I was going with my brother, Laertes ,to the markets, slightly after my 14th birthday when I saw him –Hamlet –
My father told me about how by next year my father was to become one of the kings assistants and I was to become one of the the queens lady-in-waiting……
"Laertes! I called, "hurry up- father told us to be home by dinnertime".
As soon as the sun started to set it was time to dine.
"Yes! I know that, I am the eldest; I mean you'd think I know that? "–he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
I pulled a face but what he said was true -he was the eldest for he was 16 nearly 17 and when father and I go to the castle he would head off to England for college.
I sighed and said 'yes, yes- but come…….."
I trailed off realizing Hamlet and his companion, his best friend Horatio were watching our little quarrel.
"Why if it isn't Laertes son of …."
He trailed off when he 'noticed' me.
"And Ophelia..."
"Yes, M' Lord "I answered.
"Laertes.....come and have a wrestle…!"He said.
Laertes nodded.
I scowled.
"Laertes…!"I started to say.
They already started.
I stood back and waited.
"Fight…fight….fight…!" Men in the town shouted.
After a while I started walking back when I saw the sun start to set.
"Laertes….!" I called but I kept walking, I turned around but kept walking.
The men in the town started to clear as I heard Laertes thank the prince for the opportunity to fight him…I stopped and turned around sniggering I knew very well that Laertes had no chance, all though Prince Hamlet was younger at 15 he had been practicing all his life where as Laertes hadn't really ever done anything!!!
Without a mother or a father to talk to- he was always so distant- studying was all Laertes had time for.
"Laertes..we have to go now.. The sun is setting…"I called
He nodded and bowed and rushed over to me.