I got up early. Quickly got dressed into something light, but casual, and fixed my hair in the usual up-do. I used to always wake up early to see the sunrise every morning, and to dance. But stopped after we moved. So last night, I decided to get back into the routine. What better day than now? Right? So I put my phone on my bed, and turned on a soft melody. Mariage d'Amour. Yes, I know, no one my generation listens to this stuff anymore, but some days you just want to get away from words pounding against your eardrum and turn on something peaceful and calm.

I made my way towards the center of my room and let the music guide my hand and feet. It felt good to let it all out. I haven't danced like that in a while. Up and down, and ended with a twirl. I looked at the time. 8:02. Better get to work early. I went down to the kitchen, thankful that everyone was still asleep, and grabbed a small snack that I can munch on, on the way there. I wrote a short note to mom, telling her that I'm gone, and won't be home till 6. I put on my shoes, and left.

I jogged towards the pet store, and went through the back door, which is usually unlocked.

I heard Pumpkin bark.

"Hey boy!" I called, "Its just me, Lily." I checked in, and started working. Sweeping the floors, and giving each animal food. One reason why I love being here so early is because well....you just gotta experience it. The quietness. Pure amazing.

I unlocked the front door, and turned the sign to open. I looked around the store. Some animals began to stir in their cages. I went to the register, where we had our small radio, and turned it on. "Find rest in him" was playing, who I assumed was Jason Waller playing on his guitar. I hummed along. Christianity is a big part of my life. I had a journal that I would write prayers in, but I must have lost it in the move.

I heard the bell ring from the door, and a mother with a son walked in. Customers already? This early in the morning? I let out a relaxed sigh, getting ready for the day.

"Already here?" Mr. Raven's deep voice said, as he walked into the store, he must have used the back door too.

"Yes sir." I replied.

He smiled, "That's why I saved your job. Anyway," he cleared his throat, "since your already here, I assume you already washed that grey dog?"

"Reggie? No sir."

Mr. Raven shook his head, "You two better stop naming the animals."

"Speaking of Sam, where is she?" I asked, realizing that she hasn't walked in with her dad.

"Feels sick. Layed in bed all day after she came home."

"Oh." Now my day would be extra long. I looked across the cash register, and saw Pumpkin looking at me, panting, as if to say "I'll make your day fun!" I smiled and said, "Well, better start with the bath for Reggie." Mr. Raven chuckled, but said nothing.

♔♔♔

I knew it. The day dragged on. Of course I made some small talk with Caren who also works for Mr. Raven. But that didn't compare to the summer heat. The fans blew through your hair, but the sun's rays always seemed to find their way into the store. Reggie was happy after his dog shower, and immediately went to sleep in his kennel.

With no customers to attend to, I decided to call Sam.

"Hello?" I heard a cough.

"Hey Sam!"

"Oh, hey Lil'." Her voice sounded terrible, even through the phone.

"How you doing? Heard you got sick."

She managed a laugh, "Yep," but ended up coughing. "Mom went to get more medicine." She sniffed.

"I see, well, I guess I'll call you later?"

"No, you're fine! I was bored all day!"

"Alright, well you didn't miss much except Reggie's bath..."

Sam laughed, er, tried to. "You wouldn't believe what happened today,"

"What?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Well two things actually, number one my little brother is snuggled beside me, and number two....well...I don't know of you want to hear it."

If you know me, I hate it when people talk about one thing, but then stop short in the middle of their sentence.

"Tell me!" I pressed on.

Sam sighed on the other end. "Well, the palace is having a party tomorrow night..."

"And you want me to go there." I finished for her.

"Lily, that's not what I meant."

I was fed up with all this already. There was one way to stop all of this. No matter what my feeling are for the prince. "Fine."

"What?" She asked in confusion.

I cleared my throat, "Fine, I'll go to the party, and you know what? I'll even enter the contest."

There was silence on the other end. I knew she was speechless. "Really?" She squeaked.

I half smiled, "I would need a designer, don't you think?" I let that sink into her. All I heard was breath. I chuckled, got em'. "So...when do we start?" I asked, imagining her staring at the wall in her room, in a trance.

"Come to my house after your shift," she ordered. "I'll inform mom." Without a word, she hung up.

I slumped into my chair behind the cash register. What have I done. I could care less about the contest, as well as the party. I looked out the window, and saw the flyer from two days ago. I got up, and actually read it for the first time.

Girls ages 16 to 19 are welcome
To the Palace' Grand Hall on June 25 to July 19.
You are to do an Interview
the reason why you want to be the princess of Saelia. You will be judged
On your appearance and good stature.
If you are chosen amongst thousands,
And have completed the possible
Training, you will be crowned princess of Saelia.
Pick up an application at your nearest store and turn in at the palace entrance. Deadline for entry July 17.

At that moment, I felt really bad for the prince. Must have been such a commotion two weeks before we came. I sighed. I don't know what I am about to do. I looked around our pet store, and saw a stack of paper near the cash register that I haven't noticed before. Applications. Was all it read. I walked over to the stack and took one. Read through the possible directions/Instructions, and signed in places you were required to.

"Hey, Mr. Raven, I'll be back in a few!" I yelled, hoping he'd hear through the little crack to his office.

"Alright Lil'. Tell you what, you can get off work early today." He yelled back. We startled a few animals. Pumpkins ears perked up, and he sleeply picked up his head in our direction. Seeing it was just me yelling across the store, he went back to sleep.

"Thanks!" I gathered my stuff, and left.

I would normally ride my bike to and from work, but for some reason, hadn't got the chance to take it out of the storage. So I just walked towards the palace.

Though it was still hot, the nature of it all always calmed my nerves. Especially now, I needed it. A soft zephyr picked up.

I heard a whistle, turning around, I saw Jack Robinson. The Jack Robinson. My high school classmate. A player to the girls. A cat who plays with his food. A....well you get it. Worst crowd to be in. Also, he was my high school crush at one point, but I can assure you it's over.

"Well, well, well, Lil'! Haven't seen you in almost three years. Since freshmen, right?" He asked, his eyes narrowed down at me. He was leaning against a building. He didn't change much, except a minor growth spurt.

"What do you need Jack?" I crossed my arms, with one hand, holding the application.

"Nothing. Just wanted to say hi..." he walked towards me. I stepped back one step. "Where are you going? To become the princess?"

"Non of your business." I said. He walked closer.

"Oh come on, sweet? Don't be like that."

"Listen Jack," I pushed his head out of my face, "I am not your sweet, and second, leave me alone."

"Leave me alone." He mimicked my voice. Then he grabbed my hand firmly. I struggled to get away from his grip, but he held on. "You're still that outspoken one, aren't you." It was more of a statement than a question.

"Jack! Let go!" I was trying hard not to panic. I looked around, the streets were deserted. Had a feeling even if I did scream, almost no one would hear. Then with one swift movement, someone grabbed Jacks hand that was holding mine, and jerked it, that he let me go. I fell on the ground. The person grabbed both of Jacks hands, and brought them behind his back. And in one hoarse whisper he said, "Pick on someone your own size." And pushed him. Jack stumbled a bit, turned around and glared at the guy who saved me, before turning around and leaving.

The person turned around and faced me, and smiled, "Are you alright?"

His hair was a mess, and his jeans we're a bit dusty. The right side of his face was turning red. Jack must have hit him, which I didn't notice.

He extended his hand, and I took it, speechless. His firm hand brought me up to my feet.

"Yes...I am, thank you....Art." I mumbled, not wanting to keep his gaze.

"That's good, who was he?" He asked, his eyes showed concern.

"A classmate from high school."

"I see." Was all he said. He saw the application on the floor and picked up, dusting it off, and handing it to me. "You're gonna need this...let me walk you to the palace?"

I thought for a second, if I say no, then Jack might come out of no where, and if I said yes, well, better risk it. Even if I wasn't too fond of the idea.

"Sure, I guess." We walked in silence. I made a short glance at his cheek again, it a lot redder than before. "Um..." I cleared my throat, turning away, "you better put ice on that. Unless you want a crazy article written about how you got into a fight to save a girl."

He laughed, rubbing his cheek, "I'd rather have that, than those other ones I've read in the past."

We reached the palance entrance. I expected Art to scamper away to change or something, but he continued to stay beside me until I came inside, searching for the person to give this paper to.

"You know, you can go now."

"I think you may need some help." He grinned.

"No I don't." I continued to search across the hall.

"Overwhelmed by my charm?" He asked teasingly.

"I am not."

"Whatever you say...princess." He smirked. "The application turn in is this way." He led me to a room across the hall. The sign read: Secretary
Wow. Why didn't I think of that. The lady sitting behind the computer, looked up. Her hair was tied up in a bun, and she wore a back blouse with matching pants. Geez people. Its like 100 degrees outside.

"Your Highness!" She quickly got up and bowed her head. Art chuckled.

"Barbara, how many times do I have to you guys, if it's just me, don't be too formal."

"Its my job, your Highness." She sat back down.

Art nodded, "Another lady would like to turn in her application." Barbara smiled, and took the paper from my hand.

"Good! Lets see..." she looked on her planner, and then on the Calender, "since you're one of the last ones, how about tomorrow at noon? Say, 3:00?"

I only managed a nod. So soon? Plus the darn party? Its going to be a busy day! I'll have to think of a lame excuse then.

We left the office.

"So I guess I better go now." I said, feeling uncomfortable at his presence all of a sudden.

"You sure? You can stick around for a while." He grinned.

"No, I better go."

"Will I see you at the party tomorrow? I know it's already too much."

I thought about Sam, and the 'deal', I made with her. "Yes, I kinda have to now, don't I?" Art smiled.

"See you then." He walked me towards the entrance. Before stepping outside, one of the security guards saw us.

"Lil'? What are you doing here?" Crap. Forgot that Max works for the Palace security.

"Hey Max!" I said, trying to fake enthusiasm.

Max stood there quiet for a moment. He looked at Art, then at me, then back at Art again.

He smiled, crossing his arms, "I don't need to know what happend between you two."

"And you don't." I said. Turning around. But then I remembered something. Turning back around, I looked Max square in the eye, "Not a word to mom, and you too Art." I glared at him. I turned around, and walked off into the sunshine.

"Don't worry! We got your back!" Max hollered. I shut my eyes, and walked off. I really hate this.

Please excuse my grammar and spelling mistakes. I felt lazy to fix them, Lol:) I'm trying so hard not to rush with this, but given mild patience, it's really hard! God bless you guys! Advice, ideas, and critisim is welcome...just keep rude comments to yourself.