The Two Princes

Chapter 1: Once Upon a Time

I'm supposed to love school, or at least, everyone expects me too. Their only reason for this is because I like reading. Though I couldn't loath school more. Not just because of the assignments. Not because of bullying, but instead I loath it because of small conversations that always seem to find their way to me.

Before I know it I am nodding helplessly and not responding. Then when I actually try to respond, my thoughts seem to get lost on their way out my mouth and I just end up sounding like nonsense.

It usually happens the most when it's Owen having small talk with me. My English teacher sat us in partners to help each other throughout the year. I guess I'm slightly glad I got him over anyone else in the clas. His random conversations started at the beginning of this year, I mean, we're almost out of high school not too late to make new friendships right? The problem is, I can't hate him for it. He is a genuinely nice person. He alway has a glittering smile when he turns to me, or when he sees me in the hallway. I always try to give a smile back but I'm always so caught up with him. He was too perfect. Perfect teeth. And those blue eyes. Those damn eyes. I guess this was the year I first realized I was gay. When I really saw him for the first time.

<><><>

I stood in the lunch line when Natalie walked up to me, facing me.

"He's doing the thing again" she said looking behind me. I knew exactly who she was talking about.

"What 'thing'?" I questioned.

"Well, since I'm your best friend and notice anything that concerns you, but he all of a sudden walks up as soon as you get in line." 

"So...?"

"He obviously likes you." Her eyes flicked to behind me again. "Obviously."

"He DOESN'T." I sighed. "There is no chance in hell that he likes me." Some people next to us in line side glance at our conversation but turn back. Natalie is a force to reckoned with, and you know, head cheerleader. I grabbed a pizza slice as that's all they had that I could deal with eating. She didn't get anything, she has her lunch in her bag. And by lunch, I mean a sack full of candy. With a sandwich. "He's too popular to like me."

"Hell yeah he's popular. Have you seen him. I even admit, though he's not my type, he's not too bad on the eyes. And, he's incredibly nice."

"You could say that again." I scoffed as we made our way to our lunch table, which consisted of the rest of the seniors in cheer. I was the only one at the table. By 'one' I mean boy, and the only one not in cheer. I sat next to Natalie and continued. "So... what should I do about this?"

"Him... hmmm. Maybe TALK to him and not turn into a stutter-puddle when he asks you something." I stared at her sarcastically.

"Ok... MAYBE I can try helping him a bit more when he asks me questions.... I tend to just hand over my notes.. when.. he asks."

"Yes. Do that. Perfect. I ship it."

"Stop." I smiled while playfully elbowing her.

"Speak of the Devil." She whispered as he walked by the table. One of the other girls -Victoria- was the only other person to take notice.

"He's SO hot. I need him to be my boyfriend." She spoke. I turned to her, pretending not to know who she was talking about.

"Who?"

"Owen!"

"Oh." I rolled my eyes. I think she secretly envied my schedule for the rest of the day. All my classes following lunch were with him. It always seems like he's in a certain vicinity of me. Guess it's the universe trying to get back at me.

The bell rang that dismissed me to Math. Ahh the most dreaded period of the day even though I did have a solid A in that class. But he sits right next to me, just like in English.

<><><>

I began to read after I turned in my English assignment but I couldn't help just sneaking a couple of glances at him while brushing my hair out of my face. But then something unexpected happened. I guess I was too busy daydreaming and our teacher had explained a assignment.

"Hey. Alexander, it looks like we're partners?"