• Wynter, my winter rose
    Snowdrops melting into lilies
    Wynter, my winter rose
    Snowmen dancing in the castle
    The joy, the hope, endless laughter
    Wynter, my winter rose
    You’re my dream
    Wynter, you’re my everlasting, my life
    To you I dedicate this rhyme
    Wynter, my winter rose
    Delicate, and so fragile
    Yet quick and so very agile
    Winter rose

    - Vincent Scrubbley, Husband of Wynter Pennington Scrubbley and Father of Autumn Rose Scrubbley and Everett Scarlet Scrubbley




    Summer, 2008


    ------Wynter “Winnie” Sheila Anna Pennington-----


    I shook my head, indicating that I didn’t know of the legend. Neenah grimaced.
    “Are you implying that your Mother and Father never told you the tale of Cyndi?” Her voice was cold and a bit intimidating. I gulped, and shook my head again. “Well, certainly they have. The story has an interesting name in English. Cinderella.” She added. I was a bit surprised for a moment. It took me three minutes to speak.
    “I know of the legend, then.” I replied quietly. Neenah’s eyes twinkled. She motioned for me to tell it. I sighed. “You know, you’re crazy.” I muttered, turning to leave. Neenah grabbed me by both arms and said threateningly,
    “Leave, and you die.” I gasped. She laughed. “Kidding. But, okay, I’ll tell the story.” I nodded slowly, still a bit frightened of her words.

    “Once upon a time, in the land of Gwen, lived a rich merchant named Cilantros. He-”
    “I thought cilantros were a spice.” I snickered. Neenah glared at me. “Fine, fine, continue then.”
    “He had one daughter, Cyndi. She was a beautiful, lovely child. She had hair the color of ashes, eyes that were the deep shade of blue sea and her kindness, Wynter! Oh her kindness!” Neenah exclaimed. I rolled my eyes.
    “It’s Winnie, not Wynter.” I interrupted her. She shook her head. “I was named Winifred. Not Wynter.” I added.
    “Wynter is your birth name, My Highness.” Neenah argued. I winced. “Your parents, Queen Spryng and King Autumn named you Wynter. As I recall your full name is Wynter Sheila Anna Pennington.” Neenah added smugly. I shook my head.
    “It’s Winifred Scarlet Anne Wood. And, my parent’s names are Sheila and Arthur. ” I replied defiantly. Neenah shrugged, and snapped her fingers. Quickly, a page scurried in, and read a scroll.
    “On April 28th, Crown Jewel Princess Wynter Sheila Anna Pennington was born. Her parents, Queen Spryng Isabel and King Autumn Kyle were exiled from the land of Gwen and put under temporary memory loss. They took the names of Sheila Anna and Arthur William. The three were moved into Aeartha, otherwise known as Earth. The law stated that the Royals would return on the day of the Princess’ fifteenth birthday. The Lord Vincent of Scrubbley’s son was also exiled and had to be put near the Royals.” The page, whom was named Bon, read the scroll with a heavy Gwent accent. I felt my heart stop. Neenah grinned and crossed her arms. Well? She mouthed. I nodded, and then looked away. I was Princess Wynter of the land of Gwen. I would never again be Winnie Wood of Burlington. Okay, so that was an overstatement, I was Winnie Wood all the same, but hidden underneath the cover of Wynter, Crown Jewel and Princess of Gwen.







    ____Three Days later…_____



    A blinding light filled the room. I lifted my arm and covered my eyes. When it had darkened, I opened my eyes slowly. Standing there was Neenah.
    “Princess!!!!” She shouted. I groaned. “The ball is in three hours! Get up!” I sleepily grinned, and sat up on my bed.
    “Neenah, I’m already ready.” I said. She shook her head, and lifted a mirror from the wall. Wow, this woman is strong…… I screamed. “Ohmygosh! My hair! My dress! Me!” Neenah nodded.
    “C’mon, put this on.” She ordered, throwing me some scraps of cloth. “We need to work some magic, seriously.” She said. I nodded, tying the pieces of fabric across my eyes.

    I felt scratching hands on me, and giggled. “Wynter, shut up!” A familiar voice yelled.
    “Victor?” I asked. The person grunted. “Victor! Oh my gosh! You’re from Gwen too?” Victor grunted again.
    “I’m Lord Vincent of Scrubbley in the land of Gwen, not Victor, you idiotic dunce.” The coldness in his voice made me laugh. “For the fifteen years you’ve lived, I was Victor, best friend of Winnie, but now, I’m Lord Vincent, suitor of Crown Jewel Wynter.” He scoffed. I gasped. Suitor?! I’m getting courted or dating my best friend?! Gosh, Victor seems colder in his real form. Victor or Vincent must have read my mind. “I’m not always this mean, Winnie.” He whispered gently. I smiled warmly.
    “I know, Vic.” My voice trembled, and strangely, I felt fluttery inside. “Where’s Neenah?” I asked. Victor lifted the blindfold and smiled. I opened my eyes. Victor stood in front of me, wearing a golden velvet tuxedo. He wore a rosary and his hair seemed darker. Neenah stood beside me, and was braiding my long black hair. I gasped. I was staring at the mirror in disbelief. IS this really me? I thought. Again, Victor read my mind.
    “It’s you, Winnie. Now stop gazing at your beauty like a fool, and start to practice.” Victor whispered. I laughed.
    “O-okay.” I mumbled. “But practice what?” I asked, dumbfounded. Victor mimed dancing. I nodded. Well, Victor’s here…..who else is Gwent? I thought.
    “Fletcher, your dog is Gwent.” Victor said crisply. I crossed my arms. What gave you the right to read my mind, Vic? I waited for his reply.
    Your parents. They gave me the magic and right. He replied, mentally crossing his arms. I smiled at him. He grinned.
    You know, we’re still best friends, though, right? I asked him. Victor looked away. I sighed. Maybe he didn’t get the message.
    Of course. No matter what, I’m your best friend, Winnie. Vic replied. I was startled at his late response, but showed no action whatsoever.
    You’ll always be Vic to me. I stated, smiling.
    And you’ll be Sweet Winnie to me……forever. His response made me blush. Meet me at the ball. I nodded. Neenah put her arms on her hips. Her eyes read, you two hurry up! I laughed, and then gasped. Victor had just left….or vanished.
    ------------Vincent William Arthur of Scrubbley II-----------


    I longed for blood. The sweet, scent of my Winnie’s blood lingered in the air. It was difficult not to feed on her. Yet, I loved her. She was my best friend. Winnie and I had known each other since we were toddlers. She was my soul mate. Yet, her blood was the very blood I seeked for. It was the very blood every half vampire half werewolf wanted, needed. There she sat, on the throne. I let our eyes meet for a moment. Then, I looked away. The corners of my eyes caught Winnie’s figure. Her face was written with an expression of wonder. I let myself read her thoughts.
    “Why is he so distant all of a sudden?” I grinned to myself, but hid it from her. My eyes twinkled. But it suddenly happened. I felt the color drain from my cheeks. Fur began to grow on my skin. My eyes were becoming red, bloody red. Then, BAM. All I felt was hunger. Starving. Hunger. I felt longing. Desire. Anything. To. Get. Blood. I heard the screams. Yet, I did not stop. My legs kept moving. I was headed towards a girl with a tiara. The girl was Winnie, who was not moving. Instead, she was speaking softly to me. What? I asked myself mentally. I stopped for a moment or so to listen.
    “Vic. I know you’re in there. Fight the urge. I know you’re in there!” She screamed. “C’mon, Victor! Fight the beast within!” Her words opened up a new part of my monstrosity. Tame. I became tame. I blinked. The red of my pupils vanished slowly and my skin became tan and bear again. “V-Vic?” She asked, leaning forward to touch me. I let her. The warmth of her hand made me shiver. “Oh, Vic.” She said, stroking my fur. She hugged my head, and I hugged her back. Her tears smeared my nose and cheeks.

    _____Midnight________


    “I’m sorry, Winnie.” I said. I let her hug me again.
    “It’s okay, Vic. You were controlling the hunger.” She whispered softly. I shook my head.
    “I won’t be able to control it like tonight….I have to distance myself from you more…” I choked. My heart began to long for Winnie’s lips.
    “Victor. Don’t leave. Please.” Her words were of sadness and tears. My heart ached. She made it seem more and harder not to stay.
    “I have to, Winnie.” I said. “I’m erasing my memory of you tomorrow.” I added. She gasped.
    “No! No! No!” She said again and again with anger and sadness. “No…” She gasped as she sobbed on my shoulder. I couldn’t resist. Her face. It was too sad. So full of pain. I reached for her head, and she looked up, her tears drying. I leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. Winnie did not move away nor show any sign of fright or annoyance. The kiss was long. We stood there, on her balcony. For the rest of the early hours of dawn, we hugged each other in silence. Not even telepathy. I stared at her. She stared at me. Together, we watched the moon.




    ----------Vincent (STILL) --------


    I watched her sleep. It was morning now. I would be headed towards my manor soon. She had said her goodbye. Now it was time to say mine. I love you, Winnie. Farewell. I sent her the message, and kissed her on the forehead. And with that, I left.

    ______Noon_________


    I took a deep breath. Here I was, standing in my bedroom. It was time. The fortune teller and witch, Venus, pointed her wand at me. I nodded.
    “Sinistro.” She hissed. All I remember was thinking of Winnie, our childhood, and then everything was cold.

    ---------Wynter “Winnie” Sheila Anna Pennington---------


    The warm breeze grazed my cheeks. Like Victor did when we had our kiss last night. I sighed. Was he telling the truth last night? If he was, he probably didn’t know me anymore. My parents knew already. But they were overjoyed to see a “distraction to the Jewel” go. I had dreamed earlier that someone said they loved me. Then, they said bye. I sighed, and took a sip of my apple cider. Victor was gone. I had to face that terrifying truth. Neenah sat behind me, staring at me with sympathy. But I didn’t want sympathy. I wanted my Victor back.

    _____1 month later…._______


    It had been a month since I last saw him. Now I can’t even remember his name. The witch Venus had taken me away last week and erased the memory of his name. I had had enough. So, I went up to several Manors of my suitors. But now, it was time to visit Lord Vincent William Arthur II’s manor. Why, but his name brought warmth when I first heard it. Vincent. It seemed strangely familiar.
    “Presenting Crown Jewel and Princess Wynter Sheila Anna Pennington of Gwen.” The page read his scroll, then left. Lord Vincent stared at me, his eyes cold and intimidating. They had no emotion but coldness and ice. I gulped.
    “IT is an honor to meet you, my lord.” I started quietly, curtsying. Vincent just glared at me. I hastened as I stood up.
    “AS it is for you, my Highness.” His words pierced through my heart. I don’t know why, but I felt like my heart was breaking.
    “Excuse me?” I asked, taken aback by his sarcasm. His eyes widened when I asked him the question. His glare softened into a simple stare.
    “You are as pompous as I thought you’d be, Wynter.” He replied simply. I sighed.
    “You don’t know the half of it.” I muttered under my breath. He looked at me, and asked,
    “And how is it you aren’t like the other princesses?” He asked.
    “I lived on Aeartha, for one thing.” I started. “I lived with a boy….” My voice started to crack. “He was my best friend. My parents and I lived in a country called Canada. It was a great city. Burlington.” I paused.
    “Burlington. What a strange name. Well, I guess you are different.” Vincent replied airily. I crossed my arms, and turned away. “I meant in a good way!” He added quickly, with more kindness in his tone. I slowly turned to him. His voice….it sounded so close and familiar. But, of course, that was nonsense. This man, he and I only met today. I was getting more and more insane each time I thought of my best friend.
    “Well, I must be off-oh. It seems as it is. Rain. I must leave quickly.” I said, turning once more to leave. Then, a warm hand caught me by my hand. I turned to see who had tried to stop me.
    “No.” Vincent said firmly, yet a soft gentle tone replaced his cold and icy one. “Please. If it pleases my Highness, she must stay with me in my Manor.” He added softly, as if we were to hide. I looked at him, his eyes staring at me. But something was different about them. Instead of a glare or a cold stare, his gaze was of pleading. I could not refuse such eyes.
    “You remind me of him.” I thought aloud. He looked at me with curiosity.
    “Excuse me?” He asked no sarcasm in his voice. I looked at him, embarrassed.
    “My best friend. You remind me of him.” I said loudly. Vincent nodded.
    “What was his name?”
    “I…I don’t remember.”
    “I see.” He said, and let go of my hand. A sudden feeling launched in my heart. It was desire. I was longing for his warm hand again. “Well, my Highness, my sister, Myna will guide you to your chambers. A young girl, maybe 5 years younger than me ran up and curtsied.
    “Good afternoon miss.” She said, the rain falling on her cheeks. I followed Myna through the halls. For three minutes, Myna is silent. “He loved you once.” She whispered. I stopped.
    “What?” I asked, curious. What is this girl talking about?
    “He loved you. Your best friend loved you.” Myna repeated. I shook my head.
    “N-no. He didn’t love me.” I said. “You don’t even know him.” I added coldly. Myna laughed softly. It was an enchanting laugh. “I’m his sister. HE told you-”

    “MYNA!” A young woman yelled, running towards Myna. Myna smiled.
    “Mother.” She said softly. I looked away as the two reunited, and thought of what she was going to say. “I’m his sister. He told you.” What did she mean by that? Her mother looked younger than my own mother, yet she was pretty all the same. “C’mon, my Highness. WE must go and find you a chamber.” Myna said, turning to me.








    -------------------Vincent William Arthur of Scrubbley----------------------


    “Are you surprised, Victor?” The girl asked me softly. I nodded. “I appear in your dreams everyday and every night. Why would I not come today?” Her voice was gentle.
    “I’m Vincent, not Victor.” I stated coldly. The girl looked taken aback by my coldness.
    “This isn’t you, Vic!” She said, as she dropped down on her knees and started to cry. I knelt down so that our eyes were leveled. “This isn’t you….Vic, remember. Please, remember me.”
    “W-what are you talking about?” I asked my own voice cracking.
    “Remember!” She yelled as I drifted away. I was drifting back to reality.

    “Vince!” Myna yelled into my ear. “Quit daydreaming and say grace.” She said with a soft tone.
    “Minnie! Quit yelling. Okay, okay.” I said, bowing my head.

    “Dear Heavenly Father,
    We wish to say grace and give our thanks for giving us the things we need to worship and obey you. Please bless the land of Gwen in its great rule. Thank you for forgiving us in our sins that we have committed.
    In Jesus’ name we pray,
    Amen.”

    “Okay, bring in her Highness.” Myna said, snapping her fingers. In she came, dressed in Aeartha clothing. She was wearing a red scarf and her hair was loose. Her shirt was lime green with a banana in the middle. She wore black bell bottoms and her belt was hand made. I guessed she had sewed it herself. She grinned at Myna, who obviously, grinned back. Heh. Girls.
    “Hey, Myna.” Wynter said. She was acting her normal self, I guessed. “Thank you for letting me stays in the east wing….” She added. I bolted out of my chair.
    “What?!” I yelled. Wynter looked a bit flustered. “Myna, you let her stay in my quarters?! What the-?” My voice was wavering. “Good gracious, are you drunk?”
    “So what if I did?” Myna asked defiantly, her voice filled with anger and rising confidence. Wynter looked a bit nervous.
    “Err…I’ll move if you want, Lord Vincent.” She said quietly. Her voice reminded me of the girl in my dreams.
    “Please. Forgive me and my sister, my Highness. It’s Vince.”

    ------------------Wynter “Winnie” Sheila Anna Pennington----------------


    “Yes, Vincent.” I said, my voice wavering. Vincent glared at me. “Err, I meant Vince.” I quickly added. He laughed, and that made me giggle. He stared at me for a moment.
    “Come with me.” He said quietly so that only I could hear. I nodded, and we both stood up. “Hurry. We might miss it.” Miss what?

    “Wow.” I said, breathlessly. Vincent’s arm and my own were linked together. “It’s beautiful, Vince.” I was staring at the glimmering sea, as the sunset shone its last light. Vincent suddenly kneeled in front me. “W-what?” I asked him.
    “Marry me, Princess Wynter.” I was a little shocked. “Please. I love you.” I hesitated.
    “But, Vincent. I don’t know. We only just met.” I stated in a soft whisper. Vincent shook his head.
    “Winnie, you can stop now. I remember. I remember, Winnie!” He said. I smirked. What is this lunatic talking about? And how does he know my nickname?

    “What are you talking about, Vincent?” I asked. Vincent looked hurt.
    “Winnie?” He asked me.
    “Stop using my nickname, Vincent!” I yelled, turning to leave. I was offended and confused.
    “Winnie! Don’t you remember me? I’m Victor!” He yelled.
    “I thought your name was Vincent!” I yelled, not looking back as I stormed out. I could hear Vincent’s cries for me, but ignored him.

    -------------------Vincent “Vic” William Arthur of Scrubbley-------------------


    I stared after her retreating figure, even when she was long gone. My Winnie didn’t know me anymore. She was no longer the Winnie I knew. I followed her, raced after her, and called her name.
    “Leave me alone.” She cried, slamming the door in my face as she reached her chamber. I raised my hand to knock, but stopped myself. Winnie was crying. I could hear her sniffles through the hard, thick oak door. “I don’t know who you are! I said to leave me alone!” She sobbed through the door. I jumped in surprise, and then sadly left. The house was again silent and no noise dare erupted. Only one sound was to be heard in the manor. IT was the sound of sobs echoing through the empty halls.

    --------Midnight------


    She stood before me, as she always did. Only this time, she was dressed in gold and silver, glimmering clothing. I reached out to her, but each time I tried, she faded.
    “Help, Vic.” She pleaded. “I don’t remember. Make me remember!” She pleaded over and over again. I looked at her helplessly.
    “Winnie!” I cried as she disappeared. I woke up, and found that Myna was on my bedside, crying. “M-myna….what’s wrong?” I asked her. Myna looked up. She wiped away her tears and smiled. She threw herself around me.
    “Y-you’ve been unconscious for a week now!” Myna sobbed. I looked at her, confused.
    “I don’t understand. Where’s the-?”
    “Winnie’s still here. She was worried.” Myna said quickly. I smiled sheepishly. “You hit your head a few nights ago on your drawer. I think you were mad or something, because you kept on mumbling something about not remembering.” Myna added, winking as Winnie came in.
    “Hey.” She said, smiling a small smile. Her hair had darkened. I grinned.
    “Hey.” I replied softly. Winnie shrugged, sitting on my bed as Myna left. “I’m sorry for….you knows.” I apologized. Winnie shrugged again.
    “It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re alive. I thought you were crazy, Vince.” The pain slashed through me like a wildfire. She still didn’t know.
    “Oh, um…right.” I said quietly.
    “Vic, why are you feeling so blue?” Winnie asked curiously. I gasped.
    “Winnie?” I asked her.
    “Oh, Vic. I’m so sorry.” She said, hugging me. I wrapped my arms around her. Her voice was like honey dripping into my ears. I held her close, then, without any clue, I kissed her on the lips.

    ----------Princess Wynter “Winnie” Anna Sheila Pennington----------------


    I widened my eyes as he kissed me, but closed them, as we remained wrapped around each other. Finally, we pulled away, both breathless.
    “I love you.” I said, without thinking. He nodded.
    “I love you too, Winnie.” Victor said, smiling. “I always have.” I giggled, and stood up. “Good night, Princess.” He said softly as I left the room. I wondered what joy the morning would bring…