Admitting my feelings-10-Old problems become new
"Is everyone packed? It's getting dark, we should get moving." I shouted at the family inside the house, who were still packing frantically. My family, I mentally corrected myself. My family.
I stood outside the house with a pile of boxes and suitcases that were stacked on top of the family's coach. Gem would have to pull the coach with a horse he didn't know but he didn't seem too fussed about it this time. I finished strapping up the mysterious horse, who I was later informed was female and called Jess, and gave both of the impatient ponies an apple each.
Ella came stumbling out of the house, closely followed by her brothers. The poor dears looked exhausted. I pitied them and took the heavy bags off of them. I picked Michael and James up and led Ella to the coach. They all got in obediently and fell asleep almost instantly. I smiled as a warm feeling filled my whole body.
I closed the door of the carriage as quietly as I could and started to place the bags in the empty compartment at the back of the carriage. Reema came outside with the biggest smile on her face. I grabbed her cloak from her and calmly put it on her.
"Thank you Peach. I've been putting this trip off for too long." Reema said as she pulled me closer for a cuddle. I happily hugged her in return.
The years we'd spent apart felt so empty now she was here with me. I'd never really noticed how much I missed her until now. It blends in with all of your other emotions like a bird in a tree. You obviously know it's there and you know you miss her but it doesn't become clear until you shine light on it.
"Honestly, me too." I said, breaking away from her hug to look at her, "but I'm glad youre coming home with me." I smiled and she smiled in return.
Jim walked out with a basket of food and a few blankets for the kids. I took the food basket and placed it on the floor of the carriage, near everyone's feet. I gave Jim a comforting smile as he climbed in the carriage. I then made Reema go in the carriage after him. After they were safely inside, I closed the door and mounted the front, taking hold of the reins for the horses.
I set the horses to move at a leisurely pace while I mused over my thoughts. I was excited about bringing Reema and her family back home again, to be where they all belonged. A place where they would be safe, however a small voice inside me didn't seem to be too confident.
I knew it wouldn't be easy and that mother would resist but I knew that they didn't deserve to be outcasts in their own kingdom. Despite the small voice telling me otherwise, I felt certain that this was the right thing to do.
My attention to my thoughts were broken off suddenly by whispers of my name that were spoken in the cabin. I tried to listen as much as I could without making it obvious that I was eavesdropping. I knew it was wrong but I felt so overwhelmingly curious. I could only make out small pieces of their conversation, but I understood enough to realise what they were talking about.
".. don't you think this is a bit extreme?..maybe..it could be different..we don't need to live in the kingdom.." I heard Tim's voice only partially, but I understood that he wasn't fully on board with this trip.
"Tim.. I haven't been home in years.. Peach means well.. I trust her.." Reema's soothing and evidently tired voice chimed.
"..only seen her for...first time in years... Suddenly youre taking a road trip with her?.. just saying.. we're going too fast." Tim objected.
"..she's my sister.. I ran away with you.. and youre telling me...I'm going too fast?.. I gave up my kingdom for you... Youre so opposed for me to see it atleast once?" Reema said defensively.
There was silence for a long time. I heard Reema sigh a few times, which made me think she might be crying. I was concerned about her so I slowed the horses down to a light trot. I knocked on the wood behind me.
"Is everything okay in there? I thought I heard someone cry." I asked, unable to hide the panicked concern in my voice.
"Yeah, we're okay. Are we almost there?" Reema answered, not a hint of her crying.
"Yeah, almost there now. Won't be long." I confirmed.
I was relieved that she wasn't crying and so I sat down comfortably and made the horses move a bit quicker. I was eager to get home and couldn't wait to introduce Daisy to my sister and my niece and nephews. I was excited but scared of how everyone (some more than others) would react.
I shuddered as I pictured an angry mob running towards the carriage. I mentally scolded myself as the image faded from my head. I was being silly. Everyone in the Mushroom kingdom would be just as delighted as I was, to see Reema again. Mother would just have to deal with it and although I knew she would throw a fit.
I then broke off from my thoughts to see the kingdom gates towering over me. A toad looked up at me with a shocked expression covering his face, presumably surprised to see the Princess driving a carriage. I smiled at him kindly and he waved us through as he wrote our arrival onto his paper without breaking eye contact. His face remained shocked as I rode past him.
We got past the gates with a few stares from the guards posted but I thought nothing of it and continued at a steady pace toward the kingdom's centre. The closer we got to the castle and the more we progressed through the villahe, the more stares and whispers I began to notice. I looked behind me slightly and saw a fairly large crowd, filled with curious whispers, starting to form.
A wave of worry and nausea filled every fibre of my body as butterflies consumed my stomach like an angry swarm of bees. I took a deep breath and ignored the feelings building up in my stomach. I rode up to the castle and felt a wave of security as the gates closed on the mob of confused and curious people. Without looking behind myself, I led the horses and carriage up to the doors of my home.
I pulled on the reins and the exhausted horses happily ground to a halt. A few toads jogged up to Gem and Jess and started unhooking them from the carriage to which they were bound. They whinnied excitedly as they were fed apples and led to the cozy palace stables. I took another deep breath and sighed a long and exhausted sigh. "Here we go," I said to myself, "this is it."
I stood up and lifted my skirts, reaching out at the footman who came to help me down. I took his hand and he guided me down off the carriage seat. I let my skirts fall about me and quickly took a glimpse of the crowd of people surrounding the gate in earnest, eager to see who was in the coach. I groaned and turned back to the footman who was waiting instruction.
"Open the door," I ordered with a half smile on my face, "and try not to make too much of a fuss." I whispered to the footman who nodded in agreement. He happily marched over to the door and opened it wide. Reema, Tim and the three kids looked out in wonder at the new world before them. Reema had tears in her eyes as she saw her home for the first time in years.
The kids jumped out, now filled with energy, and they ran all around. Tim tried to tell them to behave but they were too excited to listen. He sighed and eventually stopped trying. Reema got out of the carriage, looking all around her at the world she had missed for so long. I rushed over to her and helped her out by the hand. She thanked me with her eyes as she was too choked up to speak. I blocked her from view from the crowd by standing directly in front of her.
"You ready for this?" I asked her quietly with a smile on my face but a knot in my stomach.
"I have been ready for this for a long time." She said, her face beaming. I smiled at her sympathetically and finally moved out of her way.
The crowd started whispering louder than before. A few gasps could be heard and Reema's name was tossed about like a ball in a park. I looked at Reema who's face had a worried tinge in it. I looked back at the crowd and took a few steps forward. I straightened my back and lifted my head. The entire crowd hushed, waiting for my words.
"Many of you will remember that I once had an elder sister. She was ready to become Queen but she was exiled for following her heart. The history books were re written to exclude her, and it was forbidden to talk about her. Reema was her name." I looked behind me and saw Reema nod once. I smiled at her and turned back to face the crowd.
"Today however, that will all change. This family behind me is under the protection of the crown and they shall stay for as long as they want or need because this family is my family." I took a deep breath and smiled as whispers turned into murmurs. Looks of confusion and surprise filled the crowd. I smiled and raised my hands to silence the crowd. Once they hushed, I continued talking.
"I know that you will have questions and concerns but do not worry, all will be revealed in time. For now though, go about your day." The crowd's murmurs grew loud as they dispersed, scattering back to whatever they were doing before our arrival. I turned back to Reema, though her emotions were unrecognised, I knew what she was thinking.
"Don't worry, they just need time." I smiled at her comfortingly and she smiled back, clearly wondering this trip was a good idea or not. Ah well, I sighed. Too late to go back now.
I took Reema's hand and led the family inside the castle where Daisy was waiting anxiously. She paced back and forward a few times before spotting us walk through the door. The biggest smile spread across her face as she saw me but it faded slightly when she spotted mine and Reema's hands intertwined. I let go of Reema's hand and jogged over to Daisy who greeted me with a huge hug and a peck on the cheek.
"Where have you been? I've been worried sick. I came by to see how you were and you were nowhere to be found. Nobody knew where you went-" Daisy panicked. I hugged her again and she cut herself off. She pulled me back and held me at arms length to look me in the eyes, "Don't ever do that again." I smiled and nodded. Once she started breathing normally again, I pulled her toward Reema and the family who were all looking around eagerly.
"Daisy, this is Reema and Tim, Ella, James and little Michael. Everyone, this is Princess Daisy of Sarasaland." I introduced everyone and let them all shake hands.
"So, and forgive me if I sound rude but why have you come?" Daisy enquired, a curious glint in her eye.
"No need for formalities, Daisy. Reema is my sister and this is her family- my family. I brought them here because it's their home and nobody should be exiled from their home." Daisy threw me a panicked glance, showing everything I feared in one facial expression.
"But, Peach-" Daisy started but couldn't find the words to finish her sentence.
"I know, I know. We will encounter some problems but it's nothing we can't handle. Theyre my family Daisy. I couldn't take it anymore. Besides, these kids deserve a life that they should be familiar with." I pleaded for her to understand. She smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Alrighty then. I guess these beautiful kiddos want to see the garden?" Daisy asked the kids who jumped up and down with excitement. Daisy threw a questioning glance at Reema who nodded in agreement. Daisy smiled and picked Michael up gently. Ella and James danced around her feet as she led them outside to play.
"I can see why you like her." Reema observed once Daisy was out of earshot. I smiled again and looked back to my sister who had so much joy in her eyes.
"Do you want to sit down?" I asked as I remembered that she was in fact, still pregnant. She looked down and then nodded, only just remembering herself. I led the couple to a sofa that was in the main hall. Reema sat down happily and stretched her legs out. Tim sat down next to her but I stood in front of them both.
"How do you feel?" I asked both of them once Reema had caught her breath.
"I have no words, Peach. I forgot how much I missed home, how much I needed it." Reema laughed after looking around once more, "It hasn't changed much." I laughed in response.
"There's been no need for change. Besides, interior decoration has never been my strong suit." I laughed once more but it trailed away after the nauseous feeling returned in my stomach.
"Tim, youre being awfully quiet. What do you think?" Reema asked her husband who was busy inspecting a plant that was to the right of him.
"It's nice. I still think this is a bad idea, but I obviously don't have a say in the matter anymore." He sighed. Reema threw a warning glance at him. He stood up stiffly.
"I think I'm going to stretch my legs. Which way is the garden?" Tim asked as politely as he could. I pointed in the direction Daisy and the kids went. He started walking and was soon out of sight. Reema sighed.
"I'm sorry sister, he doesn't like change. He is nice, I swear." Reema sighed again as I sat down where Tim was sat.
"Don't worry, I understand, it's difficult to process." I looked at my hands which were placed on my knees. Reema looked at me worriedly.
"What's wrong? Are you having second thoughts about all this?" Reema asked, clearly concerned.
"No, no. I just know that we'll have to deal with mother soon." I sighed deeply.
"You bet you'll have to deal with mother." Mine and Reema's heads snapped up to see mother's menacing form stood right in front of us. She scowled down at us as she let disgust and hatred fill her eyes.
"How dare you bring her here. I thought I made it clear that she was never to set foot in this castle again. You even brought her shame of a family with you!" Mother looked at me, hate filling her very core. Reema bowed her head in shame, not wanting to fight her. I stood up and spoke as calmly as I could, even though I could feel rage filling my body.
"Theyre my family and they are wonderful people. I don't care what you said. This is my kingdom so I decide what happens." I took a deep breath.
"YOUR kingdom!? As far as I know, YOU aren't queen yet!" She raged.
"And you are? Do you really expect a kingdom to wait around for its crowned Queen to become ready to rule? You can't just leave a kingdom and then pick it up again when you feel like it." I raised my voice a little, trying to show her that I wasn't going to be pushed around.
"And so now you think you have the right to overrule my laws, do you?" She questioned, thinking she had the upper hand.
"When those laws have been made by an inactive queen? Yes, yes I do. Especially when it comes to my family." I calmed my voice down again.
"I don't care if I'm an "inactive queen"! I am your mother! You are meant to listen to me, not disobey my every word!" She shouted so loud that everyone who went outside, now came rushing back to see what the shouting was about.
"You may be a mother, but that doesn't make you right." I straightened my back and looked at her with disappointment. Her nose twitched with anger.
"You will be sorry. This is unacceptable behaviour!" She looked lost with what to say next. She turned around and faced Daisy who looked terrified. Mother, unknowing what to say, huffed in frustration and marched back to her lonely tower.
I blinked a few times in an effort to hold back tears. It didn't work and a few small tears fell down my face. Daisy rushed over and threw her arms around me. I held on to her for dear life. Eventually though, I remembered I had guests. I pulled away from Daisy slowly and wiped my eyes dry. I smiled the best I could at the shocked family before me.
"Well then, shall I show you to your rooms?" I asked. Tim nodded slowly and helped Reema up. The kids smiled and ran up the stairs. I went to help Reema and Tim ran after the kids. Reema looked at me apologetically.
"Im sorry Peach, I didn't help or defend you. I feel awful." I walked with her arm in arm down the hall.
"Oh, don't worry about it. Her arguments are weak and easier to read than I thought. Besides, you didn't need to do anything." I said calmly.
"I should've said something!" A tear fell down Reema's face. I wiped it away with my thumb.
"Don't panic! For now, let's just enjoy what time we have together." I smiled, she nodded in agreement.
As we walked in silence, I thought of all the ways this could go wrong. I wiped it from my mind, disgusted by my fears and started thinking of all the ways this could go right. I smiled.