My Alternate Life As A Princess

Chapter 5: The Confession

I continued to ignore Leonard in the next few days. He tried to approach me many times but I made sure to avoid him before he even got a chance to get close to me.

I just busied myself with school, work, and my family. I didn’t have any classes on Saturday so I stayed at home the whole day. As usual, I did my usual chores on the weekend including cooking, cleaning and doing the laundry among others.

I was able to finish everything up and got ready for my shift at the food chain. On Saturdays, I have a longer shift. Since I don’t have to go to school, I took the opportunity to earn more.

As I kissed my mom goodbye, I found my brother in the living room with her watching a movie.

Aubrey: “I’m leaving, Andrei. Take care of mom, okay?”

Andrei: “All right. Are you okay?”

Aubrey: “Yeah, why?”

Andrei: “I don’t know. You look different.”

Aubrey: “I’m just tired.”

Andrei: “You should drop one of your jobs. I can get a job instead.”

Aubrey: “No. You’re too young, Focus on your studies. Don’t even bring that up again. I’m okay. It’s normal for people to get tired. I’ll be off tomorrow anyway. I can sleep the whole day.”

Andrei: “Fine. Do you need me to pick you up when you get home later?”

Aubrey: “No, just stay here and take care of mom. Is there anything you need?”

Andrei: “No, I’m cool.”

Aubrey: “All right. I’ll get paid today. I’ll give you your allowance tomorrow.”

Andrei: “Okay. Take care.”

Aubrey: “Bye.”

When I arrived at the fast food chain, Archie immediately said hi to me as soon as he saw me. I have just put on my uniform and was making my way to my station. Since it’s still early, all the counters are fully staffed.

Saturdays are always busy. Thankfully, time flew by real fast so I didn’t even notice the time. I was wiping the counters when one of my co-cashiers named Janet came over to gossip with me. He’s gushing over a handsome man who she claims has been in the store for a while now. She always does that and I indulge her by agreeing even if I don’t really care about the man.

When I looked at the man she was referring to, I was shocked and looked away immediately. It was Leonard. I focused on wiping the counter although it was already clean.

Janet: “So, what do you think? He’s so good-looking, isn’t he?”

Aubrey: “Uh-huh.”

Janet: “Do you think I should give him my number?”

Aubrey: “Don’t!”

Janet: “Why not? Do you like him too? Do you want me to slip him your number?”

Aubrey: “No, please don’t. I know him. He’s one of my classmates.”

Janet: “Oh. Maybe that’s why he’s been looking at you since he sat. Maybe he likes you and that’s why he’s been here a while.”

Aubrey: “No, he doesn’t. He’s a player. He’s with a different woman every week.”

Janet: “Well, maybe this week he wants you to be his woman.”

I looked at Janet looking petrified. He looked back and chuckled.

Janet: “Sorry, girl. I forgot you’re innocent. You’re still a virgin, aren’t you?”

I didn’t get a chance to respond as customers came in so we had to go back to the counters and take their orders.

I couldn’t help but look at where Leonard was sitting every now and then. Every time I did, he was looking at me intently, as if it’s just the two of us in the store.

I decided to keep myself busy, doing things that I’m not even supposed to do. I was in front of the drinks dispenser fixing the cups when I heard someone ask for water. I immediately filled up a glass with some ice and water and turned around to hand it over to the customer.

I froze as I saw that it was Leonard who asked for the water. As he reached for the glass, he made it a point to touch my hands.

Leonard: “How have you been?”

Aubrey: “Good. Is there anything else you need, sir?”

Leonard: “No. I’m waiting until you’re done. I’m driving you home.”

Aubrey: “You don’t need to do that.”

Leonard: “Yes, I do. We need to talk.”

He left before I could respond. It’s still 30 minutes before my shift ends and I figured I’ll wait until I see him leave. I didn’t really want to be left alone with him. I am more worried about not being able to resist him when he tries something again.

When I finished my shift, I looked at the table where Leonard was sitting and I didn’t see him anymore. I sighed in relief and went to the locker rooms to change my shirt. I waited a few more minutes to make sure that Leonard had already left.

I put on a hoodie and put the hood up on my head since it’s a little cold outside. As I walked out of the store, I almost jumped as I heard someone call my name. It’s coming from someone who seemed to be smoking. As he came out of the dark and put his cigarette out, my heart beat faster as I saw that it was Leonard.

Leonard: “Hi baby doll.”

Aubrey: “What are you doing? You almost gave me a heart attack.”

Leonard: “Sorry. I told you I was going to wait until you get out of work, right?”

Aubrey: “I thought you already left.”

Leonard: “I’m still here, baby doll.”

Aubrey: “Why do you keep calling me that? Did you forget my name?”

Leonard: “It’s my term of endearment for you. Do you want me to call you something else?”

Aubrey: “I want you to call me by my name. No, scrap that. I don’t want you to call me anything. I want you to stay away from me.”

Leonard: “I wish I could. I don’t think I could do that.”

Aubrey: “Why? Why do you keep pestering me like this? I just want to be left alone.”

Leonard: “Because I like you. I tried to stay away but I couldn’t.”

Aubrey: “You like me? Is that why you’re making out with another woman after we did? That was my first kiss. You took my first kiss away from me. It was supposed to be special.”

Leonard: “I’m sorry baby doll. I didn’t know it was your first kiss. It was special to me too.”

Aubrey: “Stop it, okay. I won’t fall for that anymore. Just stay away from me, please.”

I walked away as I saw the bus coming. I didn’t even care where the bus was heading, I just wanted to get out of there as soon as I could. Thankfully, it was headed to where I needed to go. 

In less than minutes, I was home. I took a quick shower and checked on my mom before I laid down in my bed. I share the room with my mom since there are only two rooms in the house.

I kept thinking about what Leonard said earlier. He likes me? Since when? As far as I know, he doesn’t even know who I was. I was just a familiar face but he couldn’t even remember how he knew me.

Despite being tired, I couldn’t sleep. I looked at my mom and watched as she breathed while sleeping. I feel so bad for not being able to afford her medical treatment. I know that she’s frustrated that she can’t move as much as she wants to, but she’s doing her best.

I fell asleep as I dreamt of all the good things that I wanted to happen in my life. I dreamt that we had money and I studied full-time. I dreamt that my mom is not sick, and that she’s able to do the things that she wanted.