She Will Go Down in History

Chapter 28: Flashing Lights

My eyes fluttered opened. I glanced up and Alexander was still sleeping soundly. I tried to go back to sleep but I couldn't so I just stared at the check on the nightstand. Then my mind began to wander. I felt like my world was caving in having Alexander here is great but I'm really worried about my future. I mean I busted my ass for four years trying to get my degree yet I have no job in my field. How do you expect 5 plus years experience from a recent college graduate is beyond me. I was nowhere near my goal of going back to school and with the Youth Center in literal ruins, I was at a dead end. What am I going to do with my life?

Alexander shifted his body toward me"good-morning." 

"Morning," I said

"How long have you've been up?" he asked as he yawned

"Not long"

"What are you thinking about?" he asked

I looked at him and smiled weakly "my life"

"What's wrong with it?"

"I don't know I think the center burning down really got to me. It's kind of like I have nothing now. I'm working a job I hate and I'm tired of working so hard for nothing. I just need a change"

"You can always move to England" he chuckled as he stretched his arms in the air.

"Really?"

"I was joking."

"I'm not," I said

"I thought we already had this conversation-"

"Yes, when was I up for promotion and had the youth center on the weekends."

His phone began to ring and he answered it
"Hello...yes...yes I know" he checked his watch "it's only 8. I'll be there soon"

"What's wrong?" I asked

"I have a meeting with the president in Washington," he said as he got up

"Oh"

"We're not done with thisconversation," he said as he lightly pecked my lips "I'll be back soon"

"Ok," I said as I glanced at my clock and groaned. I hated work

***

I had to be escorted from work by Anita and Paul. I got home to find the paparazzi waiting for me. I quickly walked to the apartment.

"Why is there so much paparazzi here?" I asked

Jaya handed me her phone. It was an article confirming Alexander and I's relationship

"Who told?" I asked angrily

"Emilio, Nina sent me the link and told me, she saw him talking to the press about you. He's trying to pimp you out to get exposure for his restaurant" Jaya said

I groaned and plopped not the couch. "Where is Troy?"

"He managed to sneak out using a disguise," Jaya said as she chuckled "He borrowed one of your wigs by the way"

My phone began to ring. It was my mom.

"Hey mom"

"Hello..." she answered

"Are you safe?" 

"Yes. I'm here with your Grandma. I just saw you on the TV"

"Is everyone ok?" I asked

"Yes, your aunt had to come home early from work. Those people with the cameras are animals."

I rested my head in my hand. Is this what my life was coming to? My friends and family having sneak in and out of their homes in order to avoid the paparazzi that I brought in the first place

"The paparazzi are everywhere at this point. Good thing your grandma has a bat" My mom said and I laughed a little.

Troy then came through the door looking disarray. Jaya and I looked at him perplexed.

"Um... ma I'll call you later," I said as I hung up

"Those people are assholes, they snatched the wig off my head! They are growing by the minute. We can't stay here forever"

He was right. The three of us were barricaded, not literally but it was either be here or face the constant rapid flashes and aggressive journalist 

"We have to call the police," I said

"The neighbors already called them. Next, they're probably going to physically remove us from the apartment" Jaya said

"NYPD!" a husky voice boomed as they aggressively knocked on the door

"Oh shit. You're psychic!" Troy said

I opened the door and Anita and five police officers came into the apartment

"Hello ma'am," Anita said

"Hello, Anita...I can honestly say I'm glad you're here"

"Yes well, Prince Alexander is worried about your safety and all of you must leave this residence at once"

"to go where?" I asked

"David and Victoria Beckham's private estate at a disclosed location"

I looked at Troy and Jaya who had confound looks on their faces. I didn't want them to hate me for forcing them to leave our home but this was the only option we had at the moment. Besides I'm pretty sure they wouldn't mind spending the night at a celebrities house. 

We all began to pick out our essential items, who knows the next time we'll be back here. Once we had all our stuff, we headed outside.

"Zara" "Zara!" "Zara! "Zara!" they called. All I saw were flashes and people crowding around us. It was very overwhelming.

Paul, Anita, and the police officers guided us to the black SUV. The paparazzi then pressed up against the car startling all of us.

"Fucking animals" Troy muttered. I never experienced anything like this. People literally pushing and shoving just to get a picture.

We drove about two hours out of the city. I was very anxious and quiet.

Jaya gently placed her hand over mine "It's going to be ok" she assured and I smiled weakly.

"I hope so," I said

"Look I'm on TMZ!" Troy hollered excitedly as he waved his phone in the air "It says Prince Alexander's alleged girlfriend leaves apartment in hurry"

I shook my head and rested my head on the window. A few moments later, we arrived at a gated mansion. Paul typed in a code and the gates opened. We went up the hill to the front of the house which was very contemporary and modern.

"I can't believe we're in posh spices house!" Jaya said excitedly. I couldn't believe it either. I looked around at the lovely and lavish decorations.

"Hello all"

I turned around and it was Alexander "Hey," I said. He came up and hugged me really tight.

"You alright?" he asked

"Yeah I'm fine," I said

"Good," he said smiled and rubbed my back assuringly. He greeted Jaya and Troy

"Thank you, Paul and Anita," I said and they bowed their heads and retreated outside

"You all must be hungry. We already have dinner prepared" Alexander said

Troy and Jaya dashed into the kitchen.

"Are you alright?" Alexander asked

"You already asked me that," I said as I smiled

"I know. I just know it been a lot for you this week"

"It has," I said honestly

He kissed my forehead "It's going to get better"

"I m just glad to be here right now,"  I said