Popularity War

Princess Pauper

 Popularity War

Chapter 5 -- Princess Pauper

“Eva!” The all too familiar voice resounded across the village square making Eva stop in her tracks. She had hoped to have a pleasant stroll by herself, but that prospect quickly faded as soon as Cassandra called out her name. Unable to avoid her, she simply waited for her friend to trek the large space that separated them. When Cassandra was a few feet away, she finally uttered her acknowledgment.

“Good afternoon, Cassandra. How fares you?” Despite her urge to make up an excuse in attempt to avoid a cumbersome conversation, Eva held her tongue. Until that moment, her day had been pleasant; she woke up in bright spirits and decided to get some fresh air after performing her meager morning chores and eating a light lunch. The day was not overly hot or humid, excellent conditions for an afternoon walk.

“Good afternoon? That’s all you can say? I have not seen nor heard from you in weeks,” Cassandra complained. “You do realize that by birthday celebration is next week. I had hoped that you would help me plan the event but you have been missing. What have you been up to?”

Eva felt her heart become heavy as she listened to her friend, darkening her mood a little. Unwilling to confess the struggles she had been facing, she decided to change the topic, hoping to distract Cassandra. “I do apologize for my prolonged absence, but pray tell me more about your birthday. Despite what you might think, I have not forgotten. In fact, I have already purchased your birthday gift.” She stretched her lips as far as they could go in order to make her appear pleased with herself.

“Well, I am delighted that I have not been forgotten,” Cassandra said, returning the smile. “Oh, Eva, my birthday celebration is going to be wonderful!” Suddenly ecstatic, she began to divulge all aspects of the party, much to Eva’s delight; her plan had worked. By the time Cassandra finished talking, she realized how late it had gotten. The sun was no longer directly above them as it leaned against the western sky. “Oh my, listen to me ramble on once again,” she giggled lightly.

Acting surprised, Eva glanced up at the bright yellow orb. “Goodness, it’s later than I thought.” After, she issued a polite dismissal.

 “Must you leave already? I was thinking that we should have some tea together,” Cassandra said. “Besides, you have not explained what you have been up to these past few weeks.”

Eva’s smile immediately faded as her almost successful plan plummeted into disaster. Still, she was clever enough to deduce an excuse that did not make her look anxious to leave her friend. “I am sorry Cassandra but I must decline your offer. When you stopped me, I was headed over to Old Lady Kismet’s for a luncheon.” Old Lady Kismet was a widow who enjoyed the company of the young ladies who entertained her with gossip, distracting her from her loneliness. Eva’s excuse was sound.

Cassandra’s eyes rolled in response. “Eva, I do not mind her company, so let me come…”

“No!” Eva shouted before she could restrain herself, cutting off her friend. The look upon Cassandra’s face expressed her shock at the sudden outburst. Taking a deep breath, she apologized for her rudeness and the said, “It’s just that Lady Kismet invited only me this afternoon and it’s not my place to invite others into her home without her permission. Surely you understand?”

Cassandra still looked upset afterward. Having been friends with the girl for a long time, Eva knew how stubborn she could be, and how she can hold grudges. Upsetting Cassandra was never a good idea. So, in one last attempt to smooth things over, she uttered, “Perhaps we can have tea tomorrow if you are not busy?”

With a sigh, Cassandra finally relented, allowing her friend to leave. Once she was sure her friend was not paying any more attention to her, Eva changed course. The sight of her house was welcoming after her recent encounter, so once inside, she began to breathe normally again. Her entire being was nervous as soon as Cassandra disrupted her afternoon stroll. Still, she was grateful that Cassandra had spotted her properly dressed instead of in her servant’s attire.