Chapter 45: Chapter XX Repercussions-2

Alejandro looked over my form as I slept, a little concerned but generally happy that I wasn't lying to myself anymore. Whatever denial there was is now gone in the wind, somewhere forgotten at the Ibiza Island. He awoke me when we reached our next destination, and I was grateful for the little rest I got. This extended vacation was draining, especially the travelling. I checked up with my parents after we settled into our hotel, having finally a break. Alejandro went down to the hotel's private swimming pool, but I remained in my room at the top of the skyscraper. I was eternally thankful for not having a fear of heights, and instead enjoyed the view. It was a beautiful sight and I absolutely loved the scenery. It was so magnificent to see the world's different architectures and how wonderful it is that people from all over can appreciate that. I just wished Sarina was by my side to see it as well. I shook my head, trying to get rid of the thoughts as I slumped onto my bed. I was tired, emotionally. I wanted to curl up under my blankets and continue watching Sarina's series. It is absolutely devastating when you start a series and then have no time to continue it. I should have probably found something better to do on the plane because this is haunting me. When are they going to find out the truth about the main character? Maybe I could convince Alejandro to stay in tomorrow. He had said two days in a place with not much to do. Although, even if he rejected me, I doubt I would play along with whatever he has planned for tomorrow. I'm still a teenager and I need my space. I scrolled through my phone and realized that I didn't have a single photo of Sarina. She wasn't very photogenic, I realized, but I still felt bad. In all the times we had been together, never once did we take a picture together. Still, even if I couldn't confront her face to face, I still wanted to see her. I send her a message, requesting she send a photo of herself. It made me feel awkward to send the text, because it truly was a weird request. I send another one to explain that I wanted to show off my awesome friend. I felt bad for lying, but it wasn't technically a bad lie. I would probably show off her picture to someone. I just didn't have anyone to show to as of now. Her response back clenched at my heart and brought a frown to my brow. Just a simple 'no' and 'I'm sorry' was all she offered. Why didn't she want to send a picture? Was she embarrassed? Maybe she truly hated photos. Maybe she had a fear and I just messed up badly by asking that of her. Maybe she was angry at me. I messed up, and I felt it within. My stomach made me feel uneasy and the butterflies were rebelling against my emotions. I knew that nothing could ever happen between Sarina and me, yet I still asked her for a photo. How stupid could I be? I was supposed to be letting her go, not try and pull her closer. I was now being selfish and I knew it, and I didn't want that. Why were these feelings so hard to control? ♕♥ ♕♥ ♕ The day for the Running of the Bulls came quicker than I had anticipated and I was still dreading what I had requested of Sarina, but now my mind was focused elsewhere. Two days of resting allowed me to calm myself but now this event was making me feel anxious. Alejandro had gotten a beautiful red dress made for me which I was required to wear to this event, but I had not expected what my part in the festival would be. I now stood nervously at the bullfight arena in a hidden booth, waiting to be announced. I was suddenly thrown into this mess this morning, Alejandro telling me nothing as he dragged me to the arena. He had disappeared, wearing completely white clothes and a red scarf tied around his neck. After spotting the rest of the crowd, I realized it was tradition. And here I was, standing in a plain red dress that luckily fitted the Princess code, having a high neck and back, the arms reaching my wrist and the skirt touching my knees. Ian stood with me, assuring me that everything would go according to plan, even if I didn't know what was happening. There were so many people, the sight of their cheering and excitement making me feel a little lighter. They seemed so thrilled about the event that I envied the culture. "I thought the Prince was only going to run. What's with all this?" I asked, referring to my dress I wore and my hair that he requested I wear down. "Princess, you are a part of the event today," he told me simply, a look of expectance on his face. I shook my head in disbelief. I had only expected to watch from the side-lines, yet here I was. Awaiting something I wasn't anticipating. I groaned which caused Ian to chuckle at me. "Prince Maximiliano will be running in your honour," he explained, smiling in response. I rolled my eyes. "My honour?" "Yes, Highness. The... pañuelico, the scarf they wear, is an important historical tradition. Tourists can buy them on almost every street corner, but the royalty of Spain feels that it is to... mediocre for someone of your calibre," he continued, looking over my shoulder toward the door where we were expecting someone to come fetch me. "The Prince will personally run in the event to deliver your scarf to you, as a symbol of Spain extending their tradition to the United Kingdom. Not literally, though. He will also be delivering a normal handkerchief alongside it to you, as a symbol of Spain honouring your coming of maturity," he let out a sigh of relief. I didn't know what I was expecting. So basically this was like the olden times where the princess would expectantly await her prince to deliver her handkerchief to her. Classic, but it made me feel a little giddy. Spain was so thoughtful. I just wished I had been informed of all this earlier. A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts and I looked up to see a Spanish man enter, wearing the traditional clothes. He got onto his knee before me, resulting in me blushing slightly. I wasn't used to being bowed to by someone of another country. It almost felt... wrong. "Su Alteza, ellos están esperando por usted," I did not understand a single word of what he said. Nevertheless, Ian gently pushed me forward and I nodded. I was feeling a bit nervous yet I followed the man out of the room and towards the arena. I could hear thousands of excited shouts throughout the stadium, making me feel a bit queasy. I was vaguely aware of Ian behind me, but I nervously tucked at my dress. This was technically my first public appearance of my own free will, and I didn't think it would go down like this. I had expected my parents to publically announce my heritage and present me with a crown on my head. This I had no time to prepare for. This event was famous, and now my face will be plastered on Spanish news. It will reach the UK, I just knew it. I better not mess up. I faintly heard an announcer speaking in quick Spanish, something I had no experience in trying to understand. I could make out a few words like 'prince', 'princess' and Reino Unido, which meant United Kingdom. These words were drilled into my brain. Finally the announcer turned around to face my awkward form, standing in the entrance to the high platform in the arena. He had a massive smile on his face, even when he kneeled before me. I could feel Ian gently push me forward and I reluctantly walked into the public light, the thousands in the arena placing their eyes on me. They cheered, but their loud voices were drowned away as I tried to calm my nerves. I could do this. Almost as if a signal, one by one they placed their hands over their hearts and bowed their heads lowly, seeming like messed up Mexican wave. I took a deep breath, not releasing it as a cracked a gentle smile that was integrated into my very being. I lifted my hand and gave them a gentle wave of my wrist, my heart pounding in my ears. I didn't even notice the announcer return to his straight posture, holding out the mike towards me. My eyes widened and I reluctantly took it from him. He bowed his head, slipping away gently out of sight. I turned to the arena, seeing all the expectant faces. I took a deep breath, and decided to wing it. Alejandro was going to get it after this. Better yet, I hope a bull gets him.