The Elusive Prince

Chapter 7: Teasing is the best distraction ever known to man

Merideth

I woke up in cold sweat as I jolt awake. There was that dream again. That horrible dream I can’t seem to remember every time I wake up but my body never failed to make me sweat like crazy and sometimes cry reminding me of how bad it was without actually having any memory about it. I was trying to catch my breath as I fumble around for my phone on the nightstand to look at the time. It was just 3 AM, the devils hour as one might say. 3 AM, where you either sell your soul to the devil or stay awake long enough to become one and even if I didn’t stay up late, I can feel myself slowly losing control over my emotions as I woke up with that dream again.

I felt upset over the fact that not only do I not remember what terrified me in my dreams these past few years but also because I just fell asleep not too long ago because of that dance. That cursed dance and guy. I don’t know why but no matter how much I convince myself that that dance was nothing worth to be fussing over with, but there’s a certain part of me that just seems to keep replaying it on repeat like a broken record.

I just very carefully pulled my hair, upset that I lost sleep and can’t go back to sleep but not pulling too hard because that would be hard to explain to Hailey. Finally accepting that I wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep, I decided to get out of bed, got my robe on and switched on my desk lamp. Hailey is in a jointed room with mine as well as others that had their own aides, where hopefully she was still asleep because I don’t really want to drag her along with me. She sleeps very lightly because she was trained like that but I don’t want to bother her so I stay as quite as I can as I bring out my journal.

I always keep a journal because I tend to forget things (despite Hailey reminding me and her keeping my schedule). I also keep it to keep track of my emotions and I just basically write whatever I feel to just ease it off my chest so I decided that I should write about that event before I really lose my mind.

I take out my headphones and put on my favorite playlist on as I began recounting the events that happened that night. I got so invested in trying to let all my emotions out on paper that I didn’t feel the room beside me start having activity telling that the owner of the room was up and about. I only slowly realized that so much time has passed already when I saw the night sky slowly clear out to reveal the smiling sun and shoot, I heard the door knob twist from the jointed door leading to Hailey’s room as she steps in to wake me up to prepare for the day. When Hailey saw me sitting on my table, she shot me a concerned look but then her eyes fell on the open journal in front of me and her expression loosens a bit.

“I see you’re already awake Your Highness. Have you at least gotten sleep? You look like you didn’t.” She asked as she went to fix my bed. I just slouched in my chair and watched her fold my comforter and fixed my pillows that was sloppily spread all over my bed from my trashing earlier. 

“No, I just had a lot on my mind. Don’t worry though, I can manage. You can wait for me outside. I’ll be ready shortly.” I said as I stood up from the chair and put my journal back in place.

“Are you sure? I can call in sick for you if you want. You don’t look so well.” Hailey suggested, clearly concerned. I sometimes have these episodes once in a while that always left her worried but I always assure her that it’s nothing to worry about but clearly she doesn’t accept that.

“Did you have that nightmare again? Do you want to talk about it? You know I’ll always be here to listen.” Hailey wasn’t my aide now but instead a concerned friend that worries about me a lot. She knew about my nightmares ever since it started when I was 15 but I never really told her anything about it seeing as I don’t know anything about it myself. All I know is that it’s bad enough to leave me crying.

“I know. And I’m sure I can manage for today Hailey. It’s not the first time this happened. So don’t worry and get going now. I’ll meet you outside for breakfast.” I said with finality in my tone. I know Hailey wanted to try and talk more but sensing that I wasn’t going to budge and that my decision was final, just bowed down and excused herself out of the room.

I sighed because I felt bad about shrugging her off like that when she clearly just wanted to help but my brain was too sleep deprived and terrified over the murky nightmare that I didn’t even have any recollection of that my body decided that I don’t want to talk to anybody about whatever is happening to me, at least for now. All I need now is to get by this day and hopefully find a good distraction to take my mind off the negative feeling slowly crawling into me.

After taking that much needed bath, my brain calmed down a little and the negative feeling got brushed off for now as I prepare myself for the day of being back in school after a little break. I got dressed in my uniform which was a black and white colored uniform consisting of a white long sleeved blouse and a black skirt paired with a white coat and a black tie with white lines at the bottom and the crest of the school pinned on the right chest pocket. There was also a black lace ribbon tied on the waistline as a finishing touch. I don’t really like putting on makeup that much but I need to because of appearances and keeping my image so instead, as compromise,  I only usually apply the lightest amount on my face but I decided against that today because I need to cover up the dark bags under my eyes because of my lack of sleep for the past two days.

After checking whether or not I looked presentable enough to not warrant people swarming me with questions asking if I was okay, I headed outside where I saw Hailey as well as my other classmates and their attendants gathering on the living room, clearly waiting for the others to come down. As soon as Hailey saw me, she headed straight to me and stood beside me as my classmates greet me a good morning. I return the gesture and went ahead and sat down on one of the sofas circling the room, just beside Ava and Sumire who was talking to Reiss about a new dress or something. She greeted me with a hug like usual then proceeded to go back on her conversation about which bow tie would look better with her new dress in which Reiss just squealed slightly because fashion and Reiss is a fashionista with great passion.

We always usually go together to the mess hall whenever our schedule allows us to, so now they chat about random things while waiting for the others. As soon as the others arrived, we hurriedly went to the mess hall. In our school, we were required to eat in the mess hall, especially for breakfast and dinner. We can however, eat outside of the mess hall at lunch which was pretty neat because once in a while you just need that peace and quite so it’s perfect. I usually prefer to eat with my friends but there were moments where I want to eat alone, despite Hailey wanting to go with me but she clearly understands whenever I need to be alone so she usually let me be and I love her for that.

Anyways, I said I wouldn’t let negativity rule over me today so I decided to take my mind off those thoughts as I approach the table and Luna instantly shrieked like a banshee for the reason that she was announcing that she already finished tallying the results of the bet. I swear she only works hard whenever she’s up to mischief but oh well as long as it makes her happy and also makes us happy along the way with her mischief I guess that’s good enough. Although sometimes I think Amity wants to just lay down the floor and cry because Luna just won’t study no matter how much she convinces her and Amity thinks she’s a failure of a mother.

“Hey guys! I finished this last night! You won’t believe the amount of effort I have to exert just to have this result out by breakfast because I swear Amity was breathing down my neck when I told her I needed to finish this before that essay we had to write like, last week. Anyways, I pushed through with the power of fear of Amity's wrath and got this!” she exclaimed, proudly waving around the shiny envelope that I think has the results. How did she even get the time to make an envelope? You know what, I’m not even going to question it.

“Ehem, before I announce the results, let’s make a guess as to who you think is the winner!” she added for more suspense, which worked because my classmates were either groaning “just get it over with” or “Ooh ooh me! I want to guess!” rang out the rather loud table which earned the attention of those around us but didn’t really care as much seeing as we’re always like this, obnoxiously loud and rowdy. It’s basically normal occurrence for us to be this loud so early in the morning which makes you think where we get the energy from.

“Hmm, I’ll guess Reiss, she makes like this bizarre stuff for balls usually and I didn’t recognize her from anywhere until the end of the evening.” Spie said first which got a nod from the others as Reiss sat there, proud. She usually goes over the top with these, especially when it comes to fashion but eh. Reiss has this certain aura to her that just screams Reiss, like if I see someone wearing an over the top mask with golden feathers surrounding the mask I’ll immediately say it’s Reiss so I doubt it.

“Ooh what about Reagan? For someone so silent he sure surprised us that night!” Layla proposed. It was true because I also didn’t expect Reagan to wear a blue mask inspired from a peacocks feathers. When he first approached us at the end of the night and introduced himself, I swear someone dropped their drink or maybe their jaws although I can't be a hundred percent certain about which happned at this bizarre revelation from the resident shy and silent guy in class. Reagan himself just smiled knowingly.

“Surely it’s not Kairo, gosh you would think he didn’t even make an effort to hide his identity with his outfit.” Teased Kellen which brought upon unwanted memories that I shrugged off by joining the conversation in favor of teasing the partial cause of my distress, Kairo.

“You could certainly recognize him from a mile away. Be honest Kai, did you even think about your outfit or did you just give up?” I teased despite the memories trying to crawl up but nope, not today Satan.

“Hey! I did my best! It’s not my fault I’m too handsome for you not to recognize. My facial features were just too hard to ignore.” He bragged jokingly with a matching imaginary hair flip which made a lot of people gag as a joke which earned some jabs in the ribs from Kairo for those near him which sent the table laughing.

“Okay, but it can be Merideth, like I almost didn't recognize her, if not for a fact that Hailey wasn’t dragging her along. Wait, wasn’t it the other way around? With her dragging Hailey along?” piped up Levine which made the whole people on the table turn their attention towards me. Damn it Lev, you’re going to pay for this.

“Yeah what was that all about Mori? You were acting very weird that night.” Said Luna while scrunching her nose cutely. And that’s when I decided that Levine will die. Don’t ask me how, you’ll just know when you discover his body hidden somewhere.

“Nothing, I just heard from Hailey that Kairo was being a whiny brat so I wanted to see it for myself.” I tried to divert the topic back to Kairo. I’m sorry for throwing you under the bus like this Kai, I’ll make it up to you, I promise.

“Oh yeah, as soon as I heard Kairo’s whine from the other side of the room I just knew he was bitching about something.” Ava said with a leer which made some of them snort in amusement as Kairo defends his honor. Thank God I got out of that. I can always rely on Ava to back me up especially when it comes to teasing Kairo.

“Hey! When did this turn from you guys guessing to teasing me?” he complained loudly which only made some double over laughing.

“It’s because you react so nicely sweetie.” I teased just to ease of the tension inside me which undoubtedly worked as the table howled with laughter now. It wasn’t that funny but it’s an inside joke in our class just how nicely Kairo reacts when teased and even if he is usually a cheesy flirt, he can be very cute especially when put on the situation of intense teasing.

“Enough already! Luna, just announce the results and get this over with.” He huffed like a child and pouted as he crossed his arms in front of his chest like a child would which only made us laugh louder because we knew he wasn’t really angry. The best thing about Kairo is that he can take a joke.

“Okay that’s enough guys. Also please just announce it Luna, I’m dying to know as well also so we can get going now. I’m sure Sir Hexford will not appreciate us being late today.” Amity, the ever good mother hen of the class that still let’s us enjoy piped up which made the table quite down a bit, though some were still chuckling behind their palm, as we wait for Luna to announce the result.

“Okay Mom! Anyways, I tallied the result based on the person with the least amount of mentions and the most mentioned person. Also we will be giving a semi-price to who guessed and recognized us the most. Anyways with that out of the way, people of class Leontine, I proudly present to you the winner of the most unrecognizable face out there, well for this ball at least. The winner and the one receiving this grand award is…” Luna paused a bit for dramatic effect which earned some whines to ring out. “The winner is…you were right Layla, it was Reagan!” the table whooped and some thumped Reagan in the back while congratulating him.

“My oh my, he surely surprised us back there and thus it was no surprise that he won. Anyways to the winner of the most amount of mentions, wouldn’t you know it, it’s our resident cheesy boi Kairo with a landslide of being in every single paper!” the table then erupted with laughter as we teased Kairo together like crazy. We were being very loud that the teacher supervising the mess hall at the moment came to shush us. We immediately quietened down but still continued to throw some shade to Kairo who was also laughing.

“Also props to our mother hen for almost recognizing all of us. Of course she will, she’s our mother!” Luna nudged Amity in which Amity only replied by shoving Luna’s shoulder gently as she also giggled, proud of the title and her achievement because she prides herself of knowing us like a real mother would.

“Anyways, that concludes this bet. I would like to thank everyone for participating. Also Reagan, your bragging rights and wish privileges start at lunch. You can just message us in the group chat if you want anything. Anyways, that’s it folks! I hope ya’ll enjoy because exam’s are coming in less than a month.” Luna announced which made some of us groan. I didn’t however because that means I can distract myself with work but really, teasing was still the best way to distract ones self. I just hope Kairo doesn’t mind being targeted by me for a while because in one way he was part of the reason why I am currently going through this.