Yesterday went fine. Mr. Raven was happy to see me again. Pumpkin nearly knocked me over, and Jamie, well, he was just like any boy in a pet store. Just like Sam had said, I still had my job, thanks to her dad. Right away, I got to work. Of course, everyone was glad to see me again. Well, back to the present.

I groggily opened my eyes. For a minute I forgot where I was. Then I remembered the plane, Max, and Art. I groaned at the thought of him. Well, today's a new day, and I shouldn't hold on to yesterday. I got out of bed, and headed to the closet. I stood there for 10 minutes before I finally decided on dark jeans, and a green light sweater, I folded the sleeves to give it a new look. Satisfied at my appearance for the long day ahead of me, I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth.

Fixing my hair in a messy bun, I went to the kitchen where mom was already making breakfast.

'"Morning honey. How'd you sleep?"

"Fine, thanks." I looked at the time. 9:03. Arg. I forgot that I had applied to college, and in about a month would be the first day. The University of Saelia. Some name. But it was practically the only choice I had since dad is all about good grades. 4 years. Really?

"What's wrong sweety?" Mom asked.

"College." I muttered. Mom chuckled.

"Thinking about that already? Thats more than a month away. Live your life while you still have it."

I nodded, "I guess."

"Anyway, Max and Ashley are coming over at 5ish, and Jamie's birthday is coming up, so you better plan something. I need to run an errand, after work, come straight home."

"Okay, mom," I laughed, before getting an apple. "Will do." I put on my shoes and went out the door.

♔♔♔

"So..." Sam said, working along side me. Cleaning out the rabbit cage.

"So, what?" I asked.

"Did you and Art meet up yet?" She's the only one who know about Art being the prince, besides Max. Who turns out to be friends with him. Its amazing what can happen in three years while you're were away.

"Yea." I shrugged.

"And..."

I sighed. "Sam, I told you before we moved, even over the phone, I don't care for him anymore."

Sam rolled her eyes, "Oh Lil, that incident was ages ago. Grow up. That girl is probably his designer or something."

"Sam, when a girls heart is broken, she doesn't want anything to do with the man. Besides, I was like 14, I was blind to see...." but she cut me off.

"You were 14 Lil, three years ago. Now come on, admit it, you don't what happened during those three years, and I do. Plus," she added, "I'm not going to start with how many times he stopped by here dropping his dog off temporarily, in hopes of you being here."

"Sam, please," I was starting to get a headache. "Second day back, can we just stop talking about guys."

"As you wish....your Highness?" I was busy putting in new hay.

"Sam...." I started saying, but she exclaimed.

"No, his Highness!" She grabbed my head, and turned it towards the window. It took me a while to adjust my eyes, before I saw Art on the other side of the store, what looks like to be a football in his hands. He threw it, and three boys ran after it. Art playing football with some boys on the street? What is he up too? I stood up.

"I'm getting a headache pill." I went towards the employee room.

"Awe, Lily, he looks cute." I heard her say, I rolled my eyes and went for the cupboards.

♔♔♔

After walking Pumpkin, and a few other dogs, it was already 6:05. I got some more 'welcome back's' from the other employees.

I stepped out into the evening sun. Feeling it soak through my skin. I would love a long nap, but then I face palmed my forehead. I have to help mom in the kitchen, since Ashley and Max are coming over, or maybe they're already there. Looks like I won't get my nap today.

I got to our house, which was located on the edge of town. I wasn't too big, just right for four people. A small flower bed out in the front under the windows, and a swing on the porch. I saw Jamie playing with that same red truck of his on the driveway, beside what look like Max's car. Jamie looked up and saw me, but continued playing.

"Hey," I called, once I was a good distance from him.

"Hi." He replied monotonously. Deciding not to question his attitude, I stepped into the house, and took off my shoes, making my way to the kitchen. Already, I heard some laughter, and talking.

"Hi everyone." I said, seeing that everyone was already seated and eating. Even dad came, who was a truck driver. He drove here while we took the plane, since he still had some loads to deliver.

"Hi honey!" Mom spoke first, "Just grab a plate a join us." On the counter we're some paper plates, so I grabbed a spoon and sat down. Scooping some mashed potatoes and salad on my plate.

"How was work?" Dad asked, smiling.

"Fine, Mr. Raven said he held my position for three years." I laughed.

"That's my girl." He took another bite out of the chicken he was holding.

The conversation continued for another half hour or so, until Max said, "Have you guys watched the news yet?" My parent shook their heads.

"Why? Did something happen in Saelia?" Dad asked, furrowing his eyebrows, which is what he does when he's serious."

"Nothing major, I'm sure they will do a replay tonight at 7."

I looked at the clock that hung on top of the counter. Thats in an hour and half from now. I didn't realize Max was still talking.

"...contest, maybe she would be interested in entering."

"Who Liliana?" Dad looked at me, I of course, didn't know what was happening.

"Say what? I wasn't listening, repeat." I looked at Max, he was scratching his head.

"You'd have to watch the news..." he started saying, but Ashley elbowed him, "okay, okay...there's a contest for young girls in the kingdom. Ages 16 to 19. The Prince is looking for a soon-to-be princess. You're fit for the contest, maybe you should enter."

I felt hot anger boiling inside me, but it subsided. "No, I shouldn't." I said.

"Why not?" Ashley asked, "Give it a try."

I sighed, "I have work here to do. I don't have time to have fun." That wasn't a lie, just not the whole truth. Just another excuse. I didn't have time to play dress up, but then again, I also didn't want to see the prince.

"Come on Lil', even dad agreed." Max pushed on.

"Dad didn't agree, I have a plenty of things to do here, right dad?" I looked over at dad, hoping for a nod, or something. But he just crossed his arms and breathed in deeply.

"Well," he started, "it doesn't sound like a bad idea...you're still young. You shouldn't work yourself too hard." Great, even my own family is setting me up. Then I saw Jamie standing beside the table, eating a cookie he must have taken from the jar.

"Jamie, wouldn't you agree that I shouldn't be the princess?" I asked him. His eyes lit up.

"You going to be a princess?" He asked in bewilderment, his mouth full of the cookie. I sighed. Double great.

"Look guys, I'll think about it, but there's already thousands of girls that are already waiting in line." I stood up to throw away my plate.

"She's something else." Dad muttered under his breath, shaking his head. I left to my room, Max gave me a pleading look, as if to say, put-the-past-behind-you.

I closed the door behind me. Since Max knew about my dislike for the prince, I hope he wouldn't tell that to mom and dad. Then it would be bad. I layed down on my bed. Maybe I am being too stubborn about this. Peer pressure. Now I know how it feels. I unplugged my phone from the charger, decided I should text Sam, but apparently I already got a text from her.

Sam: Dude!
Me: I'm not a dude
Sam: Dudette!
Me: What?
Sam: Turn ur tv on to channel 6
Me: y
Sam: Just do it

I sighed, and did, turning on my tv that I had in my room. I don't know why I still have it in here. I still don't watch it as often.

The tv blurred for a second, until I found channel 6.

"Good evening kingdom of Saelia!" The TV host said. The crowd in the background cheered.

"Today, we will have the prince joining us." I groaned. Sam.

"How are you feeling today, your Highness?" He asked. The camera shifted over to the prince, who was sitting on a comfortable looking couch.

"I'm great, how are you?" He replied, acting casual, as if he did this all the time. But then, how would I know? I rarely watch tv anyway.

"Wonderful! Just getting ready for the upcoming contest, am right, Alice?" The sitting beside him nodded.

"Thats right."

"So, how are you feeling about the search?" The host asked.

"Pretty good actually." Prince Artem said. The host nodded his head.

"I see, is there a specific girl in mind already?" He was probably hinting towards that night long ago. The prince looked as if he was deep in thought, or maybe he was just thinking of what to say.

"Actually, I do." He smiled, that smile would have melted any girls heart, but I didn't care, at least not at the moment.

"Oh oh, you girls better watch out!" The crowd laughed.

Prince Artem looked at the host and plainly said, "But it's her choice to enter the contest, I can't make a girl fall in love, much less enter." The crowd went wild.

"Now that's what girls are looking for in a man! Putting her needs above yours, great job your Highness! Now, before we end, is there anything you want to tell some girls out there?" The camera fell back on the Prince. He nodded.

"Yes, um...good luck, it's not just for the crown, but an amazing personality fit for a princess."

The camera fell back on the host, "For more information about the contest, look for flyers pinned on the bill board and in newspapers, or just dial the number below! Hope you enter!"

The TV went to a commercial. Advertising some new sneakers.

My phone rang, I picked it up.

"Sam..." I goaned.
"What do you think? You should go..."

I cut her off. I'm tired of people pushing me towards something I don't want to do.

"Sam! I told you no! My family is pushing me, now you. Please just be supportive!" There was silence.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you guys already talked about it." The hurt in her voice was noticeable. I instantly felt bad. I turned of the TV.

"It okay," I exhaled, "you didn't know. Just be a little supportive."

"Okay, I will, that's what friends are for!" The cheerfulness returned to her voice. "Well I better go, my mom wants me to fix dinner." We said good bye, and hung up.

I put my head on my pillow. And then heard a knock.

"Come in." I said.

Ashley came in, and closed the door behind her. "Hey girl."

"Hey."

"Just came to tell you that we didn't mean to make you upset." I looked at her.

"It fine."

Ashley smiled, "We will support you in your decision, you don't have to enter, I'll talk to Max once we get home. I don't care if Max and Prince Art are friends, you have choice." She looked around the room, and saw the remote beside me. "Seems like you already watched the news."

"More like the talk show." I grumbled.

"Lily, listen, whatever happened three or four years ago, doesn't matter anymore, just follow your heart and your dreams."

Now it was my turn to smile. I stood up, and hugged her. "Thanks." I breathed.

"No problem, lil' sis." She laughed. "Well, we must go, Max says he has a surprise back home. Wonder what it is."

"Well, see you tomorrow." I told her. Ashley nodded her head, and before she left, she said, "You really have an amazing brother. Treasure every moment with your family." I nodded my head.

"I will." She closed the door and left, in a few minutes, I heard their car roll away.