Page 27 of Switched

Rapunzel places an RLW sash over AG’s head. We applaud as AG blushes. All of us but Tessa and Raza. Tessa’s green-hued skin actually turns greener when Rapunzel asks AG to sit next to her. Suddenly, the pair of them are up and trying to get people to switch seats so they can be by AG.

“I want you all to take a few minutes to jot down party ideas with those around you. Think about what the perfect welcome party for our prince and princess would be,” Rapunzel says. “We don’t have much time to plan, I’m afraid. The royal court has next weekend available, so the headmistress has granted us permission to host the party then.”

“One week?” Tessa cries. “There’s no way we can get a suitable band to play on such short notice. Gnome-More books up months in advance. And how will we have time to order fine tablecloths and china?”

“No worries,” AG interrupts. “Raz and I are going to her castle this weekend to pick out some for us to borrow. We’ll bring back everything we need.”

“Just the two of you?” Tessa says weakly, and AG nods. “I usually pick out linens for the group. I could come. It will be too much to carry them all yourself.”

“You’re too kind, Tessa, but that’s what the Pegasus coach is for,” Rapunzel says.

“What about a menu?” Tessa sounds desperate as she consults her scroll. “Little Miss Muffet’s Bakery is so hot right now. She could do little quiches and tea sandwiches and—”

“We’re using Pattycakes,” Rapunzel says. “AG went there with her mother and said they make the best cinnamon rolls for dessert. We’ve also decided to skip the tea sandwiches. They’re pretty, but no one eats them.”

“Fried chicken is the perfect picnic food,” AG says, and a few RLWs nod.

“I love fried chicken,” says Maxine, licking her lips.

“Fried chicken?” Raza pouts. “But we have to eat it with our hands.”

“Exactly!” Rapunzel cheers. “Headmistress Flora loves AG’s ideas of making the party feel fun rather than stuffy. There will be outdoor games and magic carpet racing and dancing too.”

Tessa stares at AG with a look bordering on contempt. “Sounds like you two already planned everything. I’m surprised we even needed an RLW meeting today.”

AG frowns. “I didn’t mean to step on anyone’s toes.”

“Nonsense,” Rapunzel says. “There’s still plenty for all the RLWs to do.”

“We were thinking there could be a big tent, in case it rains, with picnic blankets scattered underneath containing picnic baskets with food,” AG tells us. Everyone starts to get excited.

“This sounds like a great picnic,” I agree. “It’s not stuffy at all. Other than the tea.” Tessa’s frown deepens, which I love.

“Are you saying we’re going to serve tea to royals sitting on the ground?” Raza looks horrified.

“Yes,” Rapunzel says as if this part should be obvious. “Tea is still the perfect ending to any royal meal.” AG nods. Raz places a stack of white napkins in front of us. “As are pretty napkins. Still a royal must.” Tessa claps excitedly. “Why don’t you work on turning these into a festive shape. We have over two hundred to do for next weekend, so we might as well get started. AG and I have actual tea with her mother this afternoon, so we may have to leave early.”

Rapunzel drops a napkin in front of me, and I start to hack.

“Lavender scented,” she says. “Gives the napkins a little something extra.” She smiles at me cheekily. She knows I hate this stuff.

“I’m really good at folding napkins,” says Tessa, folding a napkin in thirds.

“She is,” Raza seconds, taking a napkin of her own. Tessa swipes it so that she has two.

“I won the RLW napkin-folding contest last spring and a golden napkin award from Princess Rose. It’s hanging in my room.”

I snort. “There’s a golden napkin award?”

Ollie nudges me. “Don’t make fun. I’m going for it this year.” I stare at him worriedly, and he winks.

“Swans are so over,” Tessa adds, eyeing AG’s design. “Last year, my napkin was folded into a rose just beginning to bloom, and this year I’m thinking of making it a book with pages in honor of Princess Beauty.”

“Lovely,” Raza and Millie second.

Ollie makes his look like a pirate sail. Maxine’s tongue is hanging out as she tries to fold her napkin like a square. I get frustrated and roll mine into a ball. AG quietly keeps working.

“AG!” Rapunzel cries, rushing over to see what AG created. One napkin is shaped like a braid, like Rapunzel’s long hair; another is shaped like an apple for the Evil Queen; and the third is somehow transformed into a wolf or some sort of hairy animal. Maybe her dad? “Those are stunning! Everyone look at Allison Grace’s napkins! These are the epitome of grace and beauty. AG? Why don’t you teach us your style, and we’ll copy it for the tea.” She walks to the other end of the table to discuss silverware.