The Fallen Princess

The Seventh Fall

In the bustling hallway, the graceful strides of a captivating young woman quickened, matching the determined pace of a sturdy and appealing young man. Their proximity and the endearing gestures of the girl might lead one to believe they were engaged in a playful flirtation. However, unbeknownst to onlookers, the girl's charming demeanor concealed persistent questions that had been repeatedly echoing through the young man's day with an unwavering insistence. Despite having received the same answer countless times, she pressed on, oblivious to the accumulating strain on the young man's patience, signified by the subtle emergence of a dark aura around him.

Undeterred by the mounting tension, the resilient girl continued to demand the young man's assistance.

"You know, I never thought I'd say this, but you're becoming seriously annoying," declared Evan, his frustration evident as Eve pouted beside him, attempting to match his pace. However, she wasn't ready to concede and countered, "But you said I was fun! Your opinion seems to have some contradiction!"

Evan sighed, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "I said that because you were fun until this day arrived when you didn't keep asking the same thing over and over again."

Undeterred, Eve pleaded, "Just help me once, please! I'll repay you in whatever way you want. Maybe I'll help you win over that special someone, or I'll assist you with anything within my capabilities in the future."

Reluctantly, Evan acquiesced, proposing a condition. "Fine. Take the lead in chemistry class and impress Ed with your skills. Do a stellar job, and maybe, just maybe, he will take notice of you." As Evan's advice sank in, Eve felt a twinge of regret for her persistent questioning, akin to a sudden splash of cold water. Nevertheless, driven by the need for reassurance, she steeled herself for the task at hand.

"And how do you expect me to impress him when I'm always getting E or F on my chemistry tests?" Unsatisfied with Evan's initial response, Eve pressed on with another question. Evan sighed audibly, "You're hopeless. I still can't believe that brainy girl called you smart."

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious," Eve retorted, her hands clasped in a pleading gesture, "Please, help the utterly useless me."

"Fine, it might be a stretch, but forget about this chemistry class. Start studying hard until next week and prove to him that you're not as clueless as your grades suggest. Today, just stick to your usual routine." Eve nodded in agreement, finding his revised suggestion more palatable, "Great idea. Oh, the bell's ringing. I'm off to my chemistry class. Bye." Evan casually waved, turning away. 

As Eve watched him depart, a mix of emotions played across her face. When she reached her destination, the chemistry class, she spotted Edmund in yesterday's seat, wearing a sullen expression that hinted at lingering discomfort from the unexpected kiss on the cheek. Eve had assumed he would forgive her, given his reputation as a kind-hearted prince, but his current demeanor suggested otherwise. Perhaps, she mused, his status as the 'unreachable man' had led to a change in attitude. Edmund, contrary to his affable nickname, seemed to be unapproachable, and he rarely extended invitations to join his tight-knit group of childhood friends.

I might have a chance since this is the first time he asked someone to join his group.

***

Spotting the man as he settled into his seat, Eve greeted him casually, "Hey, Ed." In response, he offered a bitter smile that betrayed a sense of dissatisfaction.

"Hey."

"Ed, I want to apologize about yesterday. I consulted with my flir— I mean my close friend, Evan, and he made me realize I messed up."  Eve nearly slipped, almost revealing her flirtatious partner. She couldn't help but wonder if it was wise for her crush to know about this aspect of her life.

Considering her school's awareness of her infamous nickname, the "Flirting Princess," Eve assumed Edmund was likely aware of it. The whole school knew, after all. So, shamelessly, she carried on.

"It's just how my parents raised me. They taught me it's okay to give a guy a goodbye kiss on the cheek." Unconsciously, Eve touched her neck, a subtle sign that she was lying. Edmund remained silent. Despite knowing her explanation was far-fetched, Eve felt compelled to offer some kind of justification for her actions, hoping it would bring them closer.

"Is that so?" he commented.

"Yeah."

"In that case, I forgive you. Just don't do it again. Save those goodbye kisses for someone you really like." His words, surprisingly understanding, made Eve nod with a grateful smile. She hadn't expected him to be so easily convinced. Reflecting on it later, she realized Edmund's kind-hearted prince nickname wasn't just for show, he genuinely seemed like too nice of a person. And surprisingly, he turned out to be quite conservative.

"So, are we good for today's class?" she asked, to which he nodded in response. This affirmative reply brought a genuine, happy smile to Eve's face that lasted until the end of the class.

***

As the class concluded, Eve marveled at Edmund's innate genius, effortlessly grasping assignments with just one explanation from the teacher. They always finished first, thanks to him. No wonder... Edmund was the heir to the prestigious Kingsley family. Eve was convinced that he would excel in his other classes, just as he had for the past two years. Unfortunately, they had never exchanged words or been in the same class before. Their paths diverged after each class, marked only by shared smiles.

As the bell rang, students filed into the corridor, stowing away their workbooks and textbooks in lockers. Eve, too, was no exception. Unlocking her private locker, she was startled when a cascade of discarded items meant for the trash spilled out, creating a mess on the floor. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Carla, the usual troublemaker, was behind this.

Bitterness swirled within Eve as she reflected on her own naivety, allowing Carla to exploit her vulnerabilities. Why couldn't Carla be more like Lindsay, another sidekick of hers who remained passive? Was Carla vying to replace Eve, trying to be the new queen bee with her newfound followers?

Despite Eve's kindness in the past towards Carla, offering her coveted branded clothes and accessories, Carla had taken it all for granted. The twinge of bitterness deepened within Eve. Unexpectedly, Evan appeared, patting Eve's head and sniffing the air. He noticed the mess in Eve's locker and questioned, "Is this what they call 'bullying'?"

"Woah, you've never seen any bullying in this school before?" Eve retorted sarcastically. Evan acknowledged his lack of experience, and Eve admitted this was her first encounter with such a situation. She didn't know how to react, having never been on the receiving end or witnessed such behavior before.

Switching the topic to Edmund, Evan shared that they had just finished their chemistry class together. Eve expressed her admiration for Edmund's intelligence but lamented the lack of progress in their relationship.

Eve brightened up when Evan mentioned Edmund's upcoming birthday party, recalling the attractive cousins from the previous year's celebration. Evan suggested changing her focus from Edmund to one of his cousins, prompting Eve to consider it as a last resort.

Rejecting Evan's offer of help with her dress, Eve mentioned the possibility of borrowing money for a part-time job, which surprised Evan. However, Eve hesitated, aware that Edmund would probably disapprove of her behavior, taking Evan's generous offer. Finally, she reluctantly informed Evan that she would accept his offer a day before if needed.

As they parted ways, Evan asked if she needed a ride home, but Eve hoped for Edmund to offer one. Eve moved towards the station, praying that Edmund's car hadn't left. Luck was on her side once more as a familiar luxurious vehicle pulled up, and the window slid down slowly.

***