Chapter Text
— Prologue
The sunlight bathed Wonderland as dawn broke, the cheerful chirping of birds filling the air. Through her bedroom window, Princess Pink could admire how the flowers seemed even more beautiful in the early morning light and how butterflies danced throughout the gardens surrounding the grand Palace of Hearts. She was always a morning person, but today she had a special reason to be up this early in the morning: her first day at Auradon Prep.
She was so excited that she didn’t even wait for her maids to wake her, setting an alarm for 5 am. All her belongings were already packed in two giant travel suitcases that matched most of her things: pink, and even though she didn't need to do anything, she still wanted to double-check. She wouldn't return to Wonderland so soon, so she couldn't forget any of her most important items.
— Good morning, Princess Pink. — She turned as her door opened, offering Margareth, her maid, a bright smile. — Already up? The car won't leave for Auradon until 10 am, and it’s not even 8 yet. — Margareth walked over to the girl, running a hand through her hair.
— I know, but I can’t wait to go! — She exclaimed, jumping up from her window seat. — I’ve been away from Red for almost a year, and now we’re finally going to the same school, and I’ll get to hang out with her friends… — Margareth let out a sigh.
— Look, Princess. Your sister is older, and sometimes it might be better if you tried making some friends of your own. Friends closer to your age, you know? — Margareth spoke gently. Although she had seen Pink spending time with Red's friends whenever they visited Wonderland, she knew it sometimes bothered the older princess. None of them wanted to hurt Pink's feelings, so she did her best to sound gentle. Pink pouted, nodding.
— Do you think that Red doesn't like having me near? — The princess asked, sitting on the edge of her huge bed, already carefully made and covered with pink sheets.
— Oh, dear, she loves you. — The maid laughed softly. — But everyone deserves a little bit of personal space sometimes. You’ll understand soon. — She picked up a hairbrush at the nightstand, carefully brushing Pink’s hair. — Now, why don’t you go take a shower and get ready for today? Breakfast will be served soon. — Margareth touched Pink’s chin before getting up, offering a little smile and exiting her room, leaving the young princess alone with her thoughts.
Pink didn’t move for long seconds, staring at the door until the alarm on her desk clock went off, bringing her back to the present. She took a deep breath and turned it off. Margareth was right. She needed a bath now, or she might end up running late, and waking up early would have been pointless.
The princess got up, went to her bathroom, and turned the hot water on, taking off her pajamas while waiting for the water to warm up and for the steam to fill the room. The girl didn’t take a long bath, turning off the shower after only a few minutes and heading to her walk-in closet, its shelves overflowing with dresses, skirts, blouses, and accessories. Most of them followed the same color palette she adored: shades of white and pink.
After a few moments, she picked a white blouse with tiny pink hearts and carefully fastened the buttons. She paired it with a fluffy skirt, each layer a different shade of pink, and added a pair of light-colored tights to complete the outfit.
Standing in front of the mirror, Pink tilted her head. Something still felt missing, and after studying her reflection for a few moments, she reached for a tailored blazer in a shade of pale pink. As soon as she slipped it on, a smile spread across her face.
— Perfect. — Pink murmured to herself as she began styling her hair, making two small braids and securing them with a bow.
— Pink! — She smiled once she heard her older sister's voice coming from outside her room. The youngest rushed to the door. — Come on, sis. Breakfast is ready, and we’re kinda late for school. — Red said. Her red hair fell in soft curls, and two heartbreak-shaped hairpins held a few loose strands in place. She looked beautiful, and, apart from having very different styles, Pink hoped that she looked as awesome as her sister did.
— I’m so excited for today, Red! — The girl practically bounced as she followed her sister through the long corridor. — Do you think that I can make a good first impression with this outfit? — She asked, abruptly stopping in front of Red, forcing her to look up from her phone.
— Yeah, of course. You look pretty. Very Pink for me. — The youngest looked relieved, continuing to walk, now with Red walking behind her. — Mom told me that Alice’s sons will attend Auradon Prep this year. I think he's about your age. — The redhead said, entering the dinner hall.
— She told me too. But I’m really looking forward to meeting Chloe, Hazel, and… — Pink stopped when Red looked at her. — Max… — She finished quietly, her voice suddenly much softer.
— Pink, you need to bond with the freshmen. — The oldest said calmly while taking the seat to the right of where their mom used to sit.
— But I like your friends. And I really think…
— Exactly, Pink. They’re my friends. — Red didn’t want to sound rude, but she also didn’t want to be the girl who carries the baby sister for every place she goes. Having Pink tag along during summer break had already been enough. — Look, it’s not like you can’t be with my friends sometimes, but you need a crew of your own. — Pink nodded, trying to act like her sister's words didn’t hurt her.
But the truth is, it hurt a little. For years it was just the two of them, alone in the giant castle. And then everything changed when Red went to Auradon Prep, leaving Pink behind. She hoped that when she enrolled there too, they would be together again, but it felt like Red was pushing her aside, and the feeling was actually awful.
— I think I’ll pass on breakfast. I still need to finish packing. — Pink said before even sitting down, turning her back on Red and rushing to leave. It was a lie. Margareth and the other maids finished packing her suitcases the day before. So she just sat alone in her room, hoping that once they arrived at Auradon, her sister would change her mind.
— Pink, darling, are you ready? — The Queen of Hearts entered her room, sitting beside her daughter. — What's with this face? — She asked gently, resting one hand on Pink’s knee.
— It’s nothing… I just don’t know if people would like me. Maybe it would be better if I finished school here. I always liked the teachers, anyway. — Her voice lacked its usual enthusiasm. — And I think that Red would like that best. — she continued, and her mother let out a soft laugh.
— Love… You've been talking about going to Auradon Prep since the day that I let Red enroll. — She sounded calm, caressing her daughter’s face. — I know that it can be scary to leave the world that you know to meet something new, but it's very necessary to grow up. Meeting new people can be challenging, but I know you, and I'm pretty sure you'll make plenty of new friends. — Pink smiled, hugging the woman.
— I’ll miss you. — She whispered.
— And I’ll miss you too. — Bridget kissed her forehead. — Now you should be going. There’s a long road to Auradon, and you can’t be late on your first day. — She rang the bell, calling the maids, who hurried to collect Pink's suitcases, carrying them to the limousine that would bring the two princesses of Hearts to Auradon.
Red was already waiting in the limousine when Pink arrived, running to sit by her side. The redhead was focused on her phone, telling the driver that he could start driving. The younger one looked out the window, watching as the palace slowly disappeared and the scenery began to change.
She always thought that Wonderland was really pretty, with so many different colors, flowers, and trees. She was going to miss this place and all the tea parties that she had with Red while growing up; their mother always made sure they knew all the different parts of Wonderland and the population. They were their people, and one day, one of them would become queen.
She tried to stay awake during the two-hour drive to Auradon, but she had woken up so early that she ended up falling asleep halfway through the journey, somewhere between entering the Rabbit Hole and the enchanted forest that led to Auradon.
— Pink, we’re almost there. — Red's voice woke her from her slumber. Pink blinked twice, adjusting to the light, her eyes widening as she realized that they were already in Auradon.
— Oh my Hearts! There’s Auradon Prep! — Pink was loud, making Red laugh. — So many people! And, look, Red, the King Beast statue!
— It changes its form when someone from the royal Auradon family claps; did you know? — The redhead said, kind of happy to show a little of this world to her little sister. She reminded herself of last year, when she was the one starting school; it was very different because of the pocket watch and everything that happened between her and Chloe, but she found her crew and wanted her sister to get that too.
— I need to see this happening! — Pink said, her excitement growing as they approached the school's gates. Countless others were arriving too, and she recognized Chloe Charming’s carriage and Hazel Hook’s car. The limousine stopped, and a guard opened the door for both princesses, helping them get out.
— Your luggage will be sent to your respective dorms. For our freshman, Princess Pink of Hearts, you’ll receive your dorm number during the school presentation with our Principal, Uma.
— Thank you, sir. — Pink greeted, letting out an excited squeal as she walked beside Red to where Chloe, Hazel, Max, and Luis were waiting, chatting among themselves.
— Look who has arrived! — Chloe Charming said when she saw the two princesses getting closer. She hurried to hug her best friend before Luis.
— Just to be clear, she’s my girlfriend, Chloe! I should be the one hugging her first! — The Madrigal sounded annoyed, waiting for the blue-haired girl to let go of Red, pulling her into a kiss the moment that he could.
— Okay, okay, we have kids here. — Hazel Hook separated them, looking at Pink. They spent some time together during summer break, and she remembered that Red's younger sister used to be very, very loud, but right now she seemed shy, a little out of place there. — How are you, little princess? — Asked, using her hook to tuck a strand of the youngest’s pink hair behind her ear.
— I… — She looked at Red, not knowing if she could, in fact, talk to her friends. And she had seen them differently at her house and at school. The group had a way to interact, and she truly felt like she didn’t belong there. She swallowed, her eyes locking with Max’s before going to the ground.
— I announced, Your Majesty, Queen Mal and King Benjamin of Auradon, and their daughter, Princess Rose of Auradon. — Before she could answer, a loud voice cut through the noise of the crowd, and she turned to see the royal family of Auradon getting out of a purple limousine. People greeted them, and while they waved back, the little girl behind them tried to hide behind her dad, hating the unwanted attention that she was receiving.
— A little exaggerated. — Hazel murmured, lifting her eyebrow.
— Ya think? — Red asked, crossing her arms as she studied the happy family. — The poor girl looks terrified. — She turned to her sister. — Hey, Pink, she must be from your class! You should talk to her. — Red suggested with a smile.
Pink observed the girl; the long chocolate-brown hair fell like a wavy cascade over her shoulders, and a delicate lilac headband brought some kind of kindness that went well with her matching-color dress and jacket. She played with the hem, twisting the cloth between her fingers. The pink-haired girl felt empathy, as overwhelmed as the other princess.
Another car stopped right behind the limousine, drawing attention to the boy getting out of it; his bleached hair was somehow messy, and he looked like he didn’t really care, bringing a backpack and a guitar with him. The girl, Rose, turned to him, and suddenly she was relieved that the attention wasn’t on her anymore, to the point that a little smile appeared, her gaze following the boy’s steps to the school entrance.
— That is some kind of entrance. — Luis pointed. — Respect. — Red laughed, her arms crossed with his.
— I think we should show Pink the school and get her to the grand hall. Felix, Robbie, and the Smees are responsible for monitoring some experimental classes today, so they will only be with us after lunch. — Max proposed, fixing his hat. They all seemed to agree, walking through the huge wooden doors. Pink stayed behind them, looking around carefully.
— You’re incredibly quiet for someone so loud. — Chloe slowed down to keep up with Red’s little sister's steps.
— I’m just a little bit nervous, I think. — She said quietly. — You know, everything is pretty exciting, but I’m afraid that I could mess up. — Pink let out a sigh.
— Girl, it’s your first day at high school; it’s not some kind of job interview. — Hazel Hook stood beside them. — Not saying that you shouldn’t be nervous, just saying that maybe you should chill a little.
— Easy said than done. — The youngest replied. — But I get what you're saying… I’ll try to be less… fussy. I guess.
— I don’t get why you’re so shy around us… We went on an adventure together last year and spent almost all summer together. — Chloe stated, and Pink shrugged; they probably didn’t even know that Red wasn’t as comfortable as they were to have her close.
— Not this. I just want to make some new friends, you know? Find my crew, maybe. — Chloe and Hazel exchanged a look before nodding, letting the girl be and returning to the side of their friends.
Soon they arrived at the grand hall, where the principal, Uma, was speaking with the King and Queen of Auradon and some adults that Pink didn’t actually know. A group of teens around her age waited, talking really loudly as they started to bond, except for those two that she had seen earlier. The heir of Auradon and the strange boy who grabbed everyone's attention before. They were both on opposite sides of the room, avoiding eye contact.
She looked at the kids, feeling a little dislocated with her bright pink hair and clothes that matched. Everyone else seemed more normal, and she could be easily tagged as the girl of Wonderland. It wasn’t really a bad thing; people liked her sister, and they were pretty much alike on this topic.
— Pink. — Red called, smiling. — You have to stay here for now. They will give you your schedule and the key to your dorm. — Pink nodded.
— I’ll see you later, then. — She said, and the redhead agreed, noticing how nervous her sister was.
— Love you, sis. — She turned before Pink could even respond, leaving the room with the rest of her friends.
The princess felt her chest heavy, walking to the back of the room, in the middle of the two kids that she was pretty sure were feeling the same as her. With a lot of distance between them, she thought that they looked alike: three people who grabbed attention, even though they didn’t want to, and somehow managed to be invisible in a room filled with people. She hoped that her mom, Red, and Margareth were right and it would be just a matter of time until she made some friends.