Defining Stars

Chapter 8

I gathered all of the thoughts bouncing around in my head enough to head over to Oliver’s. I let myself in without thinking twice and walked down the main hallway. I heard the name “Samantha” and stopped before the opening to the kitchen, wondering who she was. I heard Louis say, “So, Samantha is out of the nut house and is ready to be with you.” Oliver snorted, “As if I’d go for her. She’s already acting ridiculous.” George laughed and joined the conversation, “Yeah, besides, you love Stel.” The boys laughed and I felt myself blush. I can’t reveal myself now. Oliver spoke after a brief pause, “I’m assuming that’s why Samantha is going after Stella. I don’t think she understands that our engagement went out the window when I said–“ I found myself stepping into the kitchen yelling, “You’re engaged?!” I couldn’t help it. All three boys were looking at me with their mouths dropped. 

Oliver stepped forward and regained his composure. “Stella, how much did you hear just now?” 

“What do you think Olly?” Louis chimed in. 

Oliver shook his head and looked at the boys. “What should we do now?” He said. 

“Uh, maybe tell the truth?” I said. 

“Stella, you don’t understand.” Louis stepped forward.

“Obviously.” I snapped. 

“Sit down.” George said calmly. 

“Are you sure?” Oliver questioned. 

“I’m sure.” George replied.

“Get ready, Stella.” Louis said nervously. “You may hate us.” 

“Just tell me already.” 

Oliver silently led me over to the couch and sat down next to me. He grabbed my hands in his and he looked as if he was about to throw up. “Oliver, are you okay?” 

He looked down, “Well, you see, it’s actually, uh, Prince Oliver.” 

“Excuse me?” I looked up at Louis and George. “Is this a joke or something?” 

“I’m afraid not.” Louis said shaking his head, “We all are, actually.” 

“All what?” I questioned. “Princes?” 

“Royal.” Louis said, as if it was supposed to be obvious to me.

“You guys are, uh, what do people say here– mad!” This has to be a joke.

“Are you questioning our authority?” George said in a dignified voice. I tried to hold back laughter, but I just couldn’t. 

“Awesome,” Oliver said, “Now she’s never going to listen to us.” 

“This is ridiculous.” The doorbell rang and I stood up and tried to quit laughing. “I’ll go get the door. I wouldn’t was your royal highnesses to have to lift a finger.” 

Oliver’s face fell into his hands as I walked down the hallway towards the door. Someone began banging as I was unlocking it. 

“I’m hurrying, okay?” I swung the door open to see Chad standing there with a bouquet of pink roses. 

“Oh, uh, Stella, hey–“ “Are those flowers for Oliver?” I raised my eye brows as he gave them to me. 

“Thanks.” I smiled. 

“I was just wondering why you never replied to my text. Then, I saw the window and I don’t know, I guess I just thought– are you okay, Stella?” 

“I’m fine. Thank you for checking up on me. And uh, thank you for the flowers.” 

He looked down and then looked back up at me.