Someday My Prince Will Come

 

  

 

One week later

 

 

It was difficult with Finals coming up, to balance everything evenly. I found myself staying up until all hours of the night, and thankfully, I wasn’t letting it affect my grade. Welcome to college life, right?

 

 It had been one week since Freddie had left me. I wasn’t bitter toward him, of course. Things were just so forlorn around here without him. It had escaped my mind of how much of a loser I was before my prince happened upon me. I had forgotten how dull my mornings had been without the ‘good morning kisses’ that I had grown so accustomed to. Everything now seemed even more tragically depressing.

 

Certainly, the terrible seclusion and tediousness was sickening, but do you want to know what the worst part was? There was absolutely no contact allowed with Freddie. I didn’t think that was fair, but Freddie had explained it to me in this way:

 

“It’s a matter of your safety, doll. If my enemy intercepts any calls or contact from me to you, you don’t realize the immediate danger you could be put under. I know it’s going to be hard,” he said before taking off on his flight, “but I love you too much to let it happen. I’m sorry.”

 

“But what about the man you were talking to when I walked in that one morning?” I argued. “You talked to him while you were here. What’s the difference?”

 

“I thought you might bring that up,” Freddie said, lightly tapping my nose with his finger, “but I used a special type of communication with him. The method is complicated and very, very expensive, and he was the only one I was in contact with besides Jameson while I was here. I wish I could get you one, I even asked the head of security if it would be allowed, but he said it was too dangerous. It’s used in a special way, and I wouldn’t have the time to explain it to you. I’m sorry, princess. I really am.”

 

I nodded my head, I understood completely. That’s what made it so awful. I looked back down to my homework, snapping to the present. I couldn’t let these thoughts distract me; I had other things to worry about right now.

 

 

Two weeks later

 

 

It had been almost a month since Freddie’s departure. Now, more than ever, I struggled to live; to breathe. I couldn’t believe how big of an impact Freddie made in my life; and all in just two short, but oh so miraculous, months. Christmas was coming, and even though I didn’t have the love of my life here with me to celebrate it, I couldn’t help but feel excited. I had always loved this holiday! Something about it stimulated me and I decided to at least try to be cheerful. That’s what Freddie would want me to be doing.

 

And then here were Finals. I was really not looking forward to what this torturous week would bring for me. Each day grew closer and closer, and I was constantly losing sleep. But just when I was convinced that it couldn’t get any worse…

 

Maybe it was Freddie’s fault for making me so happy, but soon after he came into my life, my team-mates started warming up to me. I was constantly getting invitations to the ‘hottest party of the year’, but I always declined since I had plans with Freddie every night. They didn’t seem as important as he was, but now that he was gone, I decided to accept the invitation one night.

 

It was directly after volleyball practice, so at first I told the girls that I was too sweaty and disgusting, but a pretty brunette named Jennifer told me that the whole team was going like this. I thought for a moment and then agreed. Jennifer gave me a smile and sprayed some sweet smelling perfume on all of us girls.

 

It was light-hearted and strangely amusing, so soon, I found myself laughing with them like little second graders. We were walking into the shaking dorm room, when I grabbed Jennifer’s arm and stopped her.

 

“What’s wrong?” she asked, a worried look covering her face.

 

“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea. I look like crap!” I said, a giggle randomly coming out of nowhere.

 

Jennifer laughed it off. “Look at me, Arie. If anyone here looks like crap it’s me.” She grabbed my wrist and told me, “Just follow my lead,” and we were suddenly in the middle of the room dancing; or at least she was.

 

Turns out, the party was pretty fun. I decided that I wanted to save my insides, so I didn’t partake in the beer or the smoking, but Jennifer and I had a pretty good time by ourselves, being crazy and laughing at a drunk, red-headed girl who was making out with a random guy.

 

“This is fun!” I screamed over the music.

 

“Heck, yeah it is!” Jennifer screamed back. “Why don’t I ever see you around? You’re really nice.”

 

I blushed, and was glad that no-one saw it. “Thanks, but it’s probably because my boyfriend and I are really close; we do everything together.”

 

“Aw, that’s adorable,” she grinned. “It sucks that you’re taken.”

 

I balked at the comment. Was this blaring music affecting my ears? “What?” I gasped.

 

“Taken,” Jen said laughing, “you know like ‘in a relationship?’ If you weren’t, I’d totally be asking for your number right now.”

 

“Okay!” I said awkwardly, backing away slightly. “I didn’t know that you’re…”

 

“Yeah, I know. Most people don’t except like, the whole volleyball team! Me, Ruthie, Alexis and Jennifer Millstone all are! How did you not know this before now? ”

 

“I have no idea-” Oh my gosh. This was totally not cool. My first chance at a friend and she’s hitting on me!

 

I suddenly started feeling sick. “I-I’m going to go, okay?” I stuttered. “I don’t feel very good. It must have been the food…or something.”

 

Jen looked confused but nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow at practice!”

 

I nodded and made my way out of the room.

 

 

After the party, while walking down the hall to my dorm, I was thinking about a nice hot shower when suddenly I stopped at my door and sucked in a breath. My dorm door was open; I was sure that I had shut it before I left today…

 

Panic surged through my veins, leaving me standing stark still for about twenty seconds. Dare I move? Dare I breathe? I did, slowly but surely because believe me; it was starting to hurt… My heart rate increased as I thought about who could be in there? Was it some crazy physco college student? Was it Freddie’s enemies? Had they found out about us, and were now lurking in the depths of my room, waiting to whisk me away? I tried to calm myself as I searched my bag for my pepper spray. In dismay, I realized that I had left it in my room this morning. I inwardly cursed myself and took a deep breath.

 

Slowly, I opened my door, and was thankful that it didn’t creak. Maybe I could take the enemy by surprise! I crept inside my room; chills flying throughout my nervous system. At first glance, I could have sworn that I saw a dozen ninjas with swords ready to attack! But as I entered my room, nothing looked amiss. I let out a deep breath and felt like a silly child for over-reacting. I must have just forgotten to shut it behind me this morning.

 

 Suddenly, the door slammed behind me! I screamed in surprise and I was about to turn around when a huge, strong hand grabbed my waist, and another hand covered my mouth in one smooth motion. I was terrified! I could feel my lungs tightening and my heart beating desperately inside my chest. I was trying to scream, but the hand muffled any possible sound from reaching farther than my lips. I was fighting like a crazy bull; trying desperately to get away from this humongous human being! Then, I heard him whisper in my ear.

 

“Arianne, please calm yourself! We can’t put you in any more danger than you are already in!” The sound of his voice was steady and reassuring and this made me stop struggling. Suddenly, the man let go of me, and I turned around and stared up at him. It was Jameson, Freddie’s body guard. I almost fainted.