The Cinder Bullies (30)

The day of the welcome home party dawned without a single cloud hovering in the sky. It was going to be an absolutely gorgeous day! Bentley and Bessie had everything under control, so that if their guests began arriving early, they would all be cordially welcomed and made to feel right at home.

Phillip and Patton were advised to be on their best behavior, having been instructed on how to comport themselves properly in the presence of guests, and more importantly, with respect to all of the young ladies and other young men, who would be attending the party. They had also been confronted by Bentley about their drinking and both had promised to stay sober.

Nadia, Rosa, Cindy and Millie had done the decorating for the welcome home party, with the assistance of Xaviar and Phillip, so everything looked perfect. The fragrance of scented roses wafted in the air and permeated the huge tent.

"This is truly going to be a royal feast!" said Bentley, as he surveyed the tables laden with more than enough food for everyone. Bessie was delighted too, and heartily agreed with him.

"Phillip is a prince and a prince should be treated royally, regardless," Bentley had insisted to those who wanted to see the young visitors severely reprimanded for their behavior. "Patton should not be punished by himself, when both of them were culprits."

No one could dispute his wisdom.

"I was a royal rogue once, too," he explained to Nadia and Rosa, who were still not certain he was doing the right thing.

"You certainly were," added Bessie, with a smile. "You grew up, and they will too."

Bentley decided that Phillip should stay close to him throughout the day, and Patton would make certain that Bessie was well taken care of, at the welcome home party. That way, they could be introduced to the guests as they arrived. They were also expected to take on the role of hosts to the guests. There is no doubt that they both felt a little sheepish about being treated royally by Bentley and Bessie, after what they had done.

Those who would be honored throughout the day were Cindy, Millie and Xaviar. They were being officially appointed as mentor-teachers for the new school, with Nadia and Rosa as matrons. The day was filled with promise and new hope for all of them.

What no one could anticipate was the joy of Cindy, Millie and Xaviar, when early that morning, they were advised of their positions in the new school by Bentley, who was also providing financial backing for this project. Nadia and Rosa were thrilled; so was Bessie. The young folks had already agreed to help Phillip and Patton, as well as Maddie once she sought assistance, so the school had unofficially started.

Later on in the afternoon, Xaviar would play his flute and with Cindy's assistance, Dancer, would entertain the villagers. Millie decided to ask Patton to sing if he was willing to do so and discussed the possibility with Xaviar, who was astounded to learn that Patton could sing. But would he, they both wondered.

Nadia dressed in her own new gown, had surprised both Rosa and Millie with new gowns, and much to his amazement, Xaviar with a tailor made suit, as well. Cindy was attired in her beautiful gown too, so they all arrived at the manor, dressed royally. Nadia wondered who would be wearing the new gown Millie had recently created.

As the guests arrived, they were amazed to see Rosa and Nadia, Cindy, Millie and Xaviar being treated royally, and so well dressed. That was totally unexpected. Cindy's mother, her sisters and their friends did not expect to see their former, family scullery maid ever again, especially not at a party like this.

Cindy's mother, along with several of the other women became furious, but Rosa and Nadia were very gracious to them. Cindy was equally gracious to her mother, sisters and their friends. Millie looked around, but could not find Maddie anywhere. She too, made a point of being gracious to those who had been unkind to her, as did Xaviar.

So the day started off well.