Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Laura POV

We stayed with Katherine, chatting and laughing with her just to make her feel at ease. You know, I have been spending a lot of time with these three, but my three is back in the orphanage feeling blue. I admit I have not been spending time with them that much but I hope they don't notice. Who am I kidding, they would have noticed it but they won't tell me.

The door flung open and Luke walked in, looking like he ran a marathon race.

"What's wrong why did you barge in like that," Sandra queried Luke, who was trying to catch his breath. He slowly waved his hand and stared at Anne.

"Anne, your mom's here. Technically, she's in the house and she's looking for youx" he stated and Anne gasped.

"Is she alone?" Anne asked.

"No, she brought multiple of guards and my dad is keeping her company," he said, finally able to catch his breath he walked over to Kat bed side.

"Ugh, that's my mom alright," Anne mumbled. "You guys should go I'll stay with Katherine," he offered and kissed Kat who was smiling sheepishly.

"I think she'll ask of you. I know she will ask of you. It's better you come with us," Anne insisted.

"Who will look over Katherine," Luke pointed out. He did state a point.

"Hey, am right here. Please stop acting like am a kid, I can take care of myself," Kat protested.

"Why don't Fred stay and you'll take us back home" I suggested and Luke sighed while Anne applauded.

"I guess so," Luke shrugged.

"You always bring up good suggestions Laura, you're a natural," Anne smiled.

"Thank you," I smiled too.

"Luke, we better up our game a little. Mom is definitely here because of the wedding," Anne chirped. I turned to watch Sandra's reaction but it was expressionless.

"So we now have to act like couples?" Luke asked with a puzzled expression and Anne nodded.

"Luckily, I am good at acting" Anne smiled and Luke sighed, before he ran his fingers through hair backwards.

"Can today get any worst," he lamented.

"Don't ever say that again" Anne warned and I found myself asking why.

"Because the worst thing can just walk out of that door" she pointed towards the door and I sighed.

"Princesses are so dramatic, especially you," Kat said and we chuckled while Anne rolled her eyes.

"I'll go call frank," Sandra said and walked out.

"What I said made the most beautiful creature just walk out of that door and I think that's the worst thing ever. What have I done" Luke sighed and we giggled.

"Okay now my brother is being over dramatic," Kat smiled and we laughed.

In a few minutes, Fred and Sandra came in and we left immediately. We got into the car and Luke started the engine. The car was quiet that you could hear if a pin dropped. The only thing that was heard was Anne's high breathing. She's panicking, I know that for sure.

We arrived at the house and it was swarming with people and expensive cars. I'm not saying that Mr Howard's cars aren't expensive, these one just stands out.

"What are these people doing here?" I asked no one in particular.

"They are not just people, they are bodyguards," Anne explained and I nodded, still confused.

"But why would she bring this much escort," I questioned and Anne sighed as we got down from the car.

"A's my mother for you. She doesn't like you take risks," Anne said.

"But this isnt a risk" I stated and Anne shrugged as we walked into the house.

"Tania I was so worried about you," I heard a female voice. I wasn't exactly facing the lady so I didn't know who she was.

"I'm alright mom," I heard Anne said and I turned. Before me was a classy lady, I think she was a bit overdressed. I can't really say but I can see the resemblance between her and Anne. Her accent is so... I don't know what to say. She's so classy and polished, elegant and refined. I hope she's nice though.

"Why did she call Anne, Tania?" I whispered to Sandra.

"That's her middle name" she replied and I nodded. Princess Anne Tania...

I don't exactly know her last name but I'll ask her later.

The sounds of voices knocked me out of my thoughts. "I need to take a hot bath mom, I spent the night in the hospital," Anne sighed and turned to me. "Laura, would you mind keeping my mom company while we freshen up?"

"It'll be fine," I assured giving her an understanding nod. "Thanks," she muttered and turned to her mother the queen, "I know you'll be in safe hands," she walked over to Luke and dragged him upstairs in a haste. I didn't miss the way the queen's eyes followed them with a bit of a glint in each.

"I'll take my leave, your highness," Sandra bowed and the queen sighed gesturing her to stop.

"That's old fashioned, these are modern times. No bowing please," she warned and Sandra nodded before walking away. What surprised me that, the queen of England just said 'please'.

She slowly sat down on the couch, her gaze never moved from me. I'm I in trouble?

"So you're an orphan," she said and I nodded. "Use your words my dear," she demanded calmly. Okay that's new.

"Yes I am," I said. "Can I get you some water? You look a little dehydrated." I stated and she smiled, "Please do," she said and I rushed to the kitchen.

Immediately I closed the kitchen door, I shrieked. I can't stay with her, she'll try to find some fault in me. Why did Anne leave me with her mom. Where is Mr Howard. I huffed and walked to the counter. If I delay, she might be angry.

I walked back to the living room with a tray containing the water with me. I kept it on the glass table close to the couch.

"Thank you," was her reply. I saw how hard it was to say that to me. I guess she never had to say that in her life.

In a few minutes, I was sitting across her. We sat in silence, she occasionally askede some stuffs about myself and I answered honestly.

"Can you please excuse me," I said and she nodded, "Take your time," I don't know if she likes me.

I walked diligently up the stairs, knowing very well that she was staring at me. When she was beyond eye shot, I rushed towards Anne's room and knocked softly.

"Who is it?" she asked from the other side of the door.

"It's me Laura. Are you dressed?" I asked. Did that sound awkward? "Just a second," she stated. In a few, the door opened and she welcomed me in.

"You need to come downstairs now. I can't stay there any longer," I complained, "What happened," she asked a bit worried.

"It's nothing, she's just trying to find fault in all my doings, I think. I don't think she likes me, she's just smiling to cover it up," I stated and she sighed.

"That's great," she smiles and I stared at her fully confused. "You must be kidding me, how is she not liking me great,"

"That's not what I meant" she rolled her eyes. "She'll like to see if there is any fault in you and teach you. That's how she shows her love,"

"Um, why do you say that she hates you when she treats you that way," I asked and she went blank.

"I never thought of it that way. But making marry someone that I don't love is not love," she said with much emotion, "Anyway, we have to go," she motioned and I followed her. We walked downstairs and I was shocked to see Luke and Mr Howard with the queen.

"I'm ready," Anne sighed and they all turned to us. "That's good. You'll check out the wedding dress I brought because we leave," she stated.

"What do you mean by we leave. Mom I thought that I will stay here till Sunday," Anne sighed annoyed.

The queen stood up and walked over to us. "Tania, we have to leave because it will bring bad luck if the groom sees the bride before the wedding and we have to prepare you for that day,"

"I understand " Anne said defeated.

"Luke and Mr Howard will arrive on Saturday an...... "

"Why can't I follow them. They won't see me in my dress," Anne chirped in and the queen glared at her.

"It seems that you have lost your manners," the queen replied and Anne bowed her head lamenting, "I'm sorry mom " I feel sad that she's leaving. Who is going to teach me British.

*Anne's Pointed Of View*

"We should leave now to avoid more scenes " mom said as she looked at me dissapointed. Great, see what I got myself in.

"Beatrice! Where are you?" mom yelled as she turned towards the door. Why did she bring her here.

"Who is Beatrice?" Laura asked and I sighed. "She's my sister," I blurted and they gasped.

"Hey mom, I am here," I heard Beatrice and we turned our heads simultaneously to her. And I was both terrified and happy about what I saw.

"Ollie!" I exclaimed as I rushed to him. Taking him into a tight hug. I missed him.

"Hey!" he said awkwardly as we disengaged. Just so you know. Oliver, well, Ollie is the love of my life. He's just so cute and adorable wearing the bodyguards uniform--

"What are you wearing?" I asked and stared at Beatrice and mom.

"Oliver is Beatrice personal bodyguard," mom spat and I gasped. Beatrice has a thing for Ollie and I know that she'll find a way to make him hers and I can't do anything about it.

"How could you do that?" I whispered. "I don't think you can tell me what not or what to do," mom said while Beatrice smirked. Me and Beatrice aren't really close.

I hastily turned to Ollie and smiled, "I missed you " I whispered, knowing fully well that if mom hears me she's gonna kill me. "Me too," he smiled and I bit my lips. He makes me blush just by smiling. Is it me or is this room getting hot.

"Excuse me?" mom yelled. Oh no. She heard us. She walked to us slowly, each step she took cut my breath.

"It seems like you all aren't leaving anymore," Mr Howard voice echoed in the room and we all turned to him. He just saved and because of that, I gave him a thank you kind of smile.

"We will be on our way now," mom smile and I almost yawned. Again 'almost'. I admit the conversation is boring but I can't yawn, mom's gonna kill me. She say that it's disrespectful and I somehow agree, a bit.

"Ollie is riding with me," Beatrice smirked. Calm your nerves Anne. She shouldn't get under your skin.

I forced out a smile and was about to say something but Luke cut in off, "He's staying with me."

"Why?" Beatrice busted. Wow she looks an a....... No, breathe gently Anne. Deep breath.

"I don't think he should see her dress and I want him to help me out too, since Anne knows him." he stated. I know what he's doing he's trying to make Ollie stay with him so that Beatrice won't try anything funny.

He turned to my mom, "Of course, it's if her royal highness accepts, " Luke said and I smirked.

"I am her royal highness," I smiled and he smiled too. The smile that makes a girl go nuts. Don't get me wrong, I am just admitting that he is cute. My heart remains with Ollie forever.

"Don't get me wrong, her royal highness," he tsked and I giggled. Is he trying to flirt with me. My mom will be happy with this, it's definitely one of his plan.

"Can you both do this later, maybe in private," mom bit back a smile. I knew she would like it, but Oliver doesn't seem to like it. He has a strange look on his face.

Luke led Oliver upstairs, probably to his room. I make my leave after some minutes. I have to see Oliver.

"I don't think you should go," mom argued and I held myself from groaning. "Yes, I think you just want to see Oliver. Maybe you and Luke planned it," Beatrice said and I almost rolled my eyes.

"Why would I do that? Like mom said, it's bad luck to see him before the wedding and he's probably in his room with Oliver and his father, getting ready to go out or they'll call for shipping," I stated and they seemed to be buying it so I continued.

"We are going out. As a princess, I ought to look presentable," the smile on mom face grew. "For my own liking," I chirped in and her smile disappeared.

The last thing I want is for her to dress me up like a.. I don't know what to call it. I just want to dress freely.

"Okay be quick " mom said.

"Thanks mom," I bowed and quickly ran upstairs, towards Luke's room. do you really think that I meant what I said. it was just a simple lie.

I knocked softly on Luke's door. "Come in," Luke's voice echoed and I opened the door and walked in.

"I knew it was you," Luke smiled and I giggled. "Thanks for the act " I said and he bowed.

"It was nothing," he smirked and I rolled my eyes. It surprisingly fell on Ollie who was resting on the wall. I walked towards him and hug him. "I missed you," but he remained still. I looked up to him, "What's wrong."

"Please tell me," I pleaded but he kept mute. "Is it because of what happened downstairs? You should know that I was just an act to find a way to talk to you in private," I stated and he looked at me. I'm a bit shorter so he stared down at me.

"I am sorry," he cupped my face with his hands. "It's okay. You are forgiven," I smiled and he chuckled. He brought my face closer and kissed me.

"What was that for?" I giggled. "I just missed you" he smiled. "You've said that for the 2th time now," I pouted. "You started it " he pouted as he nuzzled my nose.

"Stop it" I giggled as I tried to break his grip from my face. "Why should I?" he said as he left small kisses on my lips.

"I love this," he kissed me, "I love you," he smiled. "I love you too!" I said as we hugged.

"Why are you Beatrice's bodyguard?" I asked and he sighed as we sat on the bed. "Did she threatened you?" I asked, my blood boiling. I know my mom can go to that extent but why did she make him Beatrice bodyguard.

"That's a story for another day. if I would be allowed to see you of course," he smiled sadly.

"Look dude, don't get me wrong. I don't want to get married either but I have to," Luke chirped in. I almost forgot that he was here.

"I have to leave now. If not mom will find out that I came here," I stated and stood up.

"Bye," I muttered and laid a kiss on his forehead. I walked out of the room and headed to mine, where I quickly got dressed and packed my bags, I didn't forget my paintings and drawings.

"Where is she? Don't you think she's with Oliver now?" Beatrice voice sounded as I walked downstairs.

"I just had to pack my luggage," I stated and all heads turned to me. "The maid wound have done that," she glanced at Sandra and Laura.

"They are not just maids, they are my friends and besides I can do it anytime and anywhere by myself," I spat and walked away, dragging my luggage with me.

I know mom would be stunned because of my reaction, but...I don't really care. They are my friends and I mean it.

*

The ride was slow even if I don't know where we are going, I had to persuade mom to let Sandra and Laura come. I know Laura would like it, and Sandra a bit, but Katherine would have loved it. It's sad that she's not here with us, I don't mean that she's dead, you understand that right? We moved in two cars. Me, Sandra, Laura and mom in one, Beatrice and some bodyguards in the other.samurai

We stopped at a huge shop where wedding gowns were being advertised. "I guess this is the shop," I sighed.

A guy from the other car quickly rushed to open the door for us and we stepped down.

"Thank you," I smiled and he bowed before he walked away. Laura stared at me in awe.

"Okay, why are you stealing glances at me," I turned to Laura. It has been too long, I have not been able to focus with the way she was staring at me.

"I wasn't stealing glances at you," she said and I sighed. "My mom won't hear us, we are behind her and she's too serious with this wedding gown stuff to care about us."

"Okay," she sighed and I motioned for her to go on.

"How does it feel when you have servants at your disposal. I mean, that guy opened the door for you, do you get that treatment everyday?" She grinned.

"Actually, it feels great but am used to it now, and yeah I usually get treated like that everyday but when I came here all that changed and I must say it was very stressful. I admit, I felt lazy but now I know that I have to learn," I stated and she smiled.

"Good," she smirked and I rolled my eyes. Our chat was cut shortly by my mom and her attitude.

We all walked into the shop and a lady walked up to us, wiggling her glasses and it seemed nerdy.

"Welcome to the PR....." She shifted her gaze from her book to us and she immediately shivered.

"Your Highness," she bowed. "Please this way," she led nervously.

The place was neatly arranged with many wedding dresses and I sadly say that, no one caught my eye.

"Here it is," she picked up a box and turned to me. "The dressing room is this way," she said as she led me to a small room. It was a bit large but I've seen larger one's.

"Let me help you with that," she stated and I nodded, before she helped me slip into the dress. It didn't take minutes to put it on, and I didn't like it at all. It's too princessy. I thought it was a wedding gown not a huge ball gown.

I love that it has sleeves but it's too....fancy? Glimmerish? Idealistically my mother type? What else again?

"Mom this is sooo....not my type," I whined as I stared at myself in the mirror. "I think it's beautiful, I love it," mom clapped and I almost glared at her. Again almost. Why is she making me almost do things today.

"Mom, it's my wedding and my wedding day is my day to be happy, even though am not. At least let me choose my own dress, something that suits me," I stated and she nodded.

"Okay, you can have your wish," she granted and I smiled. I looked around the room and my eyes caught something.

"I'll take that one," I pointed out and the salesclerk fished it out. I followed her to the dressing room and she helped me out of the dress into the new one. After pulling a few zippers and setting a few strings, it was in place.

"You look perfect," she symboled perfect. "Thanks," I smiled. I inhaled deeply and walked out of the dressing room.

"It's lovely," Laura grinned and Sandra clapped. I can't stop myself from smiling. I stared at the mirror and smiled. It is what I expected and more.

It looks simply and a not at all fancy. It had a yellow lace bow tied to the side and a veil that spread widely on the ground. It is originally white but there's a little yellow. It has some flares which make it beautiful and it was soft. I could sleep in it.

"We'll take it," I stated with a final tone. "Okay then," mom uttered defeated.

The salesclerk packed the it neatly and handed it to us, then we went on our way of course after mom settled with her. We got into the car and the driver drove off, back to the house to drop Sandra and Laura, and also pick up Oliver.

We finally stopped at Mr Howard's house and we came down and walked into the house. The first person we saw was Mr Howard.

"That was fast," he stated and I smiled. Mom walked close to him and gave him a warm huge....I think.

"Thank you for your hospitality," She smiled as they pulled away. "It was my pleasure your highness," he bowed.

In the next moment, Oliver and Luke quickly rushed down the stairs.

"Your Highness," he bowed a little to my mom and walked towards Beatrice and stood behind her.

I stood beside Sandra and Laura and Mom signaled me to get in the car but I declined. I want to say bye to my friends.

I turned back to them and sighed, "I'll miss you girls," I smiled sadly. "Ladies," Laura corrected and we found ourselves giggling.

"Tell Gabriel I said hi," I instructed and she nodded. "We'll miss you too," Sandra said and a sad smile spread across my face.

"I'll call you ladies when I'm less busy," I stated. "We'll call you too," Sandra smiled and I turned to look at the car.

"I have to go now ladies," I stated and turned back to them. "Bye," Laura embraced me and I slowly responded. It felt good finally feeling the warmth of a friend hug. Sandra quickly joined in. I guess, its the warmth of friends hug, real friends.

The car honked and we quickly disengaged, "See you later girls," I smiled and stepped away from them towards the car.

"We are ladies!" Laura yelled and I giggled before I got into the car. Though I got some glares from my mom it was worth it.

Tears swelled in my ears as I watched them waved at me and I smiled. I have never felt like this before, when I left home I didn't feel like this but I just stayed here for less than a month and now am getting so emotional because I'm leaving.

If this is what having real friends feels like, I love it.