Quarterback: Bad Boy Sport Star Romance. (10 page)

About a week had passed, and already I was contemplating going back home.  I missed home, I missed my friends.  I even missed my shitty job, especially since I felt like it was the one thing that would be keeping me sane.  I thought about getting a job here.  I decided it after sucking it up and just biting the bullet, I would go figure out something to do.

I went into town and started to apply for jobs.  People were impressed with me, and one of the employers that I talked to wanted to hire me as the graphic designer for the company.  I was thrilled with exhilaration, and immediately I started to grow excited.  I did apply to a few coffee places as well, and as I walked into another one.

I went up to the counter, talking with the manager about getting a job there.  Suddenly, I heard my name, and soon I turned around.  The one person I didn’t want to see was right there.

“Yo, Serena,” Edward said, interrupting the manager.  He was with a whole bunch of his friends making a fuss, and they were all looking at me with smiles on their faces, I could feel the eyes on me, the whole café was watching, after all, the Prince was here, making a scene.

“What the do you want?” I asked him.

“Oh, I was just wondering what you were doing here?  Why would you be applying to jobs?  Your mom is married to the King, you don’t have to do commoner’s work.  You should work on finding some cool friends like mine,” he said with an arrogant smirk.

“I would rather choke on water for an hour than deal with these people that you think are ‘friends’,” I replied.

“Wow, that’s harsh.  But don’t worry, I’m sure Melanie doesn’t take offense to that.  Right baby?” he said.

“Right dear,” the girl replied.  She looked like a cheap harlot, and already I wanted to scream.

“Well you might be into this royalty sort of thing, but it’s not my style, I grew up differently.  I want to get a job because I miss having one.  I had one back in my old life, and it helped keep me sane,” I told him.

“Pfft, Yeah, whatever.  I guess you can be a loser just like that.  But don’t associate with me nor my dad.  If he found out, he wouldn’t be that happy by your actions” he said.

That asshole!  I can’t believe he’s belittling me just because I want to work, due to his “status” issues.  Like goddamn, how much more arrogant can he get?

“Whatever, like I care,” I snapped.

Before he could say much else, I was gone.  I didn’t want that shit right now, and I didn’t need him to be a douche to me for no fucking reason, especially in front of others. As if I was some kind of an outsider that didn’t belong.  That isn’t how it works, and to be honest, I would rather find friends that are worth my time than this guy.  But in a way, I also felt something strange.  Was it jealousy?  I didn’t really know.

I sighed, trying not to get it get to me.  I went home after all of that, wondering if coming to this place was a good idea. Staying up here, locked up in a god damn stone castle in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do and no friends. Fuck that, I know, it sounds arrogant as fuck, but damn it, all I get is royal prick harassing me in the process.

“Hey there dear, you’re home early,” my mom said.

“Yeah.  I just needed to get some fresh air.  I’m not too happy with that new stepbrother I have.  He’s an arrogant prick.  I don’t get why he thinks he’s so much better than me,” I told my mom.  I hate to sound like a whiny little bitch, but that’s how I felt.

“Well dear, maybe he likes you.  Sometimes that’s the way guys show that they like and think that a girl is cool.  Don’t ask why, they just do it that way,” she told me.

“He likes me?  Please, he was having a great time belittling me in front of some girl,” I said to her.

“Well don’t put him off the radar just yet.  Maybe that’s how he makes friends,” my mom said.

Could she please stop siding with him?  He’s an ass, and I know it.  I didn’t know what else to say besides that, but I didn’t know what to think.

“Listen mom, I don’t really know what to do at the moment.  I want to get out, I want to meet people, and I want to have friends.  I feel like I’ve been thrust into a situation that doesn’t fit me.  This isn’t the lifestyle that I’m used to, and I don’t know how to really go about getting into it.  I just feel like that I do not belong here,” I told her.

“Well, maybe you should do some research on the kingdom.  Learn a little, and realize what you’re doing here.  I’m really sorry for the all of a sudden changes, but you should take this as a chance to really further yourself.  Before we moved here, we were struggling.  I was struggling, and I felt like I wasn’t the right person for you because of what happened with your dad and me.  I don’t know if I’m still the right person either, but I’m trying to make things better.  I think you should learn a little about things, don’t just take things as some sort of secret club that only the elite can get into, but instead try and see the silver lining in things.  It’s better this way, and it will make you feel better,” my mother said.

As much as I hated to admit it, she knew how to say the right thing at the right time.  I sighed, realizing that she was telling the truth, even if the truth was a bit brutal in a sense.

“You’re right.  Thanks mom,” I told her.

“You’re welcome dear.  Now don’t let it get you down.  Try to see the good in things,” she told me.

I nodded.  I guess I should at least try.  I should let go and stop resisting, as an old saying goes ‘what resists, persists’.

I headed up to my room, trying to ease my thoughts.  Maybe getting to know a bit about the kingdom and the Prick, I mean Prince, would help me.  Maybe.

I went back up to my room to study a bit about this kingdom.  It was so strange, but I felt distant from everyone because of how the kingdom was set up.  I feel like if I try to make friends, the stigma of being a princess will start to resonate with people, and make them behave as if  I’m some kind of an extraterrestrial, however, as I began to study, I could hear the cackling of some girls, after all, this scary stone castle has no soundproofing, I looked out from my room for a second, and I noticed that this Melanie chick wasn’t with him anymore, but instead with two completely different girls who probably just got together with him. Pfft, what’s up with him? He isn’t contributing much to the Kingdom, is he? Just partying all day, and hooking up with random girls. His definitely spreading the word about his Kingdom isn’t he?

Why am I reading about this place again?

I feel like the history of this place stops when it comes to Edward.  His father seems to have a good head on his shoulders, and he makes sure that things are running smoothly even though having very little power since there’s a parliament that governs the Kingdom, but it seems that he still cares a lot about the country and wants to make a good impression to others regarding it.  His son on the other hand seems to be a bit different in a sense.  He seems to care more about chasing skirts than taking care of his people.

Is it bad that sickens me?  Like, I don’t know what to do about it.  A part of me wants to do something about this, but at the same time, why should I care? Though, am the princess now, aren’t I? As I was trying to study around the Kingdom’s history, and how the hell this bloodline ended up to Edward

I was constantly disturbed, I could hear them from downstairs, in his room having fun and making noises.  I rolled my eyes.  It wasn’t that I was jealous or anything.  I just felt like he should get his shit together and get his head on straight.  These girls seem only to care about nothing than being with a prestigious Prince and having a place next to him rather his personality or something.  But I wasn’t going to get into that, because that’s none of my business after all, right?

I did learn a lot about the country though, and as I sipped some tea, I read up on the history of it.  The kingdom of Paradam is actually pretty rich when it comes to history.  There is a lot here, and my inner history buff seems to be very into it.  I wanted to learn more, and I wanted to check out some of the other information on it.  I know that I’m technically a princess because of my mom, or at least part of the royal house, but I know that doesn’t mean I’ll be here when Edward ascends the throne.  Still though, I was a big fan of history back in college, and that’s when I started to learn a bit about it.

I felt like this was consuming me, and soon I didn’t leave my room that night until the maid came up and told me that dinner was ready.  As I paced downstairs, I still was thinking about that book that I was reading, wondering what else would there be within there.

As I sat down, my mother looked at me with a curious glance.  Edward was there too, the other girls gone.  Guess his father told them to go home.

“What’s up sweetie?  You look happy for once,” my mother said.

I blushed.  I didn’t mean to look like someone pissed in my cornflakes all the time, but it does feel a bit relieving to learn a bit about the place I’m in.

“Oh nothing, just reading a bit about the history of the place,” I said.

“What a nerd,” Edward said.

I turned to him, giving him the dirtiest look.  “I may be a nerd, but at least I know a bit about this place, unlike you who is too busy chasing and having fun with random girls” I said.

“Hey, easy there.  I do know a lot about the history of our Kingdom.  I was just teasing,” he said.

He smiled at me, and a part of me wanted to punch him.  “Whatever.  It was interesting, okay?  I just really like history,” I told him.

“That’s fine.  I really like it as well.  I think it’s great that you’re taking the liberty to learn a bit about the place.  I mean, it does make living here a bit better,” he told me.

I looked at Edward, and he didn’t seem to be hostile towards me.  In fact, he stopped being arrogant for a split second.  Was hell freezing over?  Was there some sort of switch that he turned on that made him not a total douche for a bit?

“Well thanks.  I’m glad I’m studying up on it.  It makes the idea of living here better.  Plus it gives me something to do,” I said.

“Well, if you ever want to come out, you can hang out with me and my friends.  They seemed curious about you, and a couple of them wanted to meet you,” he offered.

I wanted to tell him no, that I didn’t want a damn thing to do with those types of girls.  I don’t know, I just feel like it’s not worth my time.

“I don’t know.  I’m not really into the partying crowd,” I admitted.

“Well whatever you want to do, if you ever want to hang out, you can.  I do want to get to know you, and you should get to know the Prince’s awesome attributes, after all I’m a part of the history, that you like so much,” he bragged.

I rolled my eyes.  He’s still an arrogant prick.

“Thanks Edward,” I said.

“You’re welcome Serena,” he said.

I’m sure his father was watching him with intent, which was why he was some kind of polite.  But another part of me wanted to think otherwise, that he wasn’t doing this out of sheer propriety, but rather because he did give a shit and he wanted to actually care about people in his own strange way.  He was a confusing man, and he was more than just an arrogant prick.  Maybe I would be able to figure him out in due time.

After dinner, I thanked my stepfather for the meal, even though technically some chef I had never met made it.  It still felt weird in a sense whenever I thought about it.  I went to my room, closing the door and sighing.

Things were becoming a bit easier, but I still didn’t know what to make of him.  I think it would be best if I just waited and saw what would happen.

About a month had passed since I started to learn a bit about the country.  I had a bit of a part-time gig being an art coordinator at a museum, and they had a history exhibit on display.  It was cool putting all of that together, but another part of me wondered what Edward was telling his friends.  They were all probably criticizing me for getting a job.  It’s not like I needed one, but I know that this would help me on my resume and shit.  It was nice, and it made me feel like my life was normal.

I also got more into my art.  Ever since I settled in, I felt like I was able to paint once again, and I started to do more digital art as well.  I did open up for commissions, and that was another way to make money.  Apparently a lot of people liked my art, so it made the idea of getting money really easy.  As time went on though, it was almost like my art was a way to relieve stress, and to help me stay true to myself.

I continued to paint into the night, and one night, I was very into it.  There was a knock at my door, but I didn’t hear it.  The knock happened again, but I was very into the concerto I was hearing and the lilies I was painting.  It was an image of beauty on one half, with flowers, trees, and a perfect scene, and then in the other side it was a hellish pit, symbolizing that anything good could turn bad within a moment.  It was strange, but at the same time, it made sense to me.  However, I heard a presence behind me, and soon I turned around, immediately blushing.

“What are you doing in her?” I asked.

It was Edward.  His dark black hair was tied back in a pony and his blue eyes were seeing through me.

“Oh, I was just trying to get your attention twice.  I think you were in the middle of painting so you didn’t notice my awesome presence,” he joked.

Already I wanted to deck this kid.  Who the hell did he think he is?  Sure he was a couple years older than me, but the arrogance of this bastard was enough to set me off.

“What the hell are you doing here?  Don’t you know that I’m not interested in hanging out and going to parties where you fuck other girls?” I told him.

“Relax, I just wanted to talk with you.  I noticed you were painting.  That picture looks awesome,” he said.

I blushed, looking directly at him.  “You think so?” I asked.

“Yeah.  I do some painting as well, but I’m a bit quiet about it.  I don’t know, I feel like if I told people I paint, the girls wouldn’t take me seriously.  But it’s a fun hobby of mine, and I could tell that you like to do it as well,” he told me.

“Well yeah.  I don’t hide my hobbies though,” I spat.

“I shouldn’t do that.  I don’t know, it’s strange because I’m so used to doing so.  I’ve been doing that for years now, and it’s almost like if I came out and said what I liked, people would think I’m strange,” he said to me.

“So you’re worried about what others think?  Why are you so hung up on that?  Just because you’re a prince doesn’t mean you can’t have interests.  And if some girls think that it’s weird that you like to paint, then they’re really not worth your time.  It’s your hobby, so you should at least try to indulge in what makes you happy,” I said to him.

He glanced at me, and for a moment, I felt strange.  It was weird, because normally he would have some childish retort, but he was definitely looking at me with awe.

“You’re right.  Definitely not what I expected,” he said to me.

“Well I’m not trying to make you feel like shit.  I’m just saying the truth.  I think you have to think less about what others think, and more about what makes you happy,” I told him.

He nodded.  “True.  Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you around.  Thanks,” he told me.

“Welcome,” I said.  I didn’t really know what else to say about that, other than the fact that he seemed to be a bit more vulnerable than I imagined.

A couple of days passed, and soon his father noticed that he was spending more time at home.  He came to me, asking me what I did.  I just told him I gave his son the hard truth, and apparently the king was in shock.  He had been trying to get his son to focus on something more than chicks for a long time, and apparently it’s hard for him.  I wouldn’t think it was easy for him, but I guess he’s more messed up than I expected.

But I wasn’t going to bother him about it.  One day, about a week after that, I went up to my room after my shift.  In there was a picture, but it wasn’t one of mine.  I was one of Edward’s.  It was a beautiful picture of some pomegranates, something I had yet to see anyone paint.  There was a note there, and as soon as I saw it, I picked it up. 

Hey Serena,

Thanks for talking with me the other day.  Do you want to maybe get some coffee and hang out?  I’m not trying to be weird, just think we should get to know one another.

Edward

I immediately texted him, telling him that it was fine.  To be honest though, I didn’t know what to think.  I felt like he was just doing this to make me feel good, but at the same time, I kind of wanted to see him.  I was definitely fine with the idea of hanging out.  As long as his stupid friends weren’t going to be there, then I think it would be okay.

After a bit, I went over to the little coffee shop that he usually hangs out at.  I was expecting like five girls there, but it was just him.  He was alone, and it was shocking in a sense.  However, I stayed calm, collected, and wanted to know why he called me out there.

“Hey there,” I said.

“Hey.  Did you like the present?” he asked me. 

I nodded. “It was nice.  But why?  Why did you do that?” I asked him.

There was a pause, and after he took a sip of his drink, he spoke.

“Get yourself a drink.  Tell them it’s on my tab.  I’ll explain after,” he demanded.

He was a bit forceful about it, but I agreed with him.  I went over to the counter, placing my order.  I still felt e curiosity start to get the better of me.  Why did he give me that?  I don’t feel like I’m some girl that he’s trying to pine for attention or something.

I sat next to him, and soon he looked at me, giving me a warm smile.  He wasn’t acting like a dick or anything, just like the normal Edward that he was the last time we spoke.

“Well, to be honest you’re the only person besides my dad who knows about my painting hobby, you know it’s not just a hobby for me” he told me.

“Why, is that? I asked.             

“Haven’t you noticed?”

“What’s that?”  I asked again.

“Oh well, ok. I mean…Alright, here’s the thing…”

“Yeah...” I nodded.

“Your, mother…” He said.

“Yes, what about her?”

“I mean my mother, doesn’t... “

Oh yeah, I was so distracted about the whole new country thing, that it didn’t even occurred to me, where’s the previous Queen?

              “Don’t you… get it…?” He uttered.

Oh shit what’s happening, he’s losing his words, his eyes are...

“Get, what?” I said, hesitantly.

              “Seriously, now?” He said, sighing. Letting a stressed out exhale. I could feel the heaviness of his breathing. Oh I think I got it, it can’t be though, oh fuck, I fucked up.

“My Mom’s gone, you know , dead!” He uttered.

“There, that’s it! God damn, you’re stupid aren’t you” He said, wiping his eyes dry!

“I am” I whispered.

“She was heavily ill, for years, we used to paint together for hours, and damn I was so little. I think I’m growing out of her, I’m afraid I’ll forget about her. Painting is all I’ve got left to remind me of her”

This was the first time I saw him so vulnerable, kind of cute though. At this point I just wanted to hug him, I can sense he wants it too, he needs it, he needs a sincere hug, I can see it in his light blue eyes. I can see through that roughed up prestigious persona, the tatted up playboy is just a front. The table is placed in front of us, and can’t make a single move around it and go for it.

“Yeah, I’ve been afraid to really say much.  It’s hard to really get into that, but I felt like we both had a common interest that made us feel safe and kept sane.  It’s hard being a prince, and to be honest, I feel like hanging all around women is the way to cope with it.  But I know that I can’t escape my feelings forever.  And I know that I need to stop being such a douche at times,” he told me. I’m literally blown away right now, I can’t react much, seems like I’m looking at another man right now, a man that only I know of.

“Yeah that would probably help.  So do you really like all those women hanging off of you?” I asked. «To be honest, yes because I feel like I’m doing something for myself.  But I know that it’s not useful at the end of the day, and it’s not like I’m going to really get over my fears.  I’m sorry for being a douche to you all that time, it’s just been hard to cope with my feelings,” he said.

“It’s fine.  But I think you should start to look after yourself and stop acting like a child” I said.

There was a pause, and then he nodded.  “I know I’m not the best type of person,” he replied.

A part of me wanted to be mean, but another part of me knew that this was it, that this was the chance that I wanted.  I mean he was cute, and he was an open book right now.  We started to discuss things, and soon I realized that the front that he puts up is nothing but a facsimile to make himself look good in front of others.  I hate to say it, but I knew that he was full of shit from the moment I met him.  I just never thought it would turn out like this.

We spent the night talking about things.  About him, his life, and the way things went.  I really liked speaking with him, and at the end of the night, we both got up.  Edward turned to me, smiling warmly.

“Thanks for listening to me,” he said.

“No problem.  Just work on yourself.  You should be fine,” I replied.

We parted ways, simply because Edward and I took separate cars.  But as I walked away, I felt a strange feeling in my stomach, a feeling that felt like butterflies, and a part of me wondered what it meant.  Little did I know though, that this was the start of a new set of feelings that I never thought I would experience up until now.