Encounter

Part 22: Daddy's Home 1.

"Carolyn, what's wrong. Your leaning against the wall as if it's holding you up and your face is flushed. Come on in, I don't want to keep the gate opened, we are exposed" Freddie said.

"Freddie, I eh, I am not feeling too well, most  likely from the plane ride.

I would just like to lie down  for a bit if that's all right with you" Carolyn asked.

" Absolutely dear"

As Carolyn headed towards her room, Freddie entered his Japan room and called to Phoebe to bring him a Voddie tonic.

FREDDIE'S POV

What on earth is bothering Carolyn? She was perfectly fine in Montreux and the plane ride back. Why won't she tell me what's wrong?  She's acting very strangely, almost the same way she acted in La Gavroche....Oh.

Smiling, Freddie walked towards Carolyn's room and knocked softly.

Carolyn what's wrong?

Freddie could hear her faintly sobbing, opened the door and entered.

Carolyn, what's wrong dear? Please stop crying and let me try to help you.

"Oh Freddie, I'm so disheartened. Montreux was an eye opener for me. You're so renowned, the world knows you, you have made your mark,  your place so to speak on the world's menu. We walked the Swiss town and nobody accosted you. You weren't really bothered, you were allowed to live your life. I'm a nobody, a royal princess yes, but I haven't done anything substantial. My father parades me about as a figurehead for functions. I serve no real purpose except as a face for the nobility. That's not what I want out of life, I have aspirations,  talents. I play the violin rather well. I have political thoughts and it's as if I'm just a fairy-tale Princess locked up in the tower"  Carolyn said.

Dear me, thats not what I thought was bothering her, why do I have to be so self absorbed. I'm an asshole.

Carolyn, talk to your father, tell him what's bothering you. He loves you, he's not going to abandon you because you have these thoughts.

Carolyn stopped crying and looked at me with a funny smile, a strange exxpression, what did I say to her?

"Freddie, you'r so sweet, but you really don't understand my position in all this. It's as if I'm a full size cut out doll that gets trotted out for important appearances. I am given a script, I know exactly what I have to say and  what I have to do.  How my right hand goes up to wave to my people,  and then I'm locked away again. From a young age Freddie, I was groomed to be the perfect princess, poised, elegant and obedient. My every move was scrutinized and every word was measured. My primary role was  to  uphold the  honor of my family and  eventually marry a suitable noble to forge alliances. It's still very much like the dark  ages.

My father doesn't care about my dreams, not really. The funny thing is, he thought sending me to live with you was going to be some harsh punishment. Boy was he mistaken. Freddie Mercury, you have opened the world to me in many ways. Do you realize that?" Carolyn said as she sat down on the bed next to me. 

I stared at Carolyn, trying to fathom all that she just unleashed. Yeah,  unleashed  is the right word, she got it all out. How can I possibly help her?

EUREKA!!!

Carolyn, I have to run to the studio for a bit, something just popped up. Do whatever Phoebe tells you to do and I'll be back later.

I hope the guys go along with my idea. Brian is one hard nut to crack, but if he goes along with this I know Roger and John will follow.

"Phoebe, tell Terry to bring the car around and I'll be home for dinner. Not sandwiches, something  nice for Carolyn and myself" Freddie said.