Monday, 6. July 2009, 18:06:02
I absolutely love writing and I wrote this story in the 10th grade. It's really long, but I hope some people will read it! I would love to get some feedback.
Chapter 1`
All I ever knew changed the day I received word that my parents had died. I had to move out of my majestic castle and go to an orphanage until I was 18, and old enough to become queen. My name is Princess Acacia Colleen Amelia Conquain. My mother was Queen Colleen Amelia Conquain, and my father King Rupert Conquain. They died four years ago, leaving a kingdom, a castle, and hundreds of adoring friends and relatives. They also left me, their daughter, with no family, no castle, and no joy. I was 14, black haired and blue eyed. People used to call me the most beautiful princess, but now my hair lost its joyful shine and my blue eyes turned grey and glassy from crying.
“Acacia, look! It’s your new home, isn’t it beautiful?” exclaimed the carriage driver, Bo. I looked up from lying down in the back seat. The orphanage wasn’t a total letdown. It was two stories, looked freshly painted, and had a pool in the back yard.
“Yeah I guess so,” I croaked, my voice sore. We got out and stretched. My legs cramped from the long ride. The air smelled crisp and fresh.
We walked down the brick pathway and knocked on the door. A small elderly woman with grey hair and a kind face answered.
“Oh, dear, you must be Acacia. Welcome! You’re a bit early; the other kids who will be living here will be here in about ten minutes. You can wait outside. We are taking roll and getting everyone signed up soon.”
“Oh, all right. Who are you?” asked Bo.
“I’m Patricia. I work here- well I will be working here. Take a seat on that bench there. I’ll be out in a moment.”
The door creaked closed and we sat on the bench.
“Cheer up Acacia, this will be the start of a new life!” said Bo, looking up. He then looked at me and said, “Right?”
“I didn’t ask for a new life,” I mumbled.
His brown curly hair seemed to bounce everywhere. Why did he have to be in such a good mood? I kicked at the grass with my sneaker.
The door opened again and Patricia came out with my aunt and uncle, who own the orphanage. “Acacia!” my aunt exclaimed. I ran and hugged her. “Dearest, look how old you’ve gotten. Now step back and let me have a look at you.” I stepped back, and looked at them. My aunt Laya was beautiful with her black hair and chestnut eyes. My uncle Charlie looked happy and had blonde hair and blue eyes. They both wore shirts that said Shady Side Orphanage on them.
“Hey, kiddo,” my uncle said, and gave me a hug.
“Dear, we will always be here for you, like your own parents”, said Laya. “We understand how hard it must be for you to lose your parents.” Just then, another carriage pulled up.
“Laya, where is my cousin Micah?” I asked.
“Oh, he’s still at his sword-fighting class”, she answered. “He’ll be living here too.”
Out of the carriage came a man with a little boy. “Is this Shady Side?” he asked.
“Yes”, Laya said. “I’m Laya, and this here’s Charlie. Welcome!”
The man didn’t even smile as he got back in the carriage. “Take Kyle”, he said gruffly, and the carriage left, leaving small Kyle behind.
“Well then…” Charlie said, “Kyle buddy, how old are you?”
The blonde boy had shoulder length messy hair, and was wearing tattered clothes. “Five”, he whispered.
Laya looked at her list and found Kyle’s name, crossing it off. More carriages started pulling in. I looked around, and Bo had left.
Over the next twenty minutes, I hid under the shade of an old oak tree and kid after kid after kid arrived. Some were scared, some were hyper. Some were very young, some were teenagers. Soon everyone sat down in the grass and Laya look role. She didn’t call my name.
Then she called Max’s name. Max Kritan. He was a teenager, and absolutely gorgeous. He had strait brown hair that fell over one of his piercing green eyes. He raised his hand and smiled. Then roll call was over.
Charlie started going over all the rules, and talking about how we were going to be one big happy family. I was tuning him out. For some reason I couldn’t take my eyes off Max. Pretty soon Charlie said “Okay everyone, you’re welcome to go anywhere you would like until dinner. Remember the rules, leave your bags by the flag, and don’t go off premises.
I waited until everyone had gone inside, then brushed my black hair back and walked toward the woods in the backyard. I sat under a tree, hidden from everyone.
I cried.
And cried.
I wanted my mother. I wanted my castle. I wanted my pet unicorn Sandy. I wanted us to be snuggling under the stars telling knock knock jokes again. I wanted my father to make me apple cider and wrap me in his strong arms.
Suddenly, a soccer ball hit me in my arm. I screamed. Then, as if by magic, Max appeared in front of me.
“Hey, sorry!” he saw my face and his smile melted. “Oh God, I didn’t hit you that hard did I?”
I giggled and wiped my tears away. “N-no, I was crying for other re-reasons.” I hiccupped.
“I hate to see people cry”, he said, and sat down. He put his soccer ball on his lap, and stared at me. “How come I didn’t see you at role call?” he asked.
“Oh… I was hiding.” Great. I was making myself seem like a total freak. “Laya and Charlie are my aunt and uncle.” For some reason, I felt a strong urge to tell him everything. I looked into his trusting green eyes.
“Do you want to talk about anything?” he asked.
How the heck did he know I needed someone to talk to? “My mother was the queen and my father was the king. I’m Acacia” I said.
“Princess Acacia,” he said, almost to himself. He shook his head. “Oh sorry, I’m Max”, he said.
“I know”, I answered.
He gave me a weird look and I kicked myself inwardly.
“I lost everything two days ago. My home, my unicorn, my family, my castle, my friends.” I stated crying again. He looked like he might cry himself.
“I’m sorry”, he said softly. “My parents died in a wreck when I was five.” The wind blew his hair out of his face and I heard a distant sound of chimes and kids shouting.
“My mom was a fairy”, I whispered, as I tried to keep the tears back.
“I can’t believe you’re telling me all this”, he said. “But don’t worry, I wont tell anyone”.
“I trust you”, I said. Maybe I should start thinking before I talk.
“How old are you, anyway?” he asked.
“Fourteen”
“Oh, I’m sixteen. Two more years and I’m outta here.”
“Out of this dump?” I asked.
“Well the orphanage I went to before this was horrible. There was one bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen. It was way old and rundown. So I’m glad I got to switch orphanages.”
“Wow”, I said. “Did you have any friends there?”
“Only a couple. I was nice to everyone, though.”
“Max!” someone yelled. The voice echoed and immediately I ran and hid. Max got up. Two teens, which were also very good-looking, ran into the backyard, one carrying a football. “I found you, you creep”, said one. “What are you doing back here by yourself?”
“Playing soccer”, he answered.
“Yeah, sure, uh-huh, I believe you”, said the blonde boy. “We are too busy playing football and flirting with girls to spend our time with you, but we need a quarterback. Wanna play?”
“No thanks”, Max answered.
“Whatever, dork”, said the other boy, and they ran off.
“If we’re one big happy family you’re flirting with your sister!” Max yelled after them.
“Stop messing with my mind, dude!” one yelled back.
Max dropped his ball and smiled a crooked smile. “They’re gone”.
I came out.
“You can’t hide forever, you know”, he said.
“Yeah, I know, who were they?”
“Ugh, Matt and Alex. Hey, I’m going to go in now, see you around”
I sat back there for about another hour thinking about how hot he was and wondered if he thought I was insane. Well, I really did need someone to talk to. Maybe I should have waited and talked to Micah.
A bell rang, the signal for us to all head inside. I got up and stretched, but waited until everyone had gone inside until I headed in.
The front door led to a spacious living room, which was decorated with golds and browns. Two brown couches faced a fireplace and coffee table. A few blankets were stacked in a corner. A shelf was above them was stacked with board games. Other than that, the room was empty. I walked through the hall into another room stocked with toys. Everyone was sitting in a circle. I couldn’t see Max anywhere.
I slipped in quietly.
“Now the reason I called you all here is to discuss something very important”, began Charlie, clearing his throat. “No one, for any reason, at any time, go into the back room by the back door. We normally keep it locked but if for any reason it is unlocked, stay out”.
“Why”, asked one boy.
Laya was quick to answer. “It’s just dangerous in there, okay?”
Everyone nodded or said okay.
“Alright, now go up to your rooms, your bags are up there”, said Charlie,
I followed the girls up a black staircase to the girls room, which was decorated with pinks and purples.
I found a bed and lay under the cotton covers. Then I realized I still had my clothes on, so I got in line for the bathroom to change into my pajamas.
As I undressed, I took my picture of my parents out of my jean pocket and put it in my pajama pocket. But I found something else in my pocket.
A note.
“What the hell”, I whispered.
I unfolded the thin piece of paper. In black handwriting were seven words and a signature.
Meet me out in the backwoods tonight. –Max
I read it again and again. How did he get that in my pocket? Where was he earlier? Why did he care about me? Should I go?
Chapter 2
The cat-shaped clock above my small bed ticked, reminding me that time was still passing, and Max was probably already outside waiting for me. I lay silently in the large room. The dim light from the moon shone in through the window, allowing me to see my surroundings, but just barely. I sat up on my bed, tired of the lemon smell of the pillow, and looked around. Nineteen girls lay in beds that were along three of the large room’s walls. Some were bunk beds, and some were small beds like mine. The girls ranged from about five years old to the oldest, a redhead, who I guessed was about fifteen. The room was silent except for breathing. I wondered if everyone was finally asleep.
I felt like I had been lying there pretending to be asleep for hours. Some girls had talked but most were very tired from their journeys and went right to bed. I was glad nobody seemed to notice me. I wondered if anyone had recognized me as the princess. Turning around, I saw that it was 11:30. Maybe Max had given up on me and gone in. Still, being an expert at sneaking out, it would be fairly easy. Pulling the cotton covers off my skinny body, I slowly got up and tiptoed to the door. Breathing in, I opened the door, trying not to make any noise. It opened easily and I shut it behind me. I breathed out. Taking a hair elastic out of my pajama pocket, I tied my silky black hair behind me and made my way down the hall, pausing at the end and listening for voices. Even the adults were asleep. I smiled, enjoying the excitement. I made my way down the stairs, knowing the right places to step in order to make no noise. My small feel ached for some reason. I had never noticed how big Shady Side Orphanage was. Taking small steps, my feet led me through the family room and out the back door. I had made it outside.
Cold wind nipped at my face as I stepped out the door. “Thank God for the moon”, I whispered to myself, knowing that if it wasn’t a full moon tonight, I probably wouldn’t have been able to see. The ground was cold. I scolded myself for not remembering shoes.
I was surprised that I knew exactly where I was going as I ran across the large yard, and entered the woods. My heart beat like a butterfly’s wings as I tried to find where I was supposed to meet Max. The woods smelled fresh and crisp. I loved being alone outside. I breathed in and paused, forcing my brain to work. On one side of me were the yard and the orphanage, in back of it the new pool and a few lawn chairs. On another were the woods, looking dangerous yet inviting. I was standing in front of the trees I had hid behind earlier.
“He isn’t here”, I said to myself. “I should have come out earlier. Why does he want to talk to me anyway? And at night? And how, in the world, did he get that note in my pocket?” I frowned and shivered, hugging myself and debating what to do next.
I heard a crackling sound behind me and jumped, laughing at myself for being such a coward. Probably a bunny or something, I thought. I wandered into the woods, looking for Max.
“Maaax”, I called, expecting no answer. The night was chilly and moonlight shone through the trees. I walked farther in. For some reason the hair on the back of my neck felt like it was standing up. The grass below my small bare feet began to feel wet, and I heard the sound of running water ahead of me.
Again I heard the crackling. This time it sounded like something larger than a bunny. My heart began to beat a little faster and I started breathing harder.
“Max”, I said, my voice shaking, wondering if it was him. I was starting to have a bad feeling about this. Maybe I shouldn’t have blindly trusted him. My blue eyes darted, looking around me.
Fear coursed through my body. I ran as fast as I could in the direction I came. All I could hear was the crackling getting louder.
Louder. And the distant sound of crickets.
“Oh my god, I wheezed. “Oh my god” I had gone further into the woods than I had noticed. This definitely was not right. “I am an idiot”, I thought. “Idiot!” I screamed at myself. This was not right. If I got murdered, there would be no witnesses. And I could not be murdered. I was Princess Acacia.
My head spun as I looked at the greens and browns around me. “Oh god, please don’t tell me I’m lost. I really must be an idiot.” All around me looked the same. Trees, rocks, grass. I was panicking. I didn’t want to die young. I heard footsteps behind me, and fear jolted me as I ran as fast as I could in no particular direction.
The next few moments seemed to pass by as if in slow motion.
Me tripping, and looking behind me as a figure in a black cape tried to grab at me.
Me screaming as loud as I could.
I tried to scramble up, but noticed I was hurt. Badly. And bleeding. I began to cry, still screaming and yelling, “Help!”
Suddenly Max appeared and was on top of the masked man in the black cape, pounding him viciously, biting him, and yelling.
I could not believe this was happening. Was I witnessing a murder? Why did the masked man try to grab me? A million questions went running through my brain. I was in so much pain. My leg was definitely broken and a rock had torn a gash in my thigh. I whimpered and could only watch what was happening in front of me.
Max was yelling things at the man, who was desperately trying to get him off. Max was obviously bigger and stronger. I heard him yell, “Leave her alone! Never touch a human again!” followed by a string of curses. I had no clue what was going on, but I felt helpless and more scared than I had ever felt in my life. How could Max do this to me?
Finally the man got loose from Max and ran as fast as he could, like a scared child, back into the woods. Max collapsed and breathed hard, his hair covering his face and his body shaking. I moaned and shrieked at him, and in pain. Looking at me, his face changed as he saw the blood. He looked more scared than I felt. I think his eyes changed color, but it was too dark to tell. He breathed very fast, and peeled off his shirt, throwing it at me. He stammered, “Hold this on the wound”, and darted out of my sight. I did as I was told, not knowing anything else to do. Crying in pain and confusion, I vowed never to sneak out again.
Moments later, I heard Laya and Charlie’s voices, and saw flashlights behind me. I yelled, “I’m over here!”
“Oh my gosh”, I heard Laya say, sounding scared. I had no clue where Max went.
“Acacia”, Charlie yelled.
“Acacia, where are you?” yelled Laya.
“I’m over here”, I whimpered, wondering if I was going to be yelled at for sneaking out, breathing quickly because of the pain.
“Oh my gosh, Max told us you had tripped. Oh my gosh, Charlie, run and get Patricia.” Laya was almost at tears.
I was crying. Did Max tell them I had been attacked? Max had saved me. Maybe I shouldn’t be so mad at him. Maybe it wasn’t his fault. My vision was clouded with tears. Charlie jogged back the way he came.
“Put pressure on it, honey”, Laya said.
I did, and cried more. “I’m sorry”, I whined.
“Don’t worry about being in trouble, but never sneak out like this, it’s dangerous when you can’t see.” She sat beside me and pulled me close, examining my leg. Her black hair was put up in a bun and she was also in pajamas. I noticed that one of my pant legs was almost completely torn off. She smelled like ginger, reminding me of my mother. I cried helplessly.
For some reason I felt I shouldn’t tell her about the masked man. Everyone was already very protective of me, and I didn’t want to create drama. I’d tell Micah before I told her. Drying my eyes and wincing at the pain, I looked up at my aunt’s friendly face. She hugged me and I cried again.
“Acacia, darling, why did you sneak out?”
“I wanted to sleep outside.” I lied. “I always did at home.” Why was I lying? Max had gotten me into this mess.
Then I heard Charlie and Patricia come running through the trees. Both were out of breath, and small grey-haired Patricia was carrying some gauze and a bandage. Patricia was panting. Laya held my hand as Charlie and Patricia wrapped my leg up. The three of them helped me back to the orphanage and my bed. I was horribly tired, and the world became blurry as I fell into a deep sleep.
Chapter 3
“Acacia….. Acacia…Wake up…Acacia”
I moaned and tried to turn over, but a sharp pain shot through my leg. This made me jolt up quickly, and I bumped heads with a blonde- haired blue- eyed boy who was around thirteen.
“Ahaw, well you’re up. Hey, what happened?” he boy asked.
“Micah!” I yelled and hugged him. As my vision became clearer, I saw he had grown since I last saw him. Tall and good looking, Micah resembled my uncle in so many ways. He was wearing a simple blue shirt and jeans that looked new. The last time I had seen him was before my parents had died, at a family reunion. That was about a year ago. My favorite cousin, I had grown up with Micah. His face began to look worried as he looked at my leg.
“Acacia, my dad told me you tripped last night. What happened? You look awful.”
I looked at my hands and body, on top of the covers of my bed, and realized I did look pretty awful. I was covered in dried blood and dirt, and my swollen leg was wrapped tightly. My leg ached and my throat was sore. The events of the night came flowing back to me. I started to whimper and cry. Micah sat down at the end of my bed, and I noticed the large room had nobody in it except for us. As I cried, the blood on my hands smeared around, and covered my face. Micah looked horrified.
“Hang on, I’ll get you a wet towel”, he muttered, and left the room. Morning sunlight lit the pink and purple room. I turned around and saw that it was nearly 10:00 am. Micah walked back in, holding a wet white hand towel and handing it to me. I scrubbed my hands, arms, and face, and felt a little better. I noticed I hadn’t said much.
“I w-was going to meet someone outside and s-someone started to chase me, and I ran and fell but M-Max chased him off.” I must be making no sense, I thought. I was talking fast.
“Wait, what hun? Someone chased you? Who? Who did you go meet? Why?”
I took a deep breath and began to explain. I explained the events of the night in great detail, and told him a little about Max. “Have you seen Max around?” I asked.
“No, I just got here this morning. I haven’t met anyone who lives here yet. Everyone’s outside playing ball. I could bring you some breakfast, if you would like. Acacia, I don’t want you around this guy. He’s bad news. I don’t know who the masked guy was, but I think you should stay out of the woods. After all, you are the princess. A lot of people hate our family. It’s important you stay healthy and alive if you are going to become queen when you’re eighteen, and I sure don’t want to lose you. Stay away from him, okay?”
Micah had a habit of acting like he was older than me, even though he was a year younger. He itched his eyebrow.
“I’m confused, Micah”, I said. I wondered if Max was in some plot to kill me. After all, if my parents had been murdered, what if whoever killed them wanted me too? I shuddered. But then again, Max had saved me.
“I’m so sorry about your parents, Acacia.” Micah hugged me gently. I cried more, feeling sorry for my pathetic self. Micah rocked me back and forth.
Micah helped me into the bathroom and I washed myself carefully, avoiding my cast. My stomach began to growl. The bathroom was twice the size of a normal one, and everything was clean and new. Water ran over the cuts on my hands, and I cried out in pain.
After I was done, I limped through the hall and downstairs to find Laya or Patricia and get breakfast. Getting down the stairs was hard, and I almost fell a few times. At the end of the staircase I was out of breath. I head Micah at the top of the staircase.
“Caish, I should have helped you down. Wait for me next time. Hey, I’ll help you get to the dining room to eat. Charlie has crutches for you.” Micah hopped down the stairs and smiled at me, putting my arm around him and helping me walk. I was so glad to have my cousin.
We hobbled into the spacious dining room, which had flower wall paper and about ten circular tables.
“This is so cute”, I said. “It looks like a little restaurant.” Two fans were blowing cool air around. It was hot outside.
“It isn’t cute when you have to wash dishes”, Micah said, helping me sit down. I felt myself smile. I could see Charlie back in the kitchen over the counter. “Dad, Acacia’s up”, Micah announced. Charlie turned around and set his wash cloth down.
“Oh, good morning. I’ll get you some breakfast, dear. How are you feeling?”
“Hurting”, I croaked.
“I’ll get you some Tanga tea as well. It soothes you and muffles pain.” Charlie disappeared back into the kitchen. Micah followed and came out with crutches.
“Here, Caish. Use these so I won’t have to help you walk everywhere.” He flicked his hair and smiled, handing me the wooden crutches.
“Thanks”, I said. I looked around at the blue-themed room. There were two bay windows and I could see the yard through them. Flowers were in boxes on the window sills. About forty kids were running around outside, playing ball and jump rope; some were sitting and watching, some wrestling. The tables in the dining room looked freshly washed, and each had its own salt and pepper shakers. There was a marble counter-space area with lights along the cabinets that hung off the ceiling above it. Past that was the kitchen, where Charlie was preparing what smelled like eggs and ham. I felt I could get used to living here. The smell of food drifted to my nose, and I became even hungrier. Micah sat down beside me.
“Acacia, I normally live here because my parents do, but I do have another home about a mile away. We could hang out there sometime. I’m glad I’ll get to be living with you for a couple of years”, Micah said. Charlie brought a plate out, and set it before me. I ate hungrily. The food tasted great, and reminded me that I hadn’t eaten sense yesterday morning.
After a few bites I looked up at Micah. “Yeah, I remember that house”. Memories of my childhood filled my mind. “Is the fort we made still there?” I drank some of the tea Charlie gave me. It was sweet and tangy.
“Of course, out by the stream out back.” He scratched his eyebrow. I could also teach you some sword-fighting. I take lessons for an hour each day.”
“Are you going to train to be a warrior?”
“Yeah, I think so. When do you start your leadership and politics classes?”
I frowned. “A couple months”, I said. I had already finished my meal. I sighed and winced at the aching of my leg. I noticed Charlie had left.
“Micah, I don’t think we should tell your parents about the man that chased me. I don’t want to worry them.” I looked at him, pleading with him not to tell them.
He looked down. “Yeah, they already are very concerned about you. I don’t think we need to bother them with that,” he whispered. He looked me in the eyes. “Acacia, stay away from Max,” he said in a firm tone. I nodded.
Chapter 4
I awoke early, grabbing my crutches beside my bed and quietly leaving the girl’s room. I paused at the door. “Oh yeah, my camera”, I whispered to myself. I turned back and slowly bent down to open my suitcase, trying not to bump my hurt leg. I dug in my suitcase, and under my shirts, jeans, and the scarf I was wearing, I found and pulled out my black camera. The morning sunrise was an excellent time for photography. I put the camera string around my neck.
I hobbled out of the girl’s room, closing the door quietly as to not wake anyone. I had been doing this for the past couple of days. Taking pictures, and avoiding Max. Avoiding everyone, for that matter. I liked to be alone ever sense my parents died. Nobody seemed to bother me, and Micah was always busy or gone. I had only faced Max once sense that horrible night. He was playing soccer and called my name, and I ignored him. No matter how gorgeous or friendly he was, I was going to listen to Micah.
I dressed and took a shower. Not many kids were up yet, and I liked the quiet. I hobbled downstairs and went into the dining room. It usually was empty except for Charlie, but this morning two girls who were twins were playing checkers at one of the round tables. They both had blonde pigtails, and looked about six or seven years old.
“Mya, you can’t move there”, said one. She had a slight accent.
“Why, cause I’ll win?” said Mya, smiling triumphantly. The other sighed.
“Chaaarlieeee! Mya’s cheating!” The little girl squealed. Both were wearing matching dresses. I smiled, and sat down. They were so cute.
Charlie threw his washcloth down and came out of the kitchen. “I don’t think either of you have quite got the idea of how checkers works. Oh, good morning Acacia. I’ll get you some breakfast.” The girls both looked at me. They both had freckles.
“Hi”, said one. “Who are you and what’s wrong with your leg?”
“Mia!” shouted Mya, poking her, “Mum taught us that it’s impolite to point out things about others.” Mia frowned at her.
“It’s okay, I’m Acacia,” I said. Charlie brought me a plate of fruit and toast. I thanked him.
“I’m Mia, and that’s Mya”, said Mia, pointing at her sister. “What’s that on your neck?”
“Oh this?” I said, taking it off my neck. “This is my camera. You can take pictures with it. Now both of you smile.” They smiled. I took a picture. “In a couple of minutes the picture will appear where the black is”, I said, handing them the black photograph. They both stared at it as I finished eating and I heard one of them yell “Cool!” as I made my way outside.
I walked into the backyard where I normally took pictures of the sunrise, the trees, and bugs or bunnies or anything else I saw. The morning air was warm and I could smell the sweet smell of all the flowers growing in the garden. My wet hair fell around my face. I slowly sat down by a tree and shot a picture of the sun creeping over the trees. I smiled and took one of myself.
A little boy that I recognized came running out of the back door, shouting and screaming. He had shoulder-length blonde hair and was wearing overalls with no shirt underneath. “Kyle”, I thought, remembering the five year old. He ran over to a small hill and tumbled down it, laughing. He had obviously had too much sugar for breakfast. At the bottom of the hill he saw me and ran up to me, grabbing a stick on his way.
“Be gone, evil girl!” Kylie squawked. He lifted the stick up and pretended to hit me.
“Ahh!” I hollered and laughed. “Heeey, stop, I have the right to sit here. And how did you get candy?” I saw the pink stuff around his mouth.
“He leaned on his stick. His blonde hair was tangled and he had a silly grin on his face. “They don’t watch who goes in the kitchen sometimes”, he said. “Girls are EVIL!” he stated.
I laughed. “We aren’t all that bad”, I said. “Smile.” I took a picture of him. He blinked at the flash.
“What was that?” he exclaimed. I handed him the picture and he looked at it, confused.
“This is a camera and I just took a picture of you”, I explained. “It will show up in a little while. I’m Acacia, and you’re Kyle, right?”
He put his hands on his hips. “That’s Sir Kyle to you, evil girl,” he said and ran off.
I giggled and leaned back. The wind blew in my face and I closed my eyes. The sounds of nature were soothing, and I drifted off.
I was in a purple room. My room, yes. The bed had satin sheets. My vanity and closet were there. Colors swirled around me. Four figures were on my bed. One was me. I could see myself, smiling and laughing. Beside me was a pure white unicorn. She sparkled. My parents were the other two figures. Their faces were blurry. Suddenly a man in a black cape and mask appeared and stabbed them both. The world was spinning, and I was screaming.
“Acacia”, someone was saying my name.
“Acacia”, someone was shaking my shoulder.
My heart beating fast, I woke up and rubbed my eyes. I was breathing hard. I held back tears. Someone with piercing green eyes was kneeling in front of me. Max.
“Max”, I said.
“Acacia”, he said. “Are you okay? I need to talk to you.” I reached for my crutches but realized they had been moved, pretty far away. Max did it, the bastard. I glared at him. The afternoon sunlight was above me, and I was sweating.
“Max, give me my crutches back. I don’t want to talk to you”, I said sternly. I was supposed to be avoiding him.
He sat down. “Not until you listen to me. Acacia, I did not mean for that to happen, the other night. I have no clue why you’re avoiding me.”
I sat there with my arms crossed. I pretended like he wasn’t getting to me, but he was. I wanted to run into his arms. His gorgeous face stared at me and the wind blew through his hair. “Acacia, that man was a black sparrow. A vampire. That’s what they call themselves. They have your parents. They want to have you so that they can take over the kingdom.”
“Whaat?” I shrieked. How dare he mention my parents. “What do you mean they ‘have my parents’? What do you mean they want me too? How do you know this?” I was fuming. I felt like smacking him.
He took a deep breath. “I am a vampire, Acacia. My father is the leader of the black sparrows, the masked men. I put that note in your pocket because I wanted to tell you earlier.”
I crawled away from him. Fear was in every part of my body. No. It couldn’t be. I was breathing hard. “Oh my god”, I whispered.
Max jumped in front of me. “Acacia, I’m safe. I drink animal blood. I choose to. I’m on your side. I know this may be a shock to you, but I think your parents are alive.”
My heart stopped beating for three long seconds.
Chapter 5- In the Kritan Castle
Victor’s narrow nose protruded from his sickly pale face. His green eyes glared and slowly started to turn red as he stared out the clouded window of the family castle to the wet field below. His stomach growled and he felt the usual buzzing behind his ears as he saw the young human child tottering in the garden.
“Heh-heh”, Victor cackled, “A lost child. Maybe me and some of you guys can have an early lunch”. He turned around and looked at the three bored teenage vampires who were lounging around on the medieval furniture in the dark, drafty room. None of them looked hungry, but he doubted any one of them would pass up a good meal of young human blood.
“We miss Max”, said the one with the black hair that fell around his circular face. His name was Kris. He looked up from on the couch where he was sprawled out, and pouted at Victor. “Don’t you ever miss your son? It’s so boring here without him. Why did you make him leave?”
Victor’s eyes were purely red now. “Why would you ask such a question?” he said harshly, almost sounding condescending. “Max betrayed us; he isn’t a true black sparrow. He doesn’t drink human blood. He cares about those measly brainless bastards we call humans.” His voice was slowly raising. “Max is not welcome among us!” he shouted. “Get over him. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to have myself a meal before this damn buzzing makes it so I can’t even hear.” He turned quickly and glimpsed out the window at the yellow dressed child who was now crying, obviously lost. He turned and dashed down the winding staircase, his stomach still gurgling.
Later that evening a knock was heard on the front door. It echoed throughout the castle, reminding everyone that the doorbell was broken. Victor marched to the door and pulled it open. He was in a cheerful mood sense he had himself an early dinner. He had sucked the child of all her blood until she was a lifeless ghost, and his stomach was full. At the door was Zeke, Max’s older brother. He had a look of disappointment and worry on his tan face, and Victor welcomed him in.
“Heh-heh. Well hello, my favorite son. So where is the darling princess that we will lock up in our chambers so that we can rule this land once more?” Victor was smiling, and Zeke knew that was a rare occurrence.
“She got away”, was all Zeke said, very quietly.
“WHAAT?” Victor yelled. “How could you, Zeke?” his face was red and his fists were clenched. Zeke stumbled backward.
“Victor, Max jumped on me. You know, he’s bigger than me and…”
“WHAAT?” Victor yelled even louder. “Max has crossed the line too far. Now he is protecting the princess, the backstabbing canker-blossom!”
Zeke was taken aback by his father’s harsh language. He stammered, “Father, I’m sorry, Max was biting and pounding me. He’s always watching her. I’m not strong enough to go alone.”
“You know we can’t go out of this building with more than one of us! You imbecile, that’s why we always go hunting one by one! We could be caught, arrested! This is why we need to take back this entire territory! And to do that, we need the damn princess!”
“Why don’t we just kill the princess and her parents”, suggested Richard. He was behind Victor, and looked pretty calm even though Victor was fuming.
Victor took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying not to blow up. “Because we can exchange them for other things, and use them against people once we take over the kingdom. If they are of no use to us, we’ll suck their blood and toss their bodies to our dogs, understand?” The two of them nodded. He closed the front door. “Now, we need a new plan, and we need one soon. I believe Max is onto us”. Victor growled.
Chapter 6
The sun was setting, and the air was getting colder. Max and I were sitting across from each other in our secret place. “Max, your plan is insane,” I stated, crossing my arms that were covered with goose bumps. Max was staring intently on a branch he had picked up. He was thinking hard. The wind blew and I could hear the sounds of chimes and distant voices. Almost everyone had gone inside. Micah would be home soon.
Max finally spoke. “Acacia, it’s the only thing I can think of. You see, my old friends and brother have been brainwashed by Victor into thinking that humans are brainless. If they meet one, I’m sure they’ll change their minds. I could turn Victor’s own followers against him. They miss me. If they knew how much I cared for you, I’m sue they’d help us free your parents.
My stomach did a little turn when I heard him say he cared for me. “I don’t know why you care for me so much”, I whispered.
He stared into my eyes. Suddenly I felt like I couldn’t look away, like I was entangled in his gaze. My heart beat slowed. “I don’t either. But I’m not going to let my father take over the kingdom. That would be a bad, bad thing.” Finally he looked down. I breathed out for the first time in a while. “I don’t know why you trust me so much”, he said, looking back up. Dang, that gaze pierced right into me.
“I don’t either, really”, I stammered. Why did I trust him so much? He said it like he wasn’t worth trusting. Well, it was my only hope of getting my parents back.
He shook his hair out of his face. “Well, we should get going, the Kritan Castle is a pretty far walk”, he decided. I sighed. I wished all this drama was over with. But when my parents were back in rule, would I ever see Max again?
I got up. “Yeah, I agreed. “I guess this is the only choice we have. There are no other options. My mind was so full of thoughts and worries I thought it might burst. “But Max, what are we going to eat?”
Max smiled his crooked smile. I loved that smile. I laughed at myself. “Well I don’t want to starve,” I pointed out. “And what will you eat?”
He smirked at me. “What I always eat. You seem to be forgetting that I am a vampire. And there are many animals along the way, I’m sure of it.”
Oh yeah, I thought. I laughed. “Well I prefer real food over animal blood”, I said. “I’m going to sneak in and get some before we go. Most everyone’s asleep, I bet.” It was getting dark. The moon was becoming our only source of light. “Oh yeah”, I said suddenly. “Thank you”. I hoped he knew how much I meant that. Without warning, he ran over and embraced me. His skin was cold, colder than normal. He wrapped his arms around me and I could feel his heart beating. My heart fluttered. I wanted to stay like this forever. Moonlight poured through the trees, and a coyote howled in the distance. I felt so safe in his arms, even though everything was wrong.
“I’d do anything for you”, he whispered into my ear.
I heard the backdoor of the orphanage open. Max pulled away from me, and my heart sunk. I wished that moment would have lasted longer. ‘I’d do anything for you’ repeated over and over again in my tired mind. I hoped he knew I cared just as much for him, maybe even more.
Max and I peered through the trees and saw Kyle come running out of the back door. His blonde hair was combed, for once, and he was wearing a heavy coat even though it wasn’t that cold out. Something silver glinted in his hands. “Acacia”, he called, looking around.
“Come on”, Max said, running out of our spot in the woods. I ran after him. I noticed I could run on my leg again, it no longer hurt.
“Kyle”, I said. “I’m here, what’s wrong?”
Kyle was out of breath even though he hadn’t run very far. “I found… I found the key to the back room”, he panted. “Earlier I heard funny noises in there. I want to see what’s inside, but I don’t want to go alone.” He held the large silver key out to me. I smiled at him. He was such a mischievous little boy.
“I thought I was an evil girl,” I teased. I took the key. It was cold and heavy.
“Well I’m curious and I knew you wouldn’t tell on me”, Kyle said.
I laughed. I was really curious what was in there too, but what if the room was haunted? “You bad boy you”, I said and the three of us snuck inside.
Toasty air came from the hallway when we entered. It was completely silent, everyone was asleep. I felt like such a rebel. We tiptoed down the hallway and went through another hallway until we reached the bulky door of the back room. The key was big in my small hand. I stepped by the door, and glanced behind me. The two boys had the same look on their faces, and looked as nervous as I felt. “Open it”, Max whispered.
I took a deep breath and stuck the key in the hole. I turned it, and heard a click. I took it out, and turned the handle slowly. Cold, damp air hit my face along with a foul smell. I held my breath. The boys were right next to me, and we all peered in. I felt around and found a light switch. Suddenly the cold dark room lit up and we all gasped.
The walls were concrete. There were no windows, and the room was very large. Feces was everywhere. A box of hay was in a corner next to a pail of water. But there, lying with her head curled by her was the most beautiful stunning white unicorn, fast asleep.
We all gasped again once we saw her. “Ew”, said Kyle. Tears began to fill my eyes. That wasn’t just any unicorn, that was my unicorn. My Sandy. Laya and Charlie had been hiding her in here. But why? Max and Kyle stepped in, and quietly shut the door. “Oh, my god. Sandy!” I cried. I ran to her side. Petting her sandy-feeling coat, I woke her up. She put her head up and I could see surprise in her golden eyes. Her sparkly white coat was dirty. I hugged her neck, and felt her warm tongue wash my face. How dare Laya and Charlie keep her in such conditions? I felt a deep anger toward them.
“Acacia, is this your unicorn?” Max asked, coming to my side.
“Yes”, I whimpered, “Why did they hide her from me?” My heart hurt for my dear Sandy, all alone for so long. “They didn’t even tell me they had her”, I pointed out.
“Wow”, was all Kyle said, his little eyes wide.
“I don’t know, Acacia. But me and Kyle will bring her outside, we could ride her to the castle. I want you to go and get food. I got up and so did Sandy. Max stroked her white mane. She whinnied softly. We went out, locked the door, and I told Kyle to go and put the key back, thanking him for getting it. He looked in shock and confused.
“That’s your unicorn? What castle? Can I come?” Kyle wondered.
“No, Kyle. I’m sorry”, I said, and turned to walk towards the kitchen. Max took Sandy outside and said to Kyle, “Don’t tell anyone.” Kyle nodded, and went to put the key back, looking confused and disappointed that he couldn’t come.
Walking towards the kitchen, I was still in shock. “How could they”, I whispered. I grabbed some apples and bread, barely thinking. I put them along with some other food I found into a bag and went outside. I guessed it was about midnight. Max was on Sandy’s back. It was a beautiful picture, a vampire on top of a white unicorn with the moon behind him. I petted Sandy again. “How could they, Max?” I asked helplessly.
“It doesn’t matter,” Max mumbled. “We need to leave, now. He pulled me up and in front of him. I leaned over and whispered into Sandy’s ear.
“Run over these hills, and through the valley”, I told her. I looked at Max behind me. “Then where?” I asked him.
“Strait for a couple of miles, then right through the wood”, he said. Sandy whinnied, letting me know she understood. She started galloping.
Sandy galloped along for what felt like hours. I was surprised at how far she could go holding me and Max. I felt safe with Max behind me, holding onto me. Soon I fell asleep in his icy arms.
When I awoke, it was becoming light outside. I sat up from leaning on Max. We were in a beautiful green valley with trees all around. I could see a lake off to the right of us, and patches of oak trees were everywhere. Birds sung their morning songs, and I stretched. Sandy looked a little tired. I patted her head and rubbed the dirt off her horn. “Well good morning, love”, said Max.
I turned around and smiled at him. “Good morning, I yawned.
“You almost fell off a few times”, he said, and laughed. I giggled.
“How long did I sleep for?” I asked.
“A few hours. You talk in your sleep, you know.”
I hid my face, embarrassed. “Oh no, what did I say?” I whined.
“Something about green something and a bunch of stuff I couldn’t make out, then you said my name.”
“Oh, I did?” I cried.
Max laughed his funny laugh. “Yeah. What were you dreaming about?” he teased.
“I don’t remember!”
We entered the woods, and the air smelled of pine trees. I loved that smell. Breathing in, I leaned back against Max. He put his arms around me. “Aren’t you tired?” I asked him.
“I don’t sleep that often”, he told me. “We should let Sandy have a break. We could make a fire.”
That sounded good. I realized how cold I was, I was only in a black tee shirt, and max was in a long sleeve shirt. When we came to a clearing, I told Sandy to stop. She did, and me and Max got off. Sandy practically collapsed. Max and I stretched, and Max began gathering wood. I helped him. “We’re getting close”, he said.
I noticed some purple flowers were growing on the ground next to a piece of wood I picked up. I picked one and smelled it. It smelled sweet. Max came over to me and taking the flower from me, put it in my hair. I smiled and so did he. He began putting the wood in a pile and starting a fire. “Max, say this doesn’t work. Say the vampires see me and go after me, what will happen?” I was being my usual logical self.
Max had made a small flame and was gently blowing on it. “I’ll protect you no matter what happens, Acacia. You can trust me.”
“I do”, I said. This time I knew I meant it. “Max, I thought you said your parents died in a wreck when you were five”, I pointed out.
“I tell everyone that”, he said and sighed. He looked me in the eyes again. “The truth is… my dad, is still alive, you know that, and he killed my mom.” Max looked down. “He did that before he kicked me out of the castle, because I believed differently than him about humans. I don’t know why he killed my mother. He’s crazy.”
“Oh, my god”, I whispered. “I’m sorry.” I really was sorry. My heart ached for Max, who was cast out by his own father. Max really was an orphan. “Max, can you tell me the story of how you came to the orphanage?” I asked gently. The fire was pretty large now, and he surrounded it with rocks. I took and apple out of my bad and ate some, offering the rest to Sandy. She ate it gratefully. I leaned back against her.
Max nodded. “You see, when I was young I hunted humans like my father. I always sought his approval. My older brother and I kind of competed for who was his favorite. Victor would bring us to a nearby village or farm, and he’s show us how to attack and kill the humans. I never thought it was wrong. Then one day, he had me go up and kill a boy about my age, a human. I was about six. I ran up to him, and when I saw the fear in his eyes, something changed in me. I knew he was really no different than me, and what I was doing was murder. I ran back to my father, sobbing, and told him I couldn’t do it. He yelled at me and called me cruel things. The next day, when he caught me going back to the farm and talking to the young boy, apologizing, he banned me from the castle. I lived on animal blood and out in the wild for quite some time. I traveled, not knowing exactly where I was going, and I ended up at an old orphanage down by Floura Country. They took me in. They never watched what I was eating, so I could sneak out and hunt any animals I could find. I was the oldest there, and was expected to look after the children. I made a decision right then and there to protect people from vampires, the Black Sparrows. I had to fight some off who tried to hunt some of the children at the orphanage. When I heard the new orphanage was being built by your aunt and uncle, I moved there. When news came that the king and queen were dead, I knew my dad had taken them so that he could take over the kingdom and hunt freely, like he could before. Vampires are arrested now.”
I sat listening to his story. He told me so much about him that I had been wondering, so much that I wanted to know. I felt closer to him than ever once he was done. Sandy had fallen asleep. “Oh my gosh, everything makes so much more sense now,” I said. I didn’t know what else to say. It was a lot to take in. “Did any of the other kids that were at that orphanage move to my aunt’s and uncles?”
“Yes Matt and Alex and… twins. Little blondies. Mia and Mya.”
“I’ve met them!” I exclaimed. Suddenly I heard footsteps and the voices of three girls heading our way. They were chattering, and when they came into view, I saw that they were all teenagers. One had short blonde hair, one had long dirty blonde hair, and one had dark brown hair. Two were tall and one, the brunette, was on the short side. They saw us and stopped walking.
“Hi”, said the brunette. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you, we’re going on a… Max?”
Max looked shocked. “Ashtyn?” he said, getting up and looking at her quizzically. She was very pretty, and was wearing a turquoise shirt and tight jeans.
“Max!” Ashtyn screamed. She ran and he ran and they hugged. The two blondes looked as confused as I was.
“You guys… know each other?” asked the one with short blonde hair. She was wearing all black, and had heavy black makeup on. She was also very attractive. The other girl, Camille had dirty blonde hair that was messy and the darkest eyes I’d ever seen. She was wearing a blue tee shirt and jeans.
“Oh my god, Acacia, this is Ashtyn. She was like my best friend at the old orphanage I went to! You moved away and lived with your grandparents, right?” Max asked. He was very excited, and talking fast. “Oh my god! Ashtyn!! I live at another orphanage now, in Meadowdale. I have so much to tell you! This is Acacia.”
Ashtyn started jumping up and down. “Max!” she screamed and hugged him again. “Damn, your cold. This is Shiloh (the one with short blonde hair) and this is Camille.” She smiled. “Hi Acacia.”
“Hi”, I said. I noticed Sandy had woken up and was grazing a little ways away.
All three of them sat down and we all talked for a while. Max told them where we were heading, and it turned out that Shiloh and Camille were also vampires, and only drank animal blood. They were from a secret vampire tribe that lived in this area; all of them drank animal blood. Ashtyn had become friends with both of them, and they hung out a lot. Shiloh and Ashtyn were thirteen, and Camille was fourteen. Max and I explained our story and showed them Sandy.
“We can help you”, said Shiloh once Max was done talking. Her brown eyes looked at me in sympathy. “We all have been learning sword fighting, and just in case anyone tries to attack Acacia or if they wont give her parents back, we can help fight. All three girls had swords attached to their waists. They all pulled them out.
“We are on your side, Max”, Ashtyn said.
All five of us walked the rest of the way to the castle, sneaking around back. We decided to give Sandy a break. The girls fawned over her on the way, picking up grass and feeding it to her, and remarking on how pretty she was.
When we finally arrived at the back of the castle, my heart was pounding. Max told the girls to hide out back, and he’s whistle when they were to come out or if he needed any help. He took me by the arm and brought me up to the back of the dark, scary looking castle. Out in back was a tunnel that led to a door. He told me that inside was he hang out of his brother and his old friends. We were both shaking, and he whispered for me to go hide with the girls until he said to come out. I wished him luck and ran back.
I ran back to the patch of trees where the three of them were hiding. We all hid in some bushes. All of them had worried looks on their faces, and peering out, we were completely silent. I could hear the fast breathing of the other girls, and I looked at Max.
Max was standing by the wooden door. He suddenly knocked on it. After a few moments, I saw the door open, and saw him talking to whoever was inside. I prayed it wasn’t his father. I felt desperate to know what they were saying. Suddenly, I saw a guy with light brown hair step out and hug Max. I breathed out. That was a good sign. Max motioned for him to come outside and him and another teen did. He stood there, nervously talking to them for a while, and then he whistled. Camille, Ashtyn and Shiloh looked at me. Camille whispered, “I think he wants you to go”, and gave me a little push. I was breathing hard and my heart was beating fast. I ran up to Max and the two teen boys.
Max gave me a look that said that I was safe. “This is Acacia.” He told the guys. “She is a human princess, and Victor has kidnapped her parents. I’m sure you all know this. I am here to tell you that his plan is a horrible one. I am also here to tell you that you both are murderers.” He took a deep breath. “Humans are no different from us. They have feelings, and are not brainless. It is wrong to kill them. I’ve met and I’m friends with many humans.”
“I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I could never say anything”, said the one with light brown hair. The one with black hair nodded.
Max looked a little less scared when he said that. “I knew I could trust you guys. I wasn’t sure about Zeke. I need you both to help me free her parents. Please. Will you?”
The one with black hair nodded and so did the other. “I know where Victor is keeping them. We can wait till tonight, and set them free. We need to get them back in power soon, and then have them tell the warriors to arrest Victor.”
I hadn’t said a word. I didn’t know if I could talk. It all seemed so simple, and I doubted it could be that simple. Max introduced me to them. The one with black hair was named Kris, and the one with light brown hair was named Richard. I still was shaking, and I stayed as far away from them as possible. Max and them talked for a little while more, and agreed to meet at that spot after sunset, and when Victor was asleep.
Suddenly I saw something move in the window by the door. I saw a face in the window, a small face of another teenage vampire. When he saw that I had seen him, he ducked. “Oh my god, Max!” I cried, “I just saw a face in that window!” Max, Richard, and Kris turned around. “Oh my god, who was that?!” I demanded. I was panicking.
“That had to have been Zeke!” cried Richard. I don’t know what he’ll do! Richard and Kris ran back inside.
The next couple of moments seemed to pass by in slow motion. I heard yelling coming from inside. A deep voice. Suddenly, an old man ran out with Zeke. Victor.
Chapter 7
I ran. As fast as I could, I darted toward the woods. Not seeing a ledge that was in front of me, I fell. Hard. Pain rocketed through my body and I screamed at the top of my lungs. I couldn’t die. We were so close to getting my parents back. I heard Max whistle, and saw the three girls run out of the woods, swords drawn. Victor was running towards me, and Kris and Richard could not hold him back. Fear was in every part of my hurting body. I had hurt the same leg I had the first time. My ankle was at an odd angle, and I had fallen on sharp rocks. I was bleeding, crying, and screaming louder than I had in my life.
Victor seemed to be coming at me faster than anyone could protect me. I thought that those moments would be the last moments of my life. So much for our kingdom.
When Victor was about ten feet away from me, he screamed a bloody, low scream that I had never heard before and never wanted to hear again. He fell to his knees, and there behind him with a bloody pointed stick was Max, looking like he didn’t know what he had just done. Everyone stopped running, and stared at Max and Victor in horror. I was frozen in shock. I had just witnessed a murder. Max had killed his own father. It seemed unbelievable.
Victor fell to the ground and with one more sharp cry of pain and hatred, was completely silent.
And completely still. Dark blood oozed out of his back.
I looked around, and Zeke had vanished.
That’s when the world went black. I fainted.
Chapter 8
When I awoke, my leg was wrapped in leaves and shirts and I could feel a warm fire. The world was blurry, but when it came back into focus, I saw that eight people were sitting around the fire. Eight people and one unicorn. There was Max, and Richard, and Kris, sitting on one log. Cross legged on the ground were Camille, Shiloh, and Ashtyn. And there, sitting on a rock, were my parents. They were skinny and dirty, and looked like they hadn’t eaten in a while, but they were there.
My parents were alive. And free. I shook my head to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I started crying and couldn’t stop. Huge sobs came from my throat. I was so happy to see them. At once my parents were around me, hugging me gently. I held onto them. “Mom, dad”, I whimpered. “You’re alive.”
“Yes, honey. Thanks to your friend Max, we’re free,” said my father.
“We will never leave you, my Acacia”, said my mother.
“Max, you killed your father”, I said in shock and awe.
“It had to be done”, he said.
Chapter 9
My parents were walking with me back to the castle with Sandy. I was riding on my dad’s back, and my small mother with curly black hair was walking beside us. I had said farewell to all of the vampires and the girls, and I knew that no matter what happened, I would see them again. Max said that he was going to stay at the castle for a while. I had cried and hugged all of them, and Ashtyn gave me her address and insisted I write the three girls.
My parents were telling me the story of how they were taken in the middle of the night by masked men, but I was tuning them out, although I should have been listening. I was planning how to tell them that I didn’t want to be queen, because I knew I had to tell them someday, and now was a pretty good time.
I was also thinking about Max, and planning on telling my parents that I wanted to live at the orphanage. I still didn’t know why Laya and Charlie had hid my unicorn, but I knew I liked it there, and I’d be with Max. I took a deep breath, and began to talk.
“Mom and dad, I have something to tell you”, I said, my voice shaking.
“What, honey?” said my mom, Colleen.
“I want you to know that I don’t want to be queen. I am not a good leader, and that’s not how I want to spend my life.” I was surprised at how confident I sounded, and I wondered if I was making the right decision.
My parents were silent for a while, and after a few minutes my dad spoke. “Acacia, we aren’t forcing you to be anything. If that’s not what you want, we have many other people in our family who would gladly take the job. Your aunt and uncle could, and when they get older, Micah.”
“Micah would make a great king,” I said. “Dad, thank you.” I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I wanted to run and dance, but I was in a lot of pain. My leg had been hurt badly, and my parents were taking me to the doctor who worked at our castle.
“I’m glad you told us that, Acacia”, said my mother. My dad took me off his back and gently put me on Sandy. I clung to her mane.
“I also have something else to tell you”, I said quietly. “I don’t want to live at the castle.”
Chapter 10- At the Orphanage
I sat outside in Max’s and my secret place, and thought of what I had given up. I had given up my castle, and living with my family. I had given up my unicorn. I had given up being princess.
But no matter how much I had given up, I knew that the orphanage was where I wanted to live. And I knew that I had made the right decision. I sat there in the woods, thinking. It turned out my aunt and uncle were going to show me that they had my unicorn, but were waiting for a time when none of the kids were around.
I felt a hand on my shoulder. A cold, icy hand. A smile crept on my face. I turned around, and there stood Max. He smiled his crooked smile. I got up, on my crutches that I was using again. Standing next to Max, I embraced him. I felt his heart beat, and mine. Our heartbeats were the same. I felt him take my hand.
“Acacia”, he said, “I love you”
“I love you”, I whispered, and meant it more than ever. We heard the back door of the orphanage open, but this time the moment didn’t end.
It's that cool? I woke up to a white blanket covering our yard. I love this time of year. I wonder what 2009 will hold. I hope everyone had a great holiday! 
WIDGETIZE