Jane slowly walked through the halls. Her footsteps echoed to no one. Not even she could hear them over the roar of everyone else. And in that roar, whenever Jane spoke, it sounded as if, at least to her, her voice was just a mouse squeak.
That while everyone else in Aurodon Prep, including the kids from the Ilse, had eyes bursting with heart and potential. But Jane was still just standing there, her eyes plain and simple.
She was different from before, at least by a little. Because after she had grabbed the magic wand at Ben's coronation, and the villains attacked, Jane realized that maybe there was more in life to the way you looked. Because while being a loser seemed terrible, there were villains out there. Villains with a taste for blood.
And once Jane came to that realization, she decided that maybe the way she looked didn't quite matter. And once Mal said she was beautiful, inside and out, it had only helped Jane even more. Especially since it was Mal-of all people- who had said that.
But that still didn't stop Jane from feeling lonely. It didn't stop her from realizing that, for the most part, she walked the halls of Aurodon Prep alone. Because even though Mal and Evie sometimes hung out with her, along with a few others, they each had a group in particular they existed in. Like how Mal and Evie belonged with the other Isle kids.
But Jane tried not to let that get to her. Because, really, for the most part, she was better. She was grateful for what she had, and thought that she was maybe even selfish for wanting more. But if she was honest with herself, she would feel jealous sometimes. Her eyes would flutter over to Evie and Doug, as they happily talked and walked together. Because while everyone said Jane was "beautiful" she didn't look like Mal or Evie.
And she couldn't help but notice that only pretty girls, like Evie, actually managed to find someone. So while Jane felt happy more than enough times, she would sometimes look at herself in the mirror, as she grabbed a lock of her hair. She would see that, compared to the other girls in the school, she was nothing.
Jane used to always feel like a nothing. Before the Isle kids showed up. But there was one person who made her feel special. Even before the VK's showed up. Yes, he made her feel special since the days where Jane's mother would tell them a wonderful story, as the two sat on the floor under her, watching the story unfold with twinkling eyes. And at first, they really were just stories that Jane heard with a friend.
But as more time passed, her friend would sometimes want them to act out the play. And as they did, it was the rare time when Jane could actually be a princess. And as her best friend twirled around with her, dancing out the story, Jane realized that her heart always felt happy when she was with him.
"Jane. There you are." Ben suddenly spoke from down the hallway. Jane looked up at Ben, almost panicked. Because even though she was a recovering shy girl, there was still someone she was wickedly shy over, no matter how much time passed.
And it was Ben.
"H-hi, Ben." Jane squeaked, as Ben caught up to her. Jane's heart went a flutter since she realized that Ben was actually looking for her. She wasn't sure if she thought the action was odd. Before the VKs came, it wouldn't have been an odd thought. She and Ben were just an ounce shy of being best friends. When they were children they were best friends. But of course, as time passed, they (more like Ben) got a life and grew apart.
While the thought pretty much depressed Jane, she understood. But they always had a close friendship. They still had one, even now. Even though they grew even further apart since Ben was either busy with the VKs, or just with being king.
At first, Jane had thought that Mal was after Ben. Which of course would have sucked for her, since she was already competing-more like loosing- against Audrey. But Mal showed no interest in Ben. But they did become friends. Which actually made Jane happy. She, while at first scared of the VKs, soon realized that they deserved a second chance.
Much like Jane had wished for herself.
"The school day's already over. Time sure flies. Although, it's not over yet."Ben spoke, and Jane let out a light/nervous laugh.
"Yeah. It must be tough being King." Jane spoke, noticing that Ben was already carrying quite a bit of papers in the crook of his arm. She felt guilty, thinking that she was taking up too much of Ben's precious time, as Ben agreed,
"Yeah. But as hard as it is, I can't help but love it." Jane wanted to smile at those words. Because of course that's how Ben would feel. Jane always knew that Ben would be a great king. Even when he and Audrey broke up a few weeks ago, he still put his country first, much like everyone knew he would.
Ben's watch beeped, and Jane's heart dropped at the familiar sound.
"Do you..have to go?" Jane asked as Ben nodded.
"I just wanted to say hi.I have so much to do today. So I guess I'll see you tomorrow, huh?"He asked, and Jane got a light blush since he was looking her right in the eye. Jane nodded, as Ben smiled. He then walked off.
Jane watched him walk, and witch each step, she knew why she could never tell him how she felt. Because as he walked, every single person in the hall, and every person in the school looked at Ben.
And she knew that if he stepped outside, even more people would stare at him. And out of all those eyes looking at him, out of the whole entire world, there was no way her eyes were the ones that would ever make his heart pound. There was no way that out of billions of people, she would be the one lucky enough to have Ben love her back.
As Jane walked to her dorm room, she was called once more into the past. The past where only Ben would talk to her. She had already liked him at that point, but since he was her only friend, it was kind of hard for her not to like him even more than she already did.
"Do you want me to walk you to your dorm, Jane?" Ben used to ask her. Jane's face would become a lit with a blush, as she would nod her head. She knew that he only did it out of habit of when they were kids, but as they walked to Jane's dorm, or even sometimes to his, her heart couldn't help but pound a thousand times a second.
Every moment with Ben seemed like a moment Jane would forever want to lock into her memory. Every smile. And every accidental hand touch. Jane wondered if she shouldn't like Ben as much as she did.
Liking someone so lovable was like asking for your heart to be broken. Which is why Jane was actually a little bit happy when Ben started hanging out with VKs more. Not only was she less likely to say something stupid, but there was a less chance of her liking Ben even more if he wasn't around.
"You want to hear a wonderful tale?" Jane's mother would always ask, when Ben and Jane were too restless to go to sleep. They would both pounce on top of their beds, getting ready for a great story. It didn't matter which story. Because whatever story the Fairy God Mother told had to be a good one.
Sometimes, Ben and Jane would purposely stay up late on their sleep overs, just so Jane's mother would tell them a story. But of course, if they fairy god mother had asked if that's what they were doing, they would say no with a giggle.
"The prince and the princess grew up together." Her mother would recite, as both kids stared up at the fairy godmother.
"The princess always loved the prince. But he was too oblivious to realize the princess's' feelings for him." she would announce, and as Jane got older, and realized how much she really liked Ben, she thought the story suited her perfectly.
And usually Jane was far too shy to be the one to suggest that she and Ben act out the story. But if it was that story, Jane would somehow find the courage. They stopped listening to her mother's stories when they were about twelve,but as twelve year old Jane acted out the story, there were thoughts that always came into her mind,
Will this get you to notice me?
As we act this out, can you realize how I feel for you? How much I like you?
But the answer to those questions was obviously no. And as the years passed, what little courage Jane had slowly got destroyed as all of the other kids left at the end of a school year, and viola, one Summer later they suddenly bloomed into beauty. One by one, even the late bloomers, became something to stare at.
Something worthy of love.
And Jane did change, for sure. But she didn't get much taller. Unlike the other girls. And she didn't get much prettier. Again, unlike the other girls. And back then, that was the thought that had always haunted her.
She was just glad that the VKs-of all people-had helped her see that she was at least, to some extent, beautiful. And that even if she wasn't worthy of love romantically,she was worthy of love in general. And to Jane, it seemed selfish to ask for more.
Because by now, she already had great friends, who she got to hang out with. And once again selfishly, even Audrey and Ben broke up. Although, ever since they broke up, it only made Jane realize how much of a coward she was. At least before she could say she never confessed to Ben because he was taken.
But now he had no reason. Now she had to admit that while she was prettier than she had thought, she wasn't all that she tried to shove those negative thoughts away. Because she really was lucky.
That night, Jane dreamt of a memory she had with Ben.
"I have to admit, this day was quite fun." Ben said all regally, even though he was ten. Jane, still soaked from the rain that was currently pitter pattering on the ground, giggled, agreeing with him. That day was supposed to be their fun day in the sun.
That was rudely interrupted by rain.
"I know. It was actually really great." Jane spoke softly, as the both of them stood on the football field of Aurodon Prep. While neither were old enough to go, they were both there often. Since Ben's parents ran the country, and Jane's mother ran the school.
"I know." Ben spoke, thinking about it. The overcast clouds probably made anyone who looked at them feel dreary. Everyone except for those two children, since they had just had the most wonderful day.
"Let's do this every year!" Ben cheered, and Jane looked up at Ben. She studied his features, something she was quite used to doing.
"Why?" She asked, and Ben only offered his hand to her, since Jane was still sitting on the grass. Jane, blushing, took his and let him help her up.
"Because. I know we both visit Aurodon Prep a lot, but we never really do it together. But this day, each year, we do. So how about, every year, we hang out on this day at Aurodon Prep. It'll be a tradition." Ben explained, and Jane thought about it. She then glowed, realizing that every year, she and Ben would have something to look forward to.
"Okay!" Jane chirped, actually speaking up. They only looked at each other, before both smiled and laughed. Because in their minds, a tradition meant secret. And from then on, every year, they did follow that tradition.
And it really was their little secret.
Jane's eyes flitted open, as she looked over at her calendar.
That day was close. Jane only looked ahead, wondering if Ben would even show up. Even last year, before the VK kids showed up,, since he would be crowned king in just one year. Ben was still super busy and showed up late then.
But now that the VK kids were here and he was king...it just didn't seem doable.
But then Jane shook the thought away. Ben was her closest friend. And he would never forget about her. And if he did, then maybe she really should let go. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Because she slowly but surely, was getting her own life.
And he, for sure, was getting his.
Hello, everyone. I'm sorry if the ending seemed a little rushed. And I'm also sorry if this couple is too random. You see, I don't usually do random pairings like this one, but I had a dream about Jane and Ben, where she liked him, and I guess I just wanted to make it.
The dream (most likely) will be chapter six. But don't worry. This story won't be all that long. I only plan on making it ten chapters. And I hope that even though I don't think this couple has been done before, you can still follow them along on their small journey.
I don't have all that much planned, and if any of you actually read this story, I might be able to add in some things you guys want to see. And of course, please review and tell me your thoughts! Thanks for reading!