[ WP ] Something big is happening . It 's time to call in those favors .

The ball was tonight and Cinderella could n't wait. 
 
 It was n't because Prince Charming himself would be there, nor even that he would be choosing his bride that Cinderella was excited. Yes, she admitted to herself, it is a romantic dream to marry a prince but ultimately just a dream. It would take actual magic for that to happen and we all know there's no such thing as magic. There would be hundreds of suitable matches for him there. 
 
 But the chance to leave the house for an evening, to be `` my lady'' for a night and to rub shoulders with everyone who was anyone. 
 
 In her excitement Cinderella had worked hard. In addition to her usual list of chores and helping the family's increasingly unsuccessful cobblers ( it was n't that custom had dried up but, for some reason, the money had ) Cinderella had stayed up late making herself a pair of perfect rabbit-fur slippers and a gown to match. 
 
 She put the last stitches into the dress, and then stepped around it to survey her handiwork. 
 
 It was a simple dress, but elegant. It was vivid green with deep blue highlights around the hems and a darker green pattern sewn in. Every stitch was perfect thanks to a lot of practise and some trial and error - not that you could see where the errors were made. 
 
 There were no jewels for Cinderella could not afford them, but the dress was perfect in an understated way. Eye-catching and modest, and when Cinderella let her hand brush it the fabric rippled perfectly right the way to the floor. 
 
 She smiled. Finally, the dress was ready. 
 
 Not a moment too soon. The coach would be arriving any minute. 
 
 Cinderella put away her sewing kit and picked up her slip from the dresser. She stripped away her rags and threw them carelessly into the corner. She stretched a moment, enjoying the freedom of movement and the air upon her skin. 
 
 There was a single knock and then the door flew open. 
 
 `` Catty! What are you doing here?'' Cinderella cried, holding the slip over her naked breasts to preserve her modesty. 
 
 Catty was the eldest of Cinderella's two step-sisters. She was the company's accountant and, it seemed, the only one who could limit the spending and keep them afloat. Cinderella did n't really know how it all worked, but she was assured that the company would have gone bust without Catty's careful management. 
 
 `` There you are Cinders,'' said Catty, `` you've got to help me do this up I ca n't reach behind me.'' 
 
 `` One moment.'' Cinderella turned her back and put the slip over her head. It felt cool and strange against her skin. 
 
 Catty held her long blonde hair up while Cinderella laced the back of her dress up. 
 
 `` How do I look?'' 
 
 `` You look beautiful, Catty.'' She did. 
 
 `` Can you help me with mine?'' 
 
 Cinderella's sister helped her into her dress. 
 
 `` Amazing,'' said Catty. `` Did you make it yourself?'' 
 
 Cinderella smiled and nodded, modestly. 
 
 `` It's wonderful'' said Catty. `` You must have worked very hard on it. I bought this one from a shop.'' 
 
 `` It looks expensive - all those jewels. How did you afford it?'' 
 
 `` I'm good with money.'' 
 
 `` Yes. You are.'' 
 
 `` And you are stunningly beautiful in that dress Cinderella. I'm sure you'll have no problem catching the prince's eye.'' 
 
 Cinderella blushed. She thought she was quite plain normally. Catty put her hand gently on Cinderella's shoulder. 
 
 `` But tonight, Cinderella, I plan to catch the Prince's eye. Think of how rich I'll be if I marry him, if I have access to his ledgers. I'm afraid I ca n't have competition now.'' 
 
 And with that Catty grabbed at the shoulder and ripped the dress from Cinderella's body, seam to seam. 
 
 `` Oh, listen, the coach is here. So sad to see you do n't have anything to wear.'' 
 
 -- - 
 
 `` Cinderella? Cinderella, there you are. It's me, your godmother. The coach left ten minutes ago. You were n't on it so I came looking for you. Look at this dress, it is a mess is n't it. Buttons! There you are, come in here. We need to arrange for Cinderella to get to the ball. She's worked so hard for it and she deserves it. She needs a dress, and she needs a coach and horses and drivers. What about a coachman?'' 
 
 `` I'll be her coachman.'' 
 
 `` Yes. Good. Go sort that out now. I'll get her cleaned up. Go on! 
 
 `` Do n't cry, my dear. You shall go to the ball tonight.'' 
 
 *** 
 
 Buttons was Cinderella's best friend, and she his. Inseparable since childhood - and even an ill advised, but utterly harmless relationship in their teens - they'd do anything for each other. 
 
 Buttons had a plan. 
 
 `` Hello, Mr. Pumpkin. Last year Cinderella took your wife to the midwife and helped her birth a healthy daughter. You promised her a favour and tonight she needs that favour. Can you lend her a coach? Just for the night.'' 
 
 *** 
 
 `` Herr Maus, two years ago you promised Cinderella a favour after she looked after your sick horse while you fetched the vet.'' 
 
 *** 
 
 `` Mr Rattigan, Cinderella made you new shoes for your wedding. You said you were in her debt and now she needs a driver for her carriage to the ball.'' 
 
 *** 
 
 `` Sir, I came to you in an hour of need. Cinderella made a dress, this dress, but it was maliciously ruined. There is a dress fit for a princess in the window. Please, let her borrow it, just for tonight.'' 
 
 `` Okay, as a favour. And the dress must be back by midnight.''
