Sam's POV
I looked around the streets on both sides before crossing. Melanie and Pete followed behind with a large stack of paper in each of their hands. I took out my purple band which had 'Vote For Me' written on it and tied it around the circumference of my head.
"It's time," I announced in a dramatic way while I walked towards the little stores on that side of the street and started giving out flyers, trying my best to advertise myself. "Hi, the name's Sam. I'm competing in the upcoming pageant and I hope you will support me in my efforts of becoming 'The People's Princess'. Is there any way I can help you?"
The middle-aged woman turned around to face me with a smile. "Oh, sweet dear, you're a beautiful princess indeed. Would you mind cleaning my windows for me? My legs are too weak for this type of work."
"Oh, sure," I smiled in agreement.
"Thank you, my dear," she thanked. "You're such a darling."
I smiled in her praise as I turned to face my sister and her boyfriend. "This is easier than I thought." Then, I started to help with the chores.
"Oh, you missed a spot," Melanie pointed it out to me. "And here too."
"Aren't you guys helping?" I asked.
"It's your job, not ours," Pete replied. "You're the one who's actually participating in the pageant, not us."
I glared at him before continuing with my work. It reminded me so much of the past; how Carly would do the chores and how Melanie would bully her as though she was that mean. It was all mom's idea, but it seemed like it was her dark and evil that brought things to action.
"Done," I placed my hands on my hips before standing up. "How's this?"
The lady came back to into the house to judge my work. "Hmm... You did a great job, young lady. You've earned my support."
I looked at her, then at the couple, and back at her. "Thanks. I put a lot of effort in that."
"I can tell," she nodded. "Now, would you like to stay for some tea?"
"Tempting," I hesitated. "But, no. I can't, I have more people to visit. Thanks for the offer though!"
"You're welcome my dear," she replied. "If there was anything I could do to help you, I would gladly offer my service."
I smiled. "Just tell your family and friends to vote for me as 'The People's Princess'. It would really make my day!"
I couldn't believe that I was talking in such a gentle and demure manner. Ugh... Things are starting to get weird around me...
"Sure, my dear," she said it ever so gingerly. Just like mom never did.
"Bye!" we bade farewell as Melanie made some notes on her checklist. "We'll see you on the pageant!"
As soon as I got out from the house, I wanted to let Freddie know about my achievement. He would be so proud of me! I decided to take the rest of the day off so that I can go to the kingdom and tell Freddie about my day.
"Hey guys," I tried to break the news to them. "You know... I'm kind of tired, so I think we should... you know... take the rest of the day off?"
"You wanna go find Freddie?" Melanie asked.
Sometimes, I wonder how she knows how I'm feeling inside, but I chose to keep silent, for I didn't want my plans to be foiled by the appearance of them. You know, some of us need some private time with their loved ones...
"Oh, I get it," she put on the I-know-what-you're-thinking face and pulled Pete along with her. "Come on, Pete. Let's go."
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"You'll know," she replied, then smiled at me.
I looked at her puzzled at first, then smiled when I knew what was going on. Typical Melanie, always trying to be nice.
When they have gone out of sight, I made my way to the kingdom.
"No," the guard looked at me all stern.
"But I really know the prince!" I tried to explain this time. "See this photo of us?"
"Yeah right," he snickered. "Anyone would know that the photo has been edited! You should try a new trick next time, young lady."
I looked at him, jaws wide at the unbelievable things he said.
"How could I have edited this photo? It's the 19th century! Computers haven't yet been invented, you doof!" I exclaimed. Wait, what are computers anyway?
"Sam?" There was a familiar voice coming from behind the guard, but my view was obscured by the tall build he had. Argh... I'm starting to hate this kingdom. "What are you doing here?"
"Freddie?" I asked.
But he wasn't alone. As I struggled to see behind the guard, a girl appeared to be walking alongside him.
"Who's that?"
"It's you," the girl looked and pointed at me. "You're that girl from the store."
"Oh," I realized who she was. "Hi, Valerie."
She scoffed. "It's Princess Valerie."
"Hi Sam," Freddie tried to break us up before an argument starts. "Let's go somewhere and talk."
"But I thought you wanted to show me the kingdom, Freddie," that spoiled princess whined. "Are you breaking your promise?"
Freddie hates breaking promises, it's like his policy. Whenever he makes a promise, he keeps it. For good.
"Err... I'll come back in a minute," he said. "Just, give me a second."
She smirked and put her arms on her hips. Something was going on between them. I'm sure of it.
"Why is she here?" I asked immediately after we were alone.
"She just came back from her country and wants to take a tour around Seattlonia," he tried to explain. "It's nothing special."
"Nothing special?" I frowned. "If it's nothing special, then why did you lie to me and tell me that you were going to have an important meeting today?"
He sighed. "I admit that I was lying, but I did it because I was afraid you would get mad!"
"What made you think that lying to me would make me feel any better? Do I look like I'm not mad now?" I asked.
"This is getting way out of hand," he said. "Why can't we just-"
"Break up," I completed his sentence for him. "We'll just break up."
He held my hand. "I didn't mean it to be like that. I just wanted to say-"
"That you'll dump me for that princess?" I was tearing up already. "I'm sorry, Prince Fredward. Fat hope. If anyone's getting dumped, that's going to be you. It's over."
"What?" it was his turn to frown. "What do you mean?"
"Let's put it this way," I explained. "Since you're not afraid to lie to me, then you should have known that I would react this way. I am no pushover, Freddie. And it's about time we broke up."
He let out a laugh. "You're breaking up with me because of such a trivial matter?"
"It's not trivial anymore," I turned around, back facing him. "From now on, don't ever appear in front of me again. I don't ever want to see you."
"Sam..." he sounded apologetic, but it wasn't enough to move me.
I just continued walking away, away from the pain. I can't believe I was so excited to see that jerk-face. Ugh! But what's that I'm feeling now? It's like something's piercing through my heart. Like I just laid on a bed of steel needles.
"It never heals," a young boy slightly older than me appeared out of nowhere. "But I can help you."
Suddenly, I feel a whole lot better...