The Baker Boys

Chapter 5

After saying goodbye to Albert, I made my way home which led to my being malled by my lovely little sister. 

"Omg, I'm so sorry." She grabs my arm, helping me up. "Did you hear?!" She is now jumping up and down with a happy grin on her face.

"Mm, obviously not?" I say standing up and put my hand on the back of my head to make sure it wasn't bleeding. Nope, it just hurts a lot.

"What?! Do you just not care for news?!" She was practically yelling at me. She stops jumping, taking my hand, and dragging me to the living room. On the TV there was a news reporter and a picture of the King, laying down in a white cloth bed, looking sickly and pale.

"I regret to inform all of you about the tragic news released a couple of hours ago. The King does not have very much time left. Reports say he had a heart attack which did irreversible damage, and he will not last any longer. I was told to inform you of other news as well," I look at Lo and she had her hand on her mouth looking at the screen. I look back at the screen and feel my heart cinch and shatter and I hear sobs and painful cries come through the speaker. 

The King is dying? The terrible news has yet to sink in, and when it does, my sobs join those of many others. He was an amazing leader and my heart goes out to his family and friends. 

The lady continues on. "And as many would expect, the royal heartbreak has led to the Queen stepping down. I couldn't see how she could continue ruling after her love is in this condition. We're not informed of how the children are reacting to such a painful time, but I can imagine it not going well. We send our apologises and prayers to the royal family and wish them well," I sit down on the couch and I could hear more people start crying. "The King has one final request: he would like to throw one more ball. A masquerade to be exact. Please, it does not matter if you're a commoner or of noble status, he wishes for all of his people to attend," I look towards Lo and see the excitement flash in her eyes.

"Did you hear that?! A ball! We have to go." She pouts at me, knowing I'd refuse.

"This sounds like a terrible idea, Lo. It might cause more stress on the King, and I'm not really down to socialize either," I shake my head at her obvious irritation.

"C'mon, Whit! The King requested all of us to come. And it's a masquerade ball anyway, no one will know who we are!" She was going to ramble more but the reporter had more to say,

"The ball will be held in a week, in the royal palace; at 7 pm on the dot, the doors will open. Please wear a mask covering, as again, it's a masquerade ball. Please come and enjoy it, King's orders. The King may potentially not be there but the Queen and the two Princes will. Have a wonderful day, and please pray for our King." She leaves and Lo and I sit there in shock.

Lo turns off the tv and turns to me. "Whit, need dresses. We only have a week and everyone's going to take the good ones. We have to go like, now."

"Lo calm down. We have to tell mom first." I place a hand on her shoulder to calm her a bit, "I'm going to the kitchen," She just nods. I walked into the kitchen and grab some chips, then going up to my room to do some online window shopping.

~~~

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." 
By Louisa May Alcott. 

One of my favorite quotes. I continue to read on as the door slams open.

"Whitney! Get ready, hurry up!" Loretta opens the door and puts her hands on her knees, taking deep breathes.

"Why? And more importantly why are you out of breath?" I shut the book I was reading and set it on the bay window I was just sitting on. I walked over to her and put my hand on her back. "You okay?" I guide her to my bed to sit down.