Chapter Eleven

Kiss and Tell

You would think that stepping out of the car and going towards your two best friends would be great, awesome, easy, and well natural, however to me; it felt like a nightmare in the making.  As I stepped out of Eric’s black Mustang, I could only pray that Mandy and Rachel wouldn’t bombard me with questions, even though I knew they would.  What I didn’t understand, as I turned to face them, was why I felt so guilty, as if I had committed murder?   There wasn’t anything I should’ve been ashamed of, was there?  Perhaps the only thing was that I didn’t know my feelings towards Eric.  He was a great friend, and someone that I trusted with my darkest secret, but I didn’t know why he had kissed me in all honesty.  The kiss was nice, but all it did was create thousands of questions throughout my mind. The question was how was I going to explain this to Mandy and Rachel?

“Hey there ladies.” Eric said in a southern, cocky voice.  Was he serious?  How was he not freaking out, like I was? I wondered to myself.

“I would say, how are you doin’, but it looks like I just saw my answer.” Rachel said with a smirk, eyeing me and Eric.

“Okay, I’m sorry, but what the heck? Are you two a couple now and if so, then why am I just now hearing of you two liking each other? And Lisa, you of all people I thought would have told me if you liked Eric in that way, I mean I am one of your best friends, and that’s a kind of secretive things you tell best friends.” Mandy said as she got heated and stared at me with intense and hurt eyes.

“Mandy I’m sorry; it’s not like that though…” I began to say before Eric interrupted me.

“Mandy, calm down it’s not like that, she and I just kinda had an intense conversation, and I got wrapped up in the moment.  I’ll tell you, I’m going to kill my sister one day for making me watch all those fairytales and lovey-dovey movies with her.” Eric said with a smile, trying to ease the situation, which thankfully it worked.

“So, wait you two aren’t dating?” Rachel asked with a little bit of a disappointment in her voice.

“Sorry Rach, but I’m just not looking for a boyfriend anytime soon, not with a lot of family…drama happening.” I said, trying to think of the right word to describe the craziness.

“Haha yeah Eric is still free to take numbers, how about it Rach wana give it a go?” Eric said with a smirk, wiggling his eyebrows, as he threw an arm over my shoulders and hers.

“Yeah right, since when did you start wanting to become a Player, Eric?” Rachel said as she pushed his arm off of us, and began going into a debate with him, leaving me to walk into the library with Mandy.

“Look, I’m really sorry, I thought you two were now dating, and I was just really hurt that you wouldn’t tell me, your best friend about it.  I mean best friends share secrets that are what keeps us bonded you know.” Mandy said as we started to enter the library.  I knew where she was coming from, I would’ve reacted the same way, and she had a point, “best friends share secrets that are what keeps us bonded.”  I knew I had to tell her, but I just didn’t really know how.  Since Nunna gave me the strict orders to not tell anyone, except for a selected few, my mother, Mr. Poloski, and now Eric, have all figured out or know the secret.  I knew that I could trust Mandy, probably not Rachel as much since she’s very forgetful that certain things are secrets, but Mandy I knew I had to tell.

“Mandy and I’m sorry.  I have been keeping something from you, but it’s not about me and Eric, well I mean it is, he knows, but we aren’t dating or anything. Here let’s go in here.” I started to say in a hush voice as we walked towards the study rooms.

“So wait, how does Eric know before me?” Mandy said curiously.

“Well, he kinda forced it out of me earlier, but its fine, I wanted to tell you two anyways.  I’m just more afraid that you won’t believe me.  I’m actually really surprised that Eric believed me.” I said as I thought back at our conversation in the car.  I really had gone well, he had legit questions and concerns, but yet bottom line was that he believed me…and quickly.

“Lisa, I will always believe you, you’re a terrible liar, and everyone knows that.  So, get on with it, what’s all the secrecy?” Mandy asked as she leaned across the table, her voice going down to a whisper.  It was now or never I realized to myself as I leaned in and told her in no more than a whisper the secret of the century.

“Um, Mandy? Are you okay?” I said as I leaned back studying he face after I told her everything from the part of talking with my grandmother up until the car ride with Eric. Mandy just had a blank face, her eyes were continuing to grow as they shifted from the table to my eyes, and I could only assume the information was fully sinking in.

“Mandy, please say something.” I said as I looked around seeing if any doors had been opened, then back at her.

“So, I’m best friends with a princess? Like a for real, for real princess, Tiara and all?” Mandy said as a smile crept to her lips.

“Well, Grand Duchess, and I don’t have a tiara, at least I don’t think I do, and no one really knows, except a selected few.” I said as I couldn’t help but smile back at her.  I had finally told Mandy, and so far she hadn’t laughed in my face, or completely denied it, yet.

“And Mr. Poloski is related to Rasputin, and is a Count?” She asked, more like saying it out loud to make it more real, as she was still processing.  I couldn’t do anything but nod my head.

“Lisa, you know what this means don’t you? You have to tell people, I mean, people have to know that the real Anastasia is a live, and that you two are they last heirs to the Russian throne.” Mandy started spitting out quickly, as she smiled and began to come up with solutions.

“No, Mandy, we can’t.  No one must know.  Nunna said that there were still others that wanted to see our bloodline completely killed off, and plus I doubt we could rule or take the throne again.  It’s been over ninety years.  I’m sure there are laws now against it.” I said rationally, yet in the back of my mind I couldn’t help but wonder, could Nunna and I still take the throne?  Was it possible?  How is it done in England?  I was definitely going to have to ask Mr. Poloski more about that.

“Ha, hahah, Lisa, this is like, totally awesome.  I feel like we are in the movie ‘The Princess Diaries’.” Mandy said as she leaned back and smiled.

“Yeah I thought that the other day too, but it’s not quite that simple.  I just honestly can’t wait until I go to Russia next week, to find out more about my family…” I started saying before Mandy flipped out on me again.

“Russia? You’re going to Russia?  One week before finals?  With who? For how long? Where will you be staying?” Mandy started asking a hundred miles a minute.

“Mandy, haha stop.  I’m going to Russia next Wednesday with Mr. Poloski, and we’ll be back before he gives his final for our class the following week, besides I don’t have to take any of my finals.  I already took all the AP exams last week, just like Eric did. Besides to answer your other question we are staying, we are staying at some hotel that my mother booked for me.  However, Mr. Poloski mentioned that once I’m introduced to some of my family, they may want me to come and stay with them, but we’ll see.  I won’t really know anything until I get there.”

“Get where?” Eric came in to the study room, yet without Rachel.

“Russia. Hey where’s Rach?” I said as I looked for her.

“Oh, her mom came and got her, she had to go do something.  So, what about Russia?” Eric shrugged as he sat down next to Mandy and across from me.  I could my cheeks getting red as I looked at him, studying how his dark hair did look perfect being longer and over his eyes.  The way he was just laid back, despite the awkward signal waves I was putting off.  Ugh, don’t make things awkward; just pretend that the kiss didn’t happen. I tried to force myself.

“I was just telling Mandy everything about Mr. Poloski and me going to Russia.” I said softly, hoping he would understand the meanings behind it, so I wouldn’t have to repeat.  Luckily, he did.

“Oh, well, welcome to the Official Team Princess Lisa Club, MJ.” Eric said with a goofy grin as he gave her a huge hug, almost knocking her breath out.

“Ugh, thanks, but don’t kill me for knowing Eric. Geez.”  Mandy said as she playfully pushed him back.  I don’t know but as I watched Eric hug Mandy like that I did want to be her, and the way that Mandy was looking at Eric, I could feel a little jab of what I could only assume was jealousy in the pit of my stomach.  Yet, I didn't like Eric, I couldn’t, I had never before.  He was just a friend, always just a friend, and a kiss couldn’t change that, could it? I thought to myself as I had to look way.

“Okay so when are we going to Russia again?” Eric said as he flipped out his cell phone and began texting someone.

“Um, well “We’re” not going anywhere in Russia, I’m going to Russia.” I stated slowly.  Did he really think he was going to Russia with me?  I doubt he could even get a plane ticket that fast, besides if I was able to stay with extended family over there, would they let a commoner stay with them? I couldn’t help but to wonder.

“Mandy what are you doing next week? You’re done with finals right?” Eric, completely ignoring my “No” turned to ask Mandy.

“Well I just have one, but it’s not until the Monday after Lisa would be getting back.” Mandy said as she thought about it and then looked between Eric and me with a curious expression.

“Eric, you can’t…”

“Mandy go ask your parents if you could go on an early trip for a graduation present next week.  You still have your passport from when you went to Barbados last summer with my family, right?” Eric asked quickly.

“Eric, Mandy, I don’t think…Wait you went with Eric?” I asked as his words finally settled in my head.  Since when was Mandy taking trips with Eric’s family?

“Yeah, long story hold on.” Mandy said as she began talking to one of her parents on the phone.

“Eric, I don’t think it would be a good idea for yall to come along.  I mean, I don’t know what all is going to happen once I get over there, and plus what if yall can’t hang out with me once I do meet my family?” I started telling him all the reasonable concerns.

“You worry too much you know that Lisa.” Eric began saying with a cocky grin.  “Besides, if we can’t hang with you, MJ and I will go do our own thing during the day.  I have had two free airline tickets since my birthday that actually expire this summer, all I have to do is call the airline and say where I need the ticket to and when, and I can be on my way.  This is a perfect opportunity. Plus I have my other reasons.”  He said with a smirk.

“Ugh, fine, but you’ll have to stay with Mr. Poloski.” I said with a grin.

“As long as he doesn’t go all Michael Jackson on me, I think it will be fine.  Besides I can take care of myself and get a different room, if I want.” He said as he turned to look at Mandy who was coming back to the study room with a blank expression.

“So….” Eric and I both said together.

“So, they are going to think about it, and call me back.” Mandy said as she sat back down.  I could see the disappointment in her face, and I knew that if she wasn’t going to be able to go, it was going to be torturous.  However, I made up my mind right then and there; if Mandy couldn’t go then Eric wasn’t going either.  Not but a few moments later Mandy’s cell phone rang.

“Um, I’m going to go step out this time.” I said as I stood up and started walking towards the book stacks that were in front of the study room.

“I’ll go with.” Eric said as he gave Mandy an encouraging smile and closed the door on the way out.  We both knew that she would want the privacy as she talked with her parents, but we didn’t realize was how awkward it was going to be with just us two alone together again.  And this time I wasn’t the only one making things awkward.

Several minutes passed, as we just stood against the book stacks watching Mandy, and then briefly looking at each other.  I could see his face getting a little red, which I could only guess it was because mine was already scarlet.

“Well, let me know when she gets off the phone, I’m going to go to the reference area.” I said softly as I walked away.  I had to leave, too much awkward tension was building up, and I couldn’t stand the silence.  I didn’t know what to say to him; should I have thanked him for the kiss? Did I even need to bring it up? And did Mandy have a thing for Eric, since they went to Barbados together last summer. My mind was swimming with all sorts of different questions now.

“Lisa, wait.” Eric called out as he jogged to catch up with me.

“Look. I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have kissed you.  It wasn’t the right time or place.  The fact of the matter is, I do like you Lisa, and I think you are beautiful and smart, and hilarious. But now you have to figure out what all this new information about your family means.  You’re planning on going to California next semester, but after you go meet your family, will you still go to college?  What about your great grandmother?  Plus, if word does get out about you, have you figured out how to handle it?  I mean all of this is a lot to think about.  I am truly grateful that you told me the truth, and that you told Mandy.  We can help you.  We can be your support, but please let’s not make things awkward between us because of a stupid mistake that I made.” Eric said with a serious face.

“I mean it wasn’t stupid…” I said as I looked away, feeling a little hurt, even though I knew I shouldn’t care about him like that.  I guess it comes with being a woman, you hear a negative word from a guy and you automatically feel rejected.

“Lisa, it was stupid for the timing.  I loved the kiss, but I hate that I ended up making things awkward between us when you have to figure out so much already.” He said as he looked back towards the study room as we heard the door closing.

“Okay, thanks.  I’ll try not to make things awkward.” I said with a smile.

“Ha yeah, well we’ll see about that one.  But thanks.  And like I said, Mandy and I are officially on Team Princess Lisa. Don’t forget that.” He said with a grin as he pulled me into a hug before turning to face Mandy.

“shhh, don’t say that out loud Eric.” I said with a worried look.

“I can go!” Mandy said excitedly.  “Oh gosh, I gotta figure out what to wear.  Is it cold up in Russia?  And I’ll have to find my passport.  Oh and when does the plane leave?” She started going a thousand questions per second.

“That’s awesome MJ, I’ll be right back I’m going to go call the airlines.” Eric said as he pulled out his phone and started heading back towards the study room.  I noticed Mandy watching him as he left, before turning her focus back on me.  That’s when I knew it.  She did have some kind of feelings towards him.

“Isn’t this awesome!” Mandy said as she gave me another hug.

“Yeah, it is great! I can’t wait.  We’ll have to go shopping this weekend.” I said with a huge grin on my face.  Should I ask Mandy about Eric now or wait? I asked myself.  Yet just then she grabbed my arm and started pulling me back towards the study room, helping me make up my mind to wait until later to ask her about it, or well confirm my suspicions.

“Hey Lisa, when are we leaving on Wednesday?” Eric asked as soon as we got back into the room, with his ear pressed against the phone as he wrote down information on a note card.

“Um, eight o’clock, in the morning.” I replied as I thought about it.

“Eight? Why so early?” Mandy said in a groan before Eric sushed her causing us both to grin at each other.  Eric was on serious, get information mode, which was always funny to watch. 

“Um, yes, and can you change those other two tickets so that we could be in the same section?” Eric asked quickly.  Whose tickets was he changing? I wondered.  From what Mr. Poloski was saying, we had pretty good seats.

“Alright, thanks so much. Uh huh, you too.” Eric said as he ended the phone call.

“Eric…” I began to ask before he cut me off.

“So it’s settled, Mandy and I will be riding up in first class with you and Mr. Poloski on Wednesday. This is going to be the best senior trip ever!” He said with a big grin.

“Wait first class?” Mandy and I said together, causing us to grin at each other.

“Yeah, I was asking if we could sit together, and the lady was asking if I wanted to downgrade your tickets, but then said there were two seats left in first class if I wanted to upgrade. So that’s what I did.” He said as he smiled, knowing he made an awesome decision.

“Oh well cool.  I didn’t know we were in first class.  But wait don’t you need to ask your parents if you need to go?” I said with a hesitant voice.

“Already did, that’s who I was texting earlier.” He said with a proud smile.

“Well, I must say Mr. Lawson, you are a very good party planner, and a quick one at that.  Or I guess I should say a travel agent.” Mandy said with a grin as she leaned down to grab her book bag.  I had to admit, he was.  In less than an hour he was able to take control of the plans for the trip, convince two parents, and get plane tickets switched to first class.

“Hey sorry, I gotta go, my dad is waiting outside.  Hey Lisa do you want us to drop you off at home?” Mandy said as she looked down at her buzzing phone.

“No that’s okay, Eric can drop me off.” I said with a smile before my own phone started beeping with a text message from my mother.

“On second thought, my mom is coming to pick me up.” I said as I re-read the text message.

“Okay, well I guess I’ll wait with ya then, until she gets here.” Eric replied as we all walked out of the library.

I couldn’t help but smile and think how lucky I was at this moment.  Here I was with my two best friends, who both knew my secret of m being a Russian Grand Duchess, and they were going to Russia in a few days with me.  Plus to think, they wouldn’t had known if Eric had made me tell him, and then Mandy wouldn’t had known if Eric hadn’t kissed me.  It was the perfect “kiss and tell” I thought to myself as Mandy left with her dad and my mother came to pick me up.  I just couldn’t wait until next Wednesday, the trip that was going to reveal all, so I hoped.

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