The Bookworm Meets the Prince

by Klarika Nuque

  “Drew, you know that’s not true. I care about you and please never doubt that. If you have to question something, that’s my judgement and nothing else. I know what I needed to face when I said yes to this relationship, and I fully commit to that, but you have to see this my way. I never had a real relationship before. You’re my first freaking boyfriend for crying out loud, Drew. I still have things to learn about being a proper girlfriend and now... Ugh…” I said, throwing my hands in the air.

  “I’m not born royal like you. I have been living an average life all my life. Honestly, yes, I love reading things like falling in love with Prince Charming, being swept off my feet, and someone doing ridiculous things just to make me smile. But that’s the thing, Drew; I just read about it. I have never lived any of it. It’s all in my mind, and I never once thought that I might live like that. I know it’s just fantasy, and it doesn’t exist. I know that. Then you came along, and all of a sudden, it’s not a fantasy anymore. You’re a freaking crown prince, and that entails a whole new level of learning on my part just to keep up. Why is it so important to you that we go out in public? I thought you were okay with it,” I told him.

  “It’s not that I want to announce to the world we’re dating right now, even if I extremely want to. I guess I just want one night, just one night to have a normal date like other couples. You know, where you dine somewhere not at home and watch a movie in a cinema. Not that I’m complaining that much,” he said as he ran his hand through his face.

  “I just want one night to be different. I love hanging out with you at your house, but I just want this night to be special. I just want to show some people that ‘hey, here’s my girl. We’re happy and living the simple life as much as we can.’ That’s all I want,” Drew said, looking a bit defeated.

  “Oh…” That was my brilliant response. He was right. He was the only one making an effort here. All I did was keep it a secret from everyone else. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m trying, but I’m being paranoid about this. Drew, when I’m doing something like that, please tell me right away. Don’t keep it all locked up inside. I don’t want to hurt you with my actions, because honestly, I really didn’t know I’m hurting you. If you haven’t noticed, I’m pretty dense and a total amateur on these things,” I said trying to lighten the mood.

  He smiled, nodded, and said, “Yeah, you can be very dense most of the time. You wouldn’t be my Lizzie if you weren’t. I think you need to hang out more with Jam. She tends to make you think outside that box you lock yourself into most of the time.” He kissed my forehead and put his arms around me.

  I playfully hit his arm. I knew for a fact that Jam was his favorite person after I told him she explained everything to me after his confession.

  “How about we go see Les Mis like you suggested? Then we can eat out. Just please don’t ever doubt that I care about you and think that I’m ashamed of you,” I said, trying to comfort him.

  I could see him relaxing, and then he embraced me. I wrapped my arms around his waist and leaned my face to his chest. When I looked at him, he nodded, and we just stared at each other for a good few seconds, which felt like hours to me.

  “Liz, I care about you too much. I don’t want to ever lose you. I will do anything for you, but give me something to assure me you feel the same way. You’re way too logical for my liking sometimes. It’s like I’m always the one making an effort in this relationship, and trust me, it doesn’t feel good,” he said and laughed a bit. “I know you’re adjusting and preparing yourself for what’s to come, but your forgetting I’m here; I’ll help you no matter what. Please don’t ice me out and keep me like a dirty little secret again. For a moment there, I felt like Bellatrix Lestrange and that you’re Voldemort. It was like you couldn’t feel what I felt for you,” Drew said. I felt ten times worse. He just had to compare me to Voldemort. I mean, was I really that extreme?

  “I’m trying, really. Oh, if you ever compare me to Voldemort again, I’m so Avada Kedavra-ing you,” I told him, smiling as he laughed. “But joking aside, Drew, please never doubt my feelings for you. You’re the Mr. Darcy to my Elizabeth,” I said.

  That comforted him, and he hugged me tighter.

  “I know, but please no more hiding from people. You have to accept that no matter what we do, people are still going to find out about us,” he said.

  I nodded. I knew this wouldn’t be the last fight we would have, but I was determined to fix it as soon as we could to make us stronger. One thing I knew for sure was that I loved Drew, and I would not be giving up without a fight.

  Chapter 12

  He Has Some Big Surprises

  Weeks passed, and it was officially Christmas break. Jam would be back in a few hours, and Andie, Drew’s sister, was also visiting. Surprisingly, Jam and Andie were on the same flight. Jam was in the business section while Andie was in the first-class section. You might be wondering why a princess was in a commercial flight, right? Simple reason. She was not on an official visit. This was a hush-hush visit because of the rumors and my paranoia of being found out.

  Over the past weeks, I had been very flexible when it came to spending time with Drew in public places. I knew how much it meant to him that we hang out outside. Plus, what he said was right; these were the last few days of us being able to go out without any bodyguards.

  We were currently at the airport waiting for Jam and Andie, and I was very anxious. I was meeting a member of Drew’s family. Add that to the fact that she was royalty. So, yeah, meeting her is a big deal to me.

  Drew was hugging me from behind. His chin was resting on my right shoulder as we were waiting for the two very important ladies in our lives. Chad and Rissa were behind us, having their usual playful banter. I thought they were arguing on which movie was better: the Avengers or Hunger Games.

  “I’m telling you Hunger Games is better. I mean the book was awesome, and the movie would equally be as awesome,” Rissa argued.

  “Babe, how many times do I have to reiterate that Avengers is better? What more can you ask for? Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye were there. Granted I would have wanted Spider-Man to be there as well, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less awesome. Plus, they did get him later on. Can’t you appreciate that cross-over?” Chad countered.

  I tuned them out again after that. Even if I wanted to tell them both movies were brilliantly made.

  I waited for any signs of my brunette cousin or any girl in a blue hood. I was really getting impatient when I heard a familiar voice.

  “Awww, you guys look so adorable and cute. Smile!” Jam said and took a stolen photo of Drew and me.

  Drew and I were shocked. We looked at each other and laughed.

  “I expect a copy of that, Jam. I love collecting pictures of my girl,” Drew said, this time putting his arms around me.

  “Wow, Andrew, possessive much? You already got her where you want her. It’s not like she’s running away,” Jam said, rolling her eyes as I blushed.

  Over the weeks, Jam and Drew grew closer because Drew was always there when Jam would Skype me. Now, bantering with each other seemed so natural to them. So much so that I regret putting them in the same room. Jam really brought out Drew’s childish side.

  “Oh, you wouldn’t believe who I thought I saw on the plane! Other passengers didn’t recognize her, but I’m pretty sure it was her. Get ready for it… Princess Penelope of Sarconia! Oh, my goodness, she’s so pretty. I was wondering why she was flying commercial. I mean, wouldn’t the royal family have some kind of private jet or plane or whatever?” Jam went on and on as the four of us were looking at her like she was crazy.

  “Wait, why are you guys looking at me like I grew a third head?” Jam asked, looking genuinely confused.

  “Oh, nothing. We were just thinking about you, totally having a blonde moment and just soaking it in. This doesn’t happen every day,” Rissa said, trying to contain her laughter.

  “Uhh, Jam… I think you
’re forgetting that my sister is coming here to meet Lizzie,” Drew said, scratching his head.

  “Oh, shit. Yeah. I mean, how could I forget that? Oh, well, I last saw her getting her bags, so I guess we’re going to meet her any minute,” Jam said, turning her head to a very hysterical Rissa. “Oh, and if you don’t stop laughing, Rissy, there’s going to be hell to pay.” Rissa stopped laughing and looked like someone just caught her biggest secret. “Good, at least we have an understanding,” Jam said with an evil snicker. I wondered what that was about.

  It was then that we heard a sweet voice coming from behind us.

  “Andrew, please tell me it’s you,” a blonde girl with blue eyes said after removing her blue hood. She then proceeded to hug Drew. “You wouldn’t believe what happened. There was this girl who recognized me and started staring at me like I was some kind of freak show. Then, she—” Andie stopped when she saw Jam.

  Everyone looked at Jam’s guilty look and Andie’s surprised face. We literally lost it and laughed our tummies out.

  “Only Jam would make a lasting impression like that. You freaked out little Andie,” Chad said while trying to mess with her hair.

  Jam looked like she wanted to crawl under a hole. She was really red.

  “I’m so sorry. It’s just that I’m a huge fan,” Jam said. Andie gave her a genuine smile and nodded, though it’s obvious she was still a bit shocked with what happened.

  “Andie, anyway, please forgive Jam’s craziness. She can’t help it. She’s an artist,” Drew said as Jam said a whooping, “Hey, I already embarrassed myself enough. I don’t need you to do that for me,” earning her another set of laughter. “Sure, laugh at my expense. The time will come when you will be in my shoes, and I will not show mercy,” she said, having her very own evil laugh.

  Everyone reined in their laughter but kept their smiles. Even Andie was feeling at home with the group. She had met Rissa before, and we had her cousin and brother here. Drew wrapped his arm around her and then grabbed my hand.

  “Well, you’ve met Jam now, but Andie, I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Donalds. Liz, meet my sister, Andie,” Drew said.

  Andie looked at me for what seemed like ages. In reality, it was only a minute. She extended her hand and gave me a genuine smile.

  “Nice to meet you, Lizzie. Trust me when I say I practically know you. Drew won’t shut up about you since he first laid eyes on you. It was a border-line stalkerish. Rissa can’t shut up about you too,” Andie said. She shook her head like she was remembering some fond memories while also shaking my hand.

  “Nice to meet you too,” I said, smiling at this real-life princess.

  We were now in the kitchen at home, having some light snacks.

  “So, have you told them the surprise yet, big bro?” Andie said, smiling like a Cheshire Cat.

  All of us were getting along really well. Apparently, when Chad introduced Rissa to his parents, his cousins were there too. So Rissa and Andie had been in contact for some time.

  “Well, we are all going to Isla de Andrea,” Drew said with a huge smile

  Jam, Rissa, and I looked at each other and then looked at Drew like he was an alien or something. Were we supposed to be excited?

  “Sorry, we’re kind of new to this whole thing. Where the heck is Isla de Andrea?” Jam asked. You could trust her when it came to asking questions, even if it was royalty in front of her.

  Chad, Drew, and Andie smiled. It was the kind of smile you do when you’re planning something. I was not sure we were ready to partake.

  “Well, on Andie’s eighteenth birthday a few months ago, Drew kind of went all out on his present,” Chad said, trying to contain his laughter.

  “What? He went out and bought her a private island or something crazy like that?” Jam asked sarcastically.

  “Gee, thanks, Jam. I trust you to be the one telling everyone just how crazy I am at times,” Drew said.

  “Wait, you actually bought your sister an island for her eighteenth birthday? Shit, here I thought I was lucky when Mom got me diamond earrings,” Jam said, shaking her head.

  “I got gift checks in a bookstore for my eighteenth,” I said, trying to sound funny. I didn’t really get expensive gifts like them.

  Everyone suddenly looked at me and started laughing. Well, Andie didn’t laugh as much as the others.

  “Yeah, I bet Uncle Richard and Aunt Maxine regrets that very much since you spent it all in one go and read most of it in five weeks,” Jam said, rolling her eyes.

  “I don’t see it wrong for you to finish a few books in five weeks,” Andie said, trying to defend me.

  “It is if you bought nineteen books. Hmm, well, there was The Mortal Instruments series, six books; The Infernal Devices series, three books; The Hunger Games series, three books; Elixir series, three books; and A Song of Fire and Ice series, five books. Wait, I miscalculated. That was twenty books,” Rissa said.

  “Uhh…I think you mean A Song of Ice and Fire, Rissa,” I said in a low voice.

  “Wait, I don’t think I have heard of that series, Lizzie,” Chad said.

  Jam gave him a hard stare and shook her head from side to side. She looked like Chad offended her with that statement. “You know it, you bloody idiot. Does Game of Thrones sound familiar to you?”

  “Hell, yeah. I love that HBO show,” Chad said proudly.

  “It’s actually the same thing. The first book of the Song of Ice and Fire series is called A Game of Thrones, ergo the name of the HBO show,” I explained.

  “Ohhh,” Chad said, looking surprised it was a series of books in the first place.

  “Wait, those titles are rather old. How come you’ve only read them now?” Andie asked.

  “Ha, those are new titles in the world of Lizzie. She has only decided to enter the realm of the new world this year and has made a quick turn about. Plus, she hates reading unfinished series, so she waited for them to finish the series before buying the lot. The only exception would be the A Game of Thrones one because she sees the spoilers anyways. She spent her youthful years reading Shakespeare, Austen, and other classical authors,” Rissa said.

  “Can we please stop this silly argument about my reading habits?” I asked, looking a little annoyed.

  “Whatever, Liz. I’d ask you to go into one of those bookaholics anonymous meeting, but I’m afraid you’d be the only one attending and might be the instructor yourself,” Rissa said as the others laughed.

  “Ok, Ok. I think you guys have made fun of my girlfriend enough. Can you guys just go and pack for the trip? We’re leaving in a few hours. Don’t worry, we already have permission. So get moving,” Drew said in a voice filled with authority.

  “I hate it when he uses that voice. It reminds me he’s the future ruler and not just my brother,” Andie said in a low voice.

  Chad said, “And here I thought he would stop getting bossy when he finally got Lizzie. Guess I was wrong. Well, it was good while it lasted.”

  ----

  Rissa and Chad went home to pack while Jam and Andie watched TV since they were still packed from their trip. I was still in the kitchen with Drew since he refused to let go of my hand.

  “Uhh, Liz, there is something I need to talk to you about,” Drew started, making me a bit scared.

  He wouldn’t break up with me, right? I thought.

  I didn’t even realize I said it out loud

  “Liz, why on earth would I break up with you? I’m not an idiot, you know,” Drew said in a mix of amusement and anger.

  “Sorry. It’s just when guys say they need to talk about something, it usually involves something bad,” I said

  “Oh, well. In that case, I’m not, and I’m never breaking up with you. But this might sound a bit of bad news to you. The thing is, Mother and Father have insisted to meet you. I talked to them last night and accidentally slipped and said I already have a girlfriend. They wanted to meet you,” Drew said hurriedly. I was not sure I heard
it right.

  “Wait, your parents know about me now?” I asked, trying to make sure.

  “Yes, they’re meeting us on the island.”

  Meeting Drew’s parent was something I hadn’t planned. Not in at least a few more months.

  What am I going to do now? I have less than twenty hours before I meet the King and Queen of Sarconia. Is it just me or has my life just got even crazier?

  Chapter 13

  I Smell Trouble for the Couple

  When we got to the island, all I could say was wow.

  I was overwhelmed. How could anyone be so rich?

  We started the journey by flying first class. It was not royal enough for the others, but it was for me. When we got to the main island, we took a private yacht that accompanied as to the island. Sure, why not? You had an island, so you just had to have a yacht. I was starting to wonder, where the hell did these people stash their money? It was like they have an unlimited supply.

  The island itself was very cozy and had a very relaxing feeling. There were gazebo-like cottages near the sea, so you could rest with an open view of the sea and enjoy the sea breeze. Then, there was a seaside mansion filled with large windows. I really couldn’t describe it better. It was a lot like a mansion, but the design was like a big, luxurious cottage. It pretty much took one-fourth of the island. It didn’t really look that big on the outside, but it seemed pretty spacious from the inside.

  The mansion was surrounded by nature, which seemed to whisper “relax” to your ears. It was like an escape from reality, and it was something I just couldn’t help but love.

  It’s simply amazing.

  “Good. You like it, Liz?” Drew whispered in my ear.

  “Huh?” I said stupidly.

  “You kind of said out loud that this place is amazing. It was my pet project before I gave it to Andie. She knows it’s still a property of the family. The difference is it’s now named after her,” Drew said.