The Princess and the Writer

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Anne stirred and slowly opened her eyes. She was back in her room, in bed. She sat up and looked around her as she rubbed her eyes. Her ironed uniform was where she had left it; hanging on the back of the chair. Monday morning. How convenient. 

Without the slightest feeling of dread, she got out of bed and set about preparing herself for school. When she was done, she picked up her bag and stopped when her eyes fell on the tattered book in her dustbin. A sad smile came on her face as she stared at the pieces. It had been no secret to any of them that they would never see each other again. It was not that she could not write the story afresh and finish it, for she could do that for sure. It was simply that she did not have to anymore. She had no use for escaping into another world. After all, she was with them here. She had Michelle, and Paul, and Joseph... She would be with them every day. That knowledge lifted her spirits.

She picked up her Bible, held it to her heart, now treasuring its contents more than ever, and made a silent prayer:

Jesus, I am Yours. Please be with me today as I face Sandra and the others. Help me stand up for myself. I can do all things through You who gives me strength.

Having made that prayer, Anne opened her eyes, smiled and walked out of the room. She surprised Joseph with her cheerful attitude and calm demeanor. He had never seen her so confident. He found her explanation had to fathom. Her imagination was astounding. To have dreamed such a fantastic dream was beyond him. Choosing to 'believe' her story now that she claimed it was not a dream, he dropped her at school, gave her a thumbs up and drove off, praying that this time, she would truly do as she said and stand up for herself. 

Anne saw Michelle and Paul immediately she walked into the school compound. They turned to her and waved. A surge of joy swept through her and, unable to stop herself, she ran to them and threw herself into their arms. 

"Okay, first of all, school rules," Paul said with a laugh, "and second, I clearly don't need to ask if you're okay."

"I am very okay," Anne said, "more than okay even."

"What happened to you?" Michelle asked, giggling. "Whatever it is, I like it."

Anne released them. "I will explain later. Right now, there is something I need to do."

The two exchanged quizzical glances and followed Anne across and into the block of classrooms. They glared at the students who smirked at Anne as she walked by. What surprised them, however, was the confidence she exuded. every step she took was taken in determination. She hardly took notice of the smirking students. That was strange.

Anne found Sandra leaning against the lockers outside her class. With her was Walter, and with Walter was Nick. She took in a deep breath and walked right up to them. They cut their animated conversation to look at her, Sandra in spite, Walter in amusement, and Nick with a frown. 

Anne looked at Sandra first, then Walter before finally fixing her gaze upon Nick. He met her gaze and arched his brow, noticing the change in her demeanor. She smiled at him.

"You were right," she said. "I'm not worth it at all."

Nick's other eyebrow shot up. Anne turned to Walter and shrugged.

"I forgive you," she said, "and I'm done being used by you."

Walter only snickered in response.

To Sandra, she said, "You don't need to waste your time shoving me around, Sandra, because I will not be bullied. The fact remains: no matter how much you tease me, insult me, and make fun of me, I will never stop being my parents' child, and I will never stop working hard to excel in everything I do. My name is Anne, and I am smart, I am creative, and I am confident that there is nothing you can do that could possibly shake me."