The Things We Want

CHAPTER 5 "A GREAT DISTRACTION"

ITALICS: FLASHBACKS

His first day on the job at the palace, he was sent to work in the garden with an older woman named Sophia. It wasn't exactly what he had expected, but he planned to give it his all. He was headed back home for the day, the night sky glittering with stars. It had been a fairly normal first day at work, until a wild young girl flew right into him, sending them toppling to the ground. Her curled red hair fell forward, blinding him for a few seconds until she pushed herself up. Her giant blue eyes looked down at him in fear, "Oh my gosh I-I'm so sorry!-"

"It's alright, are you hurt?" Eugene pushed himself up and offered her his hand.

"U-Um no-" She took it, pulling herself up. She was frazzled, and looked scared, but wasn't harmed. Her sparkling dress had a tear where her foot got caught.

"Are you okay? Has something happened?" Eugene asked, trying to follow her gaze as she looked around.

"It- Ugh it sounds so ridiculous... you'll think I'm nuts!" She squealed softly.

"I want to help," He pushed on, and she gave in quickly, she really needed to talk to someone.

"I was walking home and- I could've sworn that I heard something behind me... I-I don't know I'm probably just hearing things," She finished with a nervous smile. Seconds later, footsteps sounded behind her and she turned around, shaking fearfully.

"That isn't you hearing things, quickly, follow me!" Eugene whispered loudly, pointing towards the woods.

"B-But I have to go home!" Ava whispered back, pointing towards the castle. Eugene sighed, changing direction and dragging Ava behind him towards the garden. They rushed down the path, making haste. Soon they reached the garden and hid behind some bushes. The footsteps had caught up to them.

"Princess," a deep voice cooed, "It's okay, you and your friend can come out,"

"W-We aren't children you know!" Eugene remarked, "How old are you?" he turned back and whispered.

"15!" Ava whispered back.

"We would be idiots to trust you!" Eugene burst from the bushes, standing tall with his fists at his sides, "I-If you want the princess, you'll have to go through me!"

"Silly little boy. Do you think you stand a chance against me?"

"No. But I really am a great distraction!" He stated cooly as the man looked up to see Ava running towards the castle. He fumed, towering over Eugene.

"You'll regret that, boy!" He stormed forward, grabbing Eugene's collar. Eugene struggled, his eyes widely staring at the man, doing anything he could to get away. He threw a few kicks with his dangling legs but none of them landed where they were supposed to.

Seeming to get bored, the man threw Eugene into a sidewall of the garden, his head smacking against the hard grey bricks. He slid down the wall, black spots dancing across his vision as he tried to stand again when he saw the man coming towards him.

"D-Don't," He raised up his hand, using his other arm to push back against the wall, trying to keep himself up. The man advanced, wrapping his hand around Eugene's neck, lifting him from the ground again.

"STOP!" Ava screamed. Eugene grabbed at the man's hand, trying to break free. Ava stood with three guards behind her. The man released Eugene, sending him falling to the ground. The man turned on his heel and started running.

"After him!" The guard yelled, the three of them chasing him off into the woods.

"Oh my gosh," Ava rushed to Eugene, who laid on the ground gasping. "A-Are you... w-we need to get you some help," She helped him to sit up, "Can you-"

"Eugene," He said weakly, "My name is Eugene..." He slumped back, leaning on the wall, the blackness thickening.

"S-Stay with me," Ava put her hand on his cheek, "I-I'm Ava. We really should get help- Eugene? EUGENE!"

"And then they took me into the palace, I almost died!" He explained dramatically.

"You had a concussion Eugene, you woke up after 5 minutes," Ava retorted, rolling her eyes at his overly dramatized story.

"And we've been friends ever since!"

"He meets me when I come to town since he no longer works in the palace. Though I wish you would take the king's offer," Ava trailed off, but Eugene shook his head.

"I couldn't, I loved my job there while it lasted, but it wasn't what I wanted to do for a long time. Though I always wish I could see you more, Ava. And apparently keep you out of trouble!" He commented, motioning to her wound.

"I was being careful!" She pushed herself up again, yelling defensively.

"Are you doing that right now?" Eugene said softly, gently pushing her back down. She was frustrated but still couldn't fight back.

"Alright, I'll trust you to keep an eye on her, Iris let's head to the square and we can explain to the King. Please do NOT get up Princess Ava," The Doctor rolled his eyes and they exited the room.

"Eugene, I-"

"You need to rest," He put his hand on her shoulder, "Please, you can explain how this all happened later," he sighed with a small concerned smile.

"I-I'm sorry-"

"Don't be."