Protectors of the Realm

Nina's POV     I'm laying in bed, listening to the alarm go off.  I just don't have the energy to shut the blasted thing off.  Today is the last day of college exams for me.  I should be happy, I finished college in 3.5 years but will have to wait until next June to actually walk across the stage.  But I can't help feeling like I won't make it to graduation next year.  My 21st birthday is this Saturday.  They call it the golden birthday is the year you turn the same age as your birthday.  Yep, you guessed it my birthday is December 21, winter solstice. I used to love when my birthday was approaching but this year something feels different.  My parents are overly excited but I'm telling you something is not right.  Yes, I know that this is the year, that I start learning about my duties and get groomed to take over, but I'm actually excited about that, but it's like there is something else that is waiting in the shadows and I don't know if I like it.       UGH, I guess I better stop procrastinating.  I roll over and finally turn off the alarm and force myself to get ready for exams.  As I'm taking a shower, I can't help but think about this ominous feeling and try to distract myself by thinking of my calculus exam coming up first thing this morning. I hop out of the shower and decide to put my waist long, inky black hair in a messy bun.  Haha, mom is not going to be happy about this.  I choose not to put on any makeup and decide to throw on some jeans, my Silver UGG boots and a soft baby blue cashmere sweater. I completely avoid the dress that Riane our maid put out for me to wear.  I walk down the marble staircase and my mom is sitting at the kitchen table talking to my dad in hushed tones.  "Good Morning, mom and dad" I say as I give my mom a hug and my dad a kiss on the cheek. "Honey, why aren't you wearing the clothes I told Riane to put out for you?" my mom asks me.  "Mom, you know I love the outfits you pick out for me, but I really just want to be comfortable today. It's the last day of exams and my hardest exams are today, starting with Calculus." "Oh, let her be Hun" my dad says as he goes back to reading the paper.  "Here sweetie, eat your breakfast" my mom says.  As I sit down to eat, I can't help but look at my parents and smile.  I love them so much.  They have always been supportive and allowed me to grow up as ordinary as possible.       As I'm finishing breakfast, my bestfriend Anthony walks in and gives my mom a kiss on the check.  "Hi, mom and dad" Tony says. "Hi, son are you taking Nina to school today?" my dad asks. Tony is actually my parents Godson.  His parents have been friends with my parents for forever.  Let me tell you all the girls love Tony.  He is 6'3, with inky black hair like mine, golden brown skin and the deepest blue eyes that I have ever seen.  I've always been attracted to him, but oh well, a girl can dream right. "Earth to Nina" Tony says as he waves his hand in front of my eyes. "Huh" i say and Tony starts laughing.  "Come on Princess, let's get you to school so you can hurry up and get those exams over with." I grab my backpack and follow him out the door.  "Love you guys" I say to my parents as I walk out.  I hop in Tony's car and he of course is blasting music as always.  I just look out the window.  Tony and I grew up together, in fact its 4 of us that grew up together.  Tony, Phoenix and Axel are best friends.  What's crazy is that all 3 of the boys were born on the same day at almost the same time.  Their parents are all really good friends of my parents.  I was born 2 years later than them and on the same day.  Yep, all 4 of us happen to have the same birthday and maybe that is why I feel like something is up.  I mean is it just me or is this weird.  "Hello, Princess, Penny for your thoughts?" Tony says.  I look up and realize we are already at the campus.  "You ok,? You seem to be very distant today" he says. "Yea, it just seems like everything is changing. I can't put my finger on it, but it just feels like something big is getting ready to happen." He sighs and I look over at him and see an emotion that I can't place before he kisses me on the forehead. "It will be ok, whatever it is." he says. "What time is your last exam?" he asks. "12:30, so I should be finished by 1:30pm." I respond.  "Ok, I will see you then," he replies.  I get out of the car and can't help but think that he know something. However, I can't help but notice that I felt this tingle where his lips touched my forehead and immediately start thinking about how sexy he is.  Is a girl supposed to dream about her bestfriend that way? Anyways, I get to my first class and began the first of 5 finals today.  I really didn't need to take the exams because I have solid A's in all my classes, but I want to. I don't want anyone to think that I am taking special liberties or being given special treatment because of who I am.     An hour later, I have finished my first exam and am walking to my next exam. 1 down and 4 to go I think to myself. You can do this Nina.