Uncovered

Chapter 13 : The Beginning

MAL

It feels so long ago that I said goodbye to Ben, but it's only been a month. We were pressed against the side of his limo, his hands on my lower back and our foreheads touching.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay?" He asked for like the tenth time, "I can stay if you want me to". He was worried about leaving me alone since was still in crutches.

"No" I placed my hands on his chest, "you have royal duties, and I'm going to be busy with school and physical therapy anyway". I smiled caressing his face. "Go before I change my mind".

"I'll be back to come get you as soon as you finish school" he leaned in and kissed me passionately. I could have been there for hours, but sooner or later he had to go. When we finally came apart I could still feel his cool breath on the bridge of my nose.

"I love you" he said our foreheads touching again.

"I love you too" I moved back as he got into the limo.

I really wanted him to stay, but I knew he had to go. I waved before clutching back to my room.

For a while it was me, Carlos Jane, Fairy Godmother, and a few other kids that needed summer school. Slowly the kids began to leave and now it's just Carlos, Jane, Fairy Godmother and I, but today the day Ben comes back for me. I no longer have to wear the knee brace or the crutches. My face is almost cleared up except for a slight scar on my forehead. I still need the black wrist splint, but physical therapy is going really well so my doctor said I could start alternating days with and without the splint in a couple of weeks. My knee still bothers me sometimes, but my doctor said that was normal and that I should keep the knee brace just in case it started to really bother me.

I wouldn't admit I've been waiting for Ben to arrive since I woke up, but when he texted that he was here I let out an excited shriek. I grab my duffle bag and head downstairs. I see him as woo as I walk out of the building. He is walking towards me in his usual blue blazer and khakis. I would run towards him, but I'm not ready to run yet. I drop my bag when I come face to face with him. He lifts me up and spins me around making me smile.

"You're not broken anymore!" He says surprised as he puts me back on the ground.

"Uh" I say offended, a smile still on my face as I hit him softly with my good hand. "Don't be rude".

He smiles and pulls me into a deep kiss. I run my hands through his hair and his hands are still wrapped tightly around me.

"God I missed you" his voice is low as our mouths separate.

"I missed you too" I move to pick up my bag, but he grabs it first before taking my hand into his. We start walking slowly to the limo hand in hand. He knows I'm still recovering from my knee so he watches me like a hawk.m

"Ben" I complain, "I can walk. You don't need to look at me like I'm going to break".

"Sorry" he apologizes. "I'm just sad I couldn't get your first steps on video" he jokes.

"Oh shot up" I spit back but I can't help but laugh a little.

"I hope you remember how to swim" he begins, "because we are going to be spending a lot of time in the pool".

"Nope" I roll my eyes and shake my head, "No way".

"I'm I gonna have to give you another lesson?" He knows I can't and won't tolerate another swimming lesson.

"No, I remember" I say annoyed. "Kind of" I mutter to myself, but his giggles tell me he heard.

The limo ride to the summer palace is quiet. We make out and cuddle all the way there. It take about 3 hours to get there, but when we finally do I can't believe my eyes. It's beautiful. The tall polished castle stands right on the beach. When we go in its all white and clean. I usually wouldn't like anything decorated in white, but I have to admit it's pretty. He helps me up a large staircase slowly and leads me to a black and purple room.

"This is your room" he says as I take a closer look. I can't believe he had this decorated just for me. "I had it personalized just how you like it".

"You shouldn't have" I shake my head.

"You're right. I shouldn't have" he wraps his arms around me from behind. "You're not going to be spending that much time here anyways". I smile and turn around to kiss him. He kisses me back, but pulls away within seconds.

"Get changed" he starts walking out of the room, "I have a surprise for you. I'll have someone come get you when I'm ready".

I obey him and change into a dark purple dress and some flats. I wait around for a while until a nice lady knocks on the door and tells me to follow her. I do as told and follow her through the castle. We walk past the dinning room and the gigantic pool before she end up on the beach. The sun is starting to set and the sky glows in beautiful shades of purple, pink and red. We walk on the beach Until a path of stones and torches appear.

"You can go through the path alone if you wish" she says kindly, "or would you like my assistance?".

"Be told you to ask that didn't he?" I ask with a chuckle.

"Yes" she nods, "he also said you would probably deny my help".

"He was right" I smile, "thank you for your help, but I'm fine walking on my own".

I continue walking through the path and into a more forested area. The palm trees get bigger and bigger as I walk. Suddenly the palm trees, the stones and the torches on the sides of the path create a large circular opening. It's all covered with small candles on the sand but just in the middle stands Ben. I walk towards him and he waits patiently.

"Mal" he grabs my hands. "From the moment you got out of that limo, I fell in love with you. It took me some time, but when it mattered most I finally figured it out. You are the most beautiful and kind girl I know. I am aware of your past and I want you to know I will stand by your side as long as your willing to let me, and I am hoping that it will be forever" he gets down on one knee and pulls something out of his pocket. I gasp and cover my mouth with one hand. "Mal Bertha" I don't even care he called me that, "will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

I can't get married. I'm not even 17 yet. Is he serious? What should I do? I can't be a queen. Can I? There's no wY this is actually happening. He's on drugs...

A million thoughts run through my head, but only one word comes out of my mouth.

"Yes" I say with a smile and he places the beautiful engagement ring on top of his old ring before pulling me into a passionate kiss.

THE END

(For now)