Monarchy

Chapter 2: Meeting a Prince

I had forgotten it was a weekend when I went downstairs for breakfast. Expecting everyone but my mother gone I screamed when Zack came from around the corner.

"Shut up would you? There's no need to wake the neighbors. Mom and Dad went out of town, don't expect them until tomorrow night." Our closest neighbor was at least a mile away, or so I always heard mother gripe. It wasn't the first time my parents went away, but it was the first time Zack stayed behind. "You should at least get your responsibilities done." I scoffed at him and walked toward the backyard. Zack called after me but I ignored him. He would probably make me pay later.

My window faced out this way. I stared at the long pool. I only swam when I was alone, but my muscles were aching from the stress. I didn't own proper swim clothing but I was already in the shorts I usually wore. I pulled my long arms up just like my mother showed me and I dived in.

The water was cold but I expected as much in late September. My mid October I would have to start running again. I stayed under water, pushing myself forward until my lungs burned. I came up for air and continued to the other end. On the way back I imagined a waterfall, as I pretended to cross under it I pushed my stress and fears away. It didn't last long because Zack waited for me with his arms crossed at the edge.

"You're giving up on your duties for a swim" His voice was stern and disapproving, much like our father's when I was first got caught. "you're stupid, you know that?" Yes, I didn't, or at least I'd assumed. Maybe, if I were smart they would include me in conversations at dinner. "I'll be back for you in thirty minutes you better feel done by then." I nodded and he walked away. I never knew how quickly time passed, but I knew for sure I never had enough of it. I went back to swimming and clearing my head.

My thirty minutes must be up. I was huffing by the time I had climbed out. "I've been here for the past five minutes. You should pay more attention."

"Why are you making me get out? It's not like I have too much to do."

"Because we're going out." My heart stopped. "I need something new to wear and don't feel like going alone. So dress up nice and do something with your hair." I couldn't contain my excitement. "Oh, and Abrianna, if anyone asks, you were my graduation present." I gawked. Bought me? I don't know what I was expecting, of course Zack wouldn't openly call me his sister. I assume he told everyone he was an only child.

An hour later Zack was banging on the door telling me to rush. I wakled outside the bathroom with my hair draped over my shoulders. I was dressed in my best, but Zack didn't look too impressed. "What?"

"That's the best you've got?" He raised an eyebrow at me. I looked down, self-conscious suddenly. "Whatever. Let's go." We went to what Zack described as 'the Best Store in Town'. I couldn't help but be awestruck at the sights before me. there were so many stores I doubt we would go in them all. I paused in front of one that had animals, they were adorable. Zack promised we would come back to them, after he called me a tourist. Whatever that was.

Zack's store had golden watches and black suits. He always dressed better than me and now I knew why. My father must have given him money. I was caught up in something shiny, when I heard someone call Zack's name. I don't know what they were talking about, but when Zack jut his thumb toward me I walked over.

"She was a gag gift for graduation. My dad was trying to get me back for Christmas last year. She's nothing more than dog meat." I covered my mouth with my hand and choked back tears. I turned and fled out the door. I never heard Zack call after me, nor did I turn back to see if he was following me. Men, women, and children crowded the streets. I tried to push through them all only to have them yell at me. The clothes I was wearing were getting torn, my hair kept getting snagged. I cried out in pain but no one cared.