Thank you so much for waiting for this part and thank you so much for the reviews and following. I'm sorry it took so long to post this part. I just couldn't decide how to end this one-shot.
Back to the Present
Eleanor placed her hand into Jasper's hand and slowly stepped out the car. Jasper closed the door behind her and gently wrapped her left hand around his arm. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Breathe; Her Majesty has placed a few security details in the event hall. If anything happens there is backup."
"That's not what I'm worried about," she said as they started walking towards the brightly lit building.
"Is there an ex in there I should worry about?" Jasper asked in a teasing tone.
She rolled her eyes as they walked up to the building. "You'll find out soon enough."
Once inside the lobby of the building Eleanor walked up to the large table covered in red and white balloons. She glanced at Jasper who stood a few inches away from her and she smiled at the two women sitting at the table. She looked at their names tags and then said,
"Hello, I'm here for the reunion… My name is" but before she could complete her sentence one of the woman stood up and leaned over to hug her.
"Oh my god, it's her highness, Princess Eleanor. We didn't think you'd come,"
"You guys did send me an invitation…" Eleanor said. "Ummm, Jennifer can you let go?"
The woman next to her gently pulled her off Eleanor as Jasper walked up and asked in a whisper, "Are you ok?" Eleanor gave her head and short nod in response.
Jennifer and the woman next to her turned to look at Jasper. They stared at him for a few minutes before Jennifer turned to the woman and said, "Irine, you said he wasn't coming either. You lost the bet, two pounds."
Eleanor cleared her throat and said, "I'm sorry for interrupting but would mind letting me sign in and giving me my name tag."
Irine and Jennifer each let out a giggle. Irine handed Eleanor the clipboard for her to sign as Jennifer fished Eleanor's name table from the rows of neatly lined nametags. "We're so sorry, but we heard earlier that her highness and her fiancé were not showing up to this reunion and here you are."
"Ah, yes, that happens. We did that so the press would not find out. After all, I did attend this University to avoid the press. Although it does have a straight trespassing rule for the reports, things are different now that everyone has a mobile phone with a camera." Eleanor said as she handed the clipboard back to Irine and took the nametag sticker from her.
"I trust you can keep this news from the press," said Jasper with a small grin, which caused both women to blush. They both nodded their heads due to being lost for words.
Eleanor smiled at them and said, "We'll be heading in now. I hope to see you in there later." She placed the nametag sticker on her hip and took a hold of Jasper's hand as they walked towards the room with the red and white balloon arch in front of it.
As they neared the double doors, Jasper leaned over and said, "See that wasn't too bad."
"You have not seen anything yet," she said and then placed a force smile on her face.
They stepped into the room to find the guests mingling in small groups. The band that was hired was playing "elevator music". The servers walked around with tray of drinks and finger foods and whispering softly to the guest.
Jasper turned his head and asked, "Are all reunions like this?"
Eleanor shrugged her shoulders, "No sure… This is my first one… Should I call Willow and ask her?" But, before Jasper could reply a woman around Eleanor's age started waving at her.
The woman smiled brightly at Eleanor as she approached. She stopped a few feet away from Eleanor and said as her eyes roamed over Eleanor's outfit. After scanning the outfit and said, "Wow, Eleanor you look stunning." She paused and then asked, "Wait should I call you, Your Highness?"
Eleanor shook her head and said, "Eleanor is fine. We're not in Palace or at some royal event." She glanced at the name tag. "Charlotte, how are you?"
"I'm well… This union came at the perfect moment. Finally sometime away from my children, I just got back from a business trip. Thought it was going to be a fancy holiday paid by the company but that did not happen. Everything that could go wrong went wrong." She smiled at Eleanor and said, "And how are you?..."
"You mean you don't know?" Eleanor asked in a quizzical tone. When Charlotte did not respond she smiled and held up Jasper's hand, which she had been holding since they entered the event hall. With smile she said, "I got engaged. This is my fiance, Jasper Frost."
Jasper let go of Eleanor's hand and extended his hand for Charlotte to shake. "It's very nice to meet you. I'm Jasper."
Charlotte shook his hand and said in a cheerful tone, "It's nice to meet you too. I never thought Eleanor was the marrying type. I'm so glad she found someone."
Jasper turned to look at Eleanor for a few seconds and then said, "I never thought she would agree to my proposal."
"I was chatting with Mary and some other people. They'd love to catch up with you." Charlotte said pointing at a group of people standing at a table next to a giant vase.
"You should join them catch up, bae. I'll go get us something to drink." Jasper said and then kissed her lightly on the cheek. Before he pulled away, he whispered in her ear, "You'll be fine." Then gently pushed her forward towards Charlotte who took her hand and pulled her towards the group she was just pointing at.
Jasper walked towards the open bar a few feet from where they stood. He arrived at the bar as a couple walked up to the bar and ordered their drinks. While Jasper waited he turned to look at Eleanor who was now laughing at something someone in the group just said.
As he took a step towards the bar, he felt someone bump him into him from behind. He turned around to find a woman in a sparkling silver staples dress stumbled slightly. He caught her by the arm and helped her stand up.
"I'm so sorry…" said the woman as she stood up straight and flipped her red hair behind her shoulder.
"It's ok. Are you ok?" asked Jasper as he stepped up to the bar.
The woman followed him and said, "I knew I shouldn't have worn these new shoes."
Jasper noticed the couple away from the bar and he stepped up. Jasper held up a finger to the woman and turned to the bartender to place his order. A few seconds later, he returned his attention to the woman and asked, "Would you like a drink?"
The woman shook her head and held up the champagne flute she just took off the tray from a passing server when his back was turned. She smiled at him and said, "I don't recognize you… Did we ever have any classes together?"
"I don't think it's possible, I never attended this University. I'm a guest here," he said as he turned to take the two glasses of alcohol the bartender placed on the table.
"Ah, should have known, you don't have a name time and you have an American accent. I'm Emily by the way," she said before taking a sip of her drink.
"Jasper… If you excuse me, I have to get this drink back to my date." He gestured towards the table were Eleanor stood now talking to two of the men at the table.
Emily turned to look at where Jasper gestured towards and said, "Ah, the popular group. You might think it's strange that even in University there was a popular group but thank to Her Royal Highness, Eleanor there was that group." She paused and took a sip of her drink again before continuing. "I heard she wasn't going to come but I guess she changed her mind. Knew she couldn't stay away from the attention."
"I see… Well I better go…" Just as he was about to walk away Emily placed her hand on his arm and asked,
"Which one is your date?"
"Her Royal Highness, Princess Eleanor…" he said and attempted to walk away again.
"You're joking right?" she said in a baffle tone
"No, not at all.. I'm her fiance, Jasper Frost… Now if you'll excuse me." Then he walked away towards the table where Eleanor stood.
Jasper walked up to the table and handed Eleanor her drink. She took it from him and stared at him from over the rim of her glass. She gave him a soft smile and said, "It sure took long."
"Sorry, there was a line," he replied taking his spot next to her. He looked at the people in the group and said, "I'm Jasper. It's nice to meet you."
The woman standing next to Charlotte smiled and said, "I know we saw the two of you on the tele but, Eleanor where did you find this one? And can you find me one?" she asked.
"Jamie…" Charlotte said in an embarrassed tone.
Eleanor glanced at Jasper and said, "I found him in the wine cellar, actually. He was suppose to be temporary but I like him so I guess I'm keeping him."
Jasper wrapped an arm around his waist and said, "She is a handful. But that's what I love about her." Then leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
"Nice safe, Bodyguard," she whisper as he pulled away from the kiss.
The group grew silent when a red hair woman walked up the table and pushed her way in between Charlotte and Jamie. Charlotte moved over and exhaled deeply as the woman smiled and said, "Sorry, am I interrupting?... I happen to see our Princess here and I had to come over." She then turned to Eleanor and said, "I don't think you remember me. I'm Emily. We had the Fashion 500 class together."
Eleanor placed a tight grin on her face and said, "Emily… How are you? Are you still working in fashion?"
Emily flipped some of her hair over her shoulder and said, "Yes, I am… But, instead of designing the clothes, I wear them on the runway. What about you, Your Highness, are you in fashion or was it just a hobby of yours? After all, why design things when you can have them made."
Charlotte cleared her throat and said, "Emily, your being rude… How much did you have to drink?"
Emily waved her hand in the air. "Don't worry… I'm not drunk. I'm just speaking the truth. She is the Princess after all. Besides she'll be getting married soon. We all know that designers will be hoping she'll pick them."
Eleanor turned to Charlotte and said, "Charlotte, this is a reunion after all… It's only right that we catch up." She turned her attention to Emily and said, "No I haven't designed anything since the last London Fashion Week. As you must have known because I saw your name on the sign up list to be one of my runway models however, at the end my staff did not pick you."
Emily quickly turned to take a glass of wine of the passing waiter's tray and then held it up in the air. With a grin she said, "Anyway, I think congratulations are in order. To Princess Eleanor and her Fiancé, Happy Marriage." She glanced around at the people around the table who slowly held up their glasses and took a sip.
Once Emily had taken a sip from her glass she placed it down on the table and said, "You know, when I first met your fiancé earlier, I didn't believe it when he told me he was you're your date."
Jasper and Eleanor glanced at each other. Eleanor took another sip of her drink and said, "Not many people do. After all, he is American." She then throw back her head and finished off her drink. She slammed down the glass and said, "I'm sorry, but Jasper and I have another engagement tonight. We must go."
Charlotte walked around the table and said, "But you just got here… Maybe we can meet up for drink when you are not too busy. I know I can use it." She winked at Eleanor, which caused her to smile.
"I'd love that. Take care, Charlotte." Eleanor leaned forward and gave her a quick hug before pulling back nodded at Jasper who said his good-byes to the people at the table. He glanced at Emily before walking with Eleanor.
Jasper slipped his phone into his back coat and then turned towards Eleanor who pulled her caplet closer towards her body. He removed his coat and said, "Here" He draped it on her shoulders as they stood in the light of the building.
"The car should be here in a few minutes," he said as she slipped her arms into the coat.
She nodded her head as they stood waiting. Jasper stood close to her as they waited.
"Where is the bloody car?" asked Eleanor as she stood now tapping her toes.
"GPS says it's turning the corning now," Jasper replied as he pulled his phone from the pocket of the jacket.
Just as the car pulled up the building, the door to the building swung open. Meanwhile, Jasper walked up quickly car and pulled the door of the back seat open for her. Eleanor was about to step into the car when someone called her name. She paused and turned to see who had called her.
Jasper watched as Eleanor turned to face person. He watched as she walked away from the car and towards Emily. He shut the door he felt himself step back in his role as Eleanor's bodyguard again. He stood a few inches away from her but facing the two women so he can quickly pull her back from the situation if needed.
"What do you want Emily?" Eleanor asked.
"Why did you really come to this reunion? There has not been any sign that said you would come. Did you come to show us how well you're doing as the Princess?" Emily asked staring at Eleanor.
"Why are you asking?" Eleanor asked.
"Answer the question" Emily paused then said, "Or are you too scared to answer the question?"
"Why? Are you scared to hear me say that I came back to rub all this in your face, Emily? You and I both know we have never gotten along yet here you are talking to me. What is it that you want beside to question me about coming here?" Eleanor asked starting to feel irritated.
"To pay me back for what you did," Emily replied.
Eleanor snorted at that comment. "It's been six years so why don't you remind me what it is that I need to pay your back for…"
"The final fashion show, I know you didn't create those designs. I saw you talking to Brody."
Eleanor nodded her head gingerly. She walked up to Emily and then without warning raised her right hand and slapped the redhead around the face.
Jasper quickly pulled Eleanor back and stood in front of her in case Emily wanted to return the slap.
"What the hell?!" Emily shouted now glaring at Eleanor.
"That is to wake you up. Brody was a trader to you. He attempted to give me your designs but I never took them. " Eleanor inhaled deeply. "I might be many things but a cheater is not one of them.
"It's been six years. Get over the fact that I beat you over a fashion show. If you believe in yourself and worked hard you could be famous by now. I've seen your work. It's better than mine. Nevertheless, you let someone like Brody and my title scare you off. You have what it takes you just need to believe in yourself."
"You don't know anything about me," Emily whispered glancing away for a second.
"No I don't, but I know a good designer when I see one," Eleanor said. "When you're ready stop by the palace; I know a few people who can help you out. I can arrange a meeting for your with them."
With that, Eleanor turned around and headed towards the car. Jasper quickly pulled open the car door and she stepped inside.
Once inside safety of the car Eleanor sighed. She waited for Jasper to enter and settle beside her before she rested her head against his shoulder. She waited for him to order the driver to pull away before she closed her eyes.
"Willow tells me they don't do reunions often, which means you won't have to see those people again," Jasper said as the car pulled away from the building.
"Thank god," Eleanor replied a few minutes later.
"You did go in there and I'm proud of you," Jasper said bending his head slightly to kiss her head. "I know facing people from your past isn't easy and you did it."
"I just want to go home and sleep," Eleanor whispered. "My brain hurts from having to recall so many names. If it were not for the name tags, I would have keep calling them 'you'.
Jasper chuckled slightly and then asked, "What about our date night? I have the wine in trunk. I thought we could go star gazing."
She lifted her head off his shoulders and said, "Bodyguard, you know we never get far with outdoor activities… We can do the star gazing from our new room… But I rather sleep than star gazing and break in our new bed."
Jasper smiled and said leaning over to kiss her, "I like the sound of that better than my idea.