True Love

Chapter 1:

Have you ever thought about your true love? That one soul out there that you will be with forever, who you can tell your secrets to, stay up with, laugh, have a good time, and just be yourself with? I have... It’s kept me up nights; I’ve had dreams about him. And I’m only 17. I should introduce myself, I’m Annie Hamilt and I’m a junior at this small town high school in Malaga, WA. No one knows I really exist. The only time someone even looks at me is for an answer on a test. I get mistaken for a “new girl”, even though I’ve been living in this town since I was born.

I live with my over protected mother and a father whose only reason for living is to ruin my life. Since I can remember he has always treated me like shit. My mom has always yelled at him for giving me a hard time and he deals with that by drinking. So I guess we live in a normal house hold. The thing that people don’t know about me is my family is poor. We have one income and that’s my mom, because my dad always gets fired for drinking on the job. My mom works at the jail as a chef. Not the best job but it’s a job. My older brother I hardly see. He is usually getting high with his friends, so. Yah. My life could be better. It doesn’t help that people at school treat me awful too.

My teachers are really nice because I am the goody-two shoes. I get straight A’s and I have a perfect attendance record. Even when I had the stomach flu, I went to school, mainly because I didn’t want my father to watch me. The only thing that would make me happy is my true love. I don’t want to wait until college or adult years, I want him now. But oh its 7:30 got to start walking to school. The only good thing about school is my best friend, Tanya. She has been with me for so long. Tanya is the only one that sees the real me and loves the real me. Well, I should be going.

It was a regular Tuesday, the weather was hot……as usual. The kids were rude……as usual. I hear this high squeaky voice behind me as I walk into school. Man, its Jenny, great. Jenny Bardwell is the head cheerleader and most popular girl in school, also known as my mortal enemy. We’ve known each other since we were in 1st grade. I asked her if I could sit by her at snack time, and she responded by dumping her milk on me. But then she said I dumped milk on myself and blamed it on her. I have no idea how evil a 6 year old can be. But she is a night mare. She is trying to get the attention of her “BFF’s”.

Our school isn’t very big, maybe about 500 students. And most of the students here are higher than their grades. The school also really needs a paint job, and new teachers, and well, new everything. The lockers are falling apart, hallways stink, and teachers as about as old as our text books. How have we not been shut down? And do not get me started on the cafeteria food.

My locker is the last one at the very end of the school by the janitor’s closet. Well, there is goes on the ground again, my locker door falls off about 3 times a week. Oh there’s the bell. Off to English with Mrs. Jenkins. I guess she is the only one who understands me. I can express myself with her though my writing. It’s the only way I can leave the cruel word and enter my own dome. Her classroom was small, only a few students. Our classroom also had no windows. Many rumors flood the school that this place used to a prison. Because there are no windows…….anywhere.

In my English class they have it separated out into sections. One side there is the prep girls like Jenny and the rest of the cheerleaders. On the other side are the nerds, with the math club and a few band people. Then in the other corner are the people who don’t care at all, the wannabe dropouts. The kids who think; “If we don’t do anything they will kick us out.” Finally the jock side. This group has the cutest guy in school in it. Bradly Tompkins, the captain of the football team, basketball team, hockey, baseball, and even debate leader. He is handsome, smart, and incredible, the only downside is, he is really into Jenny. They have been the on and off couple since 7th grade. He has looked at me a few times and smiled once, that’s the first time my heart melted. English was my best subject. Writing, reading, being myself. I felt at home being there. See since I’m shy reading and writing is the one place where I can express who I really am.

After a long day of being asked if I was the new girl again, and getting 100% on my tests, I was home…….great. I think I would rather be at school with Jenny then here with my family. As soon as my mother gets home from work she always asks, “Oh honey bear how was school? Did you meet a boy? Make a friend? Tell me all the details!” Man is she annoying. I can never get her off my back. And since she asks the same question every day, I’ve gotten to the point of saying, “No, no, and I’m going to my room.” Before she even asks me.

I walk by my father, a dead beat. No job, drinks, and complains. He also bosses me around. I know us kids are supposed to do chores and other stuff around the house but he asks me to do ridiculous stuff. One day he asked me to clean the gutters, and he wasn’t joking. Now that might now seem bad but we do not own a ladder. Yes, he expects me to climb up there and clean it. Well I don’t. No one in my family understands me.

Since I love reading I have a bookshelf, or should I say bookshelves, and one day my father came barging in, after many drinks and a fight with my mom, and knocks my books down, tears some up and looks me dead in the eyes and said, “You are a worthless nobody who just reads. Reading will get you nowhere! If you want to live here then stop reading and get a job, you are 17!” Then he left. I cried for that whole night. I didn’t want to tell him I actually did get a job, at the bookstore. But that’s a normal night usually. But I just walked by my dad with my head down and just headed to my room.

The next day at school I overheard some girls talking about this incredible new cute guy. I also saw Jenny talking about him, what? She has a boyfriend and she is talking about how she wants him? I guess I will never understand their ways. Well, I thought that for about 15 seconds until I looked over in the office and saw him standing there. Oh my goodness.

He was perfect, his eyes, his hair, his body. The other girls were right, he is cute, no, more than just cute. He is gorgeous. The only problem is, oh no, he is walking towards me with the principal. Why is he walking toward me?

“Annie, this is James Bradford, he is new and I would like you to show him to his classes. He has Mr. Jackson for Math next, oh like you too. I hope you can make him feel welcome. I’m counting on you. Don’t disappoint me.” Mr. Franks said. All of the sudden my heart dropped.

James Bradford, how can I explain him? Let’s start with PERFECT. OMG his eyes are baby blue, his hair is brown with small red highlights. His cheek bones are so round and his lips are very pink. He is about 6’2 and looks very buff. I can tell he is smart because he is a junior in a college math class. I think I just met the love of my life, although that’s what I said about Bradly. I have to take this slow and steady and let him make this first move. Oh no, it looks he’s been talking to me, I have no idea what he has been saying. Crap.

“We should probably get to class.” I said. I started down the hall towards Mr. Jackson’s class. James is right behind me and I am afraid to look at him. I feel like I should say something or make small talk but I don’t want to come off as clingy or needy. I guess for right now I will just stay quiet. We enter the class and I see all the girls mouths drop. I look over at Jenny and she glares at me like it’s my fault I’m walking in with James.

“Mr. Jackson, this is James Bradford. He is new and the principal wanted me to show him around. Sorry we were late.” I said

“That’s alright Annie. Since you are showing him around, why doesn’t he sit by you this quarter? Help him with the new material and make sure he understands it.” Mr. Jackson stated. He gave James a textbook, some papers, and a binder. Then pointed to the front left corner where I was.

I am in a college math class, not many juniors, but a teacher from the college campus comes over and teaches this class. I love math, to me it’s so easy, calculating formulas, finding areas of polygons. Yea, I’m a nerd. But I was glad Mr. Jackson put James next to me.

James came over and sat right behind me. I tried to explain what we were on but Jenny, who sits next to me as well, beat me to it. I really don’t know how she got into this class. I guess to be evil, you had to be smart. She was ALL over him. Flirting and talking and getting to know him. That would be me if I didn’t get so nervous talking to guys, and girls, and teachers, and well everyone who isn’t my dog. That’s the only one who I feel can really understand me. So as Jenny talked James ear off, I did learn some things about him that I wouldn’t have gotten out of him. Like; he isn’t really into sports, and doesn’t like being the center of attention. He loves classical music and can play the piano. He has been playing the piano for over 9 years. I only wish my parents had the money for lessons, I absolutely love the piano.

The day went by and I had about every class with James except my health class, because at our school, male and female health classes are separated, ever since the great laughter and embarrassment of 2007 when a senior laughed and made fun of girls with hair on our privates, very mature. James actually sat by me at lunch, I usually sit by myself out in the court yard.

“Hey Annie, why you are you sitting by yourself? You seem like an awesome girl. Don’t you have any friends?” James asked.

“Thanks, well I guess most people don’t see that in me. And no I really don’t have any friends. People just don’t want to get to know me, I guess. “I said.

“Well a pretty girl like you shouldn’t sit by herself. Do you mind if I sit here?” He asked.

“Oh no, go ahead.” I said.

“So math was interesting. I can tell you must be really great at it since you and I are the only juniors in it.” He said.

“Yea I guess I’m good. And there is another junior, Jenny.”

“Oh yea.” He said as he looked back at her. She was actually staring at me; no make that glaring at me. It’s like she thinks it’s my fault James is sitting with me. “She seems okay, but she also seems like one of those girls who are all preppy and girly.” He said.

“I don’t want to sound rude, but yea, she is. Not just girly but rude too. When I first met her she dumped her milk on me.” I said.

“Whoa, she sounds like a bitch.” He said.

“Yea, but I don’t want to bore you with my pathetic life. If you want to go eat someplace else I understand.” I said.

“No, you seem really cool, I like hanging with you. But it seems like lunch is over. I will see you next period.” He said, then waved good bye. I waved back and said, “See ya.” Then Jenny comes up, oh boy.

“Stay away from him, he is mine.” She sneered.

How can I stay away from someone who wants to hang out with me? “If James wants to hang with me that’s his choice. I told him he could go if he wanted but he chose to stay.” I said.

` “Whatever maggot. Just know I can make your life miserable if you get in my way, so there.” Jenny threatened.

“There is nothing you haven’t already done to ruin it some more.” I yelled back. Man was she rude.

Chapter 2:

Meanwhile at James house. James has a secret. He isn’t like most teenage guys out there. Now he isn’t a vampire or a werewolf. This isn’t Twilight. But what you will know for right now he used to live in a small country outside of England.

“Mom I met the coolest girl today. She is really original and down to earth.” James said.

“That’s nice honey. Did you meet any other people?” His mother asked.

“Yea, but none as cool as Annie. I was actually going to ask you something though.” He said.

“What is that dear?” She asked.

“Can I ask her out on a date? Please?” He asked.

“James, no. I’m sorry but I don’t want anyone to know our secret. If people knew your life would never be the same. People would always come up to you asking for stuff, it would just be a mess.” His mother explained.

“I don’t understand if the reason we moved was for me to have a normal life, and we didn’t move into a smaller place and now I can’t even date.” He said.

“I am sorry sweetie. But under no circumstances are you to go out with her. And don’t even think about leading her on.” She said.

“Don’t you want me to be happy? I actually think I might have found my soul mate. Maybe she can keep a secret?” He said.

“Of course I want you to be happy, and you can always stay friends with her. Okay? And no don’t even think about it.”

“Okay mother.” James said.

James’ sister walked up and said, “James, if you cant date her, just be friends with her. Don’t ruin something with a relationship with physical contact, and just have a really close friend.”

“Thanks Haley.” James said.

Back at Annie’s. Once I got home, I went straight to my computer to find James’ profile. *typing James Bradford* Oh, looks like a found him, whoa, his profile picture is of him and his family, it looks like by a palace in England. His family must be rich. But whatever. *hits add friend* Man I hope he responds soon.

*Buzz* OMG! He accepted it. I should probably message him or something.

Me: Hey what’s up?

Him: Nothing much. What about you?

Me: Same, just finishing up some math homework, then read my favorite book.

Him: What might that be?

Me: This may make me sound like a weirdo but my favorite book is to kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee.

Him: I love that book too!

We talked about the book for a while, and how Boo Radley wasn’t dead and we think that all the rumors were wrong. His favorite character was Atticus and mine in Scout. Scout is so adventurous and stands up for her father, when he doesn’t care about the names the other people called him.

Things were going so well. I talked to him until 1 AM, that’s when I fell asleep. We just talked about the most random things. He loves reading and writing, his favorite food is smoked salmon, his favorite animal is a dog and his favorite sport to do in his free time, is polo. He sounds like a very deep and poetic guy. I love it! The next day I decided to tell Tanya about him.

“Tanya I have some really exciting news!” I said.

“Its about this guy I saw you eat lunch with yesterday right?” She asked.

“Well, yes! He is so cute, and we talked all night, and he is perfect, and amazing and everything I look for in a guy and….” I rambled until she stopped me.

“Woah slow down. You always ramble when you get excited. But that sounds awesome. Take things slow though. You have known him for what, a day?” She said.

“Yea, but it feels like I have known him for a long time.” I said.

“Oh wow. I didn’t think you had it this bad.” She said.

“What? What do I have bad?” I asked worried.

“I think you are in love.” She said.

What? In love in one day? That cant be right, can it? We continued walking to school and all I could talk about was James.

And the best part was our winter formal was coming soon and I think he might ask me. I should probably drop some hints though.Even though I didn’t like to dance, I wanted to go because that is where couples form and relationships start, or that’s where that stuff happens for us teens.

“So what are you plans this weekend?” I asked him.

“Oh, I don’t know, probably just stay home and read Pride and Prejudiced for English class.” He said. “What about you?”

“Oh I haven’t made any plans……yet.” I said trying to hint. Then all of the sudden I hear this high pitch scream and I see balloons and flowers and a gigantic sign that said, ‘Will you go to formal with me?’ And guess who it was for, Jenny. “Wow that was sweet.” I said, even though I thought it was downright ridiculous.

“Yea that dance sounds fun though. Do you think I should go?” He asked.

Oh no, I froze. I didn’t know what to say exactly. I mean I wanted him to ask me but it is not the girls job to make the move, only if its tolo. But do I say ‘yes go with me’, or ‘I don’t know do what you want to do.’ These things were easier to say over Facebook. Because you don’t have to say it right to their faces. “Um, I got to go; my mom is picking me up. I will message you on Facebook though, bye.” I said.

“Oh okay, bye.” He said with a confused look on his face.

I get in the car and my mom starts with the questions, like usual. Such as; “Make any friends? Any boys? New boyfriend? Whats new?!”

“So how was school?” She asked.

This was new. “It was good. Why aren’t you asking your other questions? Are you sick?” I asked.

“No, I think I already know the answers. Tanya’s mom called me today. Apparently you have been blowing Tanya off and hanging out with this new guy.” She said.

Oh my goodness. I had just about forgotten about Tanya. Something I never thought would happen to me, a guy getting in between us. Wait play it cool Annie. “Whaaaaat? Pshhh nah. Well, I didn’t mean to blow her off, James is just a friend.” I said.

“James? That’s his name. Is this the person you are talking to all the time to on Facebook? Is he cute, nice, you being smart?” My mother asked.

She was back. I needed to say something that will shut her up. “James is just a friend, he isn’t that cute, and he just asked me to help him with math. That’s it.” I said.

“Oh okay. Well, that’s good you are friends. By the way, your father caught your brother smoking in his room so things are kind of tense.” She said.

“Okay.” Nothing new, whatever. One thing I need to do though is talk to James. I need to tell him how I feel.

That night I messaged him. Me: Look the past couple of weeks have been awesome, but I feel like there is a strong connection between us, and you don’t want to make the first move, but maybe I should. So here it goes; do you want to go to formal? I typed. I saw that he had read it, now he was typing.

Him: I do like you, but we can’t date or anything thing like that. I saw your hints about the dance and I ignored them because I can’t ask you 0kay? Sorry but get over it, we can’t ever be a couple.

Have you ever had a knife drilled in your chest before? Well that’s what it felt like. At least I knew he liked me. But why couldn’t we be together?

Well I wasn’t going to let his odd decision ruin my weekend. I was going to the formal, but by myself.

I walked inside the school and the decorations were awesome, a million different lights everywhere, streamers and a disco ball. The d.j was awesome too; I couldn’t believe how nice everything looked. As I was looking around I saw James. He was here too? Oh man, he saw me, crap. What do I do? Oh he waved at me, so he isn’t mad. Oh now he is walking over, play it cool Annie.

“Hey there, I didn’t think I would see you here.” He said.

“Yea I thought it would be fun.” I said.

“You sure you aren’t hoping for someone to break the dj’s equipment so you can sing?” He said with a wink.

“Ha no, remember I don’t sing in public.” I said. James is actually the only one who has ever heard me sing. He said I sounded great, so I don’t know if he said that to spare my feelings but whatever.

“Well okay, you want to dance?” He asked.

“Yea sure, I would love too.” I said.

He was the only one I danced with all night. I was having so much fun. All though it’s weird how he couldn’t ask me yet here we are at the dance together.

“So if you couldn’t ask me to the dance, how are we at the dance together?” I asked.

“My mom doesn’t want me to date.” He said.

“Oh okay. Hey I am going to go make a song a request. Be right back.” I said.

I walked up to the dj and right before I could ask him Jenny starts talking to me.

“How dare you come to the dance with James! I said stay away from him.” She yelled.

“Why does it matter to you? You have a boyfriend and FYI we didn’t come together. So just move out of my way so I can make a request please.” I said.

“Oh, I have a request, for an Annie humiliation.” She said.

I turn around and I see her start to throw her punch on me, but I duck and it gets all over the sound system. Sparks are flying, electricity is crackling. The I hear a loud BOOM. The music stops and the crowd is ‘awing’ and Jenny points at me and shouts, “It is all Annie’s fault, she tried to dump her punch on me.” Everyone started booing at me. I ran off in tears as the dj is trying to fix his sound equipment.

What did I ever do to her? All I ever did was say hi and she just picks on me and now the whole school hates me.

“Alright everyone I have my team bringing a backup but I’ve got my karaoke if anyone wants to sing or rap.” The DJ announces.

I then hear multiple girls screaming for them to go; I wish I had the nerve to sing. I just stayed behind this big curtain hiding. Then I see James come around.

“I heard what happened. I know you didn’t do that, but why would Jenny blame it on you?” He asked me.

“I don’t know.” I started to cry again. James came over and put his arms around me and held me. “I just wish I had the courage to go up and sing karaoke to show off those girls” I said.

“That’s it!” He said.

“I can’t James.” I said.

“No you don’t have to go up but I have an idea.” He said. Then he ran off and a minute later came back with a wireless miche and his laptop. “I can hook you up and you can sing behind here and no one can see you. Come on you can do it.” He said.

“I guess so, alright do it. Find Skyscraper please.”

He hooked me up and I started to sing. I was shaking and I knew the only person that knew it was me was James. I could hear murmur in the crowd of, ‘who is that’, then ‘wow she is amazing’. I couldn’t believe I was actually singing. Then as I was finishing the curtain came down. I stopped, and everyone saw me.

“See everyone, it was Annie. She is incredible.” James said. He was the one who pulled down the curtain. I thought he understood that I wasn’t okay with that. Jenny started laughing and then everyone else did.

“Yes like that was her. She probably just used a video off of YouTube. You can’t sing for real.” Jenny said.

“Yes she can, but its people like you that stop her from singing.” James said.

He was actually defending me, but I was still angry at him for doing this.

“Then sing right now, with no music.” Jenny demanded.

I couldn’t. I took off my miche and ran away. I ran outside into the cold and I heard James yelling my name.

“Wait, where are you going?” James asked.

“I am going home.” I answered.

“Why? You were doing so well.” He said.

“What? Are you kidding me? They think I’m a joke, more than usual and it’s all because of you.” I said.

“Now don’t blame this on me I was trying to help.”

“Help? You knew I wasn’t confront able singing in front of all those people and yet you pulled the curtain down. Why? Were you trying to make a fool out of me?” I asked. He was about to but I cut him off by saying, “No don’t answer that. You say you like me, but you can’t even tell me why your mom won’t let you date so just don’t even bother. Okay? I don’t want you in my life anymore.” I said.

“No, Annie don’t do this. I want to tell you but it’s a secret.” He said.

That made me angrier. “A freaking secret? Are you serious? You don’t think I am trustworthy enough? Who the hell am I going to tell?” I asked.

“My mom thinks that. I want to tell you.” He said.

“Then tell me.” I demanded.

“I can’t. You have to respect that.” He said.

“Well you didn’t respect me so why should I respect you? I am out of here. Good bye.” I said.

I left to go back home and I didn’t speak to James since. Things were very quiet over the next months.

Chapter 3

Next few days at school were awkward. James smiled at me, then he tried to talk to me, but I just walked away. I couldn’t hardly face him, or look at without wanting to yell at him. I thought we were friends, or even more but I guess I was wrong. Weeks past, months, and things are better but I still don’t want anything to do with him. The one thing I was confused about is why Jenny was so mad at me for hanging with James when she has a boyfriend. Jenny is still with her boyfriend and they don’t ever hang out. I just can’t believe James didn’t care about my feelings.

I’m walking to lunch when someone behind me pushed me and I ran into Jenny dumping all her food over me and her. She was pissed. Blamed everything on me and wouldn’t let me explain what happened.

“You weasel! You got ranch dressing ALL over my cashmere sweater! You will pay for this. You are going to regret the day you were born. If you thought things were hell lately just wait.” Jenny threatened.

“Jenny I’m so sorry. I was pushed I didn’t mean for this to happened.” I apologized.

“Whatever maggot.” She yelled. James busted in and held her back, “It was her fault Jenny.” He said. Wow he was defending me. “I will never forget this. I’m surprised you actually have something to say. What happened to quiet Annie?” Jenny exclaimed.

“You want me to say something?” I asked. James is shaking his head at me. I ignored him. “I’m tired of you and your skanky friends, thinking you’re so much better than everyone when the real truth is you are too scared of your real self that you have to put everyone else down. I was actually scared of you ruining something between me and James when I should have just told your boyfriend that you were all over another guy.” Actually I was regretting saying that the moment I thought it. I’m afraid what she is gonna say now.

“Really? You are going to pay for that one. And no one would ever love you let alone like or tolerate you. Your father is a dead beat, your mom works as a chef for criminals. And your brother gets high with the hobos. So don’t tell me that you actually had someone to have your heart.” Jenny said.

I couldn’t take it. I started to go for her but then James pulled me away and dragged me to the parking lot. What was this? I hope is going to apologize. But whatever I guess, that was the longest conversation ive ever had with Jenny. I then noticed people were looking at me so I booked it out of there. I ran out of the doors of the school when I heard my name.

“Annie I want to talk.” James said.

“About what? About that scene back there? Or are you to apologize for embarring me at the dance?” I asked.

“I’m sorry but I won’t apologize for that, you are an amazing singer and more people had to know.” He said.

“Everyone made fun of me. They didn’t believe that was me really singing and I looked like a joke!” I said.

“Well than that’s their loss for not hearing your beautiful voice.” Said James.

“Okay thanks I guess, I’m over that now but I am still confused about one thing.” I said.

“And that is?” He asked. “Why don’t your parents want us to be a thing? What’s the big secret?” I asked.

Before he had a chance to answer Jenny comes running at me. “I hope your happy slut; Bradly just broke up with me. Oh and I know what your boys little secret is, and he isn’t just a small town boy.” Jenny said.

“Jenny be quiet.” James said sternly.

“What is it?” I asked.

“He is a ….” Jenny was cut off by a car coming at full speed toward us. It was Bradly, he looked pissed.

“Bradly is getting back at James for stealing me. Sorry, actually he can take you out Annie.” Jenny said and then kicked me hard in the shin and slapped me across the face.

I fell to the ground and couldn’t move. I looked up and saw the headlights for his truck, so this was the end. This is like twilight, but instead of Edward jumping in front of the car and pushing it away James came over and swooped me up.

“DAMMIT!” Jenny exclaimed. “Well have fun with your little rich boy.” She added.

I look up at James with confusion. He had told me in private that he was poor. “Your rich?” I asked.

“Let’s go someplace private.” He said.

He carried me to the woods and sat me down. He paced for a little bit then finally told me the truth, although it was hard to take.

“Okay, I really like you. And this may not seem like a big deal but I didn’t want special treatment and I wanted to tell you this secret from day one but my parents said no and I was really torn but I didn’t want to let you go so we had to just stay friends and….” He rambled. “Can you please get to the point?” I asked.

“I used to live in England and not where the regular people lived.” He said.

“Okay……that’s not really a big deal.” I said.

“No that’s only part of it. Now can I trust you to keep this a secret? It might change your life somewhat.” He said.

“Okay no problem, just tell me.” I said.

“Okay, so the reason why my family and I lived in England was because, they are the King and Queen of it.” He said.

“So…..you are a prince?!” I said.

“Yes.” He replied.

“I can’t believe you lied to me! I actually believed you were just a regular teen boy. What else did you lie to me……..wait. You really are a prince?” I asked.

“Yes, I thought we covered this?” He asked.

“I am going to need proof.” I said.

“Okay let’s go to my house.” He said.

Chapter 4:

My heart stopped. Wow, that was really hard to believe. I will need some proof of this statement but for right now I was going to believe him. He said that he would take me to his house to prove it. I’m still not sure if he is telling the truth but let us go find out.

We start heading toward the road and I see this big, white, long, limo. Whoa, I have never road in a limo before. The tall, proper man steps out and opens the door for me. James follows and explains to me why they moved.

“My parents wanted me to have a normal childhood. In England, where ever I went people stopped me and wanted either a picture or girls wanted, well, me. It was really awkward and strange. So we sent some builders to build us a HUGE house so we would still feel like home. I would have settled for a normal house but my parents didn’t agree. We live up on Eagle Rock. Please trust me; my parents didn’t want anyone to know we were royalty. But now since you know we might have to move.” James explained.

“This is a lot to take in, but I would never tell anyone about you. I don’t think I could live without you. I feel like myself whenever you’re here, and you saved my life, your special. I will explain to your parents everything and take full responsibility for everything.” I said.

We approached his house, it is amazing. His house is 5 stories high. His front door is like four single doors combined. His home is made of stone with silver windows and gold panels. I go inside and it’s a palace. With cashmere curtains, and soft while sofas and everything is just perfect. There are servants everywhere. I hear these trumpets behind me and then the king and queen appear. The queen is beautiful; she has this big pink beautiful dress on, with a gold crown. And the King is dressed in a silk handmade suit and he is also wearing a gold crown. I’m shaking and hiding behind James; he grabs my hand, and whispers to me, “It will be okay.”

“Hello son how was your day to……hey! Who is this girl?!” The Queen says.

“Mother this is Annie; the girl I told you before I was in love with but you said I couldn’t date her and she couldn’t be trusted with our secret, well news flash I told her. And she wanted proof and so I brought here and if you didn’t hear me the first time.” James was saying, and then he looked at me and grabbed my hands. He looked into my eyes and said, “I love her.”

“Son, I can’t believe you told her that?! How can we trust her? She probably already tweeted everything about us. We are going to have to move or either get rid of her.” The Kind said with anger.

“You will never separate us. I would rather never become king and be poor my whole life then be without her.” James said.

I couldn’t believe what he was saying. “Wait don’t say that. Is this really going to be a problem?” I asked.

“Yes, my son is to be with another royalty girl, a princess. You are a poor girl from a small town.” The Queen said. Well I knew it was true but it still stung.

“Don’t you talk to her like that, she deserves respect.” James said.

“Can I talk to you in private? Please Mrs. Bradford?” I asked.

“Of course, everyone out. “ The Queen demanded.

The room emptied faster than meatloaf Monday at my house. James gave me a kiss on the cheek before he left.

“Since this is a really big deal and I don’t want James to waste everything I will leave. Like leave, leave. I can go stay with my Uncle in Oregon.” I said.

“Thank you dear, he needs a girl like us. I will arrange a train and you should go tell him.” She said.

“He won’t let that happen if he knew about it. I should go in the middle of the night when everyone is asleep.” I said.

“That is a perfect idea.” She said.

It was set. I guess when you love someone you will do anything for them, even let them go. I was going to miss James. I don’t know where I will go or what will happen but as long as James isn’t making a huge mistake I will be fine. I go to James and say that everything is going to be fine, even though it won’t. Hopefully he will believe me.

“I’m so glad we will be together Annie. How did you convince my mom to let you stay? Wait I don’t want to know. All I need to know is we will be together.” He said. He picked me up and twirled me around. Then he kissed me. It was magic. Fireworks went off. You know how people say your first kiss is something you will always remember? It is so true. I will never forget this. Now I feel bad about leaving him.

“We should probably get some sleep. Let’s go to bed.” I say. James goes to his bed, and I go to the guest room right next to him. Now in about an hour I will never see James again.

Chapter 5:

It’s about 1:00AM. And I hear a servant quietly come in and tap me on the shoulder. He gives me the look, ‘it’s time to go’. I get up and open James door. I look over at him with tears in my eyes.

“I will always love you.” I whisper to myself.

The servant shows me to limo to take me to the train station. He looks at me for a minute, just staring at me with empathy in his eyes. He leans over and whispers, “If it was me, you are the perfect girl for him. I haven’t seen Master James this happy in weeks.”

“Thank you. Just make sure he isn’t too upset, also tell him this was my idea. But don’t tell him until he wakes up. I will miss him but it will nice to visit Oregon. That’s where my Uncle Henry lives.” I asked. Uncle Henry is my favorite family member. He always helped me with whatever I needed and gave me the most remember able gifts. He is the one who inspired me to write and be the best I could be. If I was going to live without my true love, I would at least want to live with someone who will love me.

“It’s too bad James didn’t propose.” He told me. Wait what?

“Why would it make a difference if he proposed?” I asked.

“Well whoever James chooses to marry that’s the girl he will marry, but if he didn’t propose yet his parents can rule you out. They haven’t told him that though.” He said.

“This might be a lot to ask of you but could you maybe…..” I said until he cut me off and said, “I will tell him that.” Then he winked.

The train arrived and I guess it’s time to go. “I look at the palace and wave good bye. I will never be here again. I know I’m doing the right thing here. So why do I feel so upset. I guess it’s because I finally meet my true love, and I have to let him go. Well, whatever, I will forget him. The train starts and I pull out my favorite book. I guess I better get comfortable.

“Hey Uncle Henry, thanks for letting me stay with you.” I thanked him.

“No problem, I heard your story, sweetie I’m sorry.” He said.

He took me back to his place with his wife you in an angle and his two children, Louis who is 5, and Angie who is 1. They are the cutest things ever. But there is one thing I am curious about; I wonder how James will take the news?

Back at James’ place; James had just woken up and went over to the guest room to get Annie, but finds that she isn’t there……..where could she be, he thought.

“Blatis, where is Annie? Is she downstairs, or getting ready?” James asked. Blatis is the main servant, he has taken care of James since he was a baby prince and has always sided with James. He is the one who told Annie that the only way they could be together would be if they got married.

“Master I have something I need to tell you about Annie.” Blatis said.

“Well can you hurry; last night I thought of the best way for is to be together.” James said.

“What would that be sir?” Blatis asked.

“Well, if I propose to her my parents will have to let us be married.” James explained.

That is what Blatis was going to say, but Blatis knew that James was too late. “Sir, Annie left.” Blatis said.

“Where did she go? Back to her place to get her things?”

“Well, no, not exactly. This was all Annie’s idea and she wanted me to tell you.”

“Blatis, tell me, you are starting to frighten me.”

“Early this morning Annie got on a train to Oregon so she wouldn’t stand in your way of being King.”

James was speechless. He was so furious and upset. He marched his way downstairs to his parents. “How could you put her on a train out of my life!? Do you not want me to be happy?” James asked.

“Son, that was all her idea and it was the only way to protect you.” The Queen said.

“ONLY WAY TO PROTECT ME?! You have got to be kidding me? She was the love of my life and you let her walk right out. Well I was going to marry her.” James said.

“Wait did you propose to her?” The King asked.

“Well, no, not yet.” James said.

“Then we did nothing wrong.” The King said.

James decided the only way to get her back was to go get her. His parents had banned him from air, train, boat travel but not car.

“Blatis come here.” James whispered.

“Yes master?” He asked.

“I need you to drive me to Oregon.”

In Oregon Henry is to cheer up me with his famous hot chocolate with marshmallows and his warm melty peanut butter cookies, my favorite. He hands me the plate of cookies and mug of cocoa.

“Do you remember when you spend 2 weeks here with me every summer? We would go to the aquarium and watch the seals. One day we there you told me something, do you remember what you said?” He asked me.

“Was it about how all the exhibits had two animals in them?”

“Yes, I said there are always at least a boy and a girl so they can be happy.”

“Yes then I said ‘I won’t ever need a guy to make me happy.’ But that was a long time ago. Feelings change, and I have changed. I’ve never experienced this before Uncle Henry, how do I deal with this pain?”

“Well, I always have these cookies.” He said, laughing.

“Thanks Uncle Henry, but even this stuff can’t replace James.”

“Sweetie, I know how hard it is to lose your true love.” He picks up a picture of my aunt Louis.

Aunt Louis was the nicest, sweetest lady you would ever meet. She didn’t have a bad bone in her body. She made holiday treats for everyone in the neighborhood, and made lunches for homeless men. She always made me the cutest sweaters for my birthday. Sadly Louis was in a deadly car crash a few years ago. She was at a red light when a drunk driver was coming the opposite way and ran his red light and hit her head on. She was in a coma for about 6 months when Uncle Henry decided to put her out her misery and pull the plug. It was the hardest decision he ever made, but the right one.

“I know Uncle Henry, I miss her too. I just wish I could have said good bye to James, and I know you feel the same way about Aunt Louis.”

“I know, well it’s time to focus on the positive, we get to finally spend time together.” He said.

“Yea but for right now, could I be alone please?” I asked.

“No problem sweetie.” He told me.

Uncle Henry left the room and I just sat by the window moping. I miss James so much; I need to get over him. I look outside, and its cold, but it’s not raining, so I decided to go out and have fun. That’s the only way to stop feeling this pain and get over….him. I picked up my jacket and said be home soon to my uncle. I walked out the door and just started walking.

I walked for about a few blocks until I tired so I sat down on a bench. I pull out my phone and bring up James messages. Should I text him? Or why hasn’t he texted me? Or emailed or face booked me? I guess he was glad I left figures. I would be glad that I left too.

Now halfway to Oregon, James and Blatis were about 2 hours away from where Annie was. “Sir, I don’t think your parents will be happy when they find out went to rescue Annie.” Blatis said.

“I don’t care, I love Annie and she loves me.” James said.

“Okay Sir.” Blatis said.

Chapter 6

Now it’s getting really cold. I look up and clouds start to roll in and now….rain. Great. I guess I should start walking home. Wait, is that Kevin? “Kevin?” I asked.

“Oh my, Annie, I haven’t seen you in a while.” He said.

“Yea, so how have you been?” I asked.

“I have been great, I just got accepted to Yale, hahaha nah just kidding I did get accepted into OSU.”

“Wow that’s amazing. I haven’t applied to any colleges. My plans changed so now I should probably start.”

“You don’t sound like you. What’s going on?” He asked.

I explained what happened, but just shorter. He gave me a hug as I started to cry. He understood and told me that if it was meant to be James would come back to me. “That’s like the number one thing to say to someone who lost somebody.” I said.

“I know, but it’s true. You just have to believe in it.” He told me.

“I do believe but I have been without him for about 23 hours and I’m so sick to my stomach with missing him, but, ugh I need to stop thinking about him.” I said.

“Well I guess that’s how you should start the healing process, why don’t I walk you back home? You staying at your uncles? He asked.

“Yea and thanks Kevin.” We started walking and we walked for about 2 blocks when we saw a car zoom by really fast. “Wow someone is in a hurry.” We both laughed at it. But then I heard the car slam on the breaks. I turned around and the so did the car, then it started coming toward us. Man the next thing I need is to be hit by a car; I was almost hit by a car a few days ago.

“Who is driving? We should get out of here.” Kevin said.

I just stood there. If the car was going to hit me, let it. Put me out of my misery right now. I started saying my final words out loud.

“I love you James.” I said then bursted into tears and fell the ground. Kevin is yelling at me to get up. “No just go.” I said. Then I look up at the car and it stops right in front of me. What is going on? Why didn’t they hit me? The door opens and I look up at the dark shadow.

“Annie, I found you.” James said.

“James?” I asked.

James ran over and picked me up and held me as I cried. I can’t believe it; he actually came back for me. “James,” I said as I looked up at him, “Why are you here? You shouldn’t be here with me……your parents don’t like me, and you need to be King.” I said.

“I can be King and be with you. I just have to ask you a simple question.” He said.

“Yes?”

I look over at Kevin, he looks really confused. He tried to ask me a question but I was too focused on James. James got down on one knee, pulled out a small box and looked up at me and said, “Annie, I love you, and I can’t live even a day without you, and I don’t care what my parents say, will you marry me?” He asked.

Oh my goodness, Blatis did say that was the only way that James and I could be together. What was I going to say? Ha I’m just kidding I knew what I was going to say. “Yes, of course I will marry you!” I said as I leaped into his arms and he kissed me. This was it; we were going to live happily ever after.

“I have to tell you something, and doing this won’t be easy.” James said.

“What would that be?” I asked nervously.

“We have to explain this to my parents.”

“Well that shouldn’t be hard, you asked me to marry you so,” I said until he cut me off. “Yes but before I came here, it was just as I found out that you left, they asked me if I had proposed to you. So they might just think I proposed because they gave me the idea, when I was actually going to propose to you the next day at breakfast.” He said.

“Oh, well, that might be hard, but they won’t separate us again, I promise.” I told him.

“Okay well,” He started then he looked over at Kevin, “Thanks for making sure she got home safe.”

“No problem. Annie and I were really good friends when she came up to stay with her Uncle.” Kevin said.

“Oh that’s another thing; I need to tell my Uncle.” I said.

“It’s okay; I will tell him for you. You just go back and face your soon to be in-laws.” Kevin said. I hugged him and thanked him for his support.

“Well, I actually want to say good bye to him and get some of my things.” I said.

James nodded, so we got into the car and went over to Uncle Henry’s house. I opened the door and Henry looks over at me, then a puzzled look at James.

“Uncle Henry,” I started, and then I started to cry a little bit. “This is James, the guy I told you about. Well he came back for me and we…..are getting married.”

Uncle Henry looked mad, but he wasn’t. He ran to me and hugged me. He whispered in my ear, “I’m so happy for you. And I know your Aunt would be happy too.”

James went over to him and shook his hand. “Thank you Sir for watching out for her. Trust me; I will take good care of her.” James promised.

“I know you will, and I know that because I also know how to use a shot gun.” Uncle Henry said, and then winked at James. He grabbed my bag and put them in the car. “Oh by the way Annie, your parents called me, they thought you have been at a friend’s house, but I told them you were with me, and they weren’t happy about that. When you get back, you should probably go over and tell them what’s going on.”

“Oh boy, now we have two explanations to give. Which will be the easiest?” I asked.

“Once they all see how much we care about each other they will have no choice but to accept it.” James said to me.

I smiled and hugged Uncle Henry good bye and Kevin. I said to myself, mission impossible, here we come.

Chapter 7:

James grabbed my hand and we got into the car and started our way back to Washington. How am I going to face his parents? Actually what am I going to tell my parents?

We had been in the car for about 4 hours and I had not let go of James for a second. I fell asleep in his arms the whole way. Knowing I was with him was a sense of relief. I had my true love back and I was not going to let him go. An hour later we were back. Blatis parked the car then came over to open the door. James woke me up.

“Annie, wake up we are here. You ready?” He said.

We stepped out of the car and my mother came running out, she was in tears. “Where have you been? Do you know how worried we have been? How could you do that to us?” She yelled at me. The one thing I couldn’t grasp was, “we”. Since when did my father give a crap about where I ever was?

“Mom, I am sorry it’s just, so much has happened, and I just decided to leave and abandon it all. I am really sorry.” I apologized.

“It is okay, just come in and get settled in you are grounded young lady.”

“No mom.” She glared at me.

“What did you say to me?” She asked.

“I am going with James because I love him and we are actually going to get married.” I said.

“What? You are only 17!?” She said.

“Mom, that shouldn’t matter. If I am in love I should be with him. You felt the same way about dad, right?”

“Yea, but that was years ago.”

I nodded as he helped me out of the car. Five guards came running toward us. Apparently Blatis didn’t tell anyone where they were going or that they were going anywhere. They questioned James and Blatis for a few minutes, and then one of them looked over at me. It was the one who had helped Blatis put me on the train to Oregon.

“What are you doing here?” He asked me.

James had answered for me. “She is here because she is going to be married to me. We have come to tell my mother and father the wonderful news.” He sounded all proper and English. It was really cute. They opened the door for us and there they were the King and Queen, sitting on their giant chairs. Looking all high and proper. My stomach turned, my heart dropped, I was so scared. I held onto James’ hand and squeezed it.

“Son where have you been?! Why didn’t you tell us where you were going? And why is she here?” The King asked in fury.

“Mother, father, Annie is here because I went back to Oregon to get her. I also proposed to her while I was there and she said ‘yes’. So whether you like it or not she is marrying me.” James said.

They started arguing and I couldn’t take it anymore. “Stop!” I yelled. They all looked at me, and I let go of James’ hand because I was about to tell off a King and a Queen. “Please excuse me your majesties, but you cannot tell James nor I who we can’t be in love with. From the moment I first laid eyes on your son I felt happy, and determined, which I don’t usually feel. He helped me realize not to focus on what other people say about you, but to only focus on what I think about me. So no matter what you do or say, somehow, we will always find a way back to each other. Sir, what would you do if someone took away your wife and forbad you to ever be with her again?”

“I would not listen and go fight her.” He said.

“That is exactly what James did. You told him he couldn’t be with his true love, so he ignored you to get me back. And I would rather die than live another day without him. I’m sure you feel the same way about each other.” I said.

They both looked at each other and the Queen had tears in her eyes. They went into the other room to talk. James grabbed my hands and kissed me on the head. I hugged him, and whispered, “Did I go too far?”

“No, what you said was beautiful; didn’t you see my mom crying?” He said.

I was glad, I hope they thought what I said was also beautiful. The door opened and they both came walking out. “Please come forward my dear.” The Queen said. I let go of James and walked towards them. The Queen hugged me and said, “What you said my dear was beautiful, I don’t know why my husband and I tried to keep you apart, but that was wrong, and I am sorry. I want my son to be happy but there is one thing that can’t happen.”

“Oh, what is that ma’am?” I asked.

She looked over at James and said, “If you marry her, you can’t be King. Our people wouldn’t like a regular girl being Queen, I am sorry son.”

“What you can’t give the crown to,” he looks over at me and then says quietly to his parents, “the other guy.”

“We don’t have a choice son we,” The King was saying until I blurted out, “What if I learn to become a princess? Ma’am you could teach me, I don’t know who this other guy is, but you can’t take away James’ crown because I’m uneducated on being a princess.”

The King and Queen went to the other room to talk things over. I can’t believe I actually said that. Am I really capable of being a princess? They both came out and the King said, “I guess this plan will work. We will teach you how to be a princess.”

James and I were so happy. He picked me up again and spun me around. He kissed me over and over again. I can’t believe this was happening. Everything was falling into place; I was marrying my true love, I was going to be a princess, then possibly a Queen, and I was finally getting out of this small town forever. Soon I was going to be, Princess Annie Bradford, oh god, what have I gotten myself into?

The End.