The Commoner In England

Chapter One

 Entering my dads office that morning was terrible. He was met with a panic attack when they called me. I could see the pity in their eyes as they looked at me , frantic and worried to find my only family member crawling around an office floor, unable to breath . There was nothing I could actually do, but force him to resign and stay at home.

I couldn't always rely on my dad for the rest of my life, I understood that, but with my 15 Dollar wages, we weren't actually what you could classify , survivors.

After leaving him at home and ensuring he wouldn't hurt himself, I returned to work. taking my time as I walked to the small diner.

my best friend and owner of the diner, Julie, a 40 year old blonde, greeted me with a smile when she saw me return.

" how is Richard doing?" she asked as she poured us each a cup of tea and sat down . The diner was empty so we didn't have anything to worry about.

" He is okay Jules, but I fear what will happen when I can no longer work here. Not many people hire undergraduates with no work experience."

" What nonsense . You can always move in with me and I will handle all expenses". I laughed a soft laugh and carefully took my curls behind my ear . I couldn't look at Julie because she knew what she just said was a total lie. the diner was mostly empty and Julie already struggled to pay rent at her one bedroom apartment, I couldn't burden her with my ill dad and expenses.

I sipped my tea and continued to stare at the chipping tiles on the floor when Julie gasped, causing me to jump .

" Livia dear, how could we be so daft" she laughed and slapped her thighs, her smooth hair falling in front of her eyes. I eyed her weirdly when she continued to laugh but soon joined in, unable to resist her red face.

" Jules, what has got you laughing like a seal?" I asked in between my own laughs.

"oh Livia, could you have forgotten that young lad, Elliot what-have-you , weren't you friends? . why don't you just ask him for some help?"

I stopped laughing at her words. " Elliot? as in Elliot James?"

"that's the one" she replied, a naughty glint in her eyes.

" Julie, he is the prince of England. the future king . heaven forbid, I will not take a loan from a prince." I shook my head, determined that Julie was crazy.

" Livia , look. If he were just the king of England to you, I wouldn't ask you to do this. he was, however your childhood friend. not to forget, your mother's were also friends. he surely wouldn't mind. just ask him for a job. I'm sure he will pay you better than this old fart" she ended gesturing to herself.

" Let me think about it, first. but for now, I have to get back home, seeing as the diner is not busy. you wont mind?"

"Not at all dear. You be on your way and greet Richard for me "

"Sure . Will do, Jules!"

I left the diner with a small smile. that woman was crazy, but her idea wasn't so bad. I will just have to give it thought. And with that I returned home, to find my dad, passed out on the couch.