Don't Leave Me Lonely

chapter 2

Flynn's POV:

"FLYNN!! Can you believe in 2 days' time, a new school year starts?!" my sister Cassandra or Cass screamed in my ear. "Yes, Cass I can believe it, it starts around that time every year" I laughed. Cass grumbled about me being a downer and flounced off, probably to the gardens to sulk. I let out a small smile and ran my hands through my hair. In truth, I wasn't excited for this year. Everything was always the same at Coventry. Everyone treated me like I was a celebrity and were afraid or fawning over me, and I excelled at my studies. Same deal every year. At least this year I was taking an elective I was actually interested in, which is art and music. Art was my escape, whether it be drawing or writing songs.

Sometimes I wished I was just a common boy, one who could play music for the people he loved and express himself. But alas, I could never do that. I had a role to play and a duty to uphold. Apparently, it was unbecoming of prince's to practice silly things like that when they had reputations to uphold. I needed to escape to my treehouse before school started so I could draw. My phone dinged with a text.

Juliette. To say she was slightly obsessed with me would be downplaying it. She believes we are destined to be together and that I am hers. Don't get me wrong, Julie is a beautiful girl and her title was certainly high enough to be with me. But, she's a terrible person and is shallower than the shallow end of a swimming pool. We have no spark, no flame, nothing that makes me want to spend the rest of my life with her. My mother and sister dislike her as well and that means she is never going to be anything close to my girlfriend or bride.

I ruffled through my desk drawer and looked for a new sketchpad. I had already used up my new one I had gotten about 2 weeks ago. I'd have to make a trip into town to get more sketch pads and paint as well. The clock hit 8 pm and I knew I should probably begin to get ready for bed so I would be well rested for my shopping trip tomorrow. I fell asleep with vivid dreams of a life outside of these palace walls and freedoms that I could never have.

When I awoke the next morning, the palace was bustling with activity. My mother and sister were preparing for the party that happens the Saturday after the first day of school. It's kind of a big deal, especially since the queen is hosting it. Everyone from school goes and it's one of the grandest parties of the year. Once I make my appearance, I'll probably steal away to my treehouse and paint or play guitar. I let my curtains open and looked across our beautiful grounds. Sure, it is beautiful but there is a whole world out there that I have never seen. I just wanted a chance to not be the prince, but just be a normal boy.

Around noon, my sister and I headed to town. I wanted some new art supplies, to check out some guitars, and some new blazers. Our dress code was business casual, to prepare us for the workplace. Not that I would really have to worry about that in the future. I fiddled on my phone in the car on our way to town. I checked my instagram account and looked at my requests. While my sister loved having tons of social media followers, I purposefully only let people who go to my school or that I have talked to before follow me. It still equaled almost 2,300 people, but it was better than having tons of people in my personal life. Julie had commented on my newest post again with a series of emojis. I rolled my eyes and just liked her comments. Everyone at school just assumed we were together or at least talking, but the truth is I've never had feelings for her and I never will.

Once we got to town, I was quick to split ways with my sister as she immediately met up with her friends. I hurried to my favorite shop for art supplies. "Flynnie!!" the glowing, pregnant Marise yelled at me. Marise and her husband, Roy were the owners of this little art shop. I used to paint in the back of their studio when I was younger and Marise taught me different techniques to improve my work. They were really the only two to ever care about my passion for art and music and always made sure to check in on me. "Marise! You look beautiful as always. Where's Roy gotten to?" "He's out picking up some new packages with some supplies. I'm guessing you need some more sketchpads? It's been longer than I thought, possibly a new record." she laughed brightly at me. I turned a little red at the observation and thanked her for my supplies as I scuttled out of the shop.

In my embarrassed haste of leaving the shop, I bumped straight into someone and knocked them to the ground. I gasped as I frantically tried to pick up their bags. "I'm terribly sorry!" I said to the stranger. I finally looked up and I knew my pupils dilated at what I saw. In front of me had to be possibly the most ethereal girl I have ever seen. She had light green/hazel eyes with dark brown hair. She had the poutiest lips with an oval face shape. As an artist, I always notice people's features right away and she was the perfect subject. My mouth was probably opened like a fish as I tried to think of what to say. God, I was such an idiot. I had just knocked the most gorgeous girl I have ever seen flat on the ground. She let out a tinkling laugh and then insisted it was okay. American. I deduced she must be new to town considering this was a pretty small area and we didn't commonly have Americans in our marketplace. Her accent was mesmerizing and her voice was like the ocean at sunset.

I slowly handed her things to her and rose to my feet extending my hand to help her up. At least I could remember my manners since I couldn't remember my words. She gave me a small smile, took my hand and pulled herself up. She was quite light and petite. She muttered a small thank you and then dashed off before I could get her name or even introduce myself. I sighed as I watched the mystery girl disappear through the crowds. I knew exactly what my next art project was going to be.