The princess games

*Charlie* The café buzzes with chatter and laughter, the kind that blends into a warm hum, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. I look around for my friends, knowing they must be here, as I am late. But I’m here, I remind myself. I made it. Ready for lunch with my best friends. Nia is the first to spot me, her radiant smile cutting through the crowd like a beacon. She’s a true showstopper, tall and striking with her rich, dark skin that glows even under the dim cafe lights. Today, she wears a sundress that wraps perfectly around her curves, accentuating a body that seems to defy the laws of physics. “Charlie!” she calls, waving me over, and I can’t help but smile back, even as a familiar flutter of self-consciousness creeps in. Tessa is next, her blonde hair cascading in soft waves, framing a face that’s always lit with mischief. She’s the bubbly one, the friend who can make you laugh even on your most average days. “Finally! We were about to order a second round of fries without you!” She winks, her blue eyes sparkling with playfulness. And then there’s Arabella, who I always think of as the group’s spoiled princess. With her striking black hair and piercing green eyes, she’s a vision of effortless beauty. Today, she’s draped in designer clothes that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. “You look… quaint, Charlie,” she teases, but there’s an underlying edge to her tone. We’ve been friends too long, I guess we have all learned to just live with her.. As we settle down around the table, the topic shifts to their upcoming trip to an exotic island kingdom, a place I can barely pronounce. The way they describe it is like pulling back the curtain on some grand adventure. “It’s going to be like a reality dating show.” Nia’s eyes are wide with excitement, and I can practically see the daydreams swirling around her. “Hordes of rich, single men.” “Did you hear about the two princes?” Tessa adds, her voice dripping with intrigue. “They’re looking for wives! Can you imagine? We’d be like the stars of a rom-com!” I lean back, thinking I am happy that I am not going. The thought of participating makes my skin crawl. I’m not into parties, and the last thing I want is to be paraded in front of a bunch of wealthy men. Also I am not what exptic princes are looking for, I mean, I am just Charlie. Average brown hair, average brown eyes, a body that’s a bit chubby, so pretty much also average. I’m not exactly the type to catch men’s eye, especially not with my friends around. Arabella’s phone rings, and from her conversation I can hear that it is Kiki, the last girl of our group. She moved away a little over a year ago. “It’s okay,” Arabella says. “Yeah no problem at all.” We are all looking curiously at her as she finishes up, and Nia asks. “What was that about?” “Omg, Kiki is not coming on the trip,” Arabella half rolls her eyes. “Why not?” Tessa says. “Is she okay.” Arabella is scrollende on her phone. “Uhm what? Okay? Oh, yeah, she is fine. Her mom is like sick or something.” I tell myself that I need to call Kiki when I get home to hear more about her mom. I hope it is nothing really serious. “Charlie, you’re coming, right?” Arabella’s gaze lands on me, and though her tone is casual, there’s a pressure behind her words. She’s already made it clear she paid for the trip, and her disappointment over Kiki swirls in the air like a heavy fog. “Um, I don’t think so,” I murmur, trying to keep my voice steady. “I mean, it sounds… fun, but I really can’t see myself on a trip like that.” Arabella blinks slowly, “Come on, please. I paid and Kiki has already left me hanging… it’s a free holiday.” “Yeah, come on!” Nia jumps in, her enthusiasm infectious. “You don’t have to date anyone! Just imagine lounging on the beach with a cocktail in hand, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and… ” “Free food!” Tessa chimes in, her eyes lighting up like a child’s on Christmas morning. “And we’ll be there. You can just relax, Charlie. You deserve it.” There’s something appealing about three weeks of sun and water. I can feel the idea grow on me. I mean Nia is right, I do not have to date anyone. “But what if I don’t fit in?” I protest half-heartedly, knowing full well it’s a weak argument. “Trust me, you’ll fit in just fine. There will be all kinds of women there,” Bella assures me, her confidence unwavering. “It’s not all about finding love. Just imagine the photos we’ll take! The memories we’ll make!” They all look at me, their eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and pleading. I can feel my resolve beginning to crumble. “Okay,” I finally concede, a reluctant smile creeping onto my face. “But I’m not dating anyone.” Nia claps her hands together, a spontaneous burst of joy. “That’s the spirit! You’ll love it. Just promise to let loose and enjoy life for once.” As the conversation shifts back to the details of the trip, I can’t help but zone out a bit. Part of me is still unsure about the whole thing… three weeks on an island with princes and rich men? And well, a couple of hundred man-hungry women. I mean, what even is that? But as I watch my friends’ excitement, I can’t help but think that maybe stepping out of my comfort zone isn’t such a bad idea. After all, who knows? Maybe this trip will be the change I didn’t know I needed… and the break I know I do. And as I take a sip of my lukewarm soda, I can’t help but wonder if perhaps, just perhaps, being average isn’t so bad after all, after all it probably means no one will really bother me there. Maybe it’s time to break the mold, if only for a little while.