"Haidee! Wake up!"

I groaned as I scrubbed my eyes awake. I was about to tell Georgia that I'm awake but than I remembered that I wasn't in the palace.

I frowned but I quickly changed it into a smile, "Coming!"

I tied my hair up into a ponytail to look presentable before leaving my new room. I was at home, well my new home, but home nonetheless.

Our family already moved to the house that Tony provided and it was simply magnificent. He also fulfilled his promise of giving houses to the homeless. The first time I came here, I thought I was in another neighborhood with nice houses side by side, in front of someone else's house but, Xavier opened the door and enveloped me in a bone crushing hug.

I saw my dad at the head of the table reading a newspaper. Austin was on his right. Atlas wasn't home yet but he said he's coming back in the afternoon. Xavier was helping mom put the dishes on the table. Vince was in the living room watching tv.

"Haidee, get Vince. He hasn't moved since he sat down there." Mom ordered.

I walked to the living room and observed my cute little brother watching cartoons. I smiled at the sight. I really missed him. Then it hit me, cartoons? We never bought that channel. Then I remembered Tony. He must have been the one behind this. My smile grew wider.

"Vince, come on. Breakfast's ready," I told him.

He looked at me innocently and raised his arms up, "Carry me."

I laughed and scooped him up in my arms, "Woah, you're getting heavy." i told him.

He laughed, "I'm not. You just got weaker."

I pinched his nose, "Did you miss me so much that you made me carry you?"

He pouted and nodded, "You were away for so long!"

I smiled, "Well I'm here now."

I walked to the dining table with Vince in my arms. I placed him on his high chair and I sat down beside him.

There were guards stationed outside our house for our safety. The other Elite were also sent some guards but they didn't know the reason why. Unfortunately, I know why.

Mom sat down on Dad's left. I was in between mom and Vince. Atlas's seat is usually on Austin's left but since he's gone, Xavier took his place.

We started eating that was accompanied by the usual chatter. I really missed my family, but I also missed the palace and the royals.

"Haidee, do tell us what you've been up to." Mom said.

"Well," I started and shrugged, "I don't know where to start, honestly."

"Start with your friends," Austin suggested.

I smiled, "They're great. It's amazing, really. We're still friends until now. The five of us stated until the elite."

"All of your friends made it to the elite?" Mom asked.

I nodded, "I'm so thankful for it. They defend me from the other girls."

"What do the other girls do to you?" Austin asked and tried to conceal his protective tone.

I shrugged, "Insults." and physical pain. But I won't tell him.

"Do your friends know that you stayed in the palace before them?" Xavier asked.

I nodded, "I couldn't keep it from them forever."

Mom's cooking tasted like home and it was nice, but the palace food was definitely nicer. However, I still ate it happily.

"Now tell us about the royal family," Dad said.

"They're very nice," I replied.

Austin snickered, "They better be."

I rolled my eyes at him, "The Queen and prince consort treat us like their own. William is nice but I get sick of his lovey dovey eyes to Celestiana."

"What about the crown prince?" Vince asked curiously.

I paused to think, "He's okay."

Austin rolled his eyes, "I'm sure he's more than okay."

"Well, he's certainly a human." I told him and smiled.

"What do you think he is? An alien?" He retorted.

I shook my head, "I think he's the weirdest and nicest alien."

Mom nodded, "He's certainly nice. He even made a project for the homeless."

I smiled at that. Austin rolled his eyes.

"What do you have against him, Austin?" I asked.

He huffed, "He's a boy."

"And I'm a girl. What's wrong with that?" I asked.

"You're only 18." He said.

"So? Austin, I'm not a little girl anymore." I told him and sighed.

"You still are to me." He replied.

"Come on, Austin. I even permitted you to date now." I said.

He sighed, "Just don't come crawling to me in tears when he hurts you."

I smiled, "I won't."

"Tell me about the guns and swords!" Vince exclaimed, "Do they go pew pew at intruders?"

I laughed, "I haven't seen them use their guns."

He pouted, clearly disappointed.

"What about the balls, honey? Were they nice?" Mom asked.

"You attended my birthday ball, right?" I asked to which they nodded, "All of them were like that except the different outfits and performances."

"I heard you performed at the engagement party," Xavier said.

I nodded, "I actually performed four times."

"Four? But I only saw you come up stage three times." Dad said.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"We watched the live broadcast, dummy." Austin answered.

Right. I was so stupid, "Well, remember the dance the royals performed? I was one of them."

"Really?" Mom asked.

I nodded, "My friend was also picked to dance."

"I never knew my sister would become royalty." Xavier commented.

I blished slightly, "The Selection isn't even over yet. Who knows? I might be sent home."

Mom smiled, "Oh, honey. I believe we all know who will win this in the end."

Me? "And who is that?" I asked.

"You, of course." Dad answered.

I concealed my happiness and looked at them curiously, "Why do you think that?"

"It's obvious, really." Xavier said.

Vince nodded repeatedly, "I saw you on tv! You and the princey were laughing!"

"What if I don't end up with him? What if I get sent home?" I asked.

"Then he's stupid." Austin replied, "He doesn't deserve you."

Mom scolded Austin for speaking badly of the prince. We finished our food and I sat down on the sofa in the living room. I opened the television and scanned the channels. There were a lot of channels there. I settled on a movie they were playing. Vince ran to the space beside me holding a bowl of popcorn.

"Haidee, I'm going to the flower shop. Take care of Vince when I'm gone." Mom said.

I nodded and kissed her on the cheek, "Take care, mom."

"Don't do anything stupid when we're gone," Austin said.

I rolled my eyes, "I won't."

I kissed my nrother and dad on the cheek before they left.

Mom doesn't want me to help out in the shop because I was still an Elite and I'd need guards on my trail wherever I go. I didn't know if she was intimidated by them or she just doesn't want attention.

I took some popcorn from Vince as we watched the movie. It was a rom com movie so I had to cover Vince's eyes when it gets too mature. In the middle of the movie, there was a knock on the door.

I got up from my seat and approached the door, I opened it and gasped when I saw who it was.

"Laurence!" I exclaimed and hugged him.

He chuckled and patted my hair, "Haidee."

I pulled away, "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you came back so I figured I'd say hi. Besides I know you missed me," He winked.

I rolled my eyes, "Dream on, Laurence."

Then, a girl behind him peeked. I didn't know who the girls was. She had black hair up to her shoulders and she was small. Her eyes were blue. She smiled at me shyly, "Hello." She muttered.

"Um . . . hi?" I said unsurely. I turned to Laurence, "Who is she?"

He cleared his throat, "Haidee, this is Scuzette. She's my girlfriend."

I gasped, "Oh my goodness! Am I dreaming? You actually got a girlfriend?"

Laurence scratched his nape shyly. I smiled brightly at the girl and held out my hand, "Hi! I'm Haidee."

She smiled and took it, "I know."

"Come in!" I said when I remembered that we were still talking in my doorstep. I opened the door more and stepped aside so they can enter, "Sit down in the living room. Vince is watching a movie there. Wait for me, I'll give you snacks."

Vince was still watching the movie and shoving popcorn in his mouth. Laurence made Scuzutte sit down on a couch as he took the seat beside Vince and got some popcorn.

Vince gasped and looked at his side, "Hey! That's my popcorn!"

Laurence laughed, "Sorry, kid. It didn't have a label."

I rolled my eyes at them and went to the kitchen. I looked for something we could munch on. I saw some fruits and put them on a plate. I also prepared juice. I brought them to the table in the living room.

"Where are the cups?" Laurence asked.

"Oh right! I forgot. I'm going to getㅡ"

"It's okay. I'll go get them." He said and walked out of the room.

I turned to Scuzutte and smiled, "Tell me. What did you see in Laurence?"

She blushed, "He's nice."

My eyebrow raised, "Nice? Anything else?"

"He's a joker."

I smiled, "That's true, and please, don't get shy around me. Treat me like family."

"Can I?" Scuzutte asked.

I nodded, "Of course!"

"Sshh," Vince shushed us, "You're too loud."

I rolled my eyes at him and Scuzette giggled at the young boy.

"It's absurd to treat you like a normal person." She told me.

"Why?" I asked.

"Well, you're an elite and you're the future princess."

"How are you so sure that I'm going to win?" I asked.

Seriously. Anywhere I go, everyone says that I'll win. It's not like they saw the future or something.

She smiled, "It's pretty obvious."

I sighed and shook my head at the same time Laurence approached with cups. He sat back down beside Vince and got an orange from the plate.

"Before I forget, tell the guards stationed outdoor to be nice," Laurence told me.

"What?" I asked, "Why?"

He scoffed, "They thought I was some kind of burglar or rapist."

I laughed, "They're just doing their jobs, Laurence. They mean no harm."

"Why do you even need guards outside your house?" He asked.

My smile fell, "It's . . . I can't tell you."

He smirked, "Are you going to be the future princess? And they need to increase security around you so you'd still be in one piece?"

I rolled my eyes, "I don't get you people."

He laughed and gave his peeles orange to Scuzette. She smiled in thanks.

"You're too loud!" Vince exclaimed.

"Sorry, Vince. We just didn't see each other for a long time." Laurence replied.

Vince didn't reply and focused on the movie. Laurence rose from his seat and sat down beside Scuzette. She fed him a piece of the orange and he kissed her cheek.

I sighed. This sight is making me bitter. I looked at the movie and saw the couple holding hands while walking. I removed my gaze from there.

Was he still sick? Does he miss me?

I don't know if I should write him a letter. Would he think that I'm hopeless without him?

"A penny for your thoughts?" Laurence asked.

I sighed, "I'm happy for the both of you butㅡ"

"You miss him, don't you?" He asked with a smug smirk.

I turned away with a blush. He and his girlfriend laughed. I glared at them.

"I'm just worried about him," I said, "He had a fever when I left."

"So he became sick because of you leaving?" Scuzette asked.

I smiled, "It's probably because of the stress."

Maybe I should ask how he's doing?

Can't you survive without seeing him for one day? You're hopeless, I tell myself.

"Haidee, do you miss princey?" Vince asked.

I smiled at him, "I don't, Vince. Go watch the movie."

He shrugged and just turned back to the television.

"Haidee, if you miss him, why don't you write a letter to him?" Scuzette asked.

"He's busy. He might not have time to read my letter." I replied.

"If he cares, I'm sure he'd read it." Laurence said.

"Butㅡ" I sighed, can't think of another reason, "You're right." I conceded.

He smiled, "No go to your room and write the damn letter."

I rolled my eyes and obeyed his order. I took my stationery from my backpack and gripped the pen. What should I start with? Should it be formal? informal?

I ran my hands through my hair, thinking of a way on how to start the letter.

Prince Thornton Zeke Koskinen;

I have written this letter to ask youㅡ

No, too formal and stiff.

Hey Tony!

I just wanted to askㅡ

No, too informal. How should I write it?

Dear Tony,

How are you? Do you miss me?

I crumpled the paper and threw it in the bin beside my table. That's too straightforward.

This is just a simple letter, Haidee. You don't have a problem talking to him in person.

I took a deep breath before writing.

Dear Tony,

How are you? Is your fever gone? I hope it is so you won't trouble anyone. Do me a favor and sleep when you have time. There are bags under your eyes if you haven't noticed.

I hope you're doing good there. I'm fine here, though I admit I miss it there. Tell your parents I said hi.

My parents like the whole replacing of houses thing you did. They said you'd make a good king. Start this project with the other states. Maybe Sonage or Likely.

What else should I write? Should I say that I miss him? No, that would be awkward. Should I?

Don't dwell too much in the problem at hand. It would just make you more stressed. Sure, you have to think of a solution, but try to loosen up a bit. Have fun! It's almost Christmas. Besides, I'll try to help you with it whatever way I can.

I admit, sometimes when I wake up, I'd think that my maids were in my room or that I'll see all of you at breakfast. I guess I miss you all.

Ha! That was genius! I only implied that I miss him. I pat myself at the back.

I'll see you all on Monday! Don't forget to take care of yourself, okay?

Yours truly,
Dee

I let out a breath. Was this okay?

I got an envelope and put the letter inside. I put the address there and left my room.

Then I remembered Mary. I should also write her a letter. I re-entered my room and got another piece of stationery.

Dear Mary,

Hi! How are you? Are you going out of your house or are you locked inside like me?

Do you miss the palace? I certainly do. I miss the chatter and food. I also miss exploring it.

I miss you! I think I miss everyone.

I'm counting the days until we come back for the ball!

Love,
Haidee

I sealed it in an envelope and made my way out of the room. They were still watching the movie and laughing loudly.

"Hey, I'm going out to take this to the post office," I said.

"Okay," Laurence said, "But please do everyone a favor and take a bath first. I could tell you didn't bother."

I reddened in embarrassment and rushed to my room. I took a towel and went to my bathroom and showered.

It was weird taking a shower. I guess my body adjusted to the baths I had back in the palace.

When I finished, I dressed in a demure beige day dress that had long sleeves and a turtleneck. The skirt reached an inch below my knees.

I just combed my hair and left it wet. I didn't care about it's appearance. I'm sure it'll look okay when it dries. I didn't bring any make-up with me so I just put powder in my face. I wore some white doll shoes and put the letters in a cheap purse I owned that was given to me as my birthday gift when I was 16.

I walked out of the room and proceeded downstairs.

"I'm coming back in a bit. Take care of Vince for me." I said.

"Bye!" Laurence said.

I opened the door and met a guard with a stoic face. I was about to walk out but he blocked me with his spear.

"Where are you going, miss?" He asked.

"I'm going to drop some letters at the post office." I replied.

He nodded, "Wait there."

He took out a phone from his pocket and dialed a number. When it picked up he talked, "I need a limousine at Lady Haidee's house pronto."

I turned to look at him, "Excuse me, Mr. Officer but I don't need a limo to pick me up. I can use public transportation."

He didn't respond. I huffed, rude. I couldn't even get out of the premises of my house, he kept on blocking me with his stupid spear. I didn't have any choice but to wait for the stupid limousine.

When the limo showed up, the guard opened the door for me and motioned for me to get in. I sighed as I stepped inside.

Seeiously, I didn't need to be babysitted.

"Where to, Lady Haidee?" The driver asked.

"The post office, sir." I said politely.