The Nerd

Chapter 9

I danced around my room as I got dressed, holding onto Grandpa's words. I grabbed my calculator and pounded in some numbers. Little did I know that my door was open. "Hello, Princess." I looked at Andrew standing in the doorway.

"Hello, my? I don't know what to call you."

"Andrew, love."

"My Andrew." He smiled at me and I ran over to kiss him.

"Someone is in a good mood. You know you could get eliminated today."

"I would be completely okay with that, so as long as I get to see you." He kissed me. "God, I like you so much." He kissed my forehead and grabbed my calculator.

"A true man always takes his girl's calculator." He took my hand and walked us to the stage. "Good luck, Princess."

"Good luck to you." We kissed each other before we sat in our seats. Arnold pranced over to our seats and I giggled. "You ready to win?"

"As always!" He kissed my forehead and pulled his chair out. He shared a glare with Andrew and I rolled my eyes. "I'm going to win."

"He could win, it doesn't always have to be about you." He glared, I knew what he was thinking.

The announcer made some announcements and allowed me to give an update about our country and we were off. We worked harder than ever on our problem and then we were told that it wouldn't matter, because we were having a buzzer type answering today.

We ended up winning and plane three was eliminated. We gathered around tables and questioned the analyzer for a solid twenty minutes, mainly me, but everyone was happy to know that the princess wanted to know. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, you may return to your daily tasks." I curtsied and scurried off to my room.

I saw a letter sitting on my desk and panicked, someone went into my room and I wasn't aware. I searched for the one picture I had of Hilja and found it instantly. They just delivered a note and I was suddenly at ease. The letter was written in Kendall's excellent handwriting and I smiled to myself. I ripped the letter open and checked outside my door to see if anyone was coming.

Kerttu,

I think of you daily. I wonder the halls and wonder what you are doing today. I look into your room just to see if anyone has touched anything. I examine all the childish notes you wrote to me when we were younger and smile at myself constantly.

How foolish it is of me to want to write you when you are trying to become the number one mathlete in the country. But is it too much to ask that all I want is to see you? I never realized how much you meant to me until my mother started falling ill. She told me constantly that my father would've chosen your grandmother if she wouldn't have married your grandfather. Think about it, Kerttu, we are practically supposed to be together at some point. I should be caring for my parents right now but I want to hold you in my arms instead.

I don't want to admit it because I'm afraid our friendship would be ruined if I did, Kerttu. I know I love you as a friend but the side of me that wants love, kids, and marriage loves you in another way. So, I'm going to admit it. I love you, Kerttu, and hope you will find a way to love me the same way.

-Kendall

I folded the envelope and I wiped away a tear. Kendall; always the charmer. I opened the door and saw Arnold walking toward my door.

"Kerttu, a pleasure." He waited for me to catch up to him and took my hand. "Have you been crying?" I looked at my feet, I didn't want to admit it so I denied it. "We received letters today, did you receive one?"

"Yes, from Kendall Leger, actually."

"Oh, really. What's it about?" I took his hand and shook my head. "If he said he loved you, don't believe, don't believe it for a second."

"But," He put a finger over my lips.

"No buts, he is a liar. He is heartless, all he wants is your crown."

"You don't know him like I do, Arnold. He is a wonderful friend."

"And that's all he should be." He kissed my forehead and we continued walking down the hall. "I hope you don't mind, I figured we would just eat in the cafeteria tonight." I shrugged and we walked into the cafeteria. I grabbed a plate and grabbed a couple of finger sandwiches along with some salad. Then I came across strawberry tarts, I jumped up and down and grabbed one.

"Sorry, the chef at the palace make these rarely, upon Grandma's request."

"Your Highness, she requests them regularly, you just don't know." I giggled and I continued down the buffet line.

Arnold took my plate and carried it to the table while I carried the cups of water. "You aren't use to this, are you?"

"No, but I am used to that." I pointed to the plates.

"I guess you better get used to casualty." He set the plates down and I sat down across from him. Andrew spotted us and waved, while I blushed fiercely. "You don't hide it well."

"Hmm?"

"You love him, you already decided."

"No, I don't know who I even want to consider right now. You forget, I'm the heir, I have to decide a prince too." I took a bite of my salad and stared at my plate the rest of dinner.

Later that night I decided to go to bed earlier. Those plans were cancelled when I got a knock on my door. I zipped up my nightgown and ran to the door. I peeped into the little eye hole and saw a blonde haired boy standing outside, Kendall. I opened the door and jumped into his arms. "I missed you so much." Kendall whispered in my ear. I pulled back and he grabbed my face. "I want to kiss you so bad." I leaned in and he kissed me passionately. We didn't stop. He reached behind and locked the door. I sat on his lap and kissed him until he pulled back chuckling. His laugh was dark, just like his father's but his eyes were childish like his mother's. He kissed me more and more until we ended up on top of each other.

"Isn't this illegal?"

"Not if I don't say it is." He pulled down my zipper and I pulled on his belt. He yanked his shirt off and pulled his pants down and he kissed me until we couldn't breathe. "I love you, Kendall. And I mean it."