keep from kissing her, and when I did, red crept up along her neck to her cheeks.  Oh, was I glad to have her back...
"So, what do you want to do today, miss red-cheeks?" I chuckled quietly, and she rolled her eyes.
"Hmmh...you're terrible.  And what do you want to do?"
I had actually been thinking about taking the girls to finally let them ride a horse, which is what I had planned to do with them on Easter, and  when I suggested the idea to Rapunzel, she was quick to agree.

So, we gathered the girls up, made sure Pascal was with us, and headed to the floor.
The horses were still where I had found them, so Audrey and Casey were riding the small bay Appaloosa pony together within minutes.  I led the mare around, of course, but Rapunzel hopped aboard the gray mare, Missy, and rode around with Jordan alone.  Soon after she started riding, I found out that the Appy, Daisy, would follow the taller gray, so I left the girls go on their own and just watched the four of them.
The look on Casey and Audrey's faces was priceless...and they're giggling like crazy and having a good time--even Jordan seems to be enjoying it!  I'm also glad to see my wife focusing on something other than the Frozen bunch, and actually enjoying herself!

That, readers, is what I call a perfect day.  It's also a perfect distraction to Rapunzel.  She's been so upset over Anna, Hans, Kristoff, and Elsa being boxed up that she has been having a hard time sleeping, especially haunted by their faces.  It kills me that I can't help her.
Yesterday, Audrey asked if she and Anna were going to be friends again--since she had seen them talking at the  party after we had renewed our vows.  I was surprised that Rapunzel didn't cry, but she once again proved that she's stronger than us all by saying she hoped so and leaving it at that.  Of course, neither of the girls know what happened, and we plan to keep it that way as long as we can.

But for now, I guess I will just have to watch these girls have a fun day, hope Rapunzel tires herself out enough that she can sleep tonight, and think about how blessed we are--three kids and each other, despite our various accidents, and our friends.

A Rough Day

I woke up late, with the sun kissing my eyelids.  Eugene wasn't beside me, so I figured he was up with the kids.  I got dressed, brushed and braided my hair, and then hurried out from behind the cutout.
The kids were still asleep.  Eugene was nowhere too be found.
"E-Eugene?" I asked.  I repeated myself, getting louder and louder as my fear rose and the lump in my throat balled up.  Zelia peered around the divider, motioning for me to come over.  Her face was stricken with horror. 
I could hardly get my legs to move, but I did, and came face-to-face with Eugene.   My husband.  The love of my life.  The blank, lifeless stare captured my gaze; now cold and shallow instead of warm and kind.  I collapsed wordlessly in front of his box, too horrified to do anything except sob.



I flew upright with a gasping cry.
"Are you okay?  You were yelling my name in your sleep," my husband asked, peering at me.  I was too shaken by my dream to even force any words to come out, but eventually, I managed to ask what time it was.
"It's six," he said.  "You've been tossing and turning all night, but I woke you up when you were yelling for me.  What were you dreaming about?  You sobbed right when I started shaking your shoulder, but I thought it was just surprise."
I rubbed at my eyes and put a hand over my mouth, staring at him.  I prayed he could figure it out without me telling him.
His face softened, and the corners of his mouth drooped. "Boxes?"
Well, I guess that was the least morbid way to talk about it, so I nodded.
He silently pulled me into his arms, pressing a hand up against the back of my head when I buried my face in his shoulder to cry silently.  I was so scared.
After that, I couldn't go to sleep.  I was embarrassed that he had had to stay up with me because of my bad dream, but I still couldn't shake the fear that had clamped around me.  He didn't go back to sleep until I curled up beside him, so I stayed tucked under his arm. I didn't need to be pacing, anyway--I didn't want to wake the girls. 

 When Jordan woke up at eight, I was more than happy for an excuse to get up. 
I went out to the wicker chair and held her, humming quietly to her.  The other two girls were asleep, with Pascal curled up between them. 
Eugene came out about a half an hour later, giving me a kiss on the forehead as he scooped Jordan out of my arms.  "Did you go back to sleep for a little bit?" 
"No," I sighed. 
"I'm sorry," he gave me a concerned look, but turned back to Jordan when she cooed happily at him.  "Maybe you should go back to bed-"
"I won't be able to sleep, are you kidding me?  Every time I shut my eyes, I see...stuff I don't want to."  I muttered. 
He came over and shifted Jordan to one arm so he could rub one of my shoulders comfortingly with the other hand.  "If you need to talk, let me know, okay?" 
I shrugged, standing up as soon as I saw Audrey sitting up.  I didn't want to talk.  I didn't want to even THINK about their four blank faces, and if I talked about it, I would think about it.  Ugh! 


The day absolutely dragged.  The girls were hyper, so I was absolutely about ready to drop from exhaustion by the time they had settled down!
  Zelia came over around six, asking if she could spend the night.
"Do you mind, uh...i-if I stay over here tonight?  I couldn't sleep last night--"
"Join the crowd," I muttered.
"--because I sleep right by those boxes, and I...I couldn't sleep, I just couldn't."  I knew it was a lot for Zelia to tell us.  Of course, we both agreed to allow her to stay the night...which made Audrey and Casey excited.  They quickly got down to work teaching Aunty Z about this new game they had made up, which lasted until they had to go to bed. 

Once more, I couldn't sleep.  Shocker.  I crept out of bed around one, slipping out onto the windowsill.  I could at least stargaze if I couldn't sleep! 
Zelia soon found me. 
"You can't sleep, either?" 
"No," I sighed. 
"Mhm.  I know it's really insanely stupid, but every time I shut my eyes, I see--"
"Their faces," I finished.  "Their shallow, dead faces." 
"Yes," she said.  "Exactly.  I can't believe Tangled Fan can even LOOK at that!" 
"She probably can't see the hollow expressions in the same way we can.  She probably sees the cheery painted smiles and bright eyes, whereas we see hollow eyes and fake expressions," I reasoned.  There was no use in saying horrible things about Tangled Fan -- after all, she DID own all of us. 
She huffed.  "Well, she should know what it does to dolls, and she should know that we don't want to see that!" 
I nodded, and we stood in awkward silence until I heard a boot scuff. 
Swinging around, I saw Eugene. 
"Can't you ladies sleep?"
"I'm sorry, we didn't wake you, did we?"  I asked. 
"No," he shook his head and drew close to whisper.  "I was just wondering where my girl went."
Zelia looked rather unamused at his closeness to me, but she let it slide.  "Do you know who's really having a problem with it over there?  Ray." 
I choked.  "RAY?" 
"Yes!  He's been so...so sullen.  Hans and Kristoff were good pals to him for as long as they knew each other," she explained. 
"That's a shame," I sighed.  "It's hit all of us pretty hard, I guess.  Not every day that almost half of the entire population of a shelf is taken away-"
"And the rest is left to stare at their lifeless selves," Zelia added. 
I nodded, and Eugene slid an arm around my waist -- I'm not sure if he meant to or just did it subconsciously.
"I feel terrible that I talked to Anna in such a poor manner after...what she had done with reporting us for not taking care of our kids.  If I would've known that it was because of her...her knowing she wouldn't have a family of her own, I would've been a lot more understanding," he spoke up.  He tightened his grip around me as he spoke, and I'm pretty sure that it was subconsciously. 
This situation was hard on everyone...

The Frozen Fate...

This morning, I woke up around eight. My face was planted into bed, my arms and legs...and hair...sprawled EVERYWHERE.  When I lifted my head up, Eugene wasn't beside me.  I rolled over onto my back - or at least, I tried to.  I fell off the edge of the bed with a sound THUNK.
A few seconds later, Eugene came hurrying back behind the cutout.  "What was--oh.  Are you alright?" 
I giggled.  "Yeahhh...I fell." 
He held a hand out, and I took it, standing up and thanking him.  He was trying so hard not to smile.
"Oh, stop!"  I laughed.  "I know it's weird that I still fall out of bed, but that's me.  I'm clumsy." 
He chuckled.  "Nah...I'm just glad to have ya back." 
"Alrighty then," I teased, "not sure how you can miss having me back as your wife, but...okay."
He grinned, sitting down on the edge of the bed and pulling me down onto his lap. 
"So...what does my girl want to do today?" 
"Hmmmh....as little as possible.  I'm still tired from yesterday!  Are the girls up yet?" 
"Nope.  They're tuckered out, too, I guess," he said.  He finally let his adorable smile shine through, which told me just how much he'd missed the girls.  I leaned my head up against his shoulder, admiring that smile until he laced my hairline with kisses. 
We just talked quietly for a little while, until Jordan got up.

And thus started my first day [back] as wife and mom to this awesome guy and adorable little girls! :] 

My good mood was severely marred this afternoon when Zelia poked her head over to our side of the table.
"Did you know that the Frozen bunch was being put back in their boxes?"
"What?!"  I gasped, standing abruptly.  The older girls were taking their 4-o-clock nap, and Eugene was holding Jordan, so all I had was Pascal on my shoulder.  I rushed over to talk with my sister. 
"Yeah...Tangled Fan just did.  Look," she pointed up, and I saw Anna, Elsa, Hans, and Kristoff in their boxes on the bench.  They had blank stares on their faces, and I gasped, horrified. 
"Wh-why do they look like that?" 
"Dolls are alive when they are put in boxes in the warehouse -- Disney makes sure that they do, because it gives them extra character, and kids will want them-- but if they're put back in their box...they're no longer living.  They're not dead-dead, but they're just...like that.  Frozen in time.  When or if they're removed once more, it's like they're starting their life all over again.  Merida over there has been taken out of her box and put back in repeatedly for rearranging purposes.  It's kind of amusing to play with their heads."
I was horrified....and even more appalled by Zelia's reaction to the repeated removal of Merida. 
"That's HORRIBLE, Zelia!  How awful of you to say--"
"I was trying to joke.  Quit looking like you've seen a ghost!"  she huffed.
I shook my head slowly.  "I-I feel like I HAVE seen a ghost...they're just ghosts of their formal selves!  This is AWFUL!"  I sobbed.  "A-Anna...did they know?  Why?  Did anyone tell you why?"
"They told me this morning before she came to put them in their boxes.  Anna said that she didn't want you to know until after they were taken care of.  She told me to explain everything to you:  she and Elsa knew that one day, their joints would grow weaker and weaker until Tangled Fan would have to put them in their boxes -- that's why Merida is in hers.  It's a defect in the 2012 articulation; the leg joints are placed incorrectly, and they can't hold up as long as our legs can.  They knew it would happen someday, and it's been getting worse...it's kind of like some degenerative illness in humans.  She said that's why they wanted to go on a week-long expedition of the house, but she insisted you couldn't go.  She knew that their secret would be revealed...anyway, she went on to say that she was a fool for being so horrible to you, and mostly because of the things she'd done before you, you know..had your accident; but at the time, she was bitter with the fact that this would happen someday, and she wouldn't be able to have a family.  She said she was happy that she got to see you guys back together again yesterday; that's why everyone stayed for so long...this explains everything.  Or, it should.  Elsa said that she was sorry she couldn't say goodbye, but it was for the best, and she never liked goodbyes anyway." 
I was crying.  Everyone was solemn on that side of the table, even Punzie.  I dropped to my knees, burying my face in my hands.  "I-I...I can't believe this...they're...they're GONE!" 
Zelia sat beside me.  "Hey.  Don't cry.  They're not in pain anymore -- and they were in plenty before."
Well, thanks, sister-mine.  That makes me feel LOADS better!
I tried to compose myself, and a thought occurred to me.  "Wh-...why are Kristoff and Hans in their boxes, too?" 
"They didn't want to spend their days looking up to see the blank faces of their wives, so they elected to have the same fate as the girls."
I thought I was going to throw up.  "...Oh....did they know it would happen someday?"
"Yes...they were the only ones who did, up until this morning."
I gulped a few deep breaths, which only made me feel sicker.  "Oh..." I heard Eugene ask where I'd disappeared to, and stumbled to my feet.  "I--I need to go..." Before my sister could say anything else, I was gone.
I rushed over to the other side of the table, and ran headfirst into Eugene, who must've gotten Jordan to sleep.
"What's wrong?" he asked quietly.
I mumbled what had happened to the Frozen bunch, and he shook his head, obviously saddened by it.
We talked about it quietly for a little while, but then the girls woke up, and we put on cheery faces so as to not worry them.

Casey saw something was wrong, though.  We had a chat before bedtime, --Eugene said we always had before.
"What's wrong?  I know something is.  Are you upset about us being here so soon?" Casey asked, rolling her big green eyes up at me.
I cuddled her close.  "No, definitely not, baby girl,  It's just...still all sinking in for me.  Finding out I was married to your daddy and I was the mom to you three sweethearts was a big surprise, albeit a happy one," I said.  It WAS true...I was still processing all that, too.  
And on top of that all, I had thought of something absolutely terrifying.
Eugene had joint problems because of whatever had happened to him.
What if Tangled Fan put him in his box??  What would happen with the girls?  The mere thought terrified me.

Back to Casey, though, she gave me a relieved smile, yawning.
"Ready for bed?" I asked.
"Huh-uh..."
Said the little girl who was having a hard time keeping her eyes from crossing.  They had played ALLLLL day long, stopping only to nap at 4.
I shook my head, grinning to myself, but I held her until she fell asleep, which didn't take long.  When she had, I put her in bed with Audrey, and watched Eugene carefully spread a blanket over Jordan, who was sleeping already.
When he turned around, I gave him a small smile.  "They tuckered themselves out, didn't they?"
"They tuckered ME out, too!" he chuckled.  "They're happy to be home and have their momma again...I am, too."
He winked, but I didn't blush or giggle like I normally would.  What would I do if he was put back inside that plastic prison?

We went to bed, but I couldn't close my eyes and sleep.  Every time I shut my eyes, I saw one of their frozen faces...and that made me worry even more about Eugene.
I squirmed a bit closer to my husband, and he slid his hand up and down my forearm, half asleep.
"Can't sleep?" he asked tiredly.  I didn't want to disturb him, but it slipped out.
"I'm scared," I whispered.
Plenty awake now, he cleared his throat and stroked my hair.  "Why?  The Frozen bunch?"
"Kind of...every time I close my eyes, I see their faces.  Oh, Eugene, it was awful...a-and then it scares me because...what if the same happens to us?  What would the girls do?"
"You don't have to worry, hon...you didn't come with your original box," he reassured me.
I sat up.  "I don't care what happens to me...I'm worried about YOU," I got choked up on the last part.
"Why?"
"Y-your joints!  I don't know what we'd do...I don't know what would happen to the girls, and that scares me...and I don't know what I'd do without you..." I trailed off, knowing that if I looked up into those warm brown eyes...see that soft expression of concern on his face...I'd lose it for sure.
But he sat up and tilted my chin up to look me in the eye.  "I promise you it won't happen.  My joints are different than theirs.  Mine only hurt temporarily,  and I know how to control it.  Theirs is a factory defect.  So don't worry about me, okay, sweet girl?"
I took in a deep, shuddering breath, relieved to have been told this.  "Okay...just me being silly, as always.  How did...how did you fall, anyway?  I can't remember."
He stiffened.  "That's one thing I'm glad you forgot...I'd prefer to keep it that way..."
What?  What on earth had happened??
"What happened?  You've peaked my interest, so you HAVE to tell me, now...please?" I coaxed.
He sighed, but he gave in.  "We got into a fight with Anna and Kristoff. You were trying to defend Elsa from her sister's rudeness, and it set them both off.  Kristoff approached you, and I stepped in front of you.  He punched me and knocked me out, and from what you told me, we both fell down off of the dresser.  You managed to grab a dresser handle and tried to keep me from falling, but you couldn't, of course, and I fell and messed up my hip joints.".
I put a hand to my mouth.  "So it was my fault..I'm so--"
He shook his head.  "Don't say it...we went through this six months ago when it actually happened.  Okay?"
I sighed, pulling my knees to my chest and sneaking a glance at him.  "You've done so much for me, I mean really.  I don't know how I can ever repay you,"
He was quiet for a second before grinning, smoothing the hair from my face.  "You could...give me that pretty smile of yours that I love so much," he teased, stroking my cheek with the pad of his thumb.  I couldn't NOT grin, and he chuckled.  "C'mere."
I leaned up against him, and he wrapped me in his arms, asking if I felt better.
"I do for sure, knowing that you aren't in danger of being put in your box, but I still feel horrible for everyone that WAS.  If you had seen their faces...it was just awful."
"I'm sorry you saw it...that's like the equivalent of a human seeing a dead body.  I guess, anyway," he pulled me a little closer, and I squeezed my eyes shut tightly, wishing the images would go away.
And to think that just yesterday, I was thinking that Elsa and Kris would be starting a family soon...it's amazing how things can change in the blink of an eye.  I guess it wasn't a blink for them, but it was for the rest of us.  It made me want to cherish every moment with my girls and my husband even more.

The Renewal of Our Vows [=

The morning that we would renew our wedding vows dawned...muggy and cloudy with a chance of storms.  The window was open in the bedroom, but there was hardly any breeze going. 
Tangled Fan had planned most of this ceremony for us, which was nice...but at the same time, I was slightly terrified to see what she'd thought up. 
Everyone was up bright and early -- the ceremony...or whatever you'd call it...started at 9 AM--and I guess nobody thought about getting me up, because I woke up at eight.  EIGHT!!!   Nobody else was on the table.  The night before, Belle had told me that she would leave her dress on the other side of the table (we were having the ceremony on Eugene's side of the table.  It was closer to the window, and it just worked out well.) and so I grabbed my brush and slipped over to see if she had.  Eugene was gone, even though the table had not been prepped yet, and so I slid around to behind the cutout and hurriedly undressed.  I needed to get ready, and FAST!
I took Belle's poufy dress and promptly got to work, worming my way into it.  As I was trying to squeeze into it, I heard clomping footsteps coming towards the cutout.
Eugene. 
Oh no. 
"Don't come behind the cutout, I'm getting dressed!"  I called. 
"Okay," he called back. 
I squeezed into the dress hurriedly, and started trying to get the Velcro fastened --that's always fun.  Unfortunately, I couldn't reach to squeeze the tight bodice shut 100%. 
Ohh, great...
I grunted, sucking in a breath as I tried to shut the Velcro at the middle of my back. 
"You okay back there?" 
"Y-yeahh...well...actually...can you come back here, please?  I can't...reach the Velcro."
"Okaayy," he cleared his throat, and within a few seconds, he was behind the cutout as well.  He yanked and tugged at the bodice edges until he got them fastened together.  "There you go." 
I sighed.  "Thank you...you're awesome." 
He laughed, and I quickly tried something new with my hair--pulling it around in a braid.  It makes more sense when you see the pictures...I can't explain it.  Anyway, Eugene watched while I did so, and the second I was done, he reached to turn me around to face him.  His warm eyes flicked over me from head to toe, a small smile creeping up on his face.  He led me out from behind the cutout before allowing his grin to blossom into a toothy smile.  "You look great!" 

"Mmh...I don't really think this dress is good on me, though.  The color...it's the same as my hair, almost.  And--OH, do you know where everyone else is?  I need to help them with stuff, if there's anything to do!  What time is it?!" 
"Okay...let's see.  First off, I was instructed to keep you from doing any prep work.  I'm about to get this place ready, but that'll just take a few minutes.  And FYI, you are beautiful.  I mean, you always are,
but...anyway.  And yeah, it's the same color as your hair, but it brings out your pretty green eyes...and the freckles on your nose."  he reached to kiss the tip of said nose, and then gave me a mushy sort of smile.  "Oh, and Tangled Fan is bringing the girls in a little bit...sorry I didn't tell you till now, but I just asked her to last night.  I figured you'd be asleep, so I didn't want to wake you up." 
Well.  THAT was a bit of a surprise!
"Hmmh...I probably look awful.  But--Wait.  The girls are coming?!"  I gasped.  "But--but what if...I didn't have time to re-read the posts about them--" he put a finger to my lips and shook his head, chuckling. 
"You look great.  Looks don't matter to me, anyway...it's the fact that after this morning, you'll officially be my girl again.  And the girls understand about what happened, so it's no big problem.  If you need to ask me about something, don't hesitate, okay?  Love you." 

I almost melted at that!  He bent to steal a quick kiss..and then the door opened. 

Tangled Fan bustled in.
Eugene pulled away quickly, and I put a hand to my stomach in surprise. 
Tangled Fan held her hand out to us, and in that hand were three ADORABLE little girls. 
Casey, Audrey, and Jordan!  My heart squeezed just at the sight of them, and I could hardly contain my excitement!


 She left them with us and then gave us some alone time together before we started the ceremony in half an hour. 
The girl with green eyes -- Casey -- just stared at me, wide-eyed, until I knelt in front of her, holding my arms out.  I could remember that she was shy, so I wanted to give her space if she needed it. 
She didn't need it.

The poor girl didn't waste any time throwing herself into my arms, and she buried her face in my neck.  I cuddled her close, standing up to see Audrey and Jordan.  Audrey was clinging to Eugene, but when I offered my other arm to her, she promptly reached over to get a hug from me.  Jordan was fussy, but quickly calmed down when Eugene started humming some sweet little song.  Nobody said anything at first, we just held the girls tight.  Casey was the first to speak up. 
"I love you...I missed you so much, Mommy," she looked up with those big green eyes, and my heart squeezed.  I told her I loved her, too...and Audrey as well...and I wasn't lying.  In the few seconds that I had met them -- well...seen them again, I guess--I fell in love with the three of them.  They were so sweet, and adorable, and...wow.  When Audrey agreed with Casey, the tears I had fought when Casey told me came out full force.
When Audrey came over to hug me again, Eugene shifted Jordan to his other arm so he could rub my back, noticing that I was on the verge of having a good cry.  Crying from happiness, mind you.
Once I had gained composure, I sat down with the three of them by myself as Eugene prepped the place for the ceremony.  The two older girls just could hardly contain their excitement, and I guess it was contagious, because Jordan started doing this adorable little belly laugh that made all of us start laughing.  It was an amazing way to calm down before the ceremony, but by the time 9 o' clock rolled around, I didn't want to leave the girls long enough to actually participate in the renewal of our vows!  xD 

Eugene had left the boxes tilted over, so the attendants could sit down. EVERYONE came, so every bit of the sitting space was used.  Even Punzie came, saying she wanted to make sure I was gone for SURE this time.  Belle and Zelia practically had to pry the girls away from me, but once they had, they held them there.  Kristoff was performing the ceremony, and he looked terrified.

I snagged Belle and thanked her for letting me use her dress, adding that she looked beautiful in the pink gown she'd donned.  She thanked me, saying that she liked it -- despite the fact that the bodice was much too loose in some spots...and then she waved me off, telling me to go as she gestured towards my husband.  I  hadn't realized that the guys were waiting, so I sprinted (and almost tripped) to go stand with Eugene.   
As soon as I did, the piano part of this beautiful little song came on.  I looked up in surprise, and Tangled Fan was beside her laptop.  That was when the tears sprang into my eyes...this was just so perfect.
The second I looked at Eugene, he flashed that special grin of his and took my hands in his.  Our eyes met, and I don't think either of us looked away for the majority of the whole entire thing. 
Kristoff mumbled the explanation of why we were here today, and I could tell he was soo embarrassed to be in front of people :D  I'm thankful he did it, though.
We didn't tie the ribbon, like you do when you get married...we just exchanged vows.
My guy went first.  He gave me an embarrassed little grin, shifting from foot to foot a couple of times.  "R-Rapunzel..."
"Eugene..." I mimicked, trying to get him to feel less shy, and he burst out laughing. 
Once he stopped, he smiled and squeezed my hands, silently thanking me.  "Hmm...well...I don't really know what to say.  There's so much I want to tell you, but I can't really put everything into words...you know how I am with words.  Well, let's just say...I love you.  I love you to the moon and back, and I can't even tell you how excited I am to have you back as my wife.  It was a long couple of months, and I, um...a couple of times, I thought I was going to lose you.  Spent more than a few nights not sleeping over that...and a couple more when I just couldn't stop thinking about you.  You drive me crazy, girl...seriously.  I promise I'll love you until the last day of my plastic life.  And if I ever argue with you about something--"
"Slap him in the face!  Or better yet, lemme at him!"  Zelia piped up, and I looked over to see she was crying.  I laughed when I saw Eugene's mock-terrified face. That's about when everyone else in the place lost it laughing.
"Please don't.  Keep me away from her, please!  YOU can slap my face all you want, but don't let her near me," he pretended to whimper fearfully, and at that point, I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe.  It was quite the change, because I'd been crying over his sweet little speech up until that point.  I waited until I regained my composure, and then I dove into my little speech--which was nothing compared to his. I had had this great little speech planned, but in the midst of all this...I forgot it. 
"Well...gosh, I...I don't know what to say, either.  I planned this speech all out, and standing here...I just--I forgot it.  I blame it on you, because I got sidetracked by you."  he chuckled, and I continued.  "Um...I'm just eternally thankful I met you.  I'm thankful I met you when I met you the first time, and I'm glad you stuck with me, even after I forgot everything.  I'm sooo thankful for you.  You've helped me through so many things, and you're my very best friend.  I care about you so, so much, and I don't think I'll ever stop.  And I can't wait to start--" I froze as I messed that up.  I wasn't STARTING my life with him....I was resuming it.  I gave him a slightly horrified look, and he gave my hands a squeeze of reassurance before whispering 'it's okay'.  "I can't wait to CONTINUE, rather, my life with you.  You and those adorable girls over there...I'm so thankful for all of you." I looked over towards the girls, and Audrey and Casey grinned.  "And...that's about it, I guess?  And yes.  I will take you up on that offer to swat you if you're arguing with me.  But I doubt I'll have many chances to do so...at least, I hope not." 
He laughed, and Kristoff finished up the ceremony.  When Kris said that we could kiss, moving from his spot beside us, Eugene glanced over towards the girls, a teasing look on his face.
"You know, Rapunzel...we always had this rule that we could never kiss in front of the girls...I guess the renewal of our vows is cancelled, then--"
Audrey took the bait, while Casey seemed to know what was up.  She jumped up out of Zelia's lap and gave her daddy a horrified look.  "No, it ISN'T!  You kiss Momma, right now...I can't wait one more minute to have my mommy back!"
We all laughed at her prompt and demanding response, and while I was laughing, Eugene gave me an impish grin.

  "Well, we can't let the little lady wait, now can we...?"  before suddenly tipping me backwards and kissing me.  It only lasted a second because we were both laughing, and when he tipped me upright again, I gave him a teasing swat on the arm.  We turned around, and before we could even move a step, the two oldest girls threw themselves at us :D
Tangled Fan had a whole party planned, apparently.
As soon as that little song had finished its' final round, she turned on some other music and snagged her camera.  Oh boy.
"I thought you guys could have a little party.  Music, dancing, talking...whatever you please.  I'll stay outta the way, but I do want to get some pictures," she told us, and I nodded.

And thus, the party started.  It was just a flurry of craziness and fun.  We talked with everyone, and between the two of us, we juggled the three girls until the two oldest had had enough and wanted down to play some. 
I was surprised to see Zelia talking to Anna....and there was no bloodshed or yelling! 

And I'm pretty sure that kids are in the future of Elsa and Kristoff...since they stood watching the girls play for a good while.  When Jordan fell asleep, Eugene finally convinced me to let her sleep on the floor behind the cutout...which was no easy task.  I wanted to hold her forever =D 
Speaking of Eugene...oh, goodness.  He stuck by my side like GLUE the whole entire time, and the only time he left me was to go play with the girls. 
We all decided to dance for awhile -- we tried to refrain from too many slow or couple dances, so everyone could dance.  I've never seen my sister dance....let's just say that she did not have a great teacher, and I know for sure now that she is my sister.  I think once, she tripped and about knocked Elsa down xD
 For one of the couples' dances, Ray grabbed my sister and danced with her.  I'm pretty sure she was shocked...as were the rest of us. 
As soon as I saw what was happening, I raced over to Eugene (I had been standing by myself with Jordan, while he talked with Casey and Audrey after they called him over for something) and tapped his shoulder.  He glanced away from the girls.  "What?"

"Zelia.  Ray.  Look!"  I hissed, trying to gesture vaguely.  Kristoff noticed, too, and I could see his eyes widen from here!
Eugene choked, which he quickly attempted to cover up by coughing.  "Wow.  Um...didn't see that coming."  We stared at the both of them, and even saw Zelia smile up at him. 
WHOA.
When the song ended, she left his arms and he gave a little bow...and then she turned away.  Towards us. 
CRUMBS!
I quickly averted my attention back to Jordan, but poor Eugene was frozen in surprise...his mouth was hanging open.  I elbowed him, and he snapped his mouth shut hard enough to clack his teeth together, hard.  He grimaced, cleared his throat, and quickly turned away, back to the girls.   
A good while after that, Jordan went to sleep again, so I took her back behind the cutout to sleep. 
I was just starting to feel a little overwhelmed with all of the noise and everything, and it was a bit loud,  (I have no idea how Jordan slept!) so when I took her back, I leaned up against the cardboard, watching her sleep. 
After a few minutes, Eugene crept back, grinning. 
"She asleep?"
"Mmhmm," I nodded, and he reached to slip his arms around my waist. 
"So, are you enjoying yourself?  You looked kinda overwhelmed." he whispered. 
"Yeah, I'm having fun...it's just that all the dolls and the chatter and everything started getting to me.  I'm okay...plus, I wanted to check up on little Miss Cutie," I gave him a reassuring smile, and he gave me a quick hug. 
"Okay, m'lady.  Just wanted to make sure," he gave me that special grin of his before bending to give me a quick, gentle kiss.
As we were kissing, we both heard a little giggle.  I quickly pulled away from him to see...none other than Casey and Audrey, peeking in at us.  And then ZELIA poked her head out! 
The trio gasped and ducked back away from the cutout, and Eugene looked at me, an impish gleam coming into his eyes.
"I say we get them."  he tried to keep a straight face, but the excitement and happiness in his eyes were clear. 
"Mmmhmmm," I giggled as he grabbed my hand and pulled me out from behind the cutout, where we promptly chased down the girls and engaged in tickling the both of them until they laughed so hard no sound came out.  I was laughing fairly hard as well :D  When that was taken care of, Eugene risked sneaking up behind Zelia to tickle her sides, and I'm pretty sure he got a few good smacks on the hands...no, I'm POSITIVE he did!  :D
About an hour after that, Anna wandered up to me, rubbing her arm awkwardly. 
"Um...can I talk to you for a-a minute?  Alone?" 
I nodded, wondering what on earth she was going to tell me.  Eugene nodded and quickly left, but he kept an eye on us.
"I'm sorry for being such a jerk.  I was so senseless, and...I'm sorry for everything I've put you and your family through; it won't happen again."  When she said it wouldn't happen again, a strange expression crossed her face.
"It's fine -- I haven't been mad at you," I reassured her with a smile.   I was a little on edge--c'mon, who wouldn't be? --but I kept a smile on my face.  "Thank you for coming today!"
She nodded.  "Thanks for having us."  we stood awkwardly, looking around, but then she reached to give me a quick hug...and just like that, she left. 

After that, Tangled Fan gathered everyone up to take some pictures. Seems  like Aunty Z missed the girls quite a bit as well...the girls got a picture (I don't have it, though, unfortunately...) with Zelia, and she wouldn't let me have Jordan back afterwards! She literally gave me a shove and told me to 'enjoy the day while she enjoyed her adorable niece'.  :P

Yup.  My wonderful sis pulled a 'bunny ears' on me...and I didn't notice until Tangled Fan showed this one to me. 

And of course, I LOVE how this turned out (:

When the crowd finally dispersed to the other side of the table, we persuaded Tangled Fan to leave the girls here.  It took a little bit of convincing, because she thought I would want a day or two to settle back into my role as wife before I resumed my role as mother, but she did give in.  (:
It was about 11:30 PM, and I quite frankly have no clue how everyone talked and danced and just hung out for so long...yikes.  I know one thing was for sure...I was beyond exhausted.  I helped to put the girls to bed, and settled down on the wicker chair to get Jordan to fall asleep after that. 
When she was asleep--which didn't take more than a couple of minutes -- Eugene came over and stood in front of us. 
"Hmm....I missed that sight.  She asleep?" 
"Mmhmm," I nodded, kissing the top of her head before I allowed him to take her.  I wandered back behind the cutout to change into my nightie and brush my hair, and Eugene made sure Jordan was going to stay asleep in her bed while I did that.

  When I was making our own bed--which had been set upright for the day--, Eugene asked if I was decent.  I said I was, and within a few seconds, I felt him slide his arms around my waist from behind. 
I tossed the blanket back on the bed before I turned to look at him.  "What?"
"Love ya," he winked before kissing the tip of my nose.
I grinned before collapsing dramatically against him.  "I didn't realize how tiring a party could possibly be.."
He laughed.  "Yeah...I didn't think they'd stick around that long.  I guess they enjoyed themselves,"
I nodded, pulling away from his arms so we could go to bed.  I don't think I've ever been so happy to go to bed in my life...I was so tired!  I started to pull the covers up and smooth them over the both of us, but then I noticed him staring at me in an odd way.  "What? Did I...did I do something--"
"No-no-no-no, no...you're fine.  It's just that you used to do that before, too," he gave me a reassuring smile, and I pressed my edge of the blanket up against my chest, thinking about that.
"Really?  I just...I just wish I could remember everything!"  I stared down at the blanket, trying to concentrate to see if I could remember something more.  Nah...it just made me yawn. 
"Hey...c'mere," he broke my thoughts,  so I let myself tip over backwards.  He put both his arms around me and pulled me as snug to him as possible, sighing contentedly. 
"You have no idea how happy I am to have you back, sweet girl of..."
I missed the rest of what he said, because I fell asleep.

Curiosity Killed the Cat

~Rapunzel
This is going to be my last time posting on here.  In HIS favor, I'll write everything down about the whole day...apologies if I get a bit cynical, but when you get to the end, you will understand why.  I don't even know why I'm typing this! 

Yesterday, EVERYONE else started off for a week-long trip exploring the house.  Of course, I wasn't invited, because Anna and Punzie were going along.  Big surprise there, right? 
So today, Eugene was gone for most of the day.  To keep myself busy, I sung and danced by myself.  I had a question for him about the blog, so I just couldn't WAIT for him to get back.

When he did, I promptly hurried over to his side of the table. 
"Hey!"  I said excitedly.  Ahh, gotta love the feeling of excitement you get when you see someone you love, right? 
"Hey, yourself," he gave me that smile of his -- the one that made my stomach erupt in butterflies.  Then, he pulled a small stem of slightly wilted flowers from behind his back.  "Tangled Fan got a bunch of little flowers so I could give them to you and the girls.  They're, ah...kinda wilted up, but-"

I was so excited.  I was soo, so happy.  "Oh my gosh, Eugene!  Thank you so much!"  

With a chuckle, he handed them to me.  I wasted no time, going ahead to bury my face in them and take a deep whiff.  I'd never smelled flowers before!  I'd never been given flowers before, either.  

"Mmm...they smell soo sweet!  Thank you so, so much!"  I looked up at him and grinned, and he laughed. 
"You have some yellow gunk on your nose," he told me before he dabbed it off himself.  After he wiped his fingers on his pants, he pulled me close and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead. 

"So, how was your day?"  he asked.  

I moved away so I could set the flowers down in a safe place, and then I slid back into his arms.  For the moment being, I felt so at home and so comfortable in his arms... ugh. 
"Well, everyone else left last night for this week-long expedition to explore the house, and of course, I had to stay behind...Punzie and Anna, y'know?  So, I just sang and danced by myself today.  It was pretty fun, actually...nobody pushing me around or saying mean things.  OH, I have a question for you!  Someone commented on your last blog post, but they directed it towards me...I saw the preview of it, but I didn't go see the whole thing, because I didn't want to...you know...look at your post, because you said not to." 
He nodded.  "You can stick around here as much as you like, then, if you're all by yourself over there.  I mean, you always CAN, but...you know.  Anyway, uh...yeah, you can answer it.  Noo problem.  It's not like I'm hiding bad secrets there or anything, so I really...I just...um..am self-conscious of my writing."  [Hmmph.  Yeahh...right.]
"Aw, I'm sure your writing is good!" I told him. 

 We talked for a little while, but then I left for my side (where I had left Tangled Fan's tablet) to go check on that comment before I forgot. 

Before I left, I made sure to snag the flowers -- of course.  He gave me the usual hug, kiss on the cheek, and 'I love you, see you later', and I did the same.  

I was on cloud 9, as I normally was after I'd had a visit with him, when I went to check the comment.  

It was on the last post on the blog (Sorry about that, nothing really interesting has been going on, but I had been visiting with him everyday.  Y'know...falling in love...) when I caught sight of something on the page. 
Something about him not wanting to let me meet the orphan girls because he couldn't make them 'pretend to not know their mother'.  

Mother?  

Since I'm obviously not married to him, and I had never met the girls, I  decided to do a little digging.  

I flipped through a couple of the most popular posts.

Apparently, he has a thing for clumsy 2010 Rapunzels. 
He has a wife.  

I was too mad to cry.  Didn't he think I had gone through enough already?!  Why, why, WHY??!!  UGH! 

I grabbed the tablet, the flowers, and Pascal, and stormed over to his side of the table, where he was sitting. 
He greeted me with a surprised smile as he strode over to me. 

"Y-you...you could've told me." I gave him a firm shove right off the bat, knocking him right back away from me. 
"What?" He gave me a slightly terrified and confused look.
"THIS.  What the heck is all this?!"  I shoved the tablet at him and flicked through several pictures he, or his WIFE, rather, had on "our" blog. 
He stammered around terribly for a few minutes, and I could feel my eyes watering as I waited for a response.  My stomach was twisted in knots, and I wanted to be furious at him, but suddenly, all I could feel was sorrow.  For so long...so long...he had led me to believe he loved me, and it turns out it was unrequited affection once more.  Why?  When he just answered me with an 'it's complicated...sit down for a minute', I just gave up.  I should've known better to have hoped he truly cared for me!  I'd just gotten played...just like last time.  But wait...I still wanted answers.
"Well, where's she at...that girl?  It looks like you have a THING for the 2010 model.  And what about--what about all your kids?  Nice to know you were visiting your CHILDREN, not orphans like you told me you were."  I glared, oozing sarcasm.  "I ought to warn your WIFE about what's been going on!  She should at least have fair warning to know something like this could happen again!  And why hasn't she been posting?  Or HAS she, and I just didn't notice because of your stupid little 'no reading' rule?"  
"She's...well...the kids were taken away.  And she is standing right in front of me."  he gave me a serious look.
Was the doll delusional?
"What, then...are you, like...are you mad?!"  I barked.
"No, I'm not mad--"
"Mad as in crazy in the head."   Stupid...! 
"No.  I'm not that, either.  I --"
"I don't want to hear any more excuses!"  I put my hand up, hauling the tablet along with me as I turned to leave.  "I'm done.  I'm sick of MEN!"  I gave the tablet a firm shove to the other side of the table.

"Wait...you don't understand.  Let me explain-"  he succeeded in grabbing my arm.
"Did you not just hear me?" I was mad at myself for the tears that were spilling down my cheeks.  "Let me go!" 
"Please...just listen for..f-for five minutes, Rapunzel--"
"NO!  Let me go, you sick, twisted...freak!  I can't believe you....!"  I cried.   I managed to yank away from him, and I almost fell down.  I managed to stay on my feet, though, and I quickly stumbled back on the other side of the table.  My side.  I'd never cross to the other side of that table again.  I was finished.  I was finished with relationships, and liars, and men who used you and made you think they loved you, and...I'm done with LOVE.  Finished.
 Why must I be so naive....?
I went to my corner, where I'd left Pascal, and sat down.  Nobody was there, of course. Part of me was glad nobody was there to see me like this, but part of me wanted Zelia or Belle.  But they might not even care...Why WOULD anyone care, anyway?  It's ME.  I'm stupid, and I'm worthless, and...why can't I be smart for once??
I can honestly say that this is worse, though.  Looking back, I should have seen it coming with Flynn.  But Eugene had been so sweet with me, and had told me nearly every day that he loved me.  Why??  Didn't he think I had been through enough the first time??!  And yet, my stupid heart kept squeezing every time I thought about him.  Why did it?  Some small voice kept telling me that he hadn't used me, and I wished it would shut up!  I was too shocked to even cry, but if I COULD cry, I would probably feel better.  I felt like I was going to throw up.

Our Memorial Day

Eugene

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!  We might be dolls, but we still make sure to dedicate today to all the soldiers that fought to keep the place we live in safe.  Are any of you guys doing anything for Memorial Day? 
Zelia and I convinced Tangled Fan to let us take the girls outside for the first time...and she actually let us!  She made sure we waited until the backyard was cleaned up and mowed (they're having a picnic or something later, I guess)...and then she let us take them out.  She limited us to the ramp and the small strip of grass by the ramp, but that's plennnty of space for us dolls --it's humongous for the kids!  Zelia and I took turns staying in the shade with Jordan to keep her safe from the sun, and when one was watching her, the other was playing with and keeping track of rambunctious little Audrey and Casey.
When I told the girls we were going outside, they were just bouncing off the walls. 
"Really?!"  Casey gasped.
"You mean...you mean for real?"  Audrey overlapped her sister before they both started squealing and running in impatient circles around us.  That sent Jordan crying, so I asked them to calm down until they were set loose outside, and they obliged...somewhat. 

Buddy, they had a BLAST.  They were so happy to get out of that old box Tangled Fan has them in, poor things.  They ran...and ran...and ran...and tripped and kept running...and jumped, screamed, giggled, and played for a good solid hour, playing anything from tag-you're-it to hide and seek, plus a few little games they've invented themselves. 
  I think we were all exhausted by the time Tangled Fan came back out to get us.  Jordan was sleeping, and the other two were so tired that they went to sleep as soon as they got back to their box.  After we exchanged our normal 'love you, see you again really soon's, Tangled Fan took Zelia and I back.  I was reluctant to let them go, as was usual, but we headed back to the bedroom anyway. 

As we walked, we talked. 
"So...how are things moving along with you and Rapunzel?"  Zelia asked me.  "She seems pretty fascinated by you at this point." 
I grinned.  "I'm hoping that it won't be too much longer, but you never know.  I want to make sure not to go too fast for her,"
"Yeah.  You don't want to lose her now," Zelia groaned.  "If you would, I think I would slap you.  Repeatedly." 
"No doubt in my mind.  I want to tell her about everything, but I just can't think of the right time to tell her.  I don't want to freak her out, and I don't know if she trusts me enough yet."  I added. 
"Mmhm.  You should wait for a little while, just don't wait too long,"
We talked a little bit more about her, and Ray and Belle as well, until we got to their side of the table.  I followed Zelia up, and saw Rapunzel was sitting in her corner....alone...with Pascal.  Belle, Elsa, Anna, Emma, and Piper were gone, leaving her with Ray, Kristoff, Hans, and Punzie. 
Well, I can see where this is going...."Hey, you," I knelt in front of her, putting a hand on her shoulder.  She looked up sharply, and I was greeted with a relieved smile. 
"Hey, yourself," she told me. 
"Why is such a pretty girl such as yourself sitting back here?"  I asked, and she blushed, even though her face clouded with that look of rejection. 
"Everyone else went for a walk, and Anna and Emma didn't want me to go, so I stayed here.  Ray tried to strike up a conversation with me, and then got frustrated with me because I started to stammer around, so I just went back here," she shrugged. 
"Hmm...I'm sorry, sweetheart.  Do you want to go for a walk or something?"  I suggested.  I was really tired, yeah, but if my girl wanted to do something, I was all for it. 
Her whole face lit up.  "Oh!  Yeah, of course!!"
But after she said so, her smile faltered and her gaze dropped down to her lap.  "O-oh...oh geez.  I haven't even changed out of my nightie yet--oh my gosh, I'm so sorry-"
"It's fine," I laughed.  I hadn't even noticed that, to be honest. 
"I guess...if you want to let me change and get my hair brushed out, I'll meet you under the table?" 
"M'kay...sounds good," I chuckled, standing up. 

I waited for her under the table...and waited...and waited. I was just starting to wonder if she had forgotten already, but then she came sliding down the table leg.  She was wearing her normal purple dress and had Pascal on her shoulder, but her hair was braided like the movie Rapunzel's.  She gave me a red-faced smile as she came over.  I still don't know why my heart starts pounding and I feel kind of dizzy every time I see her, I mean...it's been eight months since I met her! 
I strode over and pulled her into a quick hug, grinning.  "Wow...you look amazing..I mean, you always do, but-"
She giggled, the tips of her ears turning red.  "I don't think so, but thank you.  Zelia said you guys went to see the girls today...how were they today?" 
As we walked, I narrated the hour outside with the girls, and she gave me a huge smile. 
"Aw...I bet they really enjoyed it!  They just seem like they're so sweet," she told me.  I saw a glimmer--just a split-second glimmer--of the adoring expression in her eyes that she used to have when she'd hold one of the girls.  I had to smile when I realized that. 
"They are," I nodded, "that they are." 
"Someday, you'll have to introduce them to me," she suggested once more. 
Ooh no.  Don't panic, don't--I really don't want to do this.  I can't expect the girls to act like they don't know their own mother, that's way too much for them. "Maybe we can adopt them, someday," I winked, and her eyebrows shot up in surprise. 
"Hmm..."
"What?"  I started to panic on the inside.That probably wasn't what she had wanted to hear...?
"I was just thinking about how unlikely that is, but how much fun it would be," she ducked her head in embarrassment. 
"Who says it's unlikely?"  I reached to tickle her side, and she jumped back, laughing.  She almost tripped, but I snagged her arm and kept her upright. 
"Well, you're so perfect, and I'm so...not," she said, even though she was still grinning. 
"Me?  Perfect?  Pfft.  And no, you're not a cookie-cutter doll, but that's what makes you great!"  I told her, threatening to tickle her again. 
"Stop!  Don't you dare tickle me," she grabbed my hands.  "And...once more, thanks, but I don't think so." 
"Remember what Belle told you," I kissed her cheek.  "And I won't tickle you more, but if you degrade yourself again, I might just have to..."
She rolled her eyes.  "You're terrible....I love you." 
"Talk about a contradiction...love you, too, though," I teased. 
After that, we just walked and talked for awhile; eventually retiring to the window to sit and read for the afternoon.

Two New Faces and I am SO EXCITED Right Now!!

~Rapunzel
This morning, Tangled Fan brought in a box and set it on her bed before yelling and hurrying out the door again.  I had the perfect view of the box from my side of the table, and I wanted to investigate.  Unfortunately, nobody else was as enthused as I was, and nobody jumped up and yelled, 'we need to go check that box out now!!'.  Finally, after an hour of unbearable curiosity, I spoke up.
"Guys, why don't we check out the box over there?" I stood and waited to be noticed.
Which never happened.
Literally everyone ignored me.
So I went over to each individual and asked, even Punzie, who just rolled her eyes and grumbled about the possibility that more dolls were here now.
When I had gathered a group --Anna, Hans, and Zelia-- I popped my head over to Eugene's side, smiling when I saw him stand the second he saw me.
"Cmon, do you want to go see the mystery package?" I joked, trying to make it sound intriguing.
He nodded and gave me that grin of his, and soon, our little bunch was on the floor and headed to the bed.

It didn't take long to get over there, and we soon met...

Belle...

                                                               And Beast/Raymond/Ray. 


I was slightly terrified of Beast, but I tried to keep it hidden.  How rude would THAT be??  Plus, my shyness kicked in, and I wanted to go back to my side of the table the second Belle glanced my way.  Even more so when Beast STARED at me.  I didn't mean to, but I ended up reaching for Eugene...and then I realized that he was hanging back a little ways behind me, his face worried as he looked over the both of them.
"Are you shy, too?" I whispered, and he nodded before trying to smile at the newcomers.  Zelia was greeting them, albeit a bit rudely, but that was Zelia for you.

We all started back, and not a word was spoken.  I hung back, feeling quite out of place.  I wanted to talk to them, even though Beast--er...Ray...-gave me the willies, but I just couldn't get myself to speak up.  Eugene did, however, and started talking to both of them.  He periodically glanced back at me, so I finally gave in and helped tell them about the other dolls in our group.
I couldn't believe how perfect Belle acted.  With gorgeous brown hair and huge doe eyes, she was beautiful.  She walked with grace to spare, and spoke eloquently, with a very faint French accent.
Ray, on the other hand, spoke not a word, and acted like he couldn't see or hear well.

When we got to the bins under the table, Ray motioned frantically to Belle, rushing aside.  We paused, watching, as she went over and STARTED TO PULL HIS HEAD OFF!

We all froze in our tracks.  Anna squeaked and ducked behind her husband, still watching over his shoulder.
I wanted to scream, but knew it was rude and inappropriate of me, so I reached to clutch Zelia's arm.
She wasn't there...she was scrambling to climb the trash bag, clearly fascinated by the whole morbid thing.
When the head came off, it revealed a fairly handsome, ginger-haired and blue eyed human version of Beast, and the coat slipped off to reveal human hands.

 

After that, everyone was abuzz.  Ray was very much NOT abuzz, and just wanted to be left alone...so we obliged.  Anna and Hans went back, but Zelia, Eugene, and I stuck around on the floor.  I hung back, and Zelia spent her time staring at Ray.  Hmm. 

And Eugene and Belle seemed to be hitting it off very well.  He was talking to her, and she was smiling, laughing, and gazing into his eyes --even though he kept dropping his gaze away, for some reason.  The both of them made a pretty cute couple, actually, and I had to smile.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking.  Why am I not mad because they're both hitting it off so well, when just yesterday, I was saying about how I had a thing for Eugene??
Well, dear readers, that is because I know I don't stand a chance, he is out of my league, and they are absolutely adorable together.  I mean, just look at them!!!

I turned my attention to Ray for a moment or two, and caught him staring at me.  When our eyes met, he abruptly gave me a LOOK and turned his back.
Alrighty then.
I looked at Zelia and nudged her with my elbow, redirecting her gaze from Ray to Eugene and Belle.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Probably not, Hopeless Romantic," Zelia said dryly.
"Wedding bells for those two, sometime in the future.  He's quite taken and I think it's mutual," I explained.
"Hmmph," Zelia rolled her eyes and stalked off, leaving me completely alone.

Yay me, right?
So I tried to gather the courage to talk to Ray, thinking that maybe, he was feeling left out too.
He fairly growled at me, and I quickly backed off.
Looks like there's no chance of me befriending anyone in THIS group, either!
I don't know why I hung back, maybe because I thought Zelia would come back around.  Regardless, I did...and eventually, Zelia did.  Eugene noticed her, and quickly cornered her, requesting something of her.    She nodded, and then Eugene headed my way.  Zelia went instead to go talk to Belle and Ray.

Eugene gave me that special grin of his and put his hand on my shoulder, so I couldn't help but smile back.
"Hey, little miss wallflower," he teased.
"Hmm...says the guy who was hiding behind me earlier!" I threw back, and his grin broadened into a smile.
"You got me.  But for the record, you're the prettiest wallflower in existence, I'm fairly certain."
I giggled.  "Somehow, I sincerely doubt that..."

"Well, you shouldn't." he slipped his arm around me, pulling me close with an adorable grin.  I was beyond surprised, especially since Belle was looking right at us.
Oh no.  He wasn't going to use me like Flynn did.  Was he??
At that, I quickly slipped away, and as soon as that happy mood had appeared, it was replaced with uncertainty.  Without an explanation, I tried to hurry back to the table.  When he followed me and asked if I was okay, I said I had forgotten Pascal up there, even though he was on my shoulder. 
"He's..."
"I just..I'll talk to you later.  I'm not feeling too hot right now."  I felt bad lying, but I DIDN'T necessarily feel the best, anyway.  My stomach twisted just at the thought of him trying to use me to get Belle's attention.  He started to follow me, but I told him he didn't have to and that he needed to help Zelia out.

The rest of the day came and went.  I was silent in my corner for the majority of the time, thoughts tumbling through my mind in waves of confusion.  Waves?  Maybe HURRICANES of confusion would be the more suitable term.  I didn't care that Belle likes him, I just had not taken him for the using kind.

When I wasn't totally silent and buried inside my thoughts, Belle and I talked.  She was a really, really nice girl, and I almost hope we can become friends..but I have learned to hope for things cautiously.

Well, night fell, and I, of course, went to sleep, curled up in my corner with Pascal.  I had given Belle my blanket, since we were one blanket short, and so I was freezing cold in my thin little nightie.  Of COURSE tonight would be in the  low thirties!  It's May, for goodness' sake.  Why is it this cold??  Tangled Fan has the heat on, but it's still pretty chilly without a blanket and a sleeveless, short-ish, lightweight dress as your nightie!
My slumber was disturbed by...Eugene.  He gently shook me awake, and even though it was dark, I could still see the glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
What on earth...
I rubbed my eyes, trying to keep up with what he was saying.
"...get your blanket and your buddy, and let's go,"
"Wh...where?  My hair is a mess and I'm in my nightie..." I mumbled.
"Don't worry bout that, just come on," he scooped Pascal up and then helped me to my feet before feeling for a blanket.
"I gave it to Belle...we were one blanket short," I whispered, and he nodded.
"Oh, wow, it's no wonder why your arms are so cold, then," he took my hand and led me to his side of the table, ducking behind the cutout and snagging his blanket.  Next, he led me to the far side of the windowsill, and then draped the blanket over my shoulders.
"There... And here we are,"
I could see his face better..and then I realized.
Windowsill.
Night.
Stars!
I gasped and looked up, not disappointed by the crystal clear night.  The stars looked like tiny, precious gems that had been scattered across blue-black velvet.
I couldn't remove the smile from my face as I turned to look at Eugene. I wanted to say so much, but I couldn't get a single word out.
"I noticed it was a clear night, and knew you would like to stargaze," he shrugged, smiling.
I just wordlessly grabbed him into a tight hug, so quickly that the blanket slid off of my shoulders.  He chuckled and held me close for a minute, and almost seemed reluctant to let me go.  I didn't consider that at the time, I just was so excited about the stars.  He sat down I'm the corner, and I started to sit on the opposite corner, but he made a grumble of disapproval.
"Hey...you can come over here if ya want, you know,"
I didn't hesitate, and I snagged the blanket I had dropped as I came back over.
"Lean forward," I asked him.  I was going to give the blanket back, but he shook his head. 
"No, you need it--"
"We'll share.  It's chilly," I gave him a grin, and he chuckled. 
"Alright, fine..." he pretended to be exasperated as I reached to drape the blanket around his shoulders, minding Pascal on his shoulder opposite me.  When it didn't quite reach as far as I thought it would, he pulled me closer.  I held onto my corner and he held onto his, and we both just fell silent for awhile, just looking up at the stars.   
I wanted to ask him about Belle, because based off of his response to that, I could probably deduce whether or not he was going to use me.  I know it's stupid of me to worry about him using me, because quite frankly, I don't think he has it in him to use anyone, but you never know, right?  And I prefer to be safe rather than sorry. 
After awhile, though, I couldn't stand my curiosity any longer.  "So...what do you think about Belle and Ray?"
"Ray seems pretty...distant, but maybe he just needs time to settle in.  Belle's nice, though...what about you?" 
Well, that didn't really help much of anything.  'She's nice'....that could mean anything! 
"I think the same about Ray, I guess.  He's...I don't know.  He fairly growled at me when I tried to talk to him earlier today.  And Belle's just perfect in every way.  She's beautiful, and elegant, and is so eloquent.  I wish I could be a tenth of the doll that she is!"  I blurted. 
"Well...I don't," he said quietly.  I looked away from the sky, and saw he wasn't looking out the window..he was looking at ME. 
"What?" 
"I think you're perfect just the way you are.  You're beautiful, and sweet, and you're unique.  If you were like Belle, you would be like the majority of the Disney merchandise population.  I think your little quirks are great, actually.  Belle's nice and all, but she's just like the rest of 'em."
"Really?  And here I thought you and Belle were going to end up getting married and you guys looked really cute togeth--"
CRUMBS. 
I didn't just let that one slip, did I??
Crud, crud, crud...I did...
"Wait.  So that's why you ran off today?"  he turned towards me as best as he could and gave me a worried expression. 
"I-I...It's stupid but...I thought that when you were talking with her, you both seemed really happy and I thought you would make a cute couple, and you two seemed to hit it off really, really well, and I was happy --I mean, I'm not a horrible individual, I want to see you happy!  And then you came over and you were being nice to me, too, and stuff, and  I just all of a sudden started worrying about if you would use me like Flynn did, and I know it's stupid, but I just panicked and I left.  It's stupid..."
"No...it's understandable.  I should've gone after you, but I thought maybe you wanted some time alone.  I'm sorry.  No...I wasn't even really enjoying myself.  The whole time, I was thinking about you, to be honest.  She's nice, but definitely not viewed as a future mate.  More like an acquaintance.  I love you,"
I sucked in a breath.  Well, had I ever been wrong.  "...Oh."
He chuckled.  "It isn't too soon, is it--"
"No," I smiled, and he reached to kiss my forehead.  I fell silent for a few more minutes, watching him even though his face wasn't turned towards me.  Finally, I spoke up.  "I know it's dumb also, but you'll never use me in any way, right?  I-I just need to hear you tell me..."
"It's okay.  I promise I would never even think about doing such a thing to you...here.  I'll even shake on it," he held his pinky finger out to me, and I giggled.
"That's silly...you don't have--"
"Oh, c'mon,..." he waggled his eyebrows, never breaking eye contact, and I rolled my eyes, trying and failing to not laugh. 
"Fine," I dropped my corner of the blanket and linked my little finger with his, and then he laced the rest of his fingers with mine.

We just sat together and stared at the sky for a good while.  Eventually, I got comfortable enough to rest my head up against his shoulder, still watching the sky, and within minutes of doing so, he cocked his head and looked at my face, blocking my view of the sky.
"What?"  I asked, quirking a brow.
"Oh, you're awake.  The way you leaned up against me there, I thought you fell asleep or something," he gave me a gentle smile.
"Oh -- I'll move-" I started to do exactly that, but he tightened his arm around me and shook his head.
"Nah, you're fine," he said, so I slipped my arms around him and we stayed there for a little while longer.

I don't even know what time it was when we went to go to the table.  All I knew was that I was reluctant to go back, and I had a bone to pick with Eugene.  I was just really terrified to tell him, and I would have preferred to wait a little longer, but I just needed to tell him and get it off my chest.
When we went back to his side of the table, he followed me to the divider.
"Well, I'll see you," he smiled and put his hands on my shoulders.
"Okay," I gulped, trying to calm my nerves.  I had to say it....I had to say it..I had to say ittt!!!  "Oh!  Here's your blanket back."
No, that is not what I wanted to tell him.
"No, you take it with you.  You have a lot less to wear for bed than I do, and I can move my bed away from the window if need be," he smiled, pushing the blanket back towards me instead of taking it from my arms.
"Well..."
"Yes, you will take it with you.   No ifs, ands, or buts."
I grinned.  "Thanks.."
"Okay.  Night," he said, ducking to kiss my cheek.  With that, he turned to go.
Tell him...tell him!!!!!
"Hey, um..."
He swung back around to look at me curiously.  "What?"
"I-I...love you.  Night,"  I turned on my heel to leave, embarrassed from telling him, but he reached out and caught my arm, chuckling.
"That's nothing to be embarrassed about, sweet girl.  Love you, too,"
I looked up at his face, which held a really funny expression.  He was obviously beyond excited, but he didn't seem to be surprised to hear it.  But then he impulsively grabbed me into a really tight hug....slightly tighter than I thought necessary for me just saying a simple 'I love you', but oh well.  Maybe I had given a less-than-enthused reaction to his confession.  But regardless, I hugged him back and then went back to my side of the table, curling up in the corner with Pascal and trying to fall asleep quickly, before it could sink in that  EUGENE LOVES ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  
Maaaybe I am a bit too excited now... =]