Chapter Four
I am going crazy. For the past week officials have been swarming the palace and the media is everywhere and servants are running around. And everytime I turn around someone new is asking me a thousand questions. To top it all off, I have not got a moment alone, not even saying that to be dramatic. My butler has to be in the room while I sleep.
"Prince Chase, what color should the Selecteds bathroom walls be?" I squinted my eyes. Why does that matter? I'm a guy, I don't care about that.
"Cream?" That's a neutral color at least. It will go with everything.
"Prince Chase, what colors should the girls wear that you like?" A medium aged man asks with a pencil in hand and a notebook.
"I don't care about what colors they wear" I answer irritated. He chuckles at my answer and before I have time to lash out someone else is asking me a question about what food should be at the lunch in. Finally a good question, but I tell the to put out a wide variety because I don't know what the girls will like and not like.
My parents enter the great room and all the servants stop what they are doing to bow. I wonder what it will be like when it's me. Mom goes off and starts putting in her input about the decorations, dad sees how annoyed I am and walks over. "How are you doing with all this?"
"Honestly, I feel like I'm going to lose it." Dad chuckles at that but it's the truth. I'm so annoyed with everything right now I just want to escape somewhere and be alone.
"Girls will do that to ya" dad tells me while smiling.
"It's not even about the girls. All of this. The Selection. The preparation, the whole world watching and waiting for me to slip up. . . It's exhausting. And it's only going to get worse when the girls come because I will have thirty five girls relying one me to be their knight and shining armour and I think we both know that I am not that . . . And. . ." I'm talking so fast and letting out all of my worries, by the end I'm actually out of breath.
"Son, breathe. Everything is going to be okay." He tries to comfort me but now I'm embarrassed for showing any weaknesses even if it's just to my father. "I know it's hard and it's going to be hard for a little bit but I promise it will get better. Now go back out there with your head held high and answer all of those questions in a polite and respectful manner. Then at the end of the day you can go to your room and let it all out." He smiles and walks away to mom. I take a few moments to catch my breath.
I walk back over to the servants and other planners. I listen to every question and take my time to respond so I can think about it. Out of the corner of my eye I can see my dad watching me, I can't tell what his expression is but I hope he's proud.
After what seems like forever, I am relieved of my duties for the done for the night and can go and do as I please. Instead of going to my room I go to Vee's room. I knock on the door instead of barging in,like my sisters do to me. Vee answers it and lets me in, my other sisters are in there too.
Laurel looks worse that what i feel. Her hair is sticking out in weird angles and her under eye bags are prominent. Wow. I thought I had it bad. "You good, Laur?" I ask gently and she glares as a response.
"I'm okay. Just exhausted, that's all" that makes sense. Whatever it is Laurel is doing, she puts her heart and soul into it. Vee, being the caring little sister she is, puts a blanket on top of Laurel and she falls asleep almost immediately. Laurel looks so serene when she's not yelling at me.
"We should do something fun tonight" Paris's eyes light up "y'know as a last hurrah to being single." This was one of Paris's best ideas yet. The Selected are being announced in two days, this could be my last night of being a playboy and then I will settle down.
"I'm in."
"You are absolutely not going out" Laurel pipes up. I thought she was sleeping.
"Thought you were sleeping" I narrow my eyes at her.
"You know i'm a light sleeper." She responds.
"C'mon on Laurel!" Paris begs "Chanel is throwing a party at her mansion and you know her parties are legendary!" Chanel is one of Paris's model friends . . . Need I say more? She's stunning and her and I have hooked up a few times in the past, and I have greatly enjoyed her company.
"What if the media showed up? Or word even got out?" She brings up a good point. We're royals and wherever we go, the media goes. Or if we go out someone tells the media exactly what we've done and it's on the front cover of the news. If word got out about me going to a party two days before the selected were announced the media would tear me apart.
"You can be our watch" Paris defends. She loves a good party as much as I do, for different reasons but nonetheless. "And you know Chanel hates the media as much as we do. She only invites people who she knows would never snitch. No one would ever know that we ever came.
"I don't think it's a good idea" Vee speaks up. "Laurel's right."
"C'mon Vee! Where's your sense of adventure?" Paris begs "your sixteen, aren't you supposed to be in a rebellious phase?" Vee ducks her head but Paris moves onto Laurel "Laurel you've never even been to a party before-"
"I have been to plenty!" Laurel interrupts although I don't know how true that is.
"Please Laurel" I beg and give her puppy dog eyes and a pouty lip.
"That won't work with me and you know it" she glares. I have to laugh. "C'mon Laurel, one hour tops! And you could be our lookout!" She seems to be debating this in her head so I continue "I won't give up until you say yes. And you know how persistent Paris is."
"Okay fine! This is a terrible idea and if you get caught i'll kill you. One hour. And I mean it!" I throw my fists up in a victorious getsure. My last hurrah. My last night being reckless, I can't wait.
Laurels POV
What the hell is taking Paris so long? It took me fifteen minutes to get ready and it's going on two hours for her. Granted, I am wearing skinny jeans and a shoulderless tight black long sleeve, but still . . . My patience is running low. I should have never agreed to this, it is probably Paris's worst idea yet. But when Chase was begging me i just gave in and it was an instant regret. No way in hell we get out of this party without it on the front page of every news station.
But that's why i'm going. To be the lookout. Truthfully, i've never been to a party, it's just not my scene. Mom told me when I was younger that curiosity killed the cat, but I can't help it. I love exploring new places and I go wherever my curiosity leads me. When I was younger that was the secret passageways, I practically lived there.
I check the clock, two minutes until our car pulls up to take us there. I got Gertrude to be our getaway driver, we can trust her, and I think she'll have quite a bit to say about the matter. Vee wanted to stay home and make sure that no one got suspicious about where we are. She's in Chase's room under the covers because we told our parents that he wasn't feeling good and needed rest so if anyone comes in they will see a body. Paris said she had a meeting with her modeling agency and I didn't say anything- my parents are used to me randomly disappearing for an hour or two.
Chase lets out a deep breath as he's looking at something in the distance. "I'm here! I'm here!" Paris is running towards us in her heels. She's wearing tight black no shoulder dress, similar to my shirt, with velvet thigh high heeled boots, with dramatic makeup and red lips.
Before I can say anything Gertrude pulls up in a small black car with the windows tinted so you can't see inside. "Gertrude!" Chase exclaims, I didn't tell him that she was the getaway driver.
"They told me I was too old to operate machinery! To hell with them I say!" We all laugh at that, it's just so Gertrude.
I climb the front seat with Gertrude and Paris and /chase sit in the back. "Buckle your seatbelts" I remind them like a child. I don't even have to look back to know that Paris is rolling her eyes. Gertrude pulls out of the lot and as soon as we get on the highway she starts talking.
"What kind of hair brain idea is this?" She demands while I smile to myself. I already told Gertrude what happened and explained my side, so now she plans to interrogate Chase and Paris.
"It's our last hurrah!" Paris tells her proudly.
"You three better be extra careful tonight." She warns us and even points a finger.
"We know." Paris says "Besides, if your so against it then why are you taking us?" She raises an eyebrow. I almost scold her for prying. But Gertrude just smiles and says "I remember when I was young."
The sun has completely disappeared and is replaced with the night sky. Gertrude pulls up to a long driveway and pulls to a stop. I can hear the bass thumping from here. "I will be here in exactly one hour" she gives them a pointed look. We start to get out but Gertrude puts her hand on my arm. I stop and turn around to her "you call me if there is an emergency. Or if you need me to pick you up in an alternative route." I give her a nod and I start to get out again but she stops me again and caresses my cheek. "My darling Laurel, try to have fun." I smile and give her hand a tight squeeze.
I run to catch up to Chase and Paris, and punch Chase in the shoulder for not waiting for me. Chanel's mansion is huge, it looks big enough to be one of the wings in the palace. I can see lights flashing around on the inside and red solo cups on the windowsill. As we walk in the door multiple people call out Paris's name and she runs to bass is thumping so hard it fills my ears and it seems like a collection of Angeles elites fill the rooms. I turn around to Chase but he's already off. I'm on my own.
I don't want to be here. I know that for certain. It reeks of alcohol and is extremely hot because of all the people dancing everywhere. I walk in between people while trying to find stairs. I get bumped into a couple making out and I curl my lip in disgust. Do they have to be so public?
Finally I find a staircase, another couple zooms past me down the stair giggling. I roll my eyes and keep walking, it's not any less crowded up here, this seems to be more of the dancing floor. Paris will probably be all over this. Luckily I find another staircase that leads to the third floor.
It's not completely empty like I would like but I have a feeling this is the best I'm going to do. And I have a perfect view of the long driveway and yard so I can see if any media vans show up. I look at the clock, fifty minutes left.
Fifteen minutes later I'm still staring at the driveway and I don't plan on moving until I feel a nudge. I turn around to one of the prettiest girls i've ever seen, not because she's beautiful in the traditional way, but because of how confident and sure of herself she looks. "You've been staring out that window so long I swear it's gonna collapse." She rests her forearms against the railing like me. She doesn't look like the rest of the girls here with their tiny skirts and revealing shirts. She's wearing a sunset halter top, which compliments her carmel skin, and ripped skinny jeans. And instead of straightening her unruly hair she leaves it down and flowing.
"Yeah, I guess I have been."
She nods and looks at me a little bit more "do I know you?" Her brown eyes study me. She knows. She must recognize who I am.
"People tell me I look a lot like Princess Laurel" she gives me a weird look but doesn't say anything else.
"So why are you up here and not downstairs with the party?" She asks.
"I could ask you the same" I reply evenly. I've never liked sharing things about myself to other people, even my family. I think that people should belong to themselves.
She laughs lightly "I'm sick of all the people." She shrugs, which makes me smile a little. I turn back to the driveway. So far so good. "You don't open up to people, do you?"
"No" how did she get that?
"It's okay, I'm select with the people I open up to." She says and then gazes out the window like I've been doing.
"So who gets the honor?" I surprise myself by asking a question.
She smirks "maybe I don't want to tell you. You know, I don't open up to people" she says in mock seriousness and I actually laugh at that. I don't know her that well, but she seems pretty trustworthy. "It was my brother, Cam. He was really good at giving advice and put up with all my high school drama. He always was there for me." She has a faraway look on her face. I noticed her using past tense rather than present tense, he must've died.
"How did he die?" I ask softly, my curiosity overrules my manners. I immediately feel bad for not stopping myself, she looks so heartbroken.
"Car crash" she answers. Without thinking, I place my hand on hers and squeeze. She gives me a warm smile in return.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Nothing Cam hated more than pity." She makes eye contact again, with her big brown eyes "I told you something personal about me, now you have to tell me something about yourself."
I think for a minute about what's the mildest thing I could tell her, to the outside world I want to be an enigma. I think it's the greatest power a girl could hold. "I am Princess Laurel." I look around to make sure no one else heard it but it's just us in here now.
Her grin goes wide "I knew it! Should I be curtsying or something?"
I laugh "no, I think we are beyond that."
She smiles in return "I agree. I'm Carmin, by the way." She holds out her hand and I shake it, looking her directly in the eye like Calla taught me.
"Did you know it was me the whole time?" I ask sheepishly.
"Kind of. Everyone knows Paris, so when she showed up everyone knew her. And when Chase, the crown prince showed up with her, everyone knew him" oh God, everyone knows them. Word will definitely get out. "Don't worry. Nobody is snitching. One because, it's a major party foul, and two, no one wants to face the wrath of Paris. Also because you are royal and who knows what you might do to us." She laughs, it does make me feel better. "But no one knew that you came with them and then I saw you here and I recognized you."
"Yeah that's how it is, Paris and Chase usually are the center of attention."
"It's not always a good thing" she says.
I roll my eyes "Lord knows about Chase's reputation."
"Yeah, I'm wondering how that's gonna work out with a Selection." I've been wondering the same thing.
I smirk "are you all signed up?"
"Nah" she leans in "I'm not really into Chase's type." That doesn't surprise me, she doesn't strike me as the type to put up with Chase's BS.
"Fuckboys?" I ask.
She shakes her head "boys" I practically lose my breath "tell me if you want me to stop, your highness" she gets closer and closer and the wait is agonizing, she finally presses her lips against mine and I don't stop her, I lean in.
I'm so confused. All my life I've liked boys but I want Carmin, and not as a friend. I can't like her, I'm a royal. And it's not accepted if a royal is a lesbian or anything, we have to perfect and not cause any controversy. But God, the way the way I feel about Carmin makes me want to forgo all of that.
When we part, I am absolutely breathless. I don't know what to say or do, and I always know what to do. I don't like this feeling of being out of control. I've kissed two boys in my life, but never a girl. Why do I like it? I'm so confused, I like boys but I also like girls?
I'm about to say something but I see headlights and the bright red lettering on a media van, with police right behind them. I swear aloud, a word Calla would smack me for saying. "I have to go!" I tell to Carmin while i'm halfway out of the room. I ignore the guilt I feel for leaving so abruptly but I have to find my siblings before the media does.
"Paris!" I yell at the dance floor. It's so loud, I don't think anyone could hear me. I know how much Paris loves to dance, she's at least been here. "Paris!" I scream as I dive in the middle. She's here! She's grinding on some guy with a drink in her hand, I grab her arm before getting knocked over by some big guy.
"Laurel?" Paris asks picking me up, I hit my knee hard, I wouldn't be surprised if I had a big bruise on my knee.
"We have to go! Media!" She gets the hint and dashes of the guy who's calling her name. We have to find Chase, and fast. We sprint downstairs, Paris even shoving some people over.
"Elle! Elle!" Paris calls to another one of her model friends, the girl turns around. "Where's Chase?"
She points to a room, and without thinking Paris and I run to it. "Wait! He's with Chanel!" It's too late because we've already burst through the door. To find Chase on top of Chanel with only his underwear on. I'll yell at him later.
"Chase we have to go now! The media-"
"Cops!" We hear someone scream. I slam the door shut. "Chase we have to get out now! Get on your clothes! Paris call Gertrude tell her to take an alternative route!"
"You can go out the window" Chanel offers while getting her clothes back on. I lock the door just in case. Paris hangs up on with Gertrude and Chase has almost got all of his clothes on. I'm working on opening the window, it's tricky but I can do it.
"Open up!" A gruff voice bangs on the door and we all freeze for a split second. Chanel is the first one to move and hides in her closet. Chase is the first to go out and then Paris and finally me. Thankfully it was on the first floor so it wasn't a hard drop.
"Paris, where is Gertrude picking us up?" I ask her while catching my breath.
"I don't know. She didn't say where."
"What do you mean you don't know?" I lash out. How could she be so irresponsible? Think, Laurel, think.
"Okay, we just got to get out of here. Leave the premises." I look around the yard and start calculating in my head a way to get out without the police or media seeing us. I can hear the screams of people getting busted. Is Carmin okay?
"Our only way out is to make a run for it" I say breathless. We look at each other and slowly nod and sprint for it. I run so fast my stomach burns and I get cramps that make me want to stop but I push myself farther and harder. We are halfway across the lawn and I'm starting to think that we've escaped until I feel headlights on us.
I see Paris's eyes widen and look to me and Chase as well, I start backing up and they follow. And then sprint again. I notice it was a police car and not media. They must have not recognized us because if they did they would have just left us alone.
We make it to the woods and all of us out of breath, I even feel like i'm going to throw up. I find a tree stump to sit on as I catch my breath. I'm thankful I wore jeans. I look over to Paris, how did she manage to run so fast in those heels?
"I'm sorry Laurel" Chase says suddenly "you knew this would happen but I made you agree and now this is a mess. It's probably all over the media." He looks so disappointed in himself, that I know it's not the right move to yell at him right now.
"I think we escaped the media" I try to say gently but it comes out as annoyed "it's alright. Like you guys said, it was our last hurrah" I give them a tight smile. This really is our last night of being kids, I wonder what ten year old me would think of this woman that I have become.
We sit in silence for a little, listening to the sound of crickets and waiting for Gertrude. None of us really know what to say, out of the corner of my eye I can see Chase biting his lips, a nervous habit he's had since we were kids. I can tell he feels bad, I just hope he turns his act around after tonight.
We see headlights and we all hide behind trees when it stops. I'm the first to peak around the corner and I realize it's Gertrude.
"It's Gertrude" I tell them and we file into the car.
"You lucky little royals" Gertrude chides "as I was leaving I saw all over the news about the Granite Hill party bust. But nothing about the young royals at the party."
"So were in the clear?" Paris asks.
Gertrude nods. Again, it's quiet except for Gertrude talking about the girls soccer game, she loves soccer.
When we finally sneak back into the palace and get to our bedroom wing Chase stops me. Paris keeps going, no doubt she had alcohol and is ready to go to sleep.
"Laurel, I'm sorry. Im really really sorry." His eyes are so wide and his face reflects the remorse I'm sure he feels.
"It's fine. You heard Gertrude, were in the clear." My voice comes out dry. If he wants a pep talk he should go to Vee, she's good at that and making people feel better. But me? I'm good at being brutally honest.
"It's still not okay. And tonight, we all looked to you when we were in trouble" so? They've been doing that their whole lives, I've always had to be the strong one. Or the smart one. Maybe that's why I'm so closed off because I have I be strong for my siblings. "I'm the oldest. I'm the brother, it should be me who you guys look to in a crisis."
He's insecure! He's embarrassed that I am showing him up. "But then where would I fit in? That's my job in our sibling hood. And that's pretty much my only good quality."
He smiles "you have plenty of good qualities Laurel."
"Like what?" I flip my hair dramatically, obviously being sarcastic.
"Like you are great at school." I laugh out loud at that.
"Well, thank God for that." I smile "night Chase."
"Goodnight Laurel."
Hello! I'm so excited for the next chapter because the Selected are be announced! Which also means that if you have not yet, GET YOUR GIRL IN!
I cannot stress this enough but I need your girl in because the longer she doesn't get in the longer it is going to take me to get the chapter up.
Thank you to everyone who sent me dialogue examples and who left reviews, I love them so much! And another special thank you to all who have support me and support this fanfic. It means the world to me. XOXO