The Princess Who Saved Herself

Chapter Six

I throw my keys onto the kitchen counter. The sink is still piled high with dirty bowls and plates from breakfast, which means that nobody has gotten home yet.

"This is my house"

I turn in a small circle with my arms out, sarcastically showing off my overcrowded home to Max.

"It's got potential"

He nods uneasily, eyeing the place. I look around with him. It really wasn't the nicest of places, but Theresa claims that it's going to be 'absolutely decadent' by the time she's finished decorating.

"We're still unpacking, so mind all the boxes and stuff"

I kick a few opened boxes labelled 'kitchen' out of the way, making room for Max to walk.

"Where's your room?"

He asks, taking off his rucksack and fur lined denim jacket.

"Oh right, it's up here"

I lead him up the narrow staircase to my bedroom, closing the door behind us.

His eyes wander across the rose painted walls, and shelves stacked with pink stuffed animals, and my collection of children's books.

"It looks like a six year old threw up in here"

He snorts, making fun of my admittedly childish bedroom.

"Oh shut up"

I laugh with him, tossing a pillow at his head. He ducks and catches it, throwing it back to me.

"Seriously, what's up with all of.. all of this"

He waves his arms around in confusion. It wasn't a typical fifteen year olds bedroom, there was no laptop or desk or double bed.

"I don't know, I guess I never really grew up"

I shrug, sitting beside him on my bed.

"I'd be happy to help you redecorate your bedroom, when you're ready"

He smiles, creating dimples in his soft cheeks. I smile back, grateful for the offer, but still in denial.

"I don't know if I'll ever be ready"

"El, are you- oh, hi there"

My dad enters the room unannounced, stopping mid way to notice Max.

"Hi dad, this is my friend, Maximus"

I introduce Max, who stands up to shake my dads hand. I roll my eyes, Londoners.

"Hello Max, sorry for barging in here"

He apologises, gently running his hand through his head of hair.

"It's okay mr Dawson, I was just convincing Elliot to redecorate"

I nudge his side, wishing he hadn't mentioned that.

"Trust me, you won't get far with this one, she still makes me read her bedtime stories-"

"Dad!"

I shout, embarrassed. My cheeks flush a bright pink.

"Well I'll be going, I've done enough embarrassing today, nice to meet you Maximus"

Max nods a short goodbye as my dad leaves and goes back downstairs.

"Okay, now we're definitely redecorating"