The Runaway Princess

Facing your Demons

I felt so happy. Beyond happy.
Connor held my hand, as I was barely awake on his shoulder, and his other hand rested on my thigh. He would occasionally bunch his fingers on the fabric of my pants, and yes, I mean pants; I'm wearing jeans! I ditched the torn up wedding gown and replaced it with a flannel and torn jeans. The car ride has been taking so long, considering Maatira is so far away.... I called Mae and listened to her rant about me and the situation.
"How could you leave a guy like Gus on the alter?" Her voice was defensive, yet a touch of relief was added.
"I don't love him; I love Connor." After explaining where I went, what I did, what happened here, and what we're doing now, she finally confessed her love for the guy.
"I love him."
"Gus. You love Gus?" I classify, making sure I heard correctly. I knew they had a flame, but not a whole forest fire....
I squeeze onto Connor as Johnny hits a pot-hole. Connor muffles a laugh, and holds tighter onto my grasping hand.
Mae told me how they wanted to runaway together, but she knew that wasn't how she wanted to live. Me, on the other hand, I came all the way home ready to never go back. I am willing to leave everything behind for Connor, and having proof that he's let me go once, he feels the same way. I told Mae that she'll just have to chance it; take a risk. I took one, a big one. I didn't know if Connor was ever going to forgive me, and that was a hard thing to live with... But I came anyways, and I showed up. I may have been nervous, but I was determined.
With my head on his shoulder and eyes closed, I was half asleep. I have had a crazy day! I crashed my own wedding, I chased after the one I truely love, and now I'm headed back home to restore my rightful place.
"You do not understand how much she talks about you." Johnny groans and Connor laughs.
"You don't understand how much I talk about her." My heart flutters and I feel like smirking at Johnny and saying 'I told you so'. "So, why haven't I heard her talk about you?" Jealous burns in his voice. I don't know why....
"I'm her bodyguard; if her parents knew that we were classified as 'friends' I would never be able to get a job anywhere! Like not even at Burger King. The Royal family messes you up if you mess them up." I squint my eyes and notice his hand in the air. "Plus, dude, I'm taken."
"Oh.." Connor releases a sigh that I'm not sure he wanted to let out. "Congrats man."
"Thanks." Johnny makes eye contact with me through the rearview mirror and I narrow my eyes playfully before closing them again. "So, do you plan on putting a ring on her finger anytime soon?"
"Honestly, I don't know... I, uh, would love to marry her, but I just don't know about doing it at seventeen...." I understand. I was a little confused when I was told that too, so I'm not judging him.
"I don't know man." Johnny sighs and I can basically hear the clocks turning in Connors head.
"She's definitely worth it." I hear the smile in his voice, his whispering voice echoing through my ears.

***

I brush off my jeans and stretch my legs. Connor eyes me as I stretch my arms and he looks like a kid in a chocolate store. His eyes shout "eye candy" which for once doesn't make me cowar. Then out of nowhere he picks me up, bridal style, and runs. I'm laughing so hard my chest hurts, but that's not stopping me from laughing. He suddenly comes to a stop and I see Tony standing at the door. He slowly set me down, but grabs ahold of my hand. I have never seen him look this mad.... Connors reaction reminds me of my first time Ava approached me this way.
"What do you think you're wearing?"
"Skylar!" Ava's voice springs behind him. First time I have been glad to hear that.
"Hey." I smile casually, and her eyes light up when she steps out.
"What are you wearing?" Tony stands firm and announces again.
"Jeans, a flannel," I rock on my tip toes, "and my backup converse." He scoffs and walks off. Gotta live with 'em.
"We have been worried! I thought you were never coming back! Of course Aaron and Brooke weren't scared, they kept me assured- they knew where you were going -but still."
"I'm not officially back, Ava." I stop her and her smile fails.
"What?" I grab her hand and she sighs.
"I want to say it in front of everyone."