One In A Million

11: My Princess

Jake's POV

Why did you do this to me, my princess? It used to be just the two of us but now... You've changed... You're not the Charlotte I used to know... Who are you?

I remembered the times when she'd have to rely on me. She wasn't even the social type of girl.

I was thrilled to be meeting up with her again but once I saw her, she wasn't the Charlotte I knew long ago... What made her change?

*knock knock*

My mom was knocking on my door, signaling that it was time for lunch. I sighed and got out of bed, "Let's put these thoughts aside."

I went out of my room and sat in the table and started eating silently.

"Jake, you've visited Charlotte's house once, right?" my mom spoke, breaking the silence. "Yes. When we got back here last Thursday. She's still living in the same place as before, mom. Why?" I informed as I continued eating my food.

"Can you do me a favor and give these treats to Charlotte?" she handed me a bag full of delicious treats. "Can't you do it yourself, mom?" I asked, annoyed.

"As much as I would love to do that..." she trailed off. "This seems familiar..." I thought, knowing my mother she has something in mind.

"I wanted you two to bond more ever since you came back. You missed her a lot when we were in Australia." she finished. "I knew it. This was what she planned all along." I put on a straight face.

"You wanted to make up for the time you two lost, right? So why not now?" my mom smiled at me.

Sarah's POV (Jake's mom)

I didn't want him to be depressed again. In fact, that's what he always felt ever since we were in Australia.

I couldn't bear to see him like that so as soon as his father's job was finished we quickly made our way back here.

~Flashback~

"Hey Jake! Wanna play?" two kids approached my son. "No thanks. I don't feel like it." he declined their offer.

I watched him from the inside of his classroom. I was in a parent-teacher conference. It seems that their adviser has some concerns towards my child.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Cresure. I called you here to talk about Jake, your son." the teacher spoke, putting me out of my thoughts.

"Ah yes. Is there anything wrong with him? Has he been misbehaving?" I asked. "No ma'am. He's doing quite well in class. It's just that he hasn't been quite ebullient. Is he having any trouble at home, perhaps?" the teacher finished.

"No, not at all. He's quite cheerful and joyous at home, especially when he gets a call from his friends back in California." I informed her.

"I see... So that's what seems to be case..." the teacher trailed off. I gave a questioning look.

"Oh, my apologies ma'am but your son must be feeling homesick. I guess missing his friends back home must feel quite depressing." she gave a sad smile.

"I see... Thank you. I'll try to talk about it with him. I'm sorry to make you worry." I said as I walked out the classroom making my way to the playground.

As I made my way there, I saw that Jake spotted me and quickly went over to me with a big smile on his face, "Are we going home now, mom? Can we stop for ice cream on the way?" I patted his head and nodded.

As we walked home with our ice creams in tact, I looked at his smiling face. "You know Jake, if there's anything bothering you just tell me, okay?" I reassured him.

He stopped at his tracks and I did so too. "Can we... Can we go back home? To California?" he looked up at me with tears in the corner of his eyes.

I was stunned but I quickly made my way to hug and comfort him. "I know you want to go back but we can't for a while, okay? Daddy is gonna be working here for a while but I promise you that we will go back." I smiled at him while patting his head.

"Promise?" he sniffed. "I promise." I said as I wiped the tears away. "You just have to bear with it until then, okay?" I stood up and held his hand. "Okay." he said and we continued on walking home.

~Present~

"You were planning on visiting her later, right? So please, just do this for me? You've been waiting this long, haven't you?" I gave him a sad smile.

"Alright." he said, giving in to my request. I clasped both my hands together. "I'm glad to hear that, dear." I smiled at him.

Jake's POV

I was already making my way to Charlotte's house with the bag of sweets in my hand. I feel anxious for some reason but I ignored the feeling. I didn't feel this last time so I shouldn't be feeling this now.

I was now at her front doorstep and that was quicker than I expected.

I knocked on the door and waited for her to open it. The door knob turned and, to my luck, the one who answered it was Blake.

I felt a stab go through my heart, "What is he doing here?! At Charlotte's house even?!" I put on an annoyed look and so did he.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, irritation written all over his face. "I should be asking you the same thing." I glared at him which made him glare back.

"Who's at the door, Blake?" I saw Charlotte approach the both of us. "Jake? What are you doing here?" she asked, confused.

"P-princess!" "Charlotte!" we said at once and glared at each other after. "Do you need anything? Why don't you come inside." she gestured for me to come in.

"No thanks. You seem kinda busy I'll just come back at a later date. I only stopped by to give this to you." I handed her the bag.

"It's from aunty. She's sending her regards... I'll be off then." I can't believe this and to think I could spend some alone time with her.

"Oh! This will go lovely with tea. Come and join us, Jake. My most trusted knight." I looked back at her and she smiled genuinely at me and I didn't do anything but to follow her command.

"You're still the princess I once knew. And to think you've forgotten about us."