Young Royals: Part 2

Chapter 6: Wilhelm

As soon as I entered Simon's house, warmth enveloped Wilhelm. A house, where people just...lived.

"Welcome, Wilhelm," called Simon's mom. "The pizza just arrived. You good with pepperoni?"

"Yeah, definitely," Wilhelm responded.

"You just walked into our weekly dumb movie night. Next up: Dodgeball. You game?" teased Sara.

Simon rolled his eyes, "It's the dumbest of the dumb, Wille, but it was Sara's turn to pick, so we're kinda stuck."

"Oye, it's a good movie, mijo! Live a little!" called Simon's mom from the kitchen. "Here are some snacks. Let's get this movie night started!"

Simon grabbed a place on the couch and motioned for Wilhelm to come sit by him. Sara and their mom both chose chairs facing the TV. Simon pulled a blanket over them as Sara turned off the lights.

This is what normal families do, isn't it? thought Wilhelm. This was just...nice. No politics, no business, no what-will-they-think or who-will-see. Just a family, watching a movie and eating pizza together on a Saturday night.

Wilhelm and Simon cuddled on the couch, holding hands and putting their heads on each others' shoulders. No one even looked back to notice.

This was how it was supposed to be.

*2 hours later*

As the movie ended, Simon's mom turned off the TV and announced, "Right. We're thrilled to have you Wille, honestly we are. Let's just set some ground rules, eh? Number one. Doors stay open, got it?"

Simon grumbled, "Got it..."

His mom's eyes slanted. "Number two. You sleep in your room, Wille sleeps on the couch. Sixteen-year-olds will not be...cohabitating in my house. Don't make me come check. Can I trust you, mijo?"

Simon rolled his eyes. "You can trust me..."

"Ok. Simon, can you get the extra frazadas out of the closet and make up the couch for your guest?"

"Got it," called Simon.

As Simon was leaving the room, Simon's mom motioned to Wilhelm to the kitchen table. "Sit down for a second. I'd like to chat with you."

Nervous, Wilhelm joined her at the table.

"I feel like we've just never had a chance to talk, just you and me," said Simon's mom, kindly. "Tell me, what do you like to do for fun?"

"Um, I like to row, I think. And I played the piano all growing up, but I haven't played for a little while now. I'd like to learn how to play the drums next, I think. I sometimes play video games when I have the time."

"Huh. That explains Simon joined the rowing team," said Simon's mom, her eyes laughing.

"Wille, I have to say, Simon really likes you. But, you have to understand, this is all new for us." She laughed. "Not just the part about you being from the royal family. The whole Simon dating part. You're the first guy Simon's really shown an interest in. I just want you to know that I am going to try my best, but this is going to be tough for me, for all of us."

Wilhelm nodded, relieved. "I totally understand, ma'am. This is new for me, too. And about your rules, I get that. I wouldn't do anything to violate your trust."

"Thank you for saying that, Wille," Simon's mom said, looking up. "Oye, that couch ready to go, mijo?"

"Yes!" called Simon from the next room.

"Off you go," she said. "I'm going to bed. Don't stay up too late, boys. And remember. Estoy confiando en ti. Don't make me have to open a closed door."

Simon snorted uncomfortably, "Ya, mamá. Te entiendo. Night!"

"Night," she called back.