Speak | Book One of the Gem Series (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter Six-Secrets

(A/N) Chapter Six is here!

"No, we shouldn't." My father's voice echoed in the halls, disrupting the silence.
What? Was the first thing that popped in my head. Footsteps were approaching, one with loud thuds and one soft and delicate, barely heard. Father and Mother. I peeked at the grandfather clock. 6:37 pm. Time does fly by.

"Why? This is a good time to tell her-"

"And burden Jenna for the rest of her life?" My father cuts her off. "She needs to enjoy her childhood and her life as much as possible, like any other princess. The curse is already enough- this fact will only add more weight to her shoulders."

There was an awkward pause between them. Finally, my mother spoke.

"You're right. I'm sorry, honey." Mother said in a small voice. "We shouldn't."

"Aww, I'm not mad at you, darling." My father said in a calmer, kinder voice. "I still love you. It won't ever waver." Footsteps faded into the distance. "Let's go. We shall just..." His voice became nothing more than murmuring in the background.

I moved and stretched my legs, remembering that I had stood there like a statue the whole time. But then I remembered that I had been eavesdropping, and my face flushed with shame. No lady, much less a princess, would dare to listen in a conversation that doesn't involve them.

My temper suddenly flared. So, what if I don't want to be a lady, much less a princess?

Shame crossed my mind again. What would Mother and Father day if they can see what I was thinking?

I paced back and forth in the narrow hallway. My head whispered, "No, no, no, no,", while my heart chanted, "Yes, yes, yes, yes."

I stopped mid-pace. Should I follow my head or my heart?

"Yes, yes, yes, YES!" My heart's chanting grew louder. It's filling my head too. "YES! YES!" Both of them chanted louder and louder with each word, so loud, I thought the whole palace could hear it.

I gazed longingly at the woods across the courtyard. My self-pity turned to determination. My legs began to move at an even pace. I walked like a proper princess should until I reached the edge of the courtyard. I began to do the thing I have done for half of my life.

I ran.

Away from the place I had lived.

Away from ones I known and loved.

Away from the life I have known.

Away from everything behind me.

Toward something new and unknown.

(A/N) That took a lot of courage! Let's cheer on for Jenna! How about a vote for her? ;)