𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 [editing]

12. 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆

𝕱amily Day was finally here, a day spent with music and food. As a special treat for their parents, a group of students participated in a small choreographic music number in celebration. Rilynn was one of the participating singers, having practiced since the beginning of the year with the selected students, but after everything that's happened, the princess pulled out of the show.

Ben wasn't upset that his friend had decided to abandon the performance at the last minute, but he was worried that something was bothering her. With everything going on, Ben has prioritized checking on Rilynn whenever he can; feeling like he's never around enough to keep up with Rilynn's life, the prince is starting to feel like a horrible friend.

"Wished you performed, Riley," Ben said once he found Rilynn amongst the crowd shortly after his performance. "It wasn't the same without you."

Rilynn smiled knowingly but kept to herself. "I appreciate that, Benny," the princess shook her head adoringly. "I was actually kind of hoping for a favor."

"Sure, anything."

"Come with me to see my parents?" Rilynn asked with a hopeful smile.

Truthfully, the princess was a little afraid to face her parents, especially after the breakup--which they weren't aware of. Rilynn worried Razelle might've told everyone back at home, even though she begged her sister to keep it between them.

Seemingly confused by the request, Ben gently furrowed his brows. "Um, sure?" He agreed, regardless. He and Rilynn began walking toward the princess's family somewhere in the crowd. "How've you been holding up since the whole thing?"

Rilynn sighed tiredly but offered a gentle smile. "It's been a little tense, but nothing I can't handle. I guess I'm used to the looks, but it's still a little weird."

"I'm sorry about Audrey, Riley," Ben apologizes with a guilty conscience. He'd been dragging himself after what had happened to his best friend, and having not been there, Ben felt like a bad friend.

The princess nearly paused mid-walk, and the smile almost vanished at the mention of Audrey. A brief memory scorned through Rilynn's memory, recalling how Audrey approached her, calling her a traitor. Was she? Just because she likes hanging out with the Villain kids doesn't make her a bad guy, but why does she feel a little guilty? It was a stupid feeling, but Rilynn wouldn't let anyone dictate her life.

A little uncomfortable with the mention of Audrey, Rilynn fiddled with her hair to distract herself. "Yeah . . ." She trails awkwardly. The anxious princess began searching for her parents.

"I should've been there for you," Ben declared. "I confronted Audrey about it last night."

Rilynn craned her head toward her best friend, furrowed brows. "You what?"

"As long as I've known Audrey, I never thought she would be capable of being that hateful to someone," Ben frowns.

"Benny, you didn't have to do that. It's not that big of a deal."

"Of course it is, Riley. You're like a sister to me. I can't just stand there and pretend I didn't know what she said to you. It wasn't right, and you didn't deserve that."

Rilynn let the conversation get buried in the sand when her family appeared behind a small group that passed by, relieving her from that topic. The princess smiled when her mom caught her amongst the crowd, even stretching tall while waving happily; Rapunzel looked ecstatic to see her youngest baby finally approaching them, the first time since school had started since she'd seen her daughter. Rilynn missed her parents more now than ever, especially with how things took a sudden turn.