Chapter 7

From the Tales of Flynnagan Rider

Falling in Love

The one thing about returning home is finding some old things and discovering new ones. Such was the case of my neighbor, Danielle. Her parents were frequent visitors to our mansion and I had grown up with her. I hadn't seen her in years, but when I arrived, there she was sitting on our couch, all grown up. And what a beauty she was as well.

I couldn't believe how different she looked as we sat down to formal dinner. She was always gawky, buck toothed and frazzle haired, mostly worn in braids. Now here she was 18 years old and breathtaking. I couldn't keep my eyes off this green eyed dark haired woman. She knew it as well as the table knew. At one point, she excused herself from the dinner table and went outside for a walk in the warm summer air. I excused myself and went out to join her.

I know there was a connection between us because I felt lightheaded and happy as we made our turns in the garden and I knew right then and there that we would marry. I also knew right then and there that my parents would have objections to our marriage as she and I were already betrothed, but both didn't want to marry our intendeds.

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Rapunzel got off the plane, her short hair hidden inside the biggest and widest hat she could find. Her sunglasses hid her beautiful wide green eyes, but she still looked great. She walked from the airport to the bus stop across the street. The schedule that she had said the bus would arrive any minute, but every passing minute seemed like an hour. She glanced at the schedule and noticed that the next one wouldn't stop there for a 45 minutes, so she pulled out her Kindle and was about to sit down when she noticed a mint green Fiat convertible parked across the street. The first thing she noticed was the vanity plate which read "FLYNRIDR". She smiled; it had to be Eugene, who else could it possibly be, especially with that plate. :

"Thanks guys," she heard a familiar voice call out. She turned to see Eugene exiting from the Carol's Catering and Deli. Smiling, he turned his attention to the street, fumbling for his car keys. He looked up to locate the car and saw Rapunzel instead. Their eyes locked.

"Hi, "Rapunzel said, raising her right hand to wave. "How are you? Long time; no see."

Eugene smiled. Who was this gorgeous creature? She obviously knew him, but he had no idea who she was. "Hey beautiful," he said, being polite. "Waiting for the bus?"

She shrugged. "I think it's late." She stared at the car then him.

Eugene brightened. "Do you need a lift?"

Rapunzel smiled. "Are you going home?"

"Just so happens I am, beautiful. Going my way?"

She nodded. "Yep, I am."

Eugene smiled. 'Hop in." She opened he door and climbed in. He started the car.

"Where to?" he asked as they pulled out of the parking spot."

"The big house on the top of the hill," she answered.

Eugene's brown eyes opened wide. "Hey, that's where I Iive."

She smiled and turned to face him. "Yes," she answered. "I know."

Eugene turned in her direction, still trying to place her face.

"Hey," Rapunzel said, enjoy the breeze on her face. "Great car you've got here. You always said you wanted a sun roof. So you did one better. Nice birthday gift."

Eugene smiled. How'd she know so much?

"Great plate too," she said, looking in his direction. You always had this obsession with Flynnagan Rider. Even got me started with him. Now I can't put the book down. I've got the book and the Kindle version."

"You know about Flynn Rider?" he asked. "Not too many girls read him,"

Rapunzel frowned. "You introduced me to him, remember?"

Eugene nodded. When the heck was that, now, he thought.

She stared at him, shaking her head.

"You haven't got the faintest idea who I am, do you?"

"Of course I do? How could I ever forget those lovely freckles on your nose?" Eugene frowned, trying to keep his eyes on the road. "Well, you seem to know who I am, don't you?"

"Eugene!" Rapunzel answered. "Of course I know who you are."

She watched his face as he looked over at her. "You're Eugene Fitzherbert, heir to Flynn Rider and Associates."

He stopped the car at a red light. They stared at each other.

"Keep your eyes on the road, big boy." Rapunzel said, "it's just down that road there to the right."

He couldn't believe that she knew this much, especially this much. Who the heck was this amazing woman?

They turned into the driveway and Eugene pulled up to the garage. "Want to come in for a bit?"

Rapunzel was about to answer when Greta Gothel came bursting out of the guest house.

"Oh Rapunzel," she said, wrapping her arms around her. "I missed you so much,"

Eugene stopped smiling. "Rapunzel Gothel?"

Greta turned to him. "Thanks for bringing her home, Eugene. Give your mother my best. We'll see you at the funeral tomorrow."

Eugene nodded his head.

Rapunzel?

He turned and caught her looking at him as Greta dragged her into the house.

Rapunzel Gothel, that little 9 year old girl that he hadn't seen in years? He even kept a scrapbook on her and he couldn't even remember who she was. But Gothel knew her in an instant. Eugene never saw such a beautiful woman in all his life.

Well, whether his mother liked it or not, the wedding was on hold again. He wanted to get to know all over again. How could he not? And this time, it would be different.

He hoped.