One Plus One Equals One

Chapter 3 - Gwen's POV

In all of my eighteen years of existence, I have never been so excited. I am currently sat at the end of my Queen sized bed, waiting for a maid to come and tell me the chauffer is here. My leg is bouncing up and down on the white fur rug, a habit that my mother and tutors deem to be dreadful. I have been packed for days, but of course, my mother had her maids go through my suitcases to make sure that everything is in order. I just cannot believe that I am actually going to have some freedom! I hope that the Kefalas family find me to be an agreeable person, and they are pleasant themselves.

America is one of the only countries I have not had the pleasure of visiting. I know it will be vastly different to Losington, considering America is one of the most advanced and technological countries in the world, and living in Losington is like stepping into a fairy-tale. We are not very advanced, and it is very quiet everywhere you go. Especially in the castle. Sometimes it feels more like a haunted house then a home. Out and about there are lots of quaint churches dating back to the fifteenth century, as well as sweet picturesque towns and villages. I am ashamed to say that little of my knowledge of Losington comes from first hand experience. When we go out for tours, we mainly visit the two biggest cities – Wellow and Iriestin.

There are also many scattered beaches around Losington, although it is a bit of a waste of natural beauty considering we never have merry weather. It is always cold and usually raining. Sometimes I wonder whether the sky is as sad as I am. My country's main source of income comes through exporting fish products. There are more anglers then any other profession in Losington, as our seas and rivers are full of a wide diversity of fish – it is one of the only things we are famous for. Even though we are tiny, our country defies the odds and is actually recognised for being one of the largest fish producers in the world.

I actually speak seven languages fluently, American being one of them, meaning I will be able to (hopefully) fit in and blend into the American world. I just cannot comprehend the fact that I am leaving this prison for a whole month and a half! I am ecstatically excited. I am already dreading my return, and I have not even left yet! My return is marked by the finish of the school term, as the students are breaking up for a week before returning and starting their final exams. I already passed my subjects at the age of fifteen with top marks, and before you call me a swat, consider the fact that there is hardly anything to do but study around here. I am attending school for the experience and social side of things, rather then for an education.

My mother's side of the family are a lot different to her, being characteristically easy going and laid back. She has a younger brother (my uncle Jonathon), who has twins my age – Viola and Harmonia. I do not get to see them very often considering they live in Switzerland and my mother deems the girls to be a bad influence on me. They are everything I wish I could be – wild, beautiful and free. On the odd occasion when I have been able to see them, they gave me snippets of the outside world, including teen fiction movies, junk food and racy clothes. All of my knowledge about school comes from movies such as Mean Girls, and I am excited to see what clique I will fit into. Will I be the weird new girl? Rise to popularity? Have a popular boy chase after my affections? Who knows, but I am eager to find out!

Suddenly there is a timid knock at my door, causing me to jump from my bed and yank it open in an unladylike manner, almost causing the maid Loretta to have her fifth heart attack whilst working with us. I wish I were joking.

"Oh your highness! You have me a fright!" She huffs dramatically. "Your mother sent me to tell you that the car has arrived; I will help you load your bags onto the trolley."

"Thank you Loretta!" I beam, causing her to look at me quizzically. I do not think anyone has seen me with a full smile for years!

After we load my three cases onto the golden baggage holder, we make our way in silence to the elevator, leading to the ground floor. Loretta informs me that my mother and sister are waiting to say goodbye in the first drawing room, so I go to pay my dues to them whilst the chauffeur loads the bags into the smooth jaguar. Hushed whispers are being exchanged between my mother and sister as I enter into the room, Anastasia looking livid as she scowls at our mother. That is odd. They have a wonderful, close relationship and I have never seen them argue before. When my mother catches a glimpse of me, she clears her throat, effectively silencing Anastasia.