Author notes: First of all, I thank you for reading my story! :) I promise you wont be bored. This is my first story I have written, I welcome your reviews and messages a lot. Also, feel free to point out any kind of mistakes or negative points as that will get me to write better. Okay now, stopped you long enough. Jump in to enjoy the ride :D
The morning breeze refreshed her like it was a dip in fresh water. Her long dark hair swayed around her like a soft rhythm along with the wind, bringing out her face like it was an immediate focus. Syrena bit her lip gently, her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she was analyzing the view in front of her. Scrutinizing something, among the lush greenery of pine and coniferous trees. In the background, it was a pale misty sheet of distant mountains. Somewhere in the horizon just like how they show in paintings. Adding the rising sun behind them, bringing out a faint glow to the sky, completed the picture.
No, this was what she saw everyday. Like she did yesterday morning at the same time, sipping a cup of lemon tea, with the weekly literary magazine in another hand. Taking her time, preparing for a regular day relaxing in her wide furnished balcony of the traditional villa designed in a typical French colonial style.
And today, just like a routine morning, as Syrena stood in the elegant balcony, a familiar memory floated into her mind, and her dark lavender eyes opened wider. Something which she hadn't remembered of since quite a while. The day she decided to leave everything behind, her past, her oncoming future in the Royal household of Britain.
On that bright early morning, which was about 5 years and 10 days ago she stood just like this in the balcony of highest story of the ' Buckingham Palace' in London, England. She stood in the same posture, her arms stretched over the ornate wrought iron railing, eyeing the view of the Great garden of the Royal Palace.
She was 15 at that time, living a clueless, unwanted lifestyle. Following a schedule that was expected out of her. Getting trained in the formal education, along with studying music, English History and political science's, and obeying a necessary and mandatory instructions presented out for her everyday- to be an asset for one of the most powerful family of England. So at that moment, basking in the early morning shine of the sun, she had decided something.
The very real reason why she was in her own balcony at present time.
It was that- when she will be of legal age, which would come within 3 years- she will break free of everything. From her partial family, with whom Syrena felt no more connection or passion, after her very own parents died in a car accident many years ago.
After that deadly affective incident, she was looked after by her legal guardians, living the same pampered life in the palace but without meaning, with everything missing she wanted from beginning.
And that's why, that day when her fifteenth birthday came around, she realized she didn't want to live that way anymore. Because, in the future she will want to look back when she was old and not feel guilty, if she wasted away her precious time, not living for herself, and always getting haunted by the deaths of the 2 people who mattered the very most.
She didn't want to see the same intricately decorated room, when she was very young, like of how she spent time with her mother reading to her, or dining in the same room with all the important delegates and the Queen present around, and remembering how her father used to give a strict eye when her table manners faltered.
That's why she had come to a strong decision that day…that she will live for herself. Like her mother and father proclaimed out for her in their personal will.
And so, she had inherited her parents wealth rightfully as it was written. Signing out all the required documents, and respectfully bidding goodbye to the Queen and the Royal members in a formal way. Departing from her guardians, tutors and caretakers, sadly in her own humble manners. She had requested to not be contacted with formal matters of the palace anymore. And also she had acquired permission to remain inconspicuous, away from the media or any external hazards.
Paris, her dream city from childhood was where she wanted to be, moving towards her dream of living a normal, ordinary life like a regular student and attending one of the local Universities. She was getting away from extravagant pleasures, growing tired of the ridiculously luxurious ball parties and other formal ceremonies.
Syrena wanted to live life for herself in an evasive manner, leaving out everything that happened before her eighteen year old self. And bringing only with her- some memories etched in her heart forever, some vague experiences as a Royal, the same etiquette and the vintage fashion senses, the same personality and lady-like manners her parents expected out of her, that fierce passion to follow her dreams, and few significant items that she couldn't leave behind.
And then, just like that, it passed away like a cloud, the former princess jolted out of her very nostalgic moment. Remembering she was in her own ornate wrought iron balcony now, something which belonged to herself, and represented her freedom. She couldn't help but smile, her throat feeling heavy when her past caught up to her this beautiful morning. It was just like they say.. you can never run away from who you used to be.
She raised her head to look up at the sunrise again. `Its going to be a long day' she sighed, and went inside the house to get ready for the day.
Swallowing the last piece of toast, she pulled open her oak wardrobe, fishing out a floral pleated skirt that came just below her knees, and a modest full sleeved white button up shirt. Completing her outfit with a colored scarf wrapped around her pale neck, Syrena pushed her arms into a dark blazer and donned some brown leather shoes. She did not forget to brush her midnight black hair, that covered her back in soft waves and straight lines.
Picking up her leather messenger bag along the way downstairs, she got into her shiny Ambassador car, which she bought from a vintage dealer. Now Syrena wasn't much into very fancy things, at least not anymore. But the car was the only thing she called fancy, according to her. Or else, everything that is described about her would be called a different era, she recalled from her friend, Chris.
The secret passage from villa, which was on the edge of the woods continued along the secluded road, and converged onto the main highway. There were no neighbors around to disturb, but also she had arranged all kinds of safety alarms and high technological burglar traps at least for a mile surrounding her house. Which no one delved into anyway, it was a good thing.
The Universite Paris-Sud was located in the suburbs of Paris, which offered a variety of courses and so prompted the young aristocrat to enroll in there. Studying the subjects like biology, classical literature and arts in her second year she enjoyed her solitary time for herself.
Parking lot was a rush, with many people coming in and taking their car spots. The Historical campus and the gardens was lively with the students. Climbing up the marble steps of the majestic Victorian like institution, she spotted Chris and Rosa in a corner among many other students sitting in groups here and there, chattering away excitedly. They waved to her, beckoning. Syrena gave a small smile, and pushed her hair behind her ear, sitting down with them. There was another twenty minutes before the classes started anyway.
"Good Morning" Syrena said slowly in a positive manner.
Chris grinned widely, with Syrena averting her eyes, not to feel much about how his forest green eyes looked warm and sparkling. Rosa pointed out to her dress, tilting her head a little " That's a cute ensemble" she said in her French accent which Syrena had grown used to by now. " Why is it always the classics with you?" she asked, swishing out her smooth blonde hair.
"Well, that's what makes her a classic. It seems to define her the best." Chris answered for her. Syrena shook her head, smiling slightly at how her friends appreciated and at the same time were intrigued about her. But she would not reveal her blue-blooded identity to them, just like she had promised the Royal Heritage.
" Hey Syrena, heads up! I was just telling Chris there is a seasonal party today at Val's house. Not to mention, most of the student body would be there. Soo what do you think?" Rosa spoke out excitedly without word gap.
"Chris said he was coming too!" she added grinning, before Syrena could open her mouth, Rosa gave a wide smile at him. Syrena looked at Chris calmly, who wore a confused expression.
"Uh..no. Im not going actually. Syrena, didn't we discuss yesterday that we were going to visit art museum today evening?"
"hmm. I will have to see if I am excused from library work too" she slowly said, bringing her hands folded neatly in her lap. Syrena knew Chris wanted to go to that party, but after looking at her, he changed his mind to stay behind. Both Rosa and Chris already knew, Syrena wouldn't come to any party at all, but still they always keep asking hoping she would say yes sometime.
" Syrena, come on. Attend this one with me, you know this idiot is making things up, so that you wont be left behind today. T'is Friday after all" Rosa urged, touching her hand squeezing. " I promise it's going to be going to be harmless. You see, there may be drinks but we can avoid that all focusing only on the music and dancing part"
"Rosa, It's not that. I am not free this evening, we are still cataloguing in the library" she explained gently, yet in a final tone. " Chris, we may go to the museum tomorrow too. Besides, im not sure how much time its going to take in the evening work" she turned towards him.
He pushed his hand into his dark curly hair, sighing."Lets see"
Rosa grabbed him from behind, arms around his neck, in a playful manner " Oh no, you have no escape. Your coming! your comi'n ! your coming with me that's it!" she demanded him.
Chris leaned forward surprised from the sudden weight " Off! Alright, get off me!" he shaked her off him giving a fake annoyed expression, smiling slightly.
"Yes!" Rosa raised her hands in the air, wearing a funny gleeful look on her face.
Chris Kenton was also an English boy who had transferred from the Oxford university since last year for learning French language and arts. Which was one of her class sought out her help as he didn't know French well on the first day, seeing she was from London too. Syrena usually doesn't converse with people immediately in a friendly way, maintaining distance in a reclusive yet polite manner.
But Chris did not take it offensively which most people do, and only warms up to her more. She too becomes impressed by his honestly and gentle ways and welcomes him kindly. They soon became friends, though she avoided him at first, but finally considered him as close.
And then Chris introduced Rosa Dumonte Garcia to her- his pretty looking, French classmate who was sweet and childish. Syrena didn't know Rosa as much as she knew Chris. She didn't ask Rosa about her personal life and she didn't see her very often as she wasn't in her classes and she was an outgoing girl who spent most of her evenings with a large group of friends from her classes. Rosa could speak English well too, and so had befriended Chris who tagged her to meet Syrena.
After her Biology class, spending the hours doing lab work, Syrena headed over to her Literature class, where she intently listened about Robert frost's works. She could faintly hear some girls, whispering in the back about how boring it was and couldn't wait to head over for a lunch break and discussing about their plans for the weekend. She zoned it out, until the discussion turned out about her. This wasn't new anyway. They thought she couldn't understand French.
"How strange she always is. You know Pierre once told me, a lot of guys think she's very attractive but they wouldn't dare to ask her out"
"Who would want to? She doesn't behave like a normal one. Always uptight about everything…like my aunt is" they giggled trying to keep the voice down
"No. I think the boys are afraid of her" the first girl spoke again. " He told me once that.. uh you know that good-looking guy Morris, from Pierre's group of friends, right?"
"Hmm hum" the second girl agreed with her friend swiftly.
"yeah so, once he attempted to ask her some lame flirty question or something, hm...i think, yeah he asked her what perfume she wears, that silly fellow trying to be all cool. She simply ignored him, walking away and even giving him looks like he was some scum" girl 1 dragged her tone like it was horrifying. The second voice reacted in the expected way, gasping.
"And Morris touched her wrist to stop her, with the entire group behind him. And you know what she did?!" girl 1 exclaimed in a dramatic manner.
After a pause, she whispered even more lowly yet steadily in small gaps, " She snapped at him wildly, reacting like she was burnt or something. Saying- how dare you touch me in such rude manner. I could book a harassing case on you" girl 1 spilled out like it was the hottest news she ever heard. "I'm telling you, she was about to hit the poor guy it seems. So dramatic over nothing. Besides, Morris wasn't even downright rude or offensive. He was only being funny." Her tone dragged sympathizing for Morris.
"Ugh! she sounds like a nut case" snorted girl 2, at the information.
"Or even a bratty princess like she fell from the sky" girl 1 added in a distasteful mocking tone, both of them sniggering.
Syrena simply rolled her eyes at their immaturity of gossiping over her matters. She didn't care what they thought about her, because this guy Morris shouldn't have dared to grab her without permission was what she had been taught. She was simply repelled by his crude uncouth actions, and so had to warn him, but not exactly what girl 1 had said- though it was true she had reacted strictly. But it wasn't rude according to her. She was merely teaching some manners she told herself defensively in her head.
A few bitter incidents did happen over the year with some fellow mischievous classmates of her, which she hadn't taken kindly to them- even if they were having only harmless joy. But she expressed her views about how utterly improper it was for such behavior towards her. Sometimes snapping at such persons, ordering out some unfriendly warnings too.
And so, hardly anyone approached her except if there was some academic matters to talk about. Few did not understand her very formal way of speech or the nearly perfect body language- walking straight without a hunch with faultless grace and unspoken confidence like she owned the place or something. Some decided it was arrogance, others thought it was just outright weird. Even her dressing style only brought out her persona even more. Something was clarified to both her and her peers that she did not belong there. She was just too clean, like a neat doll crafted without any faults or errors, something like perfection.
But nothing brought Syrena down. She was happy with herself. She did her duties well, is always polite toward elders and even youngsters, and offers help when needed. And even observes people and understands their reactions and justifiable actions. She maintained low social profile, trying not to attract attention, interacting only when necessary. However, she was not an introvert. She was just calm. The only problem is that, she doesn't bring her walls down, she isn't open towards things.
After having a lunch time with her friends, where Chris and Rosa argued animatedly about the recently released movie and other happenings around the campus. Chris walked with her to the arts class, going on about things.
Syrena was fascinated at his energy and the way his warm eyes always lit up when he was passionate about something. He can always make her smile unintentionally. That's why in the first place, she considered him as a first friend in a long time.
They talked about many things, Chris was using his hands to bring out more life to his words. He was telling her about his family-how they were planning to visit India that summer. Syrena listened silently, nodding with a peasant smile plastered on her face.
To say that she didn't listen would sound arrogant, she was more interested in the way he delved into his own little world, she was watching him pulling faces to emphasize some points, which made her laugh softly. He was going on about everything and nothing.
He was a well built boy for age twenty. His curly brown hair and soft boyish features only emphasized his facial expressions he was pulling. His sweet and gentle demeanor made him likable by everyone. His smile was the best feature of him, which was so warm and sweet as honey. And those eyes, reminding of the fresh grass glistening in the summer sun….
"Syrena! " Chris waved a hand infront of her bringing to the present. The young girl blinked, seeing his emerald eyes right in front of her leaned forward, with a curious expression as if to get into her mind. Then he did something which had her taken aback.
He smiled widely, his pearly teeth gleaming in the sunlight that had her falter for a second. He raised his eyebrows as if to ask what's wrong , innocently oblivious.
"Lets go in" he said still smiling. Syrena felt her face become flushed slightly. 'Why does he have to do that all the time?' she thought going past him quickly into the well ventilated art studio, the other students filing in, taking their places. They took seats beside each other, setting up their canvases and equipment. Holding a paint brush in her hand, she started with the incomplete portrait from yesterday's session.
"Hey, so how much time do you think it will take you down there?" Chris asked, raising his folded arms casually to his head. He was walking with Syrena to the university's library. She voluntarily worked part time in the library. It also earned her some amount of money, for which she felt satisfied she earned some little pennies of her own.
"Hmm. Maybe 2 hours..or more" she muttered humming slightly. She suddenly chuckled, turning her body, walking backwards. Bringing up a hand into her hair, she put a piece of lock behind her ear. Chris raised an eyebrow at her sudden uplift of mood.
" Whyy? Are you still looking forward to go to that museum with me? You should go with Rosa to the party, im telling you. I'll be buried in my dark room filled with all kinds of books, you know what happens when I'm lost into favourite world" she sang cheerily. She really wished to be with him, but they had serious work that day. She wanted to cheer him up to continue with other activities, though she felt constrained inside her.
"Soo. You should go Chris. Because I will be going home myself after this" she stopped him putting her palm on his chest, tilting her head. He caught her wrist, pulling a bit forward, making her heart beat fast as well.
"You should stop being hard on yourself and live a little." He said nodding his head, meaning his words. He put his forefingers at the corners of her mouth elongating into a curved line, saying "I just want to see you smiling like this, all the time."
Looking into his eyes, she repeated his favor, making him grin.
She shuffled a bit, adjusting her bag. "So, may I call you tomorrow? We can spend some time, in the café and those art works I wanted to show you in the La Gargantuan gallery..." the girl said shyly in a low voice, stalling at the doorway to the library.
"Heck yeah. I'm gonna call you myself , first thing in the morning. You need to make up for today Syra." He replied.
" Ofcourse, so you are going then?"
Chris looked at her, staring for a moment at how her big eyes looked beautiful with those long,inky lashes falling on her cheek when she blinked them. The way she looked up at him, it was adorable.
"I might. Rosa gets uncontrollable when she's in her happy mood. I'll have to keep an eye on her" he muttered after a minute, looking past her.
She nodded and turned around to walk in. He gripped her shoulder, pulling back before she went in " Don't forget to call me after you reach home, okay?" he reminded her as usual.
.