My father's Princess

Chapter 11

Grandaughter? Ok that proves it. This lady is completely off her rocker. Everyone stood silent for a really long time. It seemed as if the birds stopped singing, the wind stopped blowing, the cows stopped mooing- everything stood completely still. Finally the frail lady spoke up, "I know this a shock. Why don't we go inside? I will have Gabriella brew some tea, and you can ask me any questions you have." Tea actually didn't sound to bad. After news that big, my throat became dry and scratchy. I simply nodded as we walked into the house. Everything in the kitchen was in a shade of purple- violet stool cushions, fuchsia cups, plum curtains, periwinkle place mats, and multiple wine colored picture frames. That's when I noticed most of the picture frames contained a girl, her mom and dad, and a very plump orange cat. I picked up the nearest one to examine it closer as the maid brought us three glasses of mint tea. "That was Sara-Lynn when she was about four. We took that picture right after she lost her first tooth." I glanced at the gap between the toddlers pearly whites then set it down to inspect more. "That picture was taken only right before she left with your father, how is he by the way?" My eyes fell from the picture to the floor as I mumbled, "He passed away in the military when I was thirteen." The old lady's smile vanished as her eyes too fell to the floor. Coopers arm slid around my waste and he pulled me in closer. "I-I'm sorry Annabelle, I had know idea."
"How would you? You haven't been in my life since I was born so how would you know something as big as my dad dying trying to prove he was good enough for your daughter." Lydia remained quiet, obviously hurt. I turned my attention back to the picture in my hand. Then I noticed the man standing behind my mom with a hand on her shoulder. I thought my grandpa left when she was only a mere six years old. Was he her stepdad? If so why hadn't mom mentioned him before and where was he now? "Who's he?" I asked breaking the silence. "That your grandpa Wayne."
"I thought he left when mom was only six?"
"No, he left about a week after Sara-Lynn did. He was disappointed that I had a daughter who was so defiant and so disobedient that she would run away to marry a stable boy over the king ruining the family name in the process." Mom lied. I wasn't so much as confused as I was mad. She made me believe she had it worse. She made me believe that I was just being a baby over my fathers death. She made me believe she knew how I felt. "How had she even known that he left then?"
"Well after I found where you guys were living I sent a letter every week." What else had mom lied about? Why would she not want us to know that we had a grandma who loved us even though she didn't know us? "Did she ever reply?"
"Once. Right after the first letter, but after that no."
"How did you find out about me and my siblings then?" Lydia let out a small chuckle. "I may be old, but I still have a TV. After I found out Sara-Lynn was dating the king, it didn't take long to figure out about you and everyone else." Lydia was growing on me but I still wasn't sure I wanted to call her my grandma. Not yet anyway.
"Lydia, do you still have the letter?"
"Of course," she said as she walked over to a mahogany chest in the living room. She pulled out another wine colored picture frame out. The frame was the exact same as the others except this one had the word family across the top in fancy letters. Inside was a piece of paper starting to turn ochre from over the years. She handed me the frame and I took it with curiosity, wondering what else mom had lied to the both of us about.

To Lydia Rockwell, March 23, 2264
I do not care for your apologies, nor your pity, for my life is wonderful. I am soon to be a mother and we live in a grand house. I don't have to worry about pesky parents determining my life, saying I'm too young, and too unexperienced, and too naive, and too this, and too that. Well mom I have proved you wrong and I for one am not surprised Wayne left you. For he was embarrassed that he ever married a women so inadequate at being a mom. You and Wayne were terrible role models. I'm happy my kids will know what a true parent is. Also, dad was right about the Rockwell name being an embarrassment, not because of me, but because of the terrible parents that possess the name. This is the last you will hear of me and may I say, that puts a smile on my face. Goodbye Lydia.
Without love,
Sara-Lynn Carmichael.

I set down the letter full of dubiety. I couldn't believe mom had actually said that. We had lived in a shanty like house until the triplets were born. From what I had read it seemed that it was mostly Wayne who disapproved of my father, not Lydia. "You apologized?"
"Well certainly! Your father was a great man. Even though Katrina and I were slightly disappointed it was your grandfather who wouldn't allow his blessing." I felt my love for Lydia growing stronger. I didn't know why mom would keep this from us. Suddenly my side buzzed. I grabbed my phone from my pocket and looked at the text that I had just received.

Where are you? Get your butt home now!

I winced just imagining the fierce yelling or perhaps beating I would get when I went home. As much as I wanted to stay and talk with my grandmother I had to get going. I thanked her for everything and promised to visit soon, well as soon as my lifetime grounding was over. Cooper and I didn't talk much on the way home but that was fine with me. I had many thoughts going through my mind that I was trying to sort out. I starred out the window. The sun was setting and Stars shown brightly up above. I hadn't realized how long I had been gone. When we arrived at the castle cooper walked me back to the castle. He stopped outside the grand door. I looked at him and he seemed to have something on his mind. Finally he spoke. "I was think about how to ask you this, and I know you have a lot on your mind with the whole Lydia being your grandma thing, but-" He paused then took a deep breath and spoke fast. "Every moment I spend with you I can't help but smile ." I was in shock. I knew he felt the same way as I did, but I didn't expect that to be his question. "Of course." And with that I planted a small kiss on his cheek and opened the doors, ready to face the beast.