The Cinder Bullies (26)

Millie decided to attempt to create a new gown for Maddie, just in case she figured out some way to break free of her scullery maid role, and wanted to attend the welcome home party. At this point in time, it did not seem highly likely that would happen, but there was always the possibility. Millie had already spoke to Rosa several times, about trying to help Maddie, but Rosa had responded in such a way that she did not expect.

"You can try to help her," said Rosa, sincerely. "But I find that when a person seeks help, and then helps him or herself first, then an outsider's help is generally more welcome. You cannot impose your help on anyone who does want take the first step."

"You mean that she has to break free, first?"

"At least want to, or try to break free!" replied Rosa, who was seriously concerned about Maddie's well-being, too.

"Until that time, if you try to help her, she will merely attack you, and you do not need that."

"You are probably right." MIllie had already tried, as had Rosa. Both of them had met with animosity.

"But I think Maddie should get to meet the prince, too," Millie thought to herself. "Every young woman should meet a prince charming, at some time." So, Millie began to work on the new gown and found a pair of matching slippers for her. They were not new, but would be new to her.

Rosa watched her working and was amazed at how perfect and beautiful her work actually was.

"Thank you, I have had an excellent teacher!" replied Millie, when Rosa commended her on her work.

Because Millie was going to be an independent seamstress teaching other young women the art of sewing, Rosa decided not to question her about the gown she was working on.

"If she wants to tell me about it, she will."

Meanwhile, Maddie was working on her own plan to break free of the cruelty of her mother, sisters and friends. She was determined to attend the welcome home party, but what she needed was a gown to wear. She had made up her mind to beg, borrow or steal one. She had no idea then that Millie was making one for her. Imagine her amazement the next day, when she found the gown that Millie had made for her. It had been carefully wrapped in brown paper and placed in the garden, where she could not help but find it. Inside the package, there was also a pair of matching slippers and a new ribbon for her hair. Millie was almost reduced to tears, at that moment, but decided not to say anything to her mother, sisters or their friends.

"Someone cares!" she thought to herself. "But I have no idea who would leave me such a beautiful gift. Maybe it was Cindy?" Maddie knew her mother would be so busy at the welcome home party with her friends, that she would never miss Maddie at the hearth. The same would be true of her sisters and their friends. None of them would expect her to show up dressed so beautifully, looking like a young lady. She knew that she would have to be very careful though, so that no one would see her.

The next day, Millie walked past the garden and saw Maddie, who much to her amazement waved at her, but very cautiously. Millie merely waved back and walked on.

"Maybe it is from her?" thought Maddie. "I am certain she is the one who left me the flowers, even though I was nasty to her."

"She found it!" whispered Millie to herself. She smiled. "One random act of kindness can change someone's world!"

Millie knew then, that Maddie would be attending the welcome home party and she was glad.