Page 142 of Christmas off Script
‘This is the short version?’ Ella interrupted.
‘Pointfour,’ Dervla continued firmly. ‘Acceptance of Risk. The Client acknowledges understanding and acceptance of all inherent risks associated with temporary magical transformations.
‘Point five: Governing Law. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Enchanted Kingdom. By accepting the enchantment and proceeding to the ball, the Client acknowledges having understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. Do you accept this enchantment?’
‘Yes.’
‘Jolly good! Now let’s step outside so I can complete the process and get you on your way!’
Dervla took the two cages, and Ella lifted the pumpkin. They went to the side of the stage as the lights started flickering and a front cloth was lowered in front of the kitchen set. An image was projected onto it of a pumpkin, mice and frogs being transformed into a carriage, horses and footmen, then Ella got into position behind it, seated on a stool with casters.
As she was illuminated, it appeared as if she was inside the projection of the carriage. The image moved across the stage and Willow pulled the stool along with it as Ella waved goodbye to the audience. When the carriage reached the edge of the stage, the front curtains were drawn and the house lights went on for the interval.
As soon as she was hidden from view, Ella slumped with exhaustion.
Leo appeared by her side and took her hand. ‘You okay?’
She nodded, unable to meet his eyes.
‘I’m sorry about my incorrigible father. Mammy’s currently tearing him a new one.’
‘It’s okay.’
Leo took a deep breath. ‘I know it might seem a bit much to deal with right now, but would you come outside for a bit?’
‘Why?’ she murmured.
‘Your dad’s there. He wants to talk to you.’
26
Ella stared at Leo, her heart jumping into her throat. ‘Why? What happened earlier with him? Are you alright?’
Leo’s smile was warm. ‘Everything’s okay.’
‘But how? You saw Ronnie in the pub. Michelle said he wants revenge on—’
‘He knows I told the police where his lock-up was.’
‘Oh, my god! Who told him?’
‘I did.’
‘What?’ she cried in panic.
Leo squeezed her hand. ‘I told you. Everything’s fine. He wanted to see you, but Michelle wouldn’t give him your number and he can’t come in here because of Zach and the restraining order. I said he could wait in the garden and I’d bring you out in the interval. But only if you wanted to see him.’
‘I do. But I don’t understand how you’re still alive.’
Leo chuckled. ‘You’ll see.’ He handed over her Converse. ‘These will be better than what you’re currently wearing.’
Taking off the glass slippers, Ella put her trainers on, then followed Leo through to the back of the manor and out a side door. His fingers interlaced with hers, but she pulled her hand away and crossed her arms over her stomach. If he and Lila got back together, then she needed to get used to her and Leo’s relationship going back to that of platonic friends.
Outside, the gardens were shrouded in the darkness of a December night, the trees still and quiet. Ella couldn’t see anyone.
‘He’s by the fountain.’ Leo shucked off his Prince Charming jacket and placed it over her shoulders.
‘T-thank you.’ She didn’t know if her shivers were from the cold, fear, or both. Had her father really changed? Was any of this real?
