The Crazy American

Chapter 9

Cameras flash around the car as Elliot opens my door. "Rose! Look over here!" One yells. I look up at Elliot.

"How the hell do they know my name?" I hiss.

"I have no clue. I never talk to the paparazzi. They are just annoying gnats." Sighing I wade through the group of photographers. Elliot is in toe behind me.

"I hope this doesn't make it back to the states." I whisper. Elliot rests his hand on the small of my back, guiding me towards a group of middle aged men all in nice suits.

"Keep the paparazzi away from her please," his voice full of authority. They nod. I look at Elliot with a questioning glance. He smiles at me. "So do you want to meet my mother?"

"Y-you mean the Queen?" I stutter.

"Yes. She would like to meet you."

"But I don't know what to say. Should I bow or no?" I say frantically, all anger leaving my mind.

"Don't worry. You'll be alright. You can curtsy if you'd like."

"I've never curtsied in my life!"

"Like this," he curtsies making me giggle. He playfully glares at me.

"I'm going to make a fool of myself in front of the fucking Queen of England." I murmur. Elliot grabs my hands and looks at me.

"Shall we go?"

"I- I don't know. She won't like me." I freeze, my legs not willing to move.

"Calm down, Rose. You'll be fine." Still holding one of my hands he leads me up the back of the platform from yesterday. I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. We round the corner. The Queen is sitting on a gaudy throne. Her slim body is wrapped in fine gold silk. Her brown hair is tightly constrained in a orderly bun. A large crown sits on her head, shining like a thousand suns. I bite my lip. She turns and smiles at us as we approach.

"Oh, Elliot! Isn't it lovely today?" her voice is sweet.

"Yes mother," he smiles adoringly at her. "I'd like you to meet someone." He gently pulls me closer next to his side. "This is Rose Carabella." I curtsy, slightly unbalanced.

"Hello," I whisper, my voice wavering. Elliot squeezes my hand in reassurance.

"Elliot has told me quite a bit about you Miss Carabella. An inspiring American painter." I nod at her. "You are so quiet. That's hardly what Elliot said." She laughs. Her laugh is like a sweet bell. "What brings you to England?"

"I- I wanted a new scenery." I bite my lip lightly.

"You don't have to be intimidated by me child." Her eyes shining brightly. "Do you like it here?"

"Yes. England is breathtaking." I smile at her.

"She is lovely, Elliot."

"Thank you, mother. I knew you would like her. Once she is herself again that is." He laughs. I glare up at him. A giggle escapes my lips. He winks at me. The Queen laughs at us. I blush and look down.

"Come closer, Rose." She motions to the seat next to her. I timidly take a seat. Elliot releases my hand leaving me feeling vulnerable. "You have brought out a new side of Elliot. Ever since he met you, he seems brighter, happier." I look at her.

"And here I thought that I just annoyed him," I giggle.

"He won't stop talking about you." She laughs. I bite my lip to hide my smile. "You have made him more relaxed. He was almost insufferable."