To Know Love

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Water splashed below the docks. The cold sea breeze stung my face. The harsh wind whipped my hair. Stella looked as if she was going to run over here if one single hair falls out of place. I glanced to my right. My mother fidgeted with the little blue box in her hand, looking nervous. That’s odd, I thought. A first for her.

I dread this every summer. When Prince Derek visits. It’s the only time of year I hate. People expect us to be madly in love and all, but it’s not like that (Hah, tell that to my mother). We really do hate each other. Yes, I’m aware ‘hate’ is a strong word. But seriously. I mean, we used to actually tackle each other and pull each other’s hairs, and spit in our directions and…well you get the point.

So I’m standing at the dock next to my mother and father along with Sky waiting for his highness’s “long-awaited arrival” as my mother likes to put it. To my left are the castle workers and behind us are the townspeople anxious to yet again feast their eyes on Derek.

“Oh my gosh,” Sky grips my arm, “Derek will be here any minute!” She painfully squeals in my ear.

I sigh and speak through gritted teeth: “Yeah, with his filthy B.O. and unwanted presence.” Sky rolled her eyes. They seemed to be saying: You promised you would try.

“Bella!” My mother snapped at me from the side. “Be grateful.”

“For what?” I fired back. She shot me a dirty look. Sky just stood there indifferently, staring at her fingertips. She had become used to our little “spats” by now.

“Now Bella…” my father began, “…You know Derek is a respectable young man who finds you as a suitable wife.” Yeah right. If only I could tell him what he called me the last time I saw him. According to him I’m an “ugly toad.” I rolled my eyes with carelessness, knowing that he would never understand. My parents were betrothed to each other, and it worked out great for them.

One can only hope that would ever happen to me.

From a distance we heard the bell horn, the distinguishable sound that they’ve spotted an incoming ship. I groaned internally. Here comes the start of another, brutal summer.

My mother and Sky both shrieked. My mother smoothed her hair and dusted her arms.

Then she pulled out a box.

Suddenly I began to sweat.

This cannot be happening! If my mother gives Derek that ring, we are both one step closer to sealing the marriage! It…it just goes against everything. Two people who are not in love who will end up getting married? That just doesn’t happen.

I had a clear view of the ship by now. The people slowly start cheering. With a strong mast and an extravagant flapping flag showing their kingdom symbol and wealth, their boastfulness was more than I could bear. Sky smiled ear to ear and squeezed my hand.

“Ow,” I cried, yanking back.

“Sorry,” she giggled nervously. “How do I look?”

“Fine,” I sighed, as I saw the ship pull in closer. Men came and tied ropes to stabilize the massive liner to enable people to walk out. They start to roll out the carpet and more people began to cheer.  

All the grueling work. All the protracted hours with Stella prepping this morning, all the exhaustion, all for this moment.

And then, all too quickly, he steps out.