Switched

Chapter 18

“Well,” Jonathan huffed as we pulled up to a small two story house. “Here we are.”

    We were outside of a two story house. It was hard to see the color since it was so dark outside. There were trees in the front yard and a few lights on inside.

    Jonathan came around to open my door and help me out of the truck he was driving. We made our way to the front door.

    “Are you sure you want to do this? My family can be a little crazy,” he warned.

    I swallowed and nodded my head.

    We went inside and immediately the atmosphere changed. There was a woman sitting on a beaten up, stained couch across from a television. There were clothes and dishes strewn all over the room. There was a little girl lying asleep on the carpeted tan floor.

    The woman walked over to us shakily. “Your Highness,” she said shakily as she curtsied.

    “Please, just call me Kriss. I’m in your home after all,” I said trying to sound polite.

    She smiled at me then hugged Jonathan. “I’ve missed you, son,” she said. “How are you?” The woman must’ve been Jonathan’s mother. She had blonde hair that was going grey in spots and worry lines that plastered her forehead.

    “Good, I’ve been pretty busy.”

    “Layna wanted to stay up to see you, but she just couldn’t keep her eyes open after about eleven.”

    Jonathan walked slowly over to the girl sleeping and rubbed her back lightly. “Hey, Layna bug,” he cooed as she started to stir.

    “John,” she said hugging his neck. “You’re back.”

    “Yup, and I brought somebody,” he said turning so Layna could see me. Her eyes widened to the size of baseballs.

    “It’s nice to meet you,” I said crouching down as well as I could in my heels.

    “Are you really the princess?” she asked skeptically.

    “Yes,” I answered smiling.

    “Where’s your crown?” she asked yawning.

    “At the castle. Maybe you could come there one day.”

    Jonathan looked at me and smiled. It was a huge contrast to see him here with his family compared to at the palace with mine. I finally felt like there was somewhere in this country where I could be myself and be comfortable.

    “Layna, come now, you saw your big brother so now it’s time for you to go to bed. I’m sure the princess is tired,” Jonathan’s mom said taking the sleeping girl out of my arms. She walked up the stairs and Jonathan and I were left alone crouching on the floor.    

    “Are you tired?” he asked helping me to stand.

    “A little,” I admitted.

    “Well, I’m supposed to be near you at all times and I don’t want to wake my sisters up going into their room, so would it be alright if you slept on the couch tonight? It folds out into a bed,” he explained embarrassed.

    “That’s be fine, but could you ask your mom if I could borrow some pajamas? I don’t really want to sleep in this dress,” I said referring to the elegant ball gown I was still wearing.

    “Yeah, If I leave you down here do you think you’d be okay for a minute?” he asked.

    “Of course.” He went up the stairs and came back down a couple minutes later carrying a pair of pink leopard print fuzzy pants and a tank top.