Him...

Chapter 1

I've read thousands of novels in my life, most of them claiming that love was somehow the center of the universe, the reason of all being...that it could heal the broken, that it was what we needed to survive. I've always know that that's where it ended...in the novels, mere fantasy. But that all changed when I met him.

" Francesca...Fran!"

Every story has a bright character full of wisdom, that makes life just a little more bearable , well Annie was mine. A French-raised, petite blonde beauty always there to lighten the room with her smile and gorgeous green eyes ,well at least that was the case most of the time.

I sarcastically put my novel down to hear what she so desperately had to say

"Spite me your attitude today, Fran. I have  the best of news"

"Enlighten me..."

" Lord Walter-more is traveling to the Caribbean's,"

" The point, Annie..."

"He shall be leaving his castle in Birbury for the summer, two commoners shall take responsibility for it"

"Annie..."

" You can finally take a rest from you multiple responsibility and go off to the country, a change of scenery, finally!"

My life was a bit much for the average 22 year old. My dad suffered from schizophrenia and mum passed when I was barely 6, in 1950. I had to juggle responsibilities...like work at tiny little bookstore, don't get me wrong, I loved it. I could lose all sense of reality,which is much needed considering my life wasn't the ideal situation. Working there made me a little income, just enough to live by. But father's conditions limited my ability to do...pretty much anything.

As a child, my father worked as the right hand man for Annie's father, the Duke. Up until his condition sprang on us, we lived fine. Much changed in the nick of time, but it's life. My life wasn't as perfect as Annie's. Her father was the Duke, and her mom was a Parisian designer. They lived in a enormous castle here in Birmingham, and knew of all the important people across the entire country. I'd confidently say for such a background, Annie was rather humble. I guess that's why she is my only friend. That and her persistency, of course.

"Fran, I beg of you. Father would be more than delighted to have someone watch over Sir Scott."

"Your father has done so much for us already, he's quite a busy man, I'd hate to burden him"

"I'm sure father wouldn't mind. Stop being so stubborn"

"Look Annie, you wouldn't understand, but I have quite the load on my plate,"

Ouch! A little harsh,

I apologized, I knew I had crossed the line.

"I'll forgive you if you take the train Monday for Birbury!" She had the biggest smile on her face, simply bright and convincing.

It would be so hard to decline, but I had to. There was simply too much to take care of. And how could people of royalty allow one of African descent to have hold of an entire castle. What are the odds...

"Annie, I'm so sorry. I simply just cannot..."

"You have to! Please Francesca, I merely just want the best for you. Is that too much to ask for? Your father, I assure you, will be in great hands. And I'll even cover your shifts. It's just three months..."

" So I'm just supposed to live with a stranger for a whole three months, that's absurd Annie"

She's silent.

"What does one do in a castle anyway?"

"Well Fran, that's the whole point. It's all in your control "

I called it a day, packed up my things and Annie and I walked to my home. She kept blabbing on about how she started horse riding lessons but my mind was far off. My mind was completely trying to convince myself not to go on to Birbury. Was this really my chance to breath? Was this even a wise choice? I had to decide.