Cinderella Re-Mix

We begin this tale on a rainy night, Cindy’s mother has just died. She went peacefully, but before she went, she told her daughter “Never let the bastards get you down.” The proceeding days followed as any mourning behaviors would. Cindy’s father, Herbert, was completely distraught… mind, body, soul… he struggled to exist. Yet, the first year is always the hardest, and after 365 days Herbert felt it was necessary to date again. Luckily, he didn’t have to look far. His neighbor, Samantha, was also a widow and was left with two, twin teenage daughters, about Cindy’s age, their names were Hilda and Olga. Hilda was as lean as an olive branch, but as bitter as bitter melon (with matching complexion). Olga on the other hand, was smooth and round, but had teeth facing in every direction except straight. Samantha and Herbert only felt it was natural for them to date, which led to a hasty marriage… six months in and the couple were happily wed.

This would be a fairy tale come true if there was only one small detail removed. Samantha was only after Herbert’s money, and she would do anything in her power to secure a future for herself and her own daughters. By anything I truly mean anything… she encouraged Herbert to go after the promotion his job offered him, took control of his bank accounts, his spending and even his heritance left to him after his grandmother passed some years ago. All of this and more she controlled. Including Cindy, who was rebellious to say the least. Up until her father had to leave on a business trip, doing this would bring better chances of him making partner at the firm, but this also left Cindy without a shield. Once he left, the true beatings began.

Samantha started off by giving Cindy all of the chores, and if she did not complete them the evil stepmother would withhold food. At first Cindy fought back, by sneaking snacks in her room or stealing vegetables from their garden. That was put to a stop when Cindy woke up one morning tied to the bed. “I’ll teach you to cross me girl! You’ll stay chained to this bed for the whole day, no food or water, and you can shit yourself for all I care.” Yes, after a day of zero nourishment and consistently being harassed by her evil stepsisters (making cigarette burns into her skin) Cindy caved and served them as if they were queens.

During the three weeks Herbert was meant to be away for work the abuse escalated quickly. Cindy was forced to miss several days of school due to her bruises she received for not completing chores up to standard. She cooked all the meals, tended the garden, washed, scrubbed the floors with her bare hands, dust and swept daily as well as run all the family errands.

One day, Samantha ordered Cindy to run to the market to pick up the groceries needed for dinner that night. She wanted beef wellington, and Cindy only had hours to learn how to prepare it. She had to dress in oversized clothing to hide the burn marks made by her sisters, as well as her starving body, for they had deemed her only worthy enough for scraps. After purchasing the food Cindy realized she had an extra three dollars. “I doubt she would notice. She said it should be the exact amount, so she won’t miss the change.” Cindy thought and was about to enter a fast-food joint, but she was almost immediately stopped by a poor woman. She was old and gray, covered in dirt and smelled of trash. She looked as if she had not seen a good day in quite some time. The old woman begged “Miss could you spare some change for an old woman like me? I’ve no where to go and haven’t eaten in days.” Cindy stared into the old woman’s eyes and saw she was sincere. “Yes, of course.” She quickly pulled out the three dollars and handed it to the old woman. “I suppose they’ll give me scraps today since I didn’t eat yesterday.” Cindy mumbled to herself. “What was that dear?” “Oh, nothing. I hope your day gets better.” “My whole life is now better because of you child. Bless you and your own. I will always be grateful for you.” The old woman trotted off.

Upon arriving back home Cindy was met with a hard smack to the back of her head. “You stupid girl! I gave you too much money and you didn’t come back at once? I suppose you spent it didn’t you?!” Cindy shook off the pain and backed away slowly. “Yes, I did. I bought a cheeseburger because all I’ve been given is crumbs from your dirty mouths!” She ran for her room, not even daring a moment to look into the blazing depths of hell that was Samantha’s soul. She made it to her room and slammed Samantha’s four fingers right between the door and its frame. “YOU STUPID SLUT!” Samantha yelled, cradling her hand and calling for her daughters to get Cindy out of her room “Beat her! Rip her hair out! Cut her face! I don’t care just make her pay!” Hilda and Olga pushed the door wide open and Cindy was thrown to the floor. They kicked as she screamed for help, she pleaded for them to stop, begging god to see her clear… but the kicking continued until their wicked mother told them to stop. “That’s enough girls. I need one of you to drive me to the hospital. This piece of shit broke my hand! After all I’ve done for her! I’m your mother!” Cindy was covered in blood, ached all over but managed to look her stepmother in the eye and say “You will never be my mother. I’d rather die then be here with you.” Samantha laughed in return “You really are dumb… Haven’t you noticed I’m only around to get your fathers money? And I’ll have what I’ve worked so hard for. I had to kill two husbands for this! And I’ll gladly kill an ungrateful little shit like yourself along with your limp dick father!”. Olga helped her mother to the car as Hilda tied Cindy’s hands and feet together. “You better do what she says, or she really will kill you.” Cindy felt hopeless and closed her eyes to hide her tears.

Day’s passed slowly in Cindy’s room, where she was locked away from the world. They went as far as boarding up her window but left a crack bare to let in light. A single gesture of kindness. There was a glimpse of hope however, the school called several times to ask about Cindy’s whereabouts. “Make sure you make her life hell there also. I won’t let that little bitch cross me.” “But mother… why don’t you just kill her now?” her daughters asked, “Because dears… its much faster to roast two chickens at once rather then chasing one at a time”. And so, Cindy went back to school, a week before Winter Formal.

People stared and whispered as Cindy walked the halls. Some thought she was dead, others assumed she was pregnant. The latest news on campus however wasn’t Cindy at all… rather it was more so about Brad becoming single. He was on the hunt for a hot new date to take to Winter Formal and every girl was lining up. Everyone except Cindy, she had more pressing matters on her hands…like how to escape her stepmother’s wrath and warn her father. Naturally, Brad’s animalistic instincts picked up on her disinterest in him.

During third period Cindy sat behind Brad. He noticed her small frame and bright red hair as she walked in “Hey there cutie, I haven’t seen you in a bit. Glad you’re not dead.” Cindy didn’t respond, her head was full of dread of going back home but running away seemed just as terrifying. The unknown is the monster we all create after all. Brad was used to getting what he wanted. He had an easy childhood and was excessively blessed with great bone structure and rich parents. “So, are you okay?” His ego was bruised. Cindy finally looked him in the eye “What? Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention” She pulled out her notebook and began writing down possible ways to escape. She couldn’t just not show up back at home, Samantha would just send her minions after her. She had threatened Cindy before leaving that morning “If you dare runaway or tell anyone what you know I’ll kill your father the second I see him. If you think you’re gonna outsmart me by telling him yourself, I’m already ahead of you. I told him I found drugs under your bed. I have him wrapped around my little finger… he’s furious with you and won’t believe a single thing you say.” Cindy suddenly cringed and began to shake with fear. “Well, I see you got other things on your mind… maybe I can ease some of that stress by taking you as my date to Winter Formal.” Brad smiled wide and winked at her. “What are you saying to me? Seriously, leave me alone I’m busy.” She threw her hoodie on and sank her head into her notes. Brad flushed red; he had never been rejected before. It was thrilling and he needed to pursue her.

Meanwhile, word had traveled of Brad’s interests in Cindy and the evil stepsisters were furious. They decided to spread rumors about a fake affair. They took Cindy’s innocence as a joke by mentioning only to a few known gossip stirrers that Cindy was a well-known whore, and she easily opened up to Brad some time ago and found out she was pregnant with his child. Thus, giving reason for her absence. The stories spread like wildfire of course, Cindy and Brad were now the most entertaining propaganda since Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. By the end of the day the whole school knew more about Cindy then she did herself. However, this had not reached her, and she left school in a daze. Unsure of her safety and future, yet somehow accepting her fate. She walked slowly behind Hilda and Olga, the executioners leading the beheaded.

Samantha sat in her rocking chair, waiting for the girls to get back. The house was dark, thick with suffered screams, but the glow around Samantha’s sinful grin could scare off any hunter. She was ordered to start her chores right away. As days faded into night, and the daily tasks melted into themselves making it hard to keep track of anything, let alone her own sanity, it was the day of Winter Formal before she knew it. Cindy had no desire to go, she only wanted to escape. Needless to say, she was instructed to help her stepsisters with getting ready. She did their hair and make up and zipped up their dresses. “Don’t you wanna go to the dance Cindy? Brad will be there” Olga snickered as the sisters laughed. “No. I would rather…rest”. Cindy said keeping her eyes cast down. The girls were displeased they couldn’t get a reaction out of her. They finished their ritual of dolling up and began to make their way to the Ball.

As Samantha locked Cindy in her room, Cindy laid on the floor waiting… without their knowing, she had been biding her time, quietly chipping away the boards covering her window so that they would never suspect her plan to escape. She pretended to be broken, but in reality, every slap, burn, or punch lit a fire under her; the fire was burning wild now, and this was her moment. She finally loosened enough boards to squeeze out. The latch was never locked, stupid girls, and so Cindy was able to sneak out without so much as a whisper.

Once her feet hit the ground, she took off running. She wasn’t sure if she would even make it this far, but quickly decided the best thing to do was to run to the nearest safe house for abused women, which was “House of Beeks”. Her legs burned and her heart felt as if it were going to explode, but she couldn’t stop, not with so much on the line.

To get to House of Beeks she had run pass a wedding gown shop, and upon passing she heard glass shatter. Something in her made her stop, perhaps it was to catch her breath, or to figure out which street the safe house was on, but a voice told her to stop and look. With curious eyes, and attentive ears, Cindy looked around the gown shop and saw someone breaking in. She crept closer and closer… to her amazement the woman breaking in looked familiar. “I know who you are.” Was all she could manage to say through exhausted lungs. The poor woman who had begged Cindy for spare change whipped around and once she saw her was not at all surprised.

“Oh, it’s you, I was wondering when you would get here. If you come inside, I’ll show you what could be.” Cindy felt this urge to follow the old woman and take her advice. She went inside the gown shop and was surrounded by sparkling gems and fabric that reflected beautifully in moonlight. “What are you doing here?” Cindy whispered. “There’s no need to afraid my dear. You’re safe. I’ve noticed you from afar, and I know your troubles.” The old woman smiled “…and I want to give you a gift for giving me the gift of life.” She began looking through gowns. “All I did was give you three bucks.” “You gave me so much more then that. You gave me hope, nourishment, strength, but most importantly… when you pulled the money from your pocket you dropped something.” The old woman pulled out Cindy’s student card. “This little beauty helped me open the locked door. I could have gotten through the broken glass, but I’m quite old and my legs don’t lift as they used to. Plus, I needed something to stop you from running.” Cindy stared at her in disbelief. “But… how do you know all this?” The old woman only smiled and handed her a sparkling black gown that was covered in glittering gold rising from the hem and spreading throughout the rest of the fabric like glistening stars. “I believe you have a dance to get to. But before you reject my offer… just remember what they did. Remember the pain. The universe demands payment for the suffering of innocent blood, and sometimes that karmic force needs some… assistance. Take back face my dear.” Cindy took the gown and held it up to her body, she was amazed, because this felt too good to be true. “Also, my sweet girl. If you peak around, I believe you’ll find some cash laying somewhere… something to get you on your journey back home once the smoke clears. And if I were you… I would take some needle and thread. You just never know what needs mending these days.” Cindy obeyed the old woman’s advice and indeed found some petty cash that was not hidden well and was sure to take the needle and thread. At this point Cindy was ready to believe anything. Before leaving she turned to thank the old woman, but she had already gone without a trace.

Cindy was dressed and ready for Winter Formal. And like magic, once she stepped out to the curbside a taxi pulled up, offering his services for a discounted price. Off they went to the dance, ready to take back face. When she entered the high school auditorium all eyes looked her over. They whispered and giggled behind mischievous hands, pointing and one spiteful girl even yelled “How did that abortion go slut, or are you still carrying around Brad’s bastard child?” Cindy’s fire only glowed brighter, because without truly knowing the source of these lies, she knew from whom they came. She began searching for her evil stepsisters. But before she could find them, she was confronted with Brad. “Hey there sweet cheeks… look I’ve been hearing the rumors and I gotta say… it’s a bit much you know? Don’t get me wrong, I think its cute that you wanna claim me like that but, maybe we should take it slow? Perhaps I can take you to my car and make those rumors… not so rumor-ish. You know what I mean?” Cindy gave him the death look “If you don’t get your head out of your ass and leave me alone, I’m going to make you wish you never set eyes on me. SO, BACK OFF PENCIL DICK!” Cindy shouted the last part, loud enough for a group of gossiping hens to hear. That was the end of Brad’s legacy.

The sisters stood by the punch bowl without a care in the world. Cindy eyed them, much like a panther stalking its prey. The girls didn’t recognize her until it was to late. “Hello sisters, fancy meeting you here.” Cindy said coolly. They gasped in unison “What are you doing here? How did you get out? Mother will kill you!” They both said at once, ignoring the vengeance in her face. “You’re right, perhaps you both should escort me home. I have a cab waiting outside.” Hilda and Olga agreed they should take her home before their mother came looking for all of them. Off they went, returning to the devil’s nest.

The evil stepsisters got out of the car first, “You guys go ahead, I have to pay the driver.”

What Cindy was really doing was striking a deal with the man. He listened to Cindy’s story, and agreed to help her by lending her his gun. She wasn’t going to use it, unless necessary, she had other plans. She paid the driver to wait some where out of sight and hid the gun in her dress. Once inside the real fun began. Cindy closed the door behind her, and instantly took out the gun, “Turn around slowly and don’t make a damn sound or I’ll shoot you both. I’m not afraid.” And it was true, Cindy had no fear left, they took that from her, which was the only good thing they did. “What the fuck Cindy?! Mother is asleep she’ll beat you senseless!” She smiled, hungry for justice. “Go upstairs to mommy’s room, don’t make a sound.” The sisters pleaded, but it was no use; they had to do what she said in hopes she wouldn’t shoot.

The devil woman slept soundly but was awoken with a heart stopping fright. “Oh, mommy dearest… I have something to tell you.” Cindy’s voice was filled with chill, she felt fully in her element, which has proven to be dangerous. “What in God’s name is going on here!?” Samantha jumped out of bed, about to jolt towards Cindy. “Hold it right there… This is loaded and I’m not afraid to use it.” Cindy saw the doubt in Samantha’s eyes and shot her in the foot. Samantha screamed and fell to the floor “YOU FUCKING BITCH! HOW DARE YOU! I’LL MAKE YOU SUFFER FOR THIS!” Hilda and Olga went to their mother to drag her away from their new threat. “Now that you know I’m serious. I want you girls to tie up your mother, the way you tied me up. Now!” They listened. Next, Hilda tied Olga, same knots, same method. Cindy then felt it was safe to tie up Hilda. The three of them sat crunched in the corner, crying for their pitiful lives.

The next part is simple you see… instead of shooting them she decided on a much slower death. But first, she had to cover their mouths, and what better way then sewing them shut? One by one she sewed up the things that caused the most harm. Their poisonous words that transformed into hideous deeds were now no more. Fear and pain filled their heads, they wanted to scream but if they dared the searing anguish of their skin ripping to shreds was inevitable. After taking care of that tiny detail, Cindy went looking for the lighter fluid. The rest of this tale is easy to imagine. The home that was once a sanctuary to Cindy and Herbert was now engulfed in flames. The evil stepmother and stepsisters burned slowly, just as Cindy dreamed. The taxi driver took her to House of Beeks where she was welcomed warmly. Herbert discovered the house in ruins and his family missing. Eventually, the bodies were identified, but due to lack of care, the killer was never found, and Cindy lived the rest of her life helping others just like herself. The End.