The Princess and the Soldier

The past

Alya POV

“Why so grumpy?” John asked from across the table. We were eating breakfast and I cannot help but frown the whole time.

“I’m not grumpy,” I muttered.

“Yes, you are.” He insisted. I would have cut his smile with the bread knife I was holding.

“I will be if you don’t shut your mouth.” I glared at him.

“Alya. Manners please.” Dad said with a warning.

“I’m sorry, Dad.” I looked down on my plate and inhaled, trying to make myself calm. Mom, who was sitting beside me, covered my hand with hers and squeezed it gently. I looked up at her and she gave me one of her sweetest smiles. I couldn’t help but smile at her, too.

“Don’t mind your brother. He’s just a little excited today.”

I know.

“Not a little excited, Mom. He’s over the top.” Mom just smiled and tapped on my hand before going back to eat.

“Hey, don’t talk like I’m not here,” John grumbled. “Aren’t you excited that Leo will be coming back today?”

That was what I was afraid of.

It had been years when I last saw him. I forgave him for not telling me about his plans of going to the army. He said he didn’t know how to tell me. But I was his best friend, too, along with my brother. How could he not tell me? But in fairness, he did not also tell my brother. He even kept his plans from his parents because he also thought that they will be against his plans. It turned out everyone was happy for him. Though Uncle Lucas and Aunt Betty were a little bit hesitant, they were still proud of what Leo had accomplished. It was indeed hard to be accepted into the army.

Anyway, yes, I forgave him and I thought that I would accept eventually that I will get to see him once or twice a year. I was even thinking of using dad’s connections just to see him, but I knew that it will not be good for his reputation if I force myself in seeing him. Who was I to him anyway? I was not his wife nor even his girlfriend. I was only his best friend.

That summer before he went to the army training, we spent most days together. Most days with John, and some other days just the two of us.

“Don’t worry, my princess. I will write to you always and call whenever possible.” He would put his arm around my shoulder and I would lean my head to his. Leo was extremely sweet to me that I could not help but fall hard for him eventually that summer.

The season was almost ending and I was preparing myself to part with him. I wrote him letters so he has something to read every day from me. I was supposed to pack him snacks, but John told me that Leo could not bring anything aside from his clothes.

I was thinking of buying him a watch and went on my way to the mall. At that time, Leo said that he will be busy packing. John went with me as he wanted to buy something for Leo, too. As we went from shop to shop, I had this feeling that something bad was to happen.

I was able to get the watch and then the next thing I remembered was we were in a shop and I saw Leo with a pretty girl. They were holding hands and then eventually Leo wrapped his arm around the girl. I could not breathe. John thought I was having a heart attack but when he turned to where I was looking and saw Leo himself, he knew I was getting angry. But all he knew was I was angry because Leo had lied to me about packing his things.

“Leo!” I remembered John calling.

“Shut up!” I hissed at John.

But then Leo turned and saw us. He was shocked himself.

“Princess.” He whispered as he took a few steps towards us. The girl behind him curtsied.

“Well?” John was waiting for an explanation.

“I was really packing my things. But then I remembered that I had to buy a second suitcase.” It was a good reason. We were in a luggage store anyway. John was supposed to buy one for him and have it sent to him that day too.

“Ohh…don’t buy anymore. I am to buy you one as my farewell gift. Choose anything you like.” He said while patting Leo’s shoulder. “Who’s the girl with you?”

Leo urged the girl to come closer.

“This is Amalia. My girlfriend.”

It was like a knife was struck hard in my chest. I left the shop in a hurry and did not mind John and Leo calling after me.

After that day, I never showed my face to Leo. He didn’t exist for me anymore. During his breaks from training, John would meet with him. But one thing I told John, to never let Leo come up. They could stay in the entertainment room or at the gym. They could swim or use the pavilion. But never come up to the floor where our rooms were located. Because when he came, I would lock myself inside and cry.

Our parents did not say anything about it. But most likely, they knew what happened. They must know that I had already fallen in love with my best friend. It was just like the story of Dad and Mom. Two best friends who fell in love. But unlike mine, I will never have that happily ever after ending.

I was a fool to believe that I will have a future with Leo. It was never meant to happen. Even now when he's back permanently after five years.