Defeat. We lost, 29 - 9. One of our worst games of the season I would say. But losing also comes with the looks of victory from the other team you get to witness as the girls shake your hands. Some looked smug, some looked sympathetic, but mostly all of them looked sweaty and tired from the blazing heat of the sun that had been shining down on us the whole game. There was no way we would make it to the semi finals now, we had already been dropping up and down between second last and bottom place on the ladder throughout most of the season.
But Netball at my age was mostly the best players and would always become super competitive.
At least Bailey didn't care if I won or lost.
Well, I guess he was a dog, but that didn't mean his opinion didn't count to me.
He was clearly energetic today, bouncing around at the end of the lead, like the Samoyed dog he is. His tongue stuck out as he panted, quickly continuing his jog alongside me.
The afternoon breeze was kicking in as I walked, warm but gentle, and the sun was tucked away behind the clouds.
I felt my feet start to ache. We had walked all the way to the backstreets of the neighbourhood and around the block twice now. The soles of my all star converses were starting to feel heavy, like I was lifting a weight with my foot every step I was taking. I think it was a sign to head back home.
My AirPods blasted music into my ears and it felt like Bailey was dancing along with me as he bopped along.
My attention was on Bailey as he lolled his tongue out and made me burst into laughter. He was such a cutie.
Suddenly a throat being cleared scared the crap out of me.
I pulled the AirPods from my ears and twisted around quickly to face the person responsible for the noise.
"Shouldn't you be at school Isabelle?" The sarcastically serious face of Mr Collins came into view. He was one of the neighbours, and by the look of it was just arriving back. I noticed his shirt had a slight coffee stain.
I shook my head, "It's summer break Mr Collins, no school for a while." I said, putting a hand in front of my face to block out the sun that had now crept out from the clouds.
"Ah, I see. And how's Bailey?" Mr Collins asked, stepping up and giving my dog a gentle scratch beside his ear which he loved.
"Doing alright, aren't ya bud?" I look down at the fluffy dog and he gives a happy bark in response. Mr Collins laughs and steps back, "I better be on my way. Make sure to get home soon, but I'm assuming you'll want to watch the game."
"Wouldn't miss it." I say with a smile, continuing on my walk back home. I take a look behind me to see Mr Collins already back in his house, the grey plastered one with a wooden fence, security cameras and a shiny number plate saying No. 18.
Tonight the Roos played the Cats. Geelong had a good chance of winning, since they won the AFL grand final last year, but I was still hoping my team came out on top.
I pressed play on my music and tucked the buds back in my ears, letting my hair drape back over the sides to cover my ears.
Bailey and I got home soon after. I had to put in the security pin to get in the gate before I let Bailey off the leash to play in the garden. He seemed exhausted too from the long walk and went to rest on the grass with his toys.
I look down to my wrist as my watch buzzed with a message.
Dinners in the fridge, I'm busy working upstairs. Tell Liz to get some food too x
I read Mum's instructions quickly and noticed as I came in the house that my sister was already in the kitchen with Isla. Elizabeth gives me a smile and Isla claps her hands happily.
"Hey Ellie, Isla." I greet my sisters, pulling my shoes off and running a hand through my hair to brush back the windswept look.
"Hey." My older sister said, and I noticed she was already taking care of dinner, spooning a tray of lasagna into several bowls.
Isla ran around the bench and rushed to give me a hug. "Bella!" She gushes, and the excitement confused me. She had seen me right before I left for my walk.
"Woah, I saw you this morning Isla. What's with all the love?" I say, hugging her back.
Her blue eyes blink up at me, "No reason."
Isla pulls away as Ellie passes her a bowl of lasagna. Once Isla had her food in hand she ran away quickly to plant herself in front of the gaming console.
Elizabeth handed me a ceramic dish too, full to the brim with meat and pasta, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan. I made my way to the main lounge, following behind El and picking up some cutlery on the way. I moved to sit beside my sister who had placed herself on the end spot of the sofa.
"Thanks for the lasagna, it looks great."
"Since mum was busy I thought it would be better than leftovers." Elizabeth said with a smile, flicking on the tv. The screen buzzed to life and the regular reporter was delivering the daily news in front of Flinders Street Station in Melbourne.
"Another lot of bush fires today spreading throughout the north west, blazing down over 200 effected citizens. Many people are working to control the situation across Queensland and NSW." She began.
I looked at my sister and she looked at me with a frown. We were so fortunate where we live to not be affected majorly by the bushfires in the heat of Australian summer.
I turned back to the tv where the reporter had moved on to her next segment.
"Prince of England, soon-to-be King, Thomas Windsor, has some exciting news to share with the country." The reporter in her thick red coat and black gloves spoke into the microphone.
The news from England never really captured my attention because it was mostly adverts or violence, but this time while I spooned my meal into my mouth I was tuning in. I didn't know much about the British Royal family, but I knew they ruled over our country as well.
"As he has just celebrated his 19th birthday just 3 weeks ago he is now interested in looking for someone to become the future princess and then queen alongside him. We invite young ladies from all over the Commonwealth realm to apply to be in the running. 20 lucky ladies between 17 and 19 years will be chosen at random and brought to see if they have a chance to be with our charming prince." The reporter announced with a stunning grin.
She kept taking, but changed subject onto something else so I tuned out.
My jaw dropped open and I looked over at my sister in disbelief.
So basically a lottery to pick the future Royal? That was not how I thought that worked.
"How is that allowed? A random girl becoming Princess?" I say, looking at my sister who had put her bowl down on the table. She shook her head in disbelief then looked at me strangely. I suddenly came to the realization that this would mean I could enter and I could go all the way to England to be in the running.
"You should do it." She says, bumping her shoulder with mine.
I furrow my eyebrows, "Really?"
My sister looks at me, her brown eyes seeming sincere as she nods.
"Girls? Girls, where are you?" My sister and I both turn at Mum's voice that echoes through from up stairs.
"In here mum." I call out and our mother comes down the stairs and around the corner, her work papers in hand and glasses resting atop her head.
"Did you hear? Prince Thomas is looking for a wife. You might be in with a chance Isabelle." My mother gave me a broad, proud smile. I bet she assumed I would easily become Princess.
"I'm not sure. I'm sure everyone wants to go, and they only pick 20 girl. I wouldn't have a chance." I say honestly.
But I do consider it. Staying in a palace. Meeting the royal family. It would be quite an experience.
Yet I looked at my tatty white hoodie and tommy jeans. My left sock had a hole in it and the two socks were different colours. I don't think I'm princess material.
"Well I already sent in your application, the royal family will love you I'm sure." Mum said happily, handing me a copy of something on one of her papers and giving Elizabeth a sad smile, "Such a shame your just over the age limit, dear." Mum's tone didn't sound disappointed in the slightest.
I turned the paper around mum gave me and read it.
Application : Isabelle Rose Davis
Age: 18
Born in: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Living in: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Family Members: Sisters, Isla (10) and Elizabeth Davis (20), Mother, Amber Davis, Father, John Davis
Languages Spoken: English
Hobbies and Interests: Violin, Netball, Photography, Technology
I scanned over the writing and saw an image of me inserted from 3 weeks ago at my presentation night when I wore my stunning deep purple dress. I supposed it was a nice photo, but I didn't like the fact that mum already submitted an application when I only found out moments ago that this thing was an actual thing.
"Well, I think if I give a few people a call I could try and get a good word in for you at the palace." Mum said, snatching the paper up from my hands, already with a phone to her ear before I could deliver an answer. She didn't say anything else before rushing out of the room.
No idea how she thought she could do anything to get me in. But it also made me consider whether it actually was a random draw, or if only the best candidates were actually brought in.
Elizabeth looked over at me cautiously, placing a hand over mine. "I would understand if you didn't want to go. And you are right, there's so many girls that would want this position." She breathed a sigh and gave me a kind look, "And flying all the way to England to marry a guy you don't even know, who is also the prince. It's a crazy idea."
"Sure is." I say, groaning as I stand up, "I'll be in my room if you need me. Tell me if mum does anything else."
~~~~~
A/N: Welcome first time readers and re-readers alike
Hope you enjoyed the Aussie references I've included. Netball and AFL are huge parts of our culture here.
This book has had many drafts and rewrites, so if anything doesn't add up or it's changed since you last read it, don't be surprised.
I hope you stick around
