Chapter 2: How Embarrassing?
Rosemarie gasped as she emerged from the water. She knew she shouldn't have sat on a rim that was only a few inches thick. Now she had embarrassed herself...again. She was used to doing it in front of her school, sometimes saying the wrong things or being off cue. That's why she had never gotten a part in the school play. She couldn't wear a ball gown without tripping on it. Oh well, at least Zelda always had the part. But in front of a prince...oh boy!
"Are you okay?" Zelda asked. Rosemarie nodded as she climbed out of the water. Her dress was soaked to the skin. She would have to go home and change. Zelda had concern written all over her face. But she still acted as if she was a whole lot older than sixteen...in a modest way.
On the other side, Link was wondering how to address the girl who was soaking wet. He though Lady would be too formal; these girls couldn't be as old as him. "Girl" sounded like he was talking to a toddler. "You There" was probably a bit too casual on his part. "Excuse Me" probably wouldn't catch their attention. What should he use...maiden! That was it: maiden.
"Um...Maiden?" Link realized it sounded cheesier when he said it. But he got their attention. Both girls were looking at him. "Uh...are you okay, Miss." There, that was a better choice. Why hadn't he thought about that before?
"Um...uh...I'm...fine...your Highness. I just...I'm...fine...thank you...your Highness." Link sighed and tried to roll his eyes without anybody seeing. Whenever someone layered his or her sentences with "your Highness" it made him really annoyed.
"Well, I was just concerned, that's all...and call me Link. I would prefer that." He gave the two girls a wink and turned around. Zelda smiled, like a princess would. Rosemarie, on the other hand, blushed scarlet.
"Oh my Goddess! He winked at me!" Rosemarie whispered excitedly.
"Wow, that's nice. Now shush, everyone will hear you."
"Why couldn't he stay longer?"
"Come on, shush. Come here. We can talk about it in the Back Alley!" Zelda took her friend by the hand and dragged her to the alley. Unbeknownst to them, Link secretly followed. The two girls rushed around a corner to a street full of dogs.
"Oh my Goddesses! He is so nice!" Rosemarie gushed. Zelda gave her an annoyed glance.
"You are way too over your head. He's just handsome, that's all."
"Handsome?"
"Handsome." Zelda looked over at Rosemarie. Rosemarie cocked her head to the side.
"Okay, cute."
"Cute?" Rosemarie asked innocently as she cocked her head to the other side.
"Oh fine, he's hot! Now leave me alone. Holy Triforce, it's like I can't stop myself."
"Ha! I got you! Headlines in the paper: 'Zelda Forced to Reveal Feelings Thanks to the Wonderful Rosemarie!'"
"Well, if it was in the paper, it would be pretty embarrassing. Good thing the prince doesn't know." But he did! The prince just happened to be listening, right around the corner.