I Miss You: Caitlyn's Journey

Chapter 6: My Prince

It had been a couple days since that day with James. If all had gone according to plan, it would be my last full day in London before going home. But now I had more to worry about besides slight disappointment about leaving and the smothering I’d get when I returned home. Huh, home...That would be so easy. Now I have to worry about what I’m going to eat. What I’m going to wear. Where I’m going to live. I have to find a place to stay since I doubt the hotel would let me stay here. Knowing Rose, she’d willingly risk her job on a young helpless stranger on me. So I decided I wouldn’t tell her. I don’t want her to get in trouble by hiding me here. I got out of bed and put on the last pair of clean clothes I had. A black tank top with a floor length cardigan and normal jeans. The tank top was very well fitting in all the right places and the pants were tight enough to look hot without looking skanky. The cardigan made me look elegant and royal. I looked good! I slid on some flats and headed out. I’m obviously going to be here for a while so I should come up with a plan. I got some breakfast and coffee and sat down at an empty table. I got my notebook and a pen from my backpack.
“First things first, I need a place to live.” I mumbled to myself. Whenever I was doing something important, I mumbled and I bit my lip. Two things I started doing a lot more during my time in London. I wanted to write something but my mind went blank. How was I supposed to find a place to live in a day?
“Who are you talking to?” James sat down across from me. I was so focused I didn’t hear him. “Hey, Caitlyn! You ok?” He woke me up from my trance. I looked at him sadly.
“No. I don’t have any money, any food, any shelter, and I don’t know what to do.” I sighed deeply.
“You can’t stay here?”
“You think they’d let me stay here for free?”
“Well, there must be something I can do to help.”
“What would be great is if I had my phone.” I hissed sarcastically. I know I shouldn’t take out my anger on him but he was kind of the only one here. I know it’s not a good excuse but I was just so angry.
“Well, I found this phone while I was cleaning tables.” James pulled out of his pocket, this silver phone that changes color when you move it in a certain way. It was my phone! I must have left it on the table when I went to get ready and they told us to stay in our rooms.
“James! I can’t believe you found it!” I got up and did a little happy dance before wrapping James in my arms. Biggest mistake of my life. He smelled like sugar and cinnamon sprinkled in a forest. I legitimately had to stop myself from sniffing him. Ricky always smelled like fresh rain and I loved that but this was different. It was strange and unfamiliar. I liked it, which was really not good. I pulled away sooner than I wanted to. “Uh sorry.” I apologized.
“Don’t be. So who’s gonna be your first call?” James asked with slightly reddened cheeks that I pretended not to notice. But it was an interesting question. Who could I call that would help me. I’d love to call Ricky again but I doubt he’d be able to do anything. I really should call my parents but they can’t help me either. I’ll make a note to let them know I’m ok but first I need to call the only person who had any chance at helping me.
“My friend Julika. She grew up here, maybe she has something that can help me.” He nodded in reply. I sighed in relief when I heard her pick up.
“My god, Caitlyn.” Julika breathed.
“I know, it’s...a mess. But I need your help. Is there anything you can help me with in terms of living situations or money?” I asked hopefully.
“I can’t help you with a place to stay but I might have some money lying around, it’s going to require me digging up an old memory so hang tight.” I was so thankful for her.
“Thank you so much Julika. You have literally saved my life.” I squealed and hung up.
“Good news?” James asked me obviously. I smiled and nodded my head like a little girl asked if she wanted ice cream.
“I just need to find a place to live.” I sighed.
“Well...I have some money on the way but I still need a place to live.” James rubbed the back of his neck as his cheeks turned red. I ignored it the first time he did it but I am not letting it slide now. “You’re blushing.”
“You’re observant.” He chuckled embarrassed. “I was thinking that you could come live with me, my grandma and my siblings.” He looked at me hopefully. Did...did he want me to stay with him? It was sweet in a creepy, perverted kind of way. I mean, I just met this guy, he could be crazy, or a murderer, or something just as bad. But he was with his grandma. And I really have nowhere else to go. Plus, he was in my room while I was sleeping and he didn’t do anything to me. This really is my only option. But I’d have to meet his grandma first.
“Fine, but I have to meet your grandmother first. Make sure she’s real.” I half-joked. He looked confused which only confused me. Did he honestly think I was just going to live with some strange guy I just met without so much as a background check?
“You...you have met my grandma.” James said, confusing me even more. We were both silent until I finally realized.
“Rose is your grandmother?!” I shouted (man, I have got to stop doing that). James chuckled.
“Yeah, you didn’t know?” He smiled at me.
“Well, she’s so kind and sweet and you’re so rude and annoying.” I chuckled.
“Interesting choice of words for the man giving you a place to stay.” I stopped laughing and smiled warmly at him.
“Very true.Thank you, James.” I hugged him. It was different from the hug we had before. This was expected and welcomed. I didn’t plan to hug him before, it was just out of excitement. Now, I can savor it. My nose was greeted with the same scent as before. He was warm but not sweaty and I fit into his form perfectly. That’s the fifth thing about me and Ricky. We never hugged. We punched lightly, we ruffled hair, we side-hugged but as for full on hugging, it just never happened between us. I used to dislike hugging people, it was strange and unfamiliar. Uncharted territory. But with James, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. I felt him run his fingers through my hair and gently breathe on my neck. It was probably the most relaxed I’ve been since I got trapped here. We slowly pulled away, both equally satisfied and smiled at each other. Nothing was tense or awkward between us at that moment. “I should start packing.” I said softly.
“Trying to get away from me already?” James joked. I shook my head as I bit my lip. James smiled. He rubbed my hand in a way that made me hum quietly in content. “I should go.” James stood up.
“Why?” I frowned. He flashed me those beautiful green eyes I’m guilty of getting lost in.
“I gotta get ready for the princesses' arrival.” My eyes widened. I sat my knees on the booth and looked at him over it like a child.
“The princess is coming here?! Will I get to meet her?” I started rambling. James interrupted me by laughing. “What?” I asked. James' laughter died down. He walked up to me and held my face in his hands.
“I meant you.” He said bluntly but softly. My cheeks reddened. James made a face acknowledging my redness without making me feel insecure about how easily I got embarrassed. Well, I’ve been demoted from queen to princess. I’ll have to reevaluate who I want as my prince.

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