Enchanted Tale

ETJ&P 4

"Jack? Jack are you sure this is the way!?" Phillip asked.

I had been running super fast because the sun was almost down. I needed to do exactly what I did yesterday... Just in a much smoother way. I followed the trail to the tree I hid behind. Phillip caught up with me moments later.

"We're here." I said, excited to show him everything.

He just stared ahead trying to get a look at what I was staring at. "Uh... Where is here?"

"Come on."

I walked toward the unmarked line. Ready to amaze Phillip I slowly brought my hand forward. "Watch this!"

I pushed it forward, full force but nothing happened. My hand hadn't disappeared. I looked at my hand confused. "No no no! My hand is supposed to disappear!"

"Are you mad?" Phillip asked.

"Shh!" I said, trying to think. Then I heard someone in the background. "We have to hide!" I grabbed Phillip's arm and went behind a tree near the line.

I watched as a woman and child walked closer and closer to the line. I remembered that I had been following a wizard very closely yesterday. I pulled Phillip along as we walked quietly, but quickly behind the woman.

"Jack! Jack this is ridiculous! She's going to think we're stalkers or something!"

"Shh!" I said, getting closer and closer to the woman. She was still a few feet ahead so she couldn't hear us.

She then disappeared and I knew this was our chance. "Run!" I shouted.

We ran as fast as we could passing the line. We had done it.

Today seemed a lot cheerier than yesterday. People were shooting really cool lights in the sky with sticks, there were eating contests and face decorating. A little girl's doll was dancing on it's own accord. A bit scary really, but it was really cool to see.

Phillip was just as intrigued as I was. I had never seen him smile so big before.

"Jack this is incredible!" He exclaimed.

"I-I know! I know!" I laughed.

"Jack!" I heard. It was Isabel. I could see her just slightly ahead, passing through a crowd to get to me. She had the most beautiful smile. I melted.

She came over and gave me a hug. "I'm so happy to see you!" She laughed.

"It's nice to see you too, Isabel."

She turned her head and looked at Phillip. Her smile dropped and her whole facial expression just turned into a gaze. I looked at Phillip who had been captivated by her gaze.

Awkwardly, I started to speak. "Uh...um Isabel, this is Phillip... Phillip, this is-"

"Isabel." He said as if her name was sugar dissolving on his tongue.

I just stared at him. He grabbed her hand and brought it up to his lips. "It is very nice to meet you." He said, before kissing her hand.

"As well as you." She said, softly.

I was disappointed. Of course she would've fancied him. Of course, he would feel the same for her. I wanted to be angry but then I remembered he was soon to be king. He was soon going to be betrothed. Nothing could happen between them even if he wanted to.

-

Hours had passed and I basically called it quits. I wanted to return to the castle. Isabel and Phillip had run off a long time ago. I sat on a flat wooden gate far from the circular stage just watching the wizard festival performance of Majesto's life. If I'm honest, I wasn't paying it any attention rather than trying to spot the pair running around. None of it had interested me anymore. It felt like I had seen it all.

I figured Phillip would be able to find his way home so I decided to get a head start. Everyone was so cheery and excited. I grew annoyed with it. Today was supposed to be a good day. I was supposed to explore this new world with my brother. Not have him run off with a girl that I fancied. I just wish none of this had ever happened.

I almost reached the line when I heard my name behind me.

"Jack!" Phillip called. I turned round to meet him face to face. Isabel had stayed back waiting for Phillip to return back to her. "Hey why'r you leaving so early."

"I've had my fix, I suppose." I shrugged.

"Well you were right this place is amazing!" He laughed. "I can't believe this exists!"

"Yes... it is quite fantastic." I said looking down.

"Well just let me say goodbye to Isabel and I'll leave with you." He smiled.

Without a response, I watched him run back to her. He held both of her hands and spoke to her with his soft, flirtatious eyes. She just smiled up at him, happy as can be. I started to walk backwards hoping to cross the line before I saw anything I didn't want to see. He slowly started to bring her hand up to his lips but before it could meet, I had disappeared behind the line.