A Royal Adventure [Ongoing]

Sixteen

The first time that Charlie nervously asked me if I wanted to go on a walk, I wasn't prepared. My head was still full of French and translations and I didn't fully take in what he was asking. In fact, I hadn't expected to meet anyone at all while in England, let alone someone who liked me. It was a few weeks after his birthday, and I had begun to notice that Saunders was doing whatever was in his power to push us together at opportune moments. Even Pen was giving me knowing, mischievous looks, but I didn't take it to mean much.

I was glad that home was so far away because I didn't dare think about what my brother would think.

I was still making notes and I didn't hear his question at first. 'Alex?' he repeated.

'Yes?' I finally looked up.

'After school?'

'Sure. Can you help me with these declensions?'

'Alex? I don't speak French.'

'What?'

'Are you listening?'

'Yes. Sorry. What did you ask again?' I asked guiltily.

'Did you want to go on a walk – after school?'

'Nice idea.' I smiled at him.

He smiled back. 'Good.' He swung his bag over his head. 'I'll see you later then.'

And he disappeared before I could think too much about it.

But that first time, we just walked and talked, and it felt nice to be in his company. Little did I know, where things were going to go...