Chapter 11

Bethany

Dear Asha and Jennifer,

As you know, (if you don't you've got problems!) Sammie and Phillip have eloped. It's a looong story but Phil accidently "took" me with him. When he realized his mistake he left me with his hermit friend, Nick. No need to worry, he's not what you'd expect from a hermit. No crazy hair or anything. He's just a normal guy...Well, I should see you in a week or two. Phillip said he'd come get me after the "honeymoon." For some reason, I'm scared to see them after the "deed has been done." Oh well, I guess it wouldn't be too bad to have little babies running around the palace. AHHH!!! Who am I kidding? That would be horrendous!! EEK!!! Well, three days down, a week or so to go! Let's see if I can survive this wilderness...

Love,

Bethany

Ok, that letter had some truth to it. Nick wasn't a crazy hermit, in fact he was quite the opposite. When I was looking through his cabin the first night I found a library. When did hermits get libraries? I wasn't too worried about it though. I found a Jane Austen classic, sat down in a squishy leather chair, and started reading. I was already done with the first chapter when Nick came inside from his little "chat" with Phil.

"So you're a princess?" he asked quite rudely.

This put me on the defensive. "What, do I not look -or act- like a princess? Just so you know, I am a great princess. Your opinion doesn't matter one iota to me!" I ran out of the room in a fit of anger.

He followed me out. "Where are you going?" he drawled out slowly.

"I'm going outside because I don't technically live here and I would like some peace and quiet!" I ran outside onto the porch and plopped down into the swing. I actually was hoping for some peace and quiet. I had a raging headache that felt like someone had dropped a baby-grand on my head.

"Sounds like a rough night."

I sighed quite loudly. "You'd think so, seeing how I've been kidnapped and sent to live in some god-forsaken wilderness with a crazy hermit!" I knew I was overreacting but I didn't really care. This headache hurt.

"Sorry, darling..." As he got out of the swing, he knocked over a can of some sort.

I winced. He apparently noticed and asked what was wrong.

"I have a horrendous headache that feels like an elephant has trampled on my head." True, I was being a little over dramatic, but I didn't exactly care.

Nick stood behind the swing and started to rub my temples in a circular motion. "Any better?"

I sighed a sigh of relief. "You have no idea." My headache finally went away, and I realized that I was extremely tired. Getting kidnapped can do that to a person, or in this case, princess. "Would you happen to have somewhere I could sleep?"

"Well, you can sleep in my room, but I don't know if it will suit you, princess."

"Oh, no, that'd be fine. I'm so tired I could sleep out here right now. But I'd pay for it in the morning, just like the time my sisters and I slept in the dungeon on a dare..." I trailed off. Here I was just rambling off to some crazy hermit who probably thought I was the crazy one. Life is great, I must say.

Nick showed me to his room, which was actually quite nice for being a bachelor pad. As soon as my head touched the pillow, I went to sleep.

Nick pretty much stayed out of my way for the next two days. It wasn't until after he mailed my letter to Jennifer and Asha that we actually talked.

"So," I said curiously, "why do you live out here?"

"I want to be alone," he simply replied.

"Oh...Doesn't it get lonely out here? Don't get me wrong, it's really nice, but I'd get lonely without anyone to talk to."

He eyed me. "Well, Bethany, aren't you the curious one. Do you really want to know why I stay out here all alone?"

I nodded. It's probably nothing too interesting. He probably has bad people skills.

"Two years ago, I was going to get married. Her name was Odette. Phil's the one who introduced us at one of this parties..." his voice trailed off. His eyes were glazed over. "We fell in love and were going to get married. One week before our wedding, she became ill and then...she died."

I gasped. That was something so different from what I expected to hear. So heartbreaking. "That's why you want to live alone, isn't it?" It wasn't really a question, but a statement.

Nick looked up with haunted eyes. "Yes, Bethany. It is."

AN: Awww, poor Nick. Let's see if Beth can use her "womanly charms" to make him love again. HEHEHE!!! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Pinkey the Brain