I'm sorry for this out-of-the-blue video I've found from Youtube.
I cannot post the translations anywhere else but here.
FOR AYU
English Translations:
Translation to video FOR AYU @ youtube
To precious Ayu:
Hope that you can attain happiness.
Hope to see the smile from the bottom of your heart.
Often, you bear all the hurt alone,
Gave much, bear much.
Thought of giving up, but you continued due to responsibility
You are so strong, you persevered and did your best no matter having obstacles.
So bright…
So serious…
You endured much hurt, but has never stopped.
In our eyes, you never did fall,
Only to shine that bright smile to us.
“Thank You” are the words I wish to tell you, whom are so dear to me.
Again and again, till I run out of voice.
Praying for you,
Can you fell this sincere ness from me?
In this ever-changing world,
I saw your everlasting youth and innocence.
Thinking about the past…
The first Japanese song I learnt is yours,
Without you, there will be no me that loves to sing songs,
Therefore, the person I am now…
My heart will ache listening to your voice getting coarser and coarser.
And will follow the way you sing,
And sing WHO,,, with you.
The notes have became tears,
“Thank You”
I want to sing to you, whom taught me much.
This is from the bottom of my heart.
But time to time,
What can I do for you?
In your world, I may not exist,
But I wish to tell you my heart-felt words.
I hope to pray for your happiness.
AYU~
We really feel that you are really beautiful.
Not only from the outside,
But also from the years of work from you.
We can all feel your contributions,
And wish to tell you,
“Not to work so hard!”
We will still love you,
“Thank you”
I want to sing to you, whom is so dear to me,
Again and again, till I ran out of voice,
To tell these words to you, whom can never be replaced.
Can you feel my sincere ness?
“Thank you”
I want to tell you, whom can never be replaced.
This is from the bottom from my heart,
But what can I do for you?
If you choose to continue,
We will continue to shout louder to support you.
But if you choose to stop,
We will continue to smile for you.
What I can do is limited,
My voice is small.
But I still want to give you my regards from the bottom of my heart.
Please do not say that you will sing till your other good ear spoils
Such sad words…
What we hope, is for you to laugh till the end…
And lead a happy life…
Translated by Me. Please do not rip.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Little Miss Adeline
This story is inspired by The Little Princess
Once upon a time, there lived a little miss called Adeline. Little Miss Adeline is very spoilt but very pretty. Her parents, Sir Charles and Lady Juana love her very much. Her own maids-in-waiting, Becky and Frances did everything for her, including squeezing toothpaste for her on her toothbrush every morning. She rarely had friends, and her only friend is her little Retriever, Golden.
It was when Little Miss Adeline goes to a “Private School for Rich Young Missus”, or PCRYM that Adeline learnt what is to be not spoilt, and had many friends, like Little Miss Lottie, and Little Miss Cassie. They all had their own maids, and Adeline’s are Becky and Frances. When Adeline and her friends are 10 years old, the school had to be closed, so Adeline and her family had to sail to Indonesia to pursue their career and studies. The year is 1925. Adeline is now a rich young miss in Indonesia, where she is greater than before. While other children run around barefooted, Adeline rides in her father’s black Buick with Becky and in her lace smock with gloves with her curly golden tresses falling down her shoulders.
When she arrives at her destination, the street kids would open the door for her and bow to her. Then, Becky would come down first, giving the children their tips (which is usually a lot, about $5), and help Miss Adeline down. As she strode purposefully in her grand dress, Becky is always helping her and holding her hand like she is a princess. Becky is always dressed in a lace dress which falls to her knees, with her hair tucked nicely in her servant hat. The children always stop playing to awe her and make way for her. At this point, it is clear to everyone—Adeline and Becky are the grand whites, while the street children are the normal ones.
Usually Adeline and Becky are on their way to her classes, her school and her lessons. She goes to the school for the rich, respectable, and honourable’s girls. Its name is “School Of Finery Arts For Girls”, “SOFAG”. Nobody dare to make fun of its name, SOFAT, they instead called it SOFT. Adeline’s school is something like her previous school, PCRYM, only that in this school there are many rich and bossy girls bossing their maids around, and it’s numerous races. At SOFT, the girls are allowed a maximum of 5 maids each, two for themselves, and three for the scullery. This means that the rich are giving maids to service the school. They board over six days a Timeule, with a four day rest. A period of ten days is called a Timeule, and there are three Timeules in a month.
Adeline’s personal maids are Becky and Frances, her sculleries are Jane, Martha and Alice. They learnt to embroider, to walk with grace, to curtsey, horse riding, studying and many more princess-like duties there. The maids in the scullery learnt to cook, to wash, and mop and sweep and all the housework. Then they do all the above-mentioned for their Miss.
Adeline’s closest friends are Audrey and Elizabeth. Audrey being an Indo-Chinese and Elizabeth is a mixed between American and Chinese. They try to get together every rest day of a Timeule, and practice their curtsies. The reason SOFT teaches them such skills is because maybe one of these Missus will marry a prince someday, because two years later, the Prince of Ireland will be coming to choose his bride here.
During the rest time, Adeline either goes to classes with her friends, or goes to the park with her parents. She has many lessons like piano, ballad, Japanese, Italian, French and German. Audrey will teach them Chinese, Elizabeth will teach them violin and Adeline teaches her friends swimming. Their parent knows each other well.
Audrey has an older sister who is married to a knight’s son in Ireland. There are high chances that Audrey will be the future princess of Ireland because the knight’s son is the prince’s closest friend. During some of the rest days, Sir Charles, Lady Juana and Miss Adeline, together with Becky, Loran (Lady Juana’s personal maid) and Willy (their man-servant) goes to the park. Sir Charles in a suit and top-hat, Lady Juana in her huge dress filled with embroidery and her silken umbrella and Adeline in her lace dress and pink ribbons in her hair. Her glove-covered hand would hold the leash of Golden, dressed up.
Grand as she was, Miss Adeline did not yearn to be the Queen of Ireland, but if she was chosen, her parents would be the in –laws of the Royals in Ireland. She wasn’t like vain Ailing, the richest indo-Chinese whom is older than all of them, and often bosses them around. She isn’t pretty, and she had the worst behaviour. But Miss Mitch, the house-mistress adored her, for her parents paid her large sums of money to keep their only precious daughter happy. Their only hope is for their Ailing to be Queen of anywhere someday that is why they enrolled her into the best young maiden school that a prince would pick his bride from someday.
Miss Adeline is also unlike spoilt Audearyn, whom is very bad at heart, and since she is the youngest in the whole school, people gave in to her. She acts innocent and fooled many when they came to visit, and it was very much later then the people knew her true colours. She only hopes to be a real princess someday, so she planned to marry the prince of Ireland. Even Ailing has to give in to her sometime, for she would scream and yell and kick till you give her what she wanted. Again, Miss Mitch bear her, for her father poured money on her, having 6 sons and lastly as daughter.
It had been two years since that day Adeline met her friends, and at long last, the news came.
“The Prince of Ireland, Prince Coleus, is turning 18 by the end of August. His Highness had decided that SOFAG, School Of Finery Arts for Girls, had the best wives he can choose from, thus, His Highness would be here in July for the final round of choosing his bride, and they would marry on his birthday. He only wants maidens 15-17 years of age, and you have 3 months to prepare.” The Ireland call man read out.
There was a great excitement, as the girls left for their vacation, going home to tell their parents their news. They would come back a month later, and Miss Mitch expected them to be all prepared, and the competition would start. Luckily for Adeline, she turned 16 the month before, and Ailing was 17, but Audearyn was only 14, so she was out. She had to wait 2 years later, when the Prince of Poland would come to choose his bride. This was not good news though, and anyone married to him would be a torture, as he was ugly and bad-mannered, with the meanest parents of all.
“Mama! The Prince would be coming in July. Prepare for me! I want to be queen!” Ailing complained to her mother upon seeing her. “Of course you shall be queen, you shall have all the finest things on earth to compete with, and with your beauty, Prince Coleus would have to marry you!” her mother replied. Audearyn’s mother was busy comforting her, and Audrey’s mother was telling her how close she would be to be queen, as her sister had been saying good things about her during her visits with her husband and the prince.
Adeline’s parents bought her 12 new dresses, made of silken material, hats, umbrellas, gloves, shoes and accessories, and had her hair gone for many times of softening and treating and curled. The three close friends had been practising their posture, curtsies, manners and politeness together with a hired trainer.
Finally came the day. Prince Coleus is arriving! The rich young misses arrived in SOFAG with excitement, with luggage and bags… All the maids were carrying heavy looking bundles, and even their faces were filled with excitement. This term, beside the 2 self maids for themselves, they were allowed all sorts of help with them. Adeline parents hired for her a personal dresser, personal hairstylist and personal full attire.
Ailing had with her 10 maids to hold her train, and many groomers. Ailing was actually very ugly and bad-mannered, but no one dared to tell her that.
There were altogether 35 girls taking part, and rounds and rounds of competition. The prince himself will come only on the final 2 rounds of the competition, and all the girls will be allowed to let the prince choose, but mostly the princess will come from the finalist.
The first round is beauty. In this round, the girls are to parade once in their plain slacks without pretty dresses or accessories without dolling up, then in full dressed and full dolled. Ailing, the vain girl cheated in the first round, having made-up her face in the slacks parade. She and 3 others cheated were disqualified. 4 of them were out, having failed this competition. Adeline and her friends were still in.
Next was the posture test. None was out as everybody practiced really hard on this.
It was the end-of-competition for that day. The girls that were out were all sent home to spend the summer. They would return only at the 2nd last round of the competition, and the prince would choose the top few he wanted, and the rest shall be sent home, returning for lessons only after the bride was chosen.
The competition would be over 2 Timeules, only after that would the bride be chosen. 2nd and 3rd day the girls were briefed on the topics that will be tested, be it practical or written. 4th day was the Ireland test, and this was indeed the most important element. 2 girls were out, and were sent home. The competition proceeded to a memory test. None of the girls were out, and then the IQ and EQ test. For both test, 3 girls were out. 1 cheated and was disqualified.
Those that cheated were not allowed to be re-chosen by the prince, as they failed one important element, integrity. The 5th and 6th days were practices, as the girls strengthened their skills.
The girls went home for the rest days and Adeline, Audrey and Elizabeth practiced hard for it. They told each other that if one of them were out, she will not be jealous but will be happy for her friends from their bottom of their heart.
“I think I’ll be out! Look at Samantha. She’s really good and bound to be queen!” Audrey complained.
“I’ll be out by the horse-riding test! Look at the way Claudia rides her pony! So elegant! ”Elizabeth said.
After the rest and the start of the next Timeule, the girls were required to bring their trusted horses to their school for the horse-riding test. Adeline’s barn’s men helped harness 3 magnificent white horses onto a pink carriage, filled with bows and ribbons and silken threading. Her personal maids travelled with her and her 2 other maids walked by the carriage with the footman. Adeline was dressed in one of her fine silken baby pink dress, matched with a pink feathered hat and gloves, completed by a pair of furry pink heels. Her hair was set in auburn curls, tied at the tops with silken ribbons by her professional hair stylist, with elaborated pink necklace and pearl earrings.
As she reached the field for the competition, she dropped at the dropping bay, and her maid, Becky opened her beautiful pink umbrella and walked her to the competition bay. All the girls came in beautiful dresses as instructed to. Adeline sat with her friends, also dressed in baby blue dress and vanilla dress, whispered to each other excitedly.
“In this round, the girls are to ride their horses around the fields through the challenge. If the contestant managed to ride it through without falling, she passed. The main focus of this round is to SIDE-RIDE, which is usually a chore, but to ride with the royalty, the females have to SIDE-RIDE, including Prince Coleus sisters and mother, the Queen.” The prince foreman announced.
As the competition follows, Camellia, Laura, Juana and Kimberly fell from their horses, and the rest of the girls proceeded to their next round. The rest of the day was free time.
The 2nd day, the girls went for mannerism test on dining. Joanna accidentally opened her mouth while chewing and Ashley clanked a spoon. Both were out.
Next was the curtsies, and none were out. For the 3rd and 4th days the girls were taught princess-to-be expectation. On the 5th day, the competition resumed and the judges were very, very strict. After that was the talent test and altogether, 4 girls were out, including Audrey. After which they prepared for their final day of competition, competition with the prince himself.
The 4 girls were allowed to stay and watch the qualified practice and prepare. On the morning of the 6th day, the girls in SOFAG woke up at 5am to prepare, and the others that failed the previous tests returned at 6am. Only those disqualified did not come back.
Adeline and her friends prepared. Adeline put on a pearly white snowy dress, which fluttered as she walked. Even the other rich girls came to look at this amazing dress. As Adeline put on her lace gloves and pearly bracelet, dangling lace hearts in silver, her dressers and stylists did her hair and face. At last glamorous Adeline emerged, beautiful, together with all the other girls.
After their served breakfast, there was a call from the maids to the breakfast hall that the prince had arrived! The girls abandoned their breakfast to peep at the prince. “He’s so handsome!” squealed Hattie. “I’ll be his wife now!” cried Gwent. ‘I’ll be his wife anytime’, thought Adeline dreamily. But she knew it’ll never happen. There are so much prettier and better girls, the prince will not choose her.
They assembled in the audition hall, and one by one paraded in front of the prince. The prince did not have much of any reaction; just that he watched each of them carefully, hoping to find his future bride. All of them were allowed to stay in SOFAG, but away, much away from the prince. Nobody was to haven a glance at the prince, as the 11 girls enlisted girls practiced for their final two rounds. After rehearsing, all the girls were to prepare for the communication party thrown for them and the prince. At 3pm, after tea, the girls rehearsed their dancing steps again for an hour. After which, they started preparing for the party.
Adeline and her friends dressed in their beautiful dresses again. Adeline wore a strapless dress in ivory green, covered in inches of lace. The rim of her skirt, just brushing the floor, was ruffled many times. This time round she wore green silken gloves just up to the wrist, ruffled and laced at the edges. She put on her princess-like necklace, in dark green rhinestones and pure crystals. She had her hair straightened and fringe trim after which weaving petals and petals of green ribbons made of rhinestones in her hair. When all her friends are ready, they took their matching pouches with them down to the auditorium, stomach filled with butterflies.
“And now, ladies of high honours and sirs please put down your cups and welcome the young ladies of School of Finery Art for Girls. And one of them shall be the princess-to-be, and the future queen of Ireland!” the prince’s wingman announced.
The huge golden doors burst open as the girls strolled out, with each a maid guiding them. These were the 11 finals that were enlisted, and the other girls were in their respectful seats now. Taking a deep curtsy, the girls were ushered to their tables on the raised platforms, together with the prince of Ireland. After their meal, they were taken to the dance floor, in which everyone danced.
The prince danced with every of the 11 girls, and after which, he invited Adeline to the balcony.
“Why did you take me here? Didn’t you have an important role to play in the party?” Adeline inquired. The prince laughed light-heartedly and replied, “I need some space to breath. And you have to accompany me.” He is so used to ordering people, Adeline thought. The prince smiled and said, “You needn’t accompany me if you don’t want to.”
With that, they chatted for a good long time, and Adeline, being a cheerful girl, blurted out all about her young and past, while the prince said about himself.
Suddenly, the prince told Adeline, “You are so nice and friendly, unlike the other girls I danced with, which were all giggly and cold. This is what I like about you. Some of the girls are nice though.”
“Hmm, you are nice and friendly too, and that’s what I didn’t know till now!” Adeline laughed.
“There you are, Prince Coleus! Everyone is searching for you! And here you are, wasting time with such a beautiful young miss of SOFAG! I should’ve known better and not interrupt!” the Dame of Prince Coleus smiled at them. She smiled a weird smile as if she knew a secret.
Early next morning, the girls were all frantically talking about the prince. “He danced with me! And he smiled at me! I’m almost sure that I’ll be the princess!” proud Hattie proclaimed. “He treated me to a drink! I’ll be princess!” retorted smug Gracie.
Adeline and her friends talked about their night but she told no one about her special talk with Prince Coleus. Then, the girls brush up and the breakfast was served to their rooms this morning. The girls were to have fun today, but actually the prince is going to choose his bride from their performance.
Every of the other girls acted very unnaturally, only Adeline was natural, who is a very carefree girl by nature. The girls first had horse-riding, then games, then lunch. After lunch, there was a friendly modelling competition, where the judges and the Prince were not present, and the girls had a very great time. They played acting, singing and lots more. But the time for dinner, many were exhausted, and they all went to sleep after that. The prince did drop in quite a number of times, but every time he did, he flashed a secret a smile to Adeline, like both of them knew a secret, while he warmly greeted the other girls.
Early next morning, the girls wore another of their fine costumes. This time, the girls do not dress like princesses, they dress like fashionable girls. For one thing, Adeline is very fashionable. She wore her chequered top, accompanied by a very frilly and lacy black skirt. She wore her black boots and black leather jacket, plus her shimmering chain and rings. She had a lace half-glove on her hands, and her nails were professionally painted black with white snowflakes. Her hair was sprayed black and was curled frenzy. It was styled tied up. Her theme was Victorian Gothic. The other girls were unsure about fashion, as all their lives were spent in SOFAG or at their mansions, while Adeline and her friends often went out to enjoy, forgetting their Missy status.
“That Adeline is so nice, though I hate to admit it!” Hattie complained to Gracie. “Well, the Prince smiled at ME that day we were playing ball, so I’m certain I’m his pick.” Ugly Stella said smugly.
It is time for judging. The girls stood in a row, and the other girls’ dressings were a laugh. The names which were out were read off a list. “There will be 6 contestants out. The other 5 shall stay over at the palace to continue the judging.” The wingman read. “Un-enlisted contestants are… They are Stella, Gracie, Lottie, Hannah, Sarah and Gina. The ones enlisted are Joanne, Hattie, Alice, Michelle and Adeline.” Adeline heart jumped with happiness, and she saw Prince Coleus grinning broadly at her. Hattie was busy comforting Gracie, smiling broadly. Adeline’s friends congratulate her.
Soon, they were on their way to the Cosmo, the Ireland Palace. They had packed 3 beautiful dresses, when only one was needed. At the Cosmo Palace, the girls will stay in their rooms and learn to live like a princess, and 4 other strenuous selections rounds will be held, one girl kicked out in each round. This will be selected by the King, His Majesty, Queen, Her Majesty, Coleus the Prince, His Highness and Arielle the Princess, Her Highness. Arielle is Coleus’ sister, whom is only 14 this year.
Arriving at the palace doors, alighting from the elaborated golden carriages which hold a young miss each, the girls were led through many corridors which were filled with grandeur. Each basked in velvet curtains with golden trimmings, and portraits or former royalty. Maids were stationed everywhere and bowed ever more politely than the maids in SOFAG. There were souvenirs everywhere for different guests, and this time, as the guests were girls, jewellery, tiaras, earrings, diamonds, silken gloves and necklaces were found on every odd door they passed. It isn’t one of them, it’s many… They girls picked their souvenirs gleefully and they passed.
For the first exercise, the 5 girls each get to have a wish. What they did not know, was that from the wishes they royal family would get to choose their future queen of Ireland.
Joanne wanted a diamond bracelet; Hattie wanted a diamond studded gown. Alice wanted 5 branded bags while Michelle wanted glass slippers. However, Adeline merely wanted her two best friends to be able to party with her in the palace that night so that they can enjoy the luxuries for one day. All wishes are granted.
Joanne, Hattie, Alice and Michelle got their materialistic wants while Audrey and Elizabeth were invited to the palace to sleep-over that night. Adeline invited the 4 maids stationed for her and the Princess Arielle to join in the party.
“Yes, this is what I’ve always wanted! A real party with real friends! Maids can be our friends too, so party down everyone!” Princess Arielle squealed.
All the requests of the 5 girls were sent to the King, Queen and Prince Coleus.
“Ha. I knew that is what Adeline will request for. She is so thoughtful, always caring for others and not for herself. I’m sure Arielle will enjoy her party tonight.” Prince Coleus told his parents.
“Well then, is everything goes well, I am sure we know who will be our future daughter-in-law.” The King said to his wife with a twinkle in his eye.
“Of course!” The queen laughed.
The next day, the 5 contestants, together with Elizabeth and Audrey are invited to the royal breakfast. This is a light-hearted event, and the table was full of laughter with Adeline’s quick-witted jokes and friendly behaviour. Prince Coleus smiled widely at Adeline again and she returned his smile.
Princess mannerism test was next. Princess Arielle is invited to be a judge while all the other royals were held back.
Wits and speech test was next with the King.
It is followed by horse side-riding test with the Queen.
Finally, a grand dinner and dance with the Prince.
Late that night, the royal family gathered to conclude.
“So who do you think?” The King asked his family, smiling at each of them.
“Adeline!” called Princess Arielle.
“Adeline.” Said the Queen.
“Adeline.” Said the King.
“So who, my son?” asked the King.
“It is clear from the first day I met her. Adeline it is.” Said the Prince, with such happiness in his voice that the whole royal family is certain that this choice is the best.
Finally, early next morning, the girls were called down to the breakfast table.
“The princess is chosen,” was the simple announcement made.
Joanne and Hattie waited expectantly. Alice and Michelle is certain that it will be them. Adeline simply smiled at the prince, who returned her smile happily.
“Joanne, I’m sorry. Hattie, I’m sorry. Alice and Michelle, I’m sorry. Adeline, the new Highness.” The chancellor said, and gave a deep bow.
The whole hall erupted in cheers, and Adeline gave a shout of disbelief.
~ 2 months later~
The wedding was held, and the whole of Ireland nobles was invited.
Adeline and Prince Coleus lived happily ever after.
-THE END-
Once upon a time, there lived a little miss called Adeline. Little Miss Adeline is very spoilt but very pretty. Her parents, Sir Charles and Lady Juana love her very much. Her own maids-in-waiting, Becky and Frances did everything for her, including squeezing toothpaste for her on her toothbrush every morning. She rarely had friends, and her only friend is her little Retriever, Golden.
It was when Little Miss Adeline goes to a “Private School for Rich Young Missus”, or PCRYM that Adeline learnt what is to be not spoilt, and had many friends, like Little Miss Lottie, and Little Miss Cassie. They all had their own maids, and Adeline’s are Becky and Frances. When Adeline and her friends are 10 years old, the school had to be closed, so Adeline and her family had to sail to Indonesia to pursue their career and studies. The year is 1925. Adeline is now a rich young miss in Indonesia, where she is greater than before. While other children run around barefooted, Adeline rides in her father’s black Buick with Becky and in her lace smock with gloves with her curly golden tresses falling down her shoulders.
When she arrives at her destination, the street kids would open the door for her and bow to her. Then, Becky would come down first, giving the children their tips (which is usually a lot, about $5), and help Miss Adeline down. As she strode purposefully in her grand dress, Becky is always helping her and holding her hand like she is a princess. Becky is always dressed in a lace dress which falls to her knees, with her hair tucked nicely in her servant hat. The children always stop playing to awe her and make way for her. At this point, it is clear to everyone—Adeline and Becky are the grand whites, while the street children are the normal ones.
Usually Adeline and Becky are on their way to her classes, her school and her lessons. She goes to the school for the rich, respectable, and honourable’s girls. Its name is “School Of Finery Arts For Girls”, “SOFAG”. Nobody dare to make fun of its name, SOFAT, they instead called it SOFT. Adeline’s school is something like her previous school, PCRYM, only that in this school there are many rich and bossy girls bossing their maids around, and it’s numerous races. At SOFT, the girls are allowed a maximum of 5 maids each, two for themselves, and three for the scullery. This means that the rich are giving maids to service the school. They board over six days a Timeule, with a four day rest. A period of ten days is called a Timeule, and there are three Timeules in a month.
Adeline’s personal maids are Becky and Frances, her sculleries are Jane, Martha and Alice. They learnt to embroider, to walk with grace, to curtsey, horse riding, studying and many more princess-like duties there. The maids in the scullery learnt to cook, to wash, and mop and sweep and all the housework. Then they do all the above-mentioned for their Miss.
Adeline’s closest friends are Audrey and Elizabeth. Audrey being an Indo-Chinese and Elizabeth is a mixed between American and Chinese. They try to get together every rest day of a Timeule, and practice their curtsies. The reason SOFT teaches them such skills is because maybe one of these Missus will marry a prince someday, because two years later, the Prince of Ireland will be coming to choose his bride here.
During the rest time, Adeline either goes to classes with her friends, or goes to the park with her parents. She has many lessons like piano, ballad, Japanese, Italian, French and German. Audrey will teach them Chinese, Elizabeth will teach them violin and Adeline teaches her friends swimming. Their parent knows each other well.
Audrey has an older sister who is married to a knight’s son in Ireland. There are high chances that Audrey will be the future princess of Ireland because the knight’s son is the prince’s closest friend. During some of the rest days, Sir Charles, Lady Juana and Miss Adeline, together with Becky, Loran (Lady Juana’s personal maid) and Willy (their man-servant) goes to the park. Sir Charles in a suit and top-hat, Lady Juana in her huge dress filled with embroidery and her silken umbrella and Adeline in her lace dress and pink ribbons in her hair. Her glove-covered hand would hold the leash of Golden, dressed up.
Grand as she was, Miss Adeline did not yearn to be the Queen of Ireland, but if she was chosen, her parents would be the in –laws of the Royals in Ireland. She wasn’t like vain Ailing, the richest indo-Chinese whom is older than all of them, and often bosses them around. She isn’t pretty, and she had the worst behaviour. But Miss Mitch, the house-mistress adored her, for her parents paid her large sums of money to keep their only precious daughter happy. Their only hope is for their Ailing to be Queen of anywhere someday that is why they enrolled her into the best young maiden school that a prince would pick his bride from someday.
Miss Adeline is also unlike spoilt Audearyn, whom is very bad at heart, and since she is the youngest in the whole school, people gave in to her. She acts innocent and fooled many when they came to visit, and it was very much later then the people knew her true colours. She only hopes to be a real princess someday, so she planned to marry the prince of Ireland. Even Ailing has to give in to her sometime, for she would scream and yell and kick till you give her what she wanted. Again, Miss Mitch bear her, for her father poured money on her, having 6 sons and lastly as daughter.
It had been two years since that day Adeline met her friends, and at long last, the news came.
“The Prince of Ireland, Prince Coleus, is turning 18 by the end of August. His Highness had decided that SOFAG, School Of Finery Arts for Girls, had the best wives he can choose from, thus, His Highness would be here in July for the final round of choosing his bride, and they would marry on his birthday. He only wants maidens 15-17 years of age, and you have 3 months to prepare.” The Ireland call man read out.
There was a great excitement, as the girls left for their vacation, going home to tell their parents their news. They would come back a month later, and Miss Mitch expected them to be all prepared, and the competition would start. Luckily for Adeline, she turned 16 the month before, and Ailing was 17, but Audearyn was only 14, so she was out. She had to wait 2 years later, when the Prince of Poland would come to choose his bride. This was not good news though, and anyone married to him would be a torture, as he was ugly and bad-mannered, with the meanest parents of all.
“Mama! The Prince would be coming in July. Prepare for me! I want to be queen!” Ailing complained to her mother upon seeing her. “Of course you shall be queen, you shall have all the finest things on earth to compete with, and with your beauty, Prince Coleus would have to marry you!” her mother replied. Audearyn’s mother was busy comforting her, and Audrey’s mother was telling her how close she would be to be queen, as her sister had been saying good things about her during her visits with her husband and the prince.
Adeline’s parents bought her 12 new dresses, made of silken material, hats, umbrellas, gloves, shoes and accessories, and had her hair gone for many times of softening and treating and curled. The three close friends had been practising their posture, curtsies, manners and politeness together with a hired trainer.
Finally came the day. Prince Coleus is arriving! The rich young misses arrived in SOFAG with excitement, with luggage and bags… All the maids were carrying heavy looking bundles, and even their faces were filled with excitement. This term, beside the 2 self maids for themselves, they were allowed all sorts of help with them. Adeline parents hired for her a personal dresser, personal hairstylist and personal full attire.
Ailing had with her 10 maids to hold her train, and many groomers. Ailing was actually very ugly and bad-mannered, but no one dared to tell her that.
There were altogether 35 girls taking part, and rounds and rounds of competition. The prince himself will come only on the final 2 rounds of the competition, and all the girls will be allowed to let the prince choose, but mostly the princess will come from the finalist.
The first round is beauty. In this round, the girls are to parade once in their plain slacks without pretty dresses or accessories without dolling up, then in full dressed and full dolled. Ailing, the vain girl cheated in the first round, having made-up her face in the slacks parade. She and 3 others cheated were disqualified. 4 of them were out, having failed this competition. Adeline and her friends were still in.
Next was the posture test. None was out as everybody practiced really hard on this.
It was the end-of-competition for that day. The girls that were out were all sent home to spend the summer. They would return only at the 2nd last round of the competition, and the prince would choose the top few he wanted, and the rest shall be sent home, returning for lessons only after the bride was chosen.
The competition would be over 2 Timeules, only after that would the bride be chosen. 2nd and 3rd day the girls were briefed on the topics that will be tested, be it practical or written. 4th day was the Ireland test, and this was indeed the most important element. 2 girls were out, and were sent home. The competition proceeded to a memory test. None of the girls were out, and then the IQ and EQ test. For both test, 3 girls were out. 1 cheated and was disqualified.
Those that cheated were not allowed to be re-chosen by the prince, as they failed one important element, integrity. The 5th and 6th days were practices, as the girls strengthened their skills.
The girls went home for the rest days and Adeline, Audrey and Elizabeth practiced hard for it. They told each other that if one of them were out, she will not be jealous but will be happy for her friends from their bottom of their heart.
“I think I’ll be out! Look at Samantha. She’s really good and bound to be queen!” Audrey complained.
“I’ll be out by the horse-riding test! Look at the way Claudia rides her pony! So elegant! ”Elizabeth said.
After the rest and the start of the next Timeule, the girls were required to bring their trusted horses to their school for the horse-riding test. Adeline’s barn’s men helped harness 3 magnificent white horses onto a pink carriage, filled with bows and ribbons and silken threading. Her personal maids travelled with her and her 2 other maids walked by the carriage with the footman. Adeline was dressed in one of her fine silken baby pink dress, matched with a pink feathered hat and gloves, completed by a pair of furry pink heels. Her hair was set in auburn curls, tied at the tops with silken ribbons by her professional hair stylist, with elaborated pink necklace and pearl earrings.
As she reached the field for the competition, she dropped at the dropping bay, and her maid, Becky opened her beautiful pink umbrella and walked her to the competition bay. All the girls came in beautiful dresses as instructed to. Adeline sat with her friends, also dressed in baby blue dress and vanilla dress, whispered to each other excitedly.
“In this round, the girls are to ride their horses around the fields through the challenge. If the contestant managed to ride it through without falling, she passed. The main focus of this round is to SIDE-RIDE, which is usually a chore, but to ride with the royalty, the females have to SIDE-RIDE, including Prince Coleus sisters and mother, the Queen.” The prince foreman announced.
As the competition follows, Camellia, Laura, Juana and Kimberly fell from their horses, and the rest of the girls proceeded to their next round. The rest of the day was free time.
The 2nd day, the girls went for mannerism test on dining. Joanna accidentally opened her mouth while chewing and Ashley clanked a spoon. Both were out.
Next was the curtsies, and none were out. For the 3rd and 4th days the girls were taught princess-to-be expectation. On the 5th day, the competition resumed and the judges were very, very strict. After that was the talent test and altogether, 4 girls were out, including Audrey. After which they prepared for their final day of competition, competition with the prince himself.
The 4 girls were allowed to stay and watch the qualified practice and prepare. On the morning of the 6th day, the girls in SOFAG woke up at 5am to prepare, and the others that failed the previous tests returned at 6am. Only those disqualified did not come back.
Adeline and her friends prepared. Adeline put on a pearly white snowy dress, which fluttered as she walked. Even the other rich girls came to look at this amazing dress. As Adeline put on her lace gloves and pearly bracelet, dangling lace hearts in silver, her dressers and stylists did her hair and face. At last glamorous Adeline emerged, beautiful, together with all the other girls.
After their served breakfast, there was a call from the maids to the breakfast hall that the prince had arrived! The girls abandoned their breakfast to peep at the prince. “He’s so handsome!” squealed Hattie. “I’ll be his wife now!” cried Gwent. ‘I’ll be his wife anytime’, thought Adeline dreamily. But she knew it’ll never happen. There are so much prettier and better girls, the prince will not choose her.
They assembled in the audition hall, and one by one paraded in front of the prince. The prince did not have much of any reaction; just that he watched each of them carefully, hoping to find his future bride. All of them were allowed to stay in SOFAG, but away, much away from the prince. Nobody was to haven a glance at the prince, as the 11 girls enlisted girls practiced for their final two rounds. After rehearsing, all the girls were to prepare for the communication party thrown for them and the prince. At 3pm, after tea, the girls rehearsed their dancing steps again for an hour. After which, they started preparing for the party.
Adeline and her friends dressed in their beautiful dresses again. Adeline wore a strapless dress in ivory green, covered in inches of lace. The rim of her skirt, just brushing the floor, was ruffled many times. This time round she wore green silken gloves just up to the wrist, ruffled and laced at the edges. She put on her princess-like necklace, in dark green rhinestones and pure crystals. She had her hair straightened and fringe trim after which weaving petals and petals of green ribbons made of rhinestones in her hair. When all her friends are ready, they took their matching pouches with them down to the auditorium, stomach filled with butterflies.
“And now, ladies of high honours and sirs please put down your cups and welcome the young ladies of School of Finery Art for Girls. And one of them shall be the princess-to-be, and the future queen of Ireland!” the prince’s wingman announced.
The huge golden doors burst open as the girls strolled out, with each a maid guiding them. These were the 11 finals that were enlisted, and the other girls were in their respectful seats now. Taking a deep curtsy, the girls were ushered to their tables on the raised platforms, together with the prince of Ireland. After their meal, they were taken to the dance floor, in which everyone danced.
The prince danced with every of the 11 girls, and after which, he invited Adeline to the balcony.
“Why did you take me here? Didn’t you have an important role to play in the party?” Adeline inquired. The prince laughed light-heartedly and replied, “I need some space to breath. And you have to accompany me.” He is so used to ordering people, Adeline thought. The prince smiled and said, “You needn’t accompany me if you don’t want to.”
With that, they chatted for a good long time, and Adeline, being a cheerful girl, blurted out all about her young and past, while the prince said about himself.
Suddenly, the prince told Adeline, “You are so nice and friendly, unlike the other girls I danced with, which were all giggly and cold. This is what I like about you. Some of the girls are nice though.”
“Hmm, you are nice and friendly too, and that’s what I didn’t know till now!” Adeline laughed.
“There you are, Prince Coleus! Everyone is searching for you! And here you are, wasting time with such a beautiful young miss of SOFAG! I should’ve known better and not interrupt!” the Dame of Prince Coleus smiled at them. She smiled a weird smile as if she knew a secret.
Early next morning, the girls were all frantically talking about the prince. “He danced with me! And he smiled at me! I’m almost sure that I’ll be the princess!” proud Hattie proclaimed. “He treated me to a drink! I’ll be princess!” retorted smug Gracie.
Adeline and her friends talked about their night but she told no one about her special talk with Prince Coleus. Then, the girls brush up and the breakfast was served to their rooms this morning. The girls were to have fun today, but actually the prince is going to choose his bride from their performance.
Every of the other girls acted very unnaturally, only Adeline was natural, who is a very carefree girl by nature. The girls first had horse-riding, then games, then lunch. After lunch, there was a friendly modelling competition, where the judges and the Prince were not present, and the girls had a very great time. They played acting, singing and lots more. But the time for dinner, many were exhausted, and they all went to sleep after that. The prince did drop in quite a number of times, but every time he did, he flashed a secret a smile to Adeline, like both of them knew a secret, while he warmly greeted the other girls.
Early next morning, the girls wore another of their fine costumes. This time, the girls do not dress like princesses, they dress like fashionable girls. For one thing, Adeline is very fashionable. She wore her chequered top, accompanied by a very frilly and lacy black skirt. She wore her black boots and black leather jacket, plus her shimmering chain and rings. She had a lace half-glove on her hands, and her nails were professionally painted black with white snowflakes. Her hair was sprayed black and was curled frenzy. It was styled tied up. Her theme was Victorian Gothic. The other girls were unsure about fashion, as all their lives were spent in SOFAG or at their mansions, while Adeline and her friends often went out to enjoy, forgetting their Missy status.
“That Adeline is so nice, though I hate to admit it!” Hattie complained to Gracie. “Well, the Prince smiled at ME that day we were playing ball, so I’m certain I’m his pick.” Ugly Stella said smugly.
It is time for judging. The girls stood in a row, and the other girls’ dressings were a laugh. The names which were out were read off a list. “There will be 6 contestants out. The other 5 shall stay over at the palace to continue the judging.” The wingman read. “Un-enlisted contestants are… They are Stella, Gracie, Lottie, Hannah, Sarah and Gina. The ones enlisted are Joanne, Hattie, Alice, Michelle and Adeline.” Adeline heart jumped with happiness, and she saw Prince Coleus grinning broadly at her. Hattie was busy comforting Gracie, smiling broadly. Adeline’s friends congratulate her.
Soon, they were on their way to the Cosmo, the Ireland Palace. They had packed 3 beautiful dresses, when only one was needed. At the Cosmo Palace, the girls will stay in their rooms and learn to live like a princess, and 4 other strenuous selections rounds will be held, one girl kicked out in each round. This will be selected by the King, His Majesty, Queen, Her Majesty, Coleus the Prince, His Highness and Arielle the Princess, Her Highness. Arielle is Coleus’ sister, whom is only 14 this year.
Arriving at the palace doors, alighting from the elaborated golden carriages which hold a young miss each, the girls were led through many corridors which were filled with grandeur. Each basked in velvet curtains with golden trimmings, and portraits or former royalty. Maids were stationed everywhere and bowed ever more politely than the maids in SOFAG. There were souvenirs everywhere for different guests, and this time, as the guests were girls, jewellery, tiaras, earrings, diamonds, silken gloves and necklaces were found on every odd door they passed. It isn’t one of them, it’s many… They girls picked their souvenirs gleefully and they passed.
For the first exercise, the 5 girls each get to have a wish. What they did not know, was that from the wishes they royal family would get to choose their future queen of Ireland.
Joanne wanted a diamond bracelet; Hattie wanted a diamond studded gown. Alice wanted 5 branded bags while Michelle wanted glass slippers. However, Adeline merely wanted her two best friends to be able to party with her in the palace that night so that they can enjoy the luxuries for one day. All wishes are granted.
Joanne, Hattie, Alice and Michelle got their materialistic wants while Audrey and Elizabeth were invited to the palace to sleep-over that night. Adeline invited the 4 maids stationed for her and the Princess Arielle to join in the party.
“Yes, this is what I’ve always wanted! A real party with real friends! Maids can be our friends too, so party down everyone!” Princess Arielle squealed.
All the requests of the 5 girls were sent to the King, Queen and Prince Coleus.
“Ha. I knew that is what Adeline will request for. She is so thoughtful, always caring for others and not for herself. I’m sure Arielle will enjoy her party tonight.” Prince Coleus told his parents.
“Well then, is everything goes well, I am sure we know who will be our future daughter-in-law.” The King said to his wife with a twinkle in his eye.
“Of course!” The queen laughed.
The next day, the 5 contestants, together with Elizabeth and Audrey are invited to the royal breakfast. This is a light-hearted event, and the table was full of laughter with Adeline’s quick-witted jokes and friendly behaviour. Prince Coleus smiled widely at Adeline again and she returned his smile.
Princess mannerism test was next. Princess Arielle is invited to be a judge while all the other royals were held back.
Wits and speech test was next with the King.
It is followed by horse side-riding test with the Queen.
Finally, a grand dinner and dance with the Prince.
Late that night, the royal family gathered to conclude.
“So who do you think?” The King asked his family, smiling at each of them.
“Adeline!” called Princess Arielle.
“Adeline.” Said the Queen.
“Adeline.” Said the King.
“So who, my son?” asked the King.
“It is clear from the first day I met her. Adeline it is.” Said the Prince, with such happiness in his voice that the whole royal family is certain that this choice is the best.
Finally, early next morning, the girls were called down to the breakfast table.
“The princess is chosen,” was the simple announcement made.
Joanne and Hattie waited expectantly. Alice and Michelle is certain that it will be them. Adeline simply smiled at the prince, who returned her smile happily.
“Joanne, I’m sorry. Hattie, I’m sorry. Alice and Michelle, I’m sorry. Adeline, the new Highness.” The chancellor said, and gave a deep bow.
The whole hall erupted in cheers, and Adeline gave a shout of disbelief.
~ 2 months later~
The wedding was held, and the whole of Ireland nobles was invited.
Adeline and Prince Coleus lived happily ever after.
-THE END-
Monday, March 3, 2008
Distance Love ~
For Ayu fans and people whom watched Distance Love (Kyo Ai) and requested for an extended version.
Distance Love – Fanfic extended version
Ayu stepped out of the car, surrounded by screaming fans as she walked into the hotel. She met her HK bodyguard, Shawn, for the very first time, with him saving her from the paparazzi. This left her a good impression of him, but never would she have guessed that she would fall in love with him.
After her busy schedule that day, Ayu was left alone at night in her room, but all she thought of was of that charming bodyguard that morning. Similarly, somewhere in HK, Shawn was thinking of Ayu, counting the hours till he will see her again.
The next day, they met again. Shawn was assigned to be Ayu’s personal bodyguard, and to follow her everywhere she went. Many a times, they were left alone, with the crew thinking that Ayu is safe with a bodyguard with her. Making use of the time, they always chatted and learned more of each other, strengthening the bond between them. Pretty soon, their friendship developed greatly, with both parties always thinking of each other during the times that they were not together.
Little did Ayu knew, that Shawn had an admirer of many years, Kym, who is the rich daughter of a tycoon, only that he does not return her love. Kym had been hogging after Shawn for 4 years, but Shawn just didn't have feelings for her. In his heart now, there is only Ayu. Meanwhile, Ayu was shooting a PV in the hotel, with Shawn as one of her bodyguards. It was unexpected, but there was a mishap with the lightings, causing it to smash against a piece of glass, and soon, shattered glass was raining down on Ayu. Ayu might have been deeply hurt, but luckily, Shawn was watching her intently, and the moment he saw trouble, he rushed to her rescue. In a moment of silence, she looked at him, and he understood her thanks by reading her eyes, and the secret shared between them.
That night, Ayu was thinking of Shawn again. She decided to sneak out into the night streets of HK to get a breather. She totally forgot that her eager fans would be outside the hotel, waiting for any glimpse of Ayu. ‘Now it is too late’, thought Ayu as her screaming fans trampled towards her. As she stood there, stunned, someone rushed over and guided her to safety. She looked up, and that someone was none other than her Shawn. She smiled with relief. Shawn understood that smile the most, her smile of unspoken thanks, their secret and acceptance.
They spent the best time of their life that night. They went to eat and have fun, but deep in their hearts, both of them knew that it is close to impossibility that they could stay together, and Ayu only have seven days left before her departure to Japan. With aching hearts, Ayu gave her precious ring to Shawn, slipping it into his necklace, her only hope of being with him again. As they went on their way, Kym spotted them.
Shawn had told Kym that he had found someone special, and to please not bother him again. Kym wanted to find out who it was, and then she saw Ayu with Shawn. She refused to believe that Shawn would be with Ayu, the famous J-pop queen, but her eyes betrayed her hopes. She saw Ayu giving him a kiss, and both lovebirds frolicking away, hand in hand, as though their love would last forever. ‘Not so fast’, Kym thought, as she started thinking of ways to break the couple up.
Shawn and Ayu soon reached a junction, smiling happily, as they spotted Ayu’s crew driving up. Ayu immediately pulled her hand away from Shawn as she went to her waiting car. She turned back to glance mournfully at Shawn, her heart in deep sorrow. Ayu’s crew members advised Ayu not to spend too much time with Shawn, and in Ayu’s heart, she knew that they would disagree strongly if they found out that Ayu and Shawn loved each other. She hung her head sadly, tears pouring from her heart as she looked out of the window at Shawn’s back, walking away in the shadows.
The following days, Ayu, with her busy schedule, only have time during her lunch hours, where she will ask for privacy. She will then go to lunch with Shawn, as they could not bear to be away from each other for more than a day. During that precious time, they would chat on anything. They seem to have so many things to say to each other, with not enough time. But each meeting marked a day closer to Ayu’s leaving day, and sorrow filled their hearts, overflowing. Their relationship was kept a secret, and no one would ever guess that their love was that great as they treat each other like strangers whenever people were around. It is a torture.
Kym finally thought of how to break the couple. Her father, the rich and famous tycoon has many relations. She went on her way to Mr. Kyono, Ayu’s manager, to tattle on Ayu’s secret relationship with Shawn, emphasizing on how this will cause trouble to everyone, especially with the media hot on Ayu’s heels now.
It was the second to the final day of Ayu’s trip to HK. Ayu was horrified to learn that Mr. Kyono knew of her relationship with Shawn. Mr. Kyono also demanded Ayu to stop seeing Shawn, as this will put a damage to her huge name. He decided to keep Ayu away from Shawn, removing him from being her personal bodyguard, replacing him as the security guard for Ayu’s press conference at the final day.
Ayu’s heart was now weeping. Not only will this be her last two days to see Shawn, they weren’t allowed to meet at all. That night, she walked aimlessly in the rainy streets of HK with her pink umbrella. She just wanted a way out. Suddenly, in the midst of the cloudy rain, Ayu spotted a familiar shadow. This was the shadow that accompanied her throughout her twelve lonely days in HK, her companion that now grew so dear to her
After receiving the news that he was demoted to a security guard on the final press conference day, Shawn was devastated. He knew that there was no chance to converse with Ayu now. He went window shopping then, and bought an electronic communicator, which will remind him of how he and Ayu cannot communicate, and how he will remember Ayu forever. He brought his blue umbrella and walked aimlessly in the rainy streets of HK, with the electronic communicator, hoping that he could communicate with Ayu somehow. In the blurry rain, he saw an unmistakably shadow. The shadow of the only person he had loved so much. The person that had to depart painfully soon.
They paused in the rain, then dropped their umbrellas and ran to each other in a huge embrace. ‘I thought I could never see you again’ were the unspoken words that they exchanged. Their hearts spoke freely to each other, though they were miles away from each other. When they kissed, there was only someone in the shadows, watching and weeping. Kym had followed Shawn out, only to see that her efforts only strengthened the love between Shawn and Ayu. Now, as she saw true love before her eyes, she understood. She walked away in the huge downpour, her purple umbrella on the ground.
Shawn gave Ayu the communicator. He told her that although their love was forbidden, they could communicate through their hearts, and if not, with this secret communicator. With each other was the luckiest time they felt, and they reluctantly returned to their respective worlds, Ayu clutching tightly on the communicator, her only piece of Shawn.
The next morning. The final morning. Ayu woke up with a sinking heart, plastered a smile on her face and went for her press conference. Her heart had communicated with Shawn the night before; she knew what they both wanted. If conditions do not approve, they will find an alternate solution. They will elope.
As Ayu came down the stairs, Shawn saw her, as beautiful as the first time he saved her. He just couldn’t resist her beautiful face. But being beautiful is not the most important thing to him. What matters most to Shawn is that he loved her for who she is, and not because of her beauty or status. She gave him an expressionless half smile, but he could hear her heart calling to him. As she merely brushed past him, she thrust the communicator into his hands. He smiled to himself. He knew that Ayu’s half smile meant something. He knew her so well…
“Meet at the dock tonight”
This was the message, yet he had no problems interpreting it. Ayu wanted to elope too. He got ready for the conference, his heart beaming. During the conference, Ayu cannot concentrate. Her eyes kept wandering to Shawn, wondering if he understood the message. He gave her a half smile and a nod. He understood. Ayu continued the press conference with confidence.
That night Ayu snuck out. She would meet Shawn at the dock, and they will leave for good, forever with each other. Her heart bursting with happiness, she flounced towards the dock, but that fateful scene stopped her dead in her tracks.
Original Ending:
An accident scene. Her heart, again, told her that it was Shawn although she refused to believe it. As she inched forward, she saw it. Her ring. The ring that she gave Shawn a few days ago. It seemed so long ago now. Fresh tears poured out of her eyes and sadness tore at her heart as she gripped the ring tightly. She had nothing left as she walked aimlessly into night.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternate endings:
1)
An accident scene. Her heart, again, told her that it was Shawn although she refused to believe it. As she inched forward, she saw it. Her ring. The ring that she gave Shawn a few days ago. It seemed so long ago now. Fresh tears poured out of her eyes and sadness tore at her heart as she gripped the ring tightly. Since the love of her life was gone, she had nothing left. Not even her soul. Impulsively, she jumped into the nearby sea, their souls with each other forever. The necklace of Shawn that only had had Ayu’s ring now have two rings – Shawn’s and Ayu’s, in eternal love.
2)
That night, Ayu snuck out. There, near the dock, she found Shawn, her ring held anxiously between his nervous fingers.
“You came,” he said.
“I came,” she replied.
“You have left everything behind for me,” he said.
“I have left behind nothing, for look, I have you with me,” she replied.
They crossed over to the dock, hand in hand, and into the world beyond. They boarded a small ship, with only a sea captain. The sea captain’s heart was cold and hard.
“And how will you pay me?” He asked, looking at the bare-handed couple.
It was then that Shawn and Ayu realized that they were empty-handed.
“What about that!” the sea captain exclaimed, grabbing the gleaming ring from Shawn’s fingers.
But Ayu and Shawn both knew the importance of the ring, which signifies their love. Their hearts sank as they knew that it is the only way to pay for the fare.
“What is a ring compared to the fate of two hearts? What is a ring that represented a love compared to the love it represents?” Ayu said at last with a sigh.
So Ayu and Shawn sailed across the vast ocean. Their souls were so filled with invisible joy as to fly like two birds above the ship.
Alternate ending 2 is direct taken from the story "The willow-pattern potter"
Distance Love – Fanfic extended version
Ayu stepped out of the car, surrounded by screaming fans as she walked into the hotel. She met her HK bodyguard, Shawn, for the very first time, with him saving her from the paparazzi. This left her a good impression of him, but never would she have guessed that she would fall in love with him.
After her busy schedule that day, Ayu was left alone at night in her room, but all she thought of was of that charming bodyguard that morning. Similarly, somewhere in HK, Shawn was thinking of Ayu, counting the hours till he will see her again.
The next day, they met again. Shawn was assigned to be Ayu’s personal bodyguard, and to follow her everywhere she went. Many a times, they were left alone, with the crew thinking that Ayu is safe with a bodyguard with her. Making use of the time, they always chatted and learned more of each other, strengthening the bond between them. Pretty soon, their friendship developed greatly, with both parties always thinking of each other during the times that they were not together.
Little did Ayu knew, that Shawn had an admirer of many years, Kym, who is the rich daughter of a tycoon, only that he does not return her love. Kym had been hogging after Shawn for 4 years, but Shawn just didn't have feelings for her. In his heart now, there is only Ayu. Meanwhile, Ayu was shooting a PV in the hotel, with Shawn as one of her bodyguards. It was unexpected, but there was a mishap with the lightings, causing it to smash against a piece of glass, and soon, shattered glass was raining down on Ayu. Ayu might have been deeply hurt, but luckily, Shawn was watching her intently, and the moment he saw trouble, he rushed to her rescue. In a moment of silence, she looked at him, and he understood her thanks by reading her eyes, and the secret shared between them.
That night, Ayu was thinking of Shawn again. She decided to sneak out into the night streets of HK to get a breather. She totally forgot that her eager fans would be outside the hotel, waiting for any glimpse of Ayu. ‘Now it is too late’, thought Ayu as her screaming fans trampled towards her. As she stood there, stunned, someone rushed over and guided her to safety. She looked up, and that someone was none other than her Shawn. She smiled with relief. Shawn understood that smile the most, her smile of unspoken thanks, their secret and acceptance.
They spent the best time of their life that night. They went to eat and have fun, but deep in their hearts, both of them knew that it is close to impossibility that they could stay together, and Ayu only have seven days left before her departure to Japan. With aching hearts, Ayu gave her precious ring to Shawn, slipping it into his necklace, her only hope of being with him again. As they went on their way, Kym spotted them.
Shawn had told Kym that he had found someone special, and to please not bother him again. Kym wanted to find out who it was, and then she saw Ayu with Shawn. She refused to believe that Shawn would be with Ayu, the famous J-pop queen, but her eyes betrayed her hopes. She saw Ayu giving him a kiss, and both lovebirds frolicking away, hand in hand, as though their love would last forever. ‘Not so fast’, Kym thought, as she started thinking of ways to break the couple up.
Shawn and Ayu soon reached a junction, smiling happily, as they spotted Ayu’s crew driving up. Ayu immediately pulled her hand away from Shawn as she went to her waiting car. She turned back to glance mournfully at Shawn, her heart in deep sorrow. Ayu’s crew members advised Ayu not to spend too much time with Shawn, and in Ayu’s heart, she knew that they would disagree strongly if they found out that Ayu and Shawn loved each other. She hung her head sadly, tears pouring from her heart as she looked out of the window at Shawn’s back, walking away in the shadows.
The following days, Ayu, with her busy schedule, only have time during her lunch hours, where she will ask for privacy. She will then go to lunch with Shawn, as they could not bear to be away from each other for more than a day. During that precious time, they would chat on anything. They seem to have so many things to say to each other, with not enough time. But each meeting marked a day closer to Ayu’s leaving day, and sorrow filled their hearts, overflowing. Their relationship was kept a secret, and no one would ever guess that their love was that great as they treat each other like strangers whenever people were around. It is a torture.
Kym finally thought of how to break the couple. Her father, the rich and famous tycoon has many relations. She went on her way to Mr. Kyono, Ayu’s manager, to tattle on Ayu’s secret relationship with Shawn, emphasizing on how this will cause trouble to everyone, especially with the media hot on Ayu’s heels now.
It was the second to the final day of Ayu’s trip to HK. Ayu was horrified to learn that Mr. Kyono knew of her relationship with Shawn. Mr. Kyono also demanded Ayu to stop seeing Shawn, as this will put a damage to her huge name. He decided to keep Ayu away from Shawn, removing him from being her personal bodyguard, replacing him as the security guard for Ayu’s press conference at the final day.
Ayu’s heart was now weeping. Not only will this be her last two days to see Shawn, they weren’t allowed to meet at all. That night, she walked aimlessly in the rainy streets of HK with her pink umbrella. She just wanted a way out. Suddenly, in the midst of the cloudy rain, Ayu spotted a familiar shadow. This was the shadow that accompanied her throughout her twelve lonely days in HK, her companion that now grew so dear to her
After receiving the news that he was demoted to a security guard on the final press conference day, Shawn was devastated. He knew that there was no chance to converse with Ayu now. He went window shopping then, and bought an electronic communicator, which will remind him of how he and Ayu cannot communicate, and how he will remember Ayu forever. He brought his blue umbrella and walked aimlessly in the rainy streets of HK, with the electronic communicator, hoping that he could communicate with Ayu somehow. In the blurry rain, he saw an unmistakably shadow. The shadow of the only person he had loved so much. The person that had to depart painfully soon.
They paused in the rain, then dropped their umbrellas and ran to each other in a huge embrace. ‘I thought I could never see you again’ were the unspoken words that they exchanged. Their hearts spoke freely to each other, though they were miles away from each other. When they kissed, there was only someone in the shadows, watching and weeping. Kym had followed Shawn out, only to see that her efforts only strengthened the love between Shawn and Ayu. Now, as she saw true love before her eyes, she understood. She walked away in the huge downpour, her purple umbrella on the ground.
Shawn gave Ayu the communicator. He told her that although their love was forbidden, they could communicate through their hearts, and if not, with this secret communicator. With each other was the luckiest time they felt, and they reluctantly returned to their respective worlds, Ayu clutching tightly on the communicator, her only piece of Shawn.
The next morning. The final morning. Ayu woke up with a sinking heart, plastered a smile on her face and went for her press conference. Her heart had communicated with Shawn the night before; she knew what they both wanted. If conditions do not approve, they will find an alternate solution. They will elope.
As Ayu came down the stairs, Shawn saw her, as beautiful as the first time he saved her. He just couldn’t resist her beautiful face. But being beautiful is not the most important thing to him. What matters most to Shawn is that he loved her for who she is, and not because of her beauty or status. She gave him an expressionless half smile, but he could hear her heart calling to him. As she merely brushed past him, she thrust the communicator into his hands. He smiled to himself. He knew that Ayu’s half smile meant something. He knew her so well…
“Meet at the dock tonight”
This was the message, yet he had no problems interpreting it. Ayu wanted to elope too. He got ready for the conference, his heart beaming. During the conference, Ayu cannot concentrate. Her eyes kept wandering to Shawn, wondering if he understood the message. He gave her a half smile and a nod. He understood. Ayu continued the press conference with confidence.
That night Ayu snuck out. She would meet Shawn at the dock, and they will leave for good, forever with each other. Her heart bursting with happiness, she flounced towards the dock, but that fateful scene stopped her dead in her tracks.
Original Ending:
An accident scene. Her heart, again, told her that it was Shawn although she refused to believe it. As she inched forward, she saw it. Her ring. The ring that she gave Shawn a few days ago. It seemed so long ago now. Fresh tears poured out of her eyes and sadness tore at her heart as she gripped the ring tightly. She had nothing left as she walked aimlessly into night.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternate endings:
1)
An accident scene. Her heart, again, told her that it was Shawn although she refused to believe it. As she inched forward, she saw it. Her ring. The ring that she gave Shawn a few days ago. It seemed so long ago now. Fresh tears poured out of her eyes and sadness tore at her heart as she gripped the ring tightly. Since the love of her life was gone, she had nothing left. Not even her soul. Impulsively, she jumped into the nearby sea, their souls with each other forever. The necklace of Shawn that only had had Ayu’s ring now have two rings – Shawn’s and Ayu’s, in eternal love.
2)
That night, Ayu snuck out. There, near the dock, she found Shawn, her ring held anxiously between his nervous fingers.
“You came,” he said.
“I came,” she replied.
“You have left everything behind for me,” he said.
“I have left behind nothing, for look, I have you with me,” she replied.
They crossed over to the dock, hand in hand, and into the world beyond. They boarded a small ship, with only a sea captain. The sea captain’s heart was cold and hard.
“And how will you pay me?” He asked, looking at the bare-handed couple.
It was then that Shawn and Ayu realized that they were empty-handed.
“What about that!” the sea captain exclaimed, grabbing the gleaming ring from Shawn’s fingers.
But Ayu and Shawn both knew the importance of the ring, which signifies their love. Their hearts sank as they knew that it is the only way to pay for the fare.
“What is a ring compared to the fate of two hearts? What is a ring that represented a love compared to the love it represents?” Ayu said at last with a sigh.
So Ayu and Shawn sailed across the vast ocean. Their souls were so filled with invisible joy as to fly like two birds above the ship.
Alternate ending 2 is direct taken from the story "The willow-pattern potter"
Aristelle
Inspired by The Little Princess
Aristelle is a pretty and diligent girl from Beetrotes Finery Arts School. Aristelle was very sweet, and all the teachers treat her better than their other students.
This is because her father is the current Crown Prince of Country Maitland. She was never named a Princess as the rule of Maitland states that only the first 3 newborns of the Crown Prince will be entitled to a royal status. The other off springs shall be given the title only if the Crown Prince ascends the throne before his first child marries.
This is because after the Crown Prince ascends the throne, he shall have the King status, thus all of his children shall have royal status. If his child marries before he ascends the throne, the child will immediately have the sub Crown Prince Status, thus the fourth child onwards will never be a prince or princess, but will be banished to be a commoner.
Most Crown Princes will never let his oldest child marry till he ascends the throne, so the other children will be entitled to a royal status. This tradition was kept till the 74th King Lionel monarchy. He has his oldest son, Crown Prince Edward, and Prince Edward’s wife, Crown Princess Annette, and their children, Prince John, Prince Talon, Princess Audrey and Janis. Janis was never given the Princess title as she was the fourth child. On King Lionel’s death bed, Prince John begged King Lionel to let him marry a maiden name Juana. He agreed, and the wedding was confirmed, only that King Lionel did not die, but improve his condition instead. The wedding cannot be cancelled, it was too late. Thus, the wedding was a solemn day as Janis was to be banished as a commoner.
Soon after the wedding, unfaithful Prince John ran away with Juana. They were soon stripped of their royal status and after King Lionel passed away, Crown Prince Edward ascended the throne, and Prince Talon became the Crown Prince. It was too late to find Janis to give her back her title. Princess Audrey was soon married to Prince Babushka of Tibet, and she led a very happy life, maintaining close contact with Crown Prince Talon.
Many country affairs and decisions were handled by the Crown Prince, as the king and queen relaxes and guides the Crown Prince and Princess on their roles and help to bring up bring the young Princes and Princesses for their future roles.
Crown Prince Talon took over the country well, and he was determined to find his sister, Janis, to no avail. He soon married Young Miss Mesilla, daughter of Duke Finks, and they led a very happy life, having three sons, Prince Aden, Prince Reith and Prince Cortices. Crown Princess Mesilla was very upset of not having a daughter; so at last, she gave birth to a daughter, Aristelle.
From young, everyone in the palace was warned never to reveal Aristelle’s real status to her, so at the age of four, Aristelle was enrolled to Beetrotes Finery Arts School with 12 maids. She only returns for the weekend, so until the age of 14, she just knew that she has a very rich and loving family, with three handsome older brothers. Crown Prince Talon pampered her a lot, as he was always reminded of his sister, Janis. No commoner knew what the royals looked like, thus Aristelle never guessed that she was a princess.
Aristelle have a very close friend, Joan, which was considered very poor in Beetrotes Finery Arts School. She was once very rich, but after her father died, the head mistress took pity on her and let her stay, but the other teachers often bully her. All the girls in the school have at least 2 maids, but Joan has none.
“Girls of level 2, meeting at conference room at 9pm sharp. Be in your velvet suits.” The sharp voice of Ms Harbor rang in the Night Hall. “Everyone except Joan, you stay back for a punishment.”
“It’s already 8.30pm…” “I’m tired!” “Must we go to that stupid meeting?” “Jane! Get me my velvet suit!” “Yes miss.” “Becky! Bring me my suit now!” “Yes young miss.” Murmurs floated around the Night Hall and shouts to their maids follows.
“It must be me. I did not wear my velvet suit for the last meeting. It is not my fault! We cannot afford a velvet suit made of pure hand sewn crystals!” Joan complained to Aristelle.
“Its okay, Joan, I’ll get daddy to get one for you.” Sweet Aristelle said.
“No! You father has already paid for a year of my schooling! It’s more than enough!” Joan argued.
As the girls flooded to the conference room, Joan went to meet Ms Harbor. Aristelle crept behind, straining to eavesdrop. “Joan, you think that you are so good? You are not even rich! You are a poor maid. You should be doing work at the maid’s dormitory! You still dare to attend the meeting for the fine girls? Lucky for you, Aristelle’s dad paid for you your school fees! You still dare to be so close to Aristelle? She is a prestigious young miss! You are just as good as a servant!” the head mistress ranted. Aristelle had heard enough.
“Why do you have to scold her, Ms Harbor?” she burst in angrily. “Oh, Young Miss Aristelle! I am sorry!” Ms Harbor gave her a low curtsy. “I have your interest in heart!” she kept her head low. The teachers knew of Aristelle’s status too.
Aristelle had always been given the best of everything, but after Crown Prince Talon found out, he was furious. “Aristelle must never suspect that she is of royal blood. You cannot give her advantages! Please give all the girls as much as she got. The expenses will be under me!” With that, all the girls have jewel clad bedrooms, golden bathrooms and sumptuous feast for every meal.
“Greetings to you, young maidens.” Ms Hatch called the start of the assembly. “Where is Miss Aristelle?” she asked, as the meeting was more directed to her. “I will find Miss Aristelle.” One of Aristelle’s maids bowed low. After that Aristelle and Joan was ushered into the conference room, the meeting continued. “The young Prince of our neighboring country, Prince Robeline will arrive at the start of term 4. The whole of term 4 will be used to choosing the perfect BRIDE for Prince Robeline.” At once the hall filled with excited murmurs. “Silence! The reason I called you here, is to inform you, that from tomorrow onwards, there will be official training for the competition.”
The following weeks, all there had been is practice for the girls. Their parents willing fork out as much money as they can, hoping that their daughters can be a Princess. There had been curtsey classes, poise classes, side riding class, piano classes, ballet classes, mannerism classes, self grooming classes, speech classes and graceful classes. These were the basic aspects of a Princess. Out of the 100 girls, 70 of them gave up mid way, complaining that this was too tough for them. Aristelle thought that these was easy, as she was already of royal blood, thus these were instilled in her soul when born.
Prince Robeline is a very handsome young man, the dream of every girl, even Aristelle. Aristelle thought that she would not have the chance as she is just a commoner, while Crown Prince Robeline should be marrying a princess. But too bad, she thought, ‘Our country does not have a princess, only 3 princes whom I did not meet before’. Never would she have thought that her brothers are the princes and herself, the princess.
The Royals of both families were well aware that Prince Robeline is to marry Aristelle, but Crown Prince Talon, Arstielle’s father, wanted Aristelle to prove herself as he is well aware that his daughter, the only Princess of Maitland, will have the finest arts and skills instilled in her. Therefore, Prince Robeline is to choose his own bride, the one that impresses him and the one that he thinks fit for himself.
The competition started during the first week of Winter Term. A whole one month of Winter Term is occupied to select the finest young Miss to marry Prince Robeline. The next two months are for the wedding preparations and the meeting of both sides of parents. The official Royal Wedding will take place on the First of January of the next year.
The first week was curtsey and poise selection by the officials of Prince Robeline country. Out of 30 girls, 10 failed to pass. Aristelle and Joan passed the test with no difficulty, while the rest of the girls passed because their parents paid for many professional to teach them.
Hattie, a particularly snobbish girl, announced: “My parents forked out more than what they had earned for ten years just for my lessons and costumes, I would surly win the competition.”
Other girls started quarrelling, while Joan and Aristelle kept quiet. Finally, Aristelle said, “The Prince will choose whomever he thinks is the best. Please do not quarrel.”
“Oh, shut up, Aristelle. We had never seen your parents before, and we do not know if they are rich. Perhaps they are the poorest parents in here!” Hattie laughed.
“Aristelle and Joan, you are just lucky to pass this round. Your parents have not been giving you lessons, unless you are of royal blood, you will not pass the next round!” Tina scoffed.
However, Prince Robeline was just nearby. He heard all the commotion and took note of the quarrelling girls and the refined and mature Aristelle and Joan. He said nothing and carried on his way.
The next week was for Round two, mannerism, speech, grace and self-grooming competition. Five girls did not pass, while Aristelle and Joan passed it easily.
The third week was for Round 3 and 4. Round 3 was Piano and Ballet competition, and five girls did not pass. During this round, Aristelle and Joan did not perform up to expectations, as the other girls practiced very hard for this, and Aristelle and Joan have received no former lessons and practice. When Aristelle had asked her family before to let her and Joan have some classes, her father and mother smiled and said that they were confident that Aristelle and Joan are naturals, unlike the other girls whom worked their way up.
“The Prince wanted a natural, darling. Just do your best.” Aristelle’s mother told her.
Therefore, Aristelle and Joan did badly compared to the other girls, but Prince Robeline was there, and he told the judges to pass both Aristelle and Joan, as he had overheard that they have no lessons, and this result was already very good.
Round 4 came as a surprise. It was the side-riding and animal care round. Out of 15 girls, only 5 passed as many girls hated animals and only cared about have clean dresses. Aristelle and Joan both loved animals thus they passed this test easily.
The remaining 5 girls were Aristelle, Joan, Tina, Irene and Joyce.
The final week, was left for the final round. The first two days were reserved for preparations of the dance. The second two days were interaction with Prince Robeline. The final night was the Grand Ball. After the Grand Ball, Prince Robeline will announce his chosen bride.
Prince Robeline had interacted with the five girls, and the one he likes most was Aristelle, just as Crown Prince Talon had predicted. He was certain to choose Aristelle as his bride.
However, Aristelle was not that happy. “My grandfather just passed away last week! I am so sad.” She complained to Joan.
Although they were very sad, the Royal family was very happy and couldn’t wait to invite Aristelle back into their family, the Royal Family. The announcement will take place on the night of the Grand Ball.
On the night of the Grand Ball, Prince Robeline danced with Aristelle the most, and Prince Robert, Prince Robeline’s brother, was there too. He had taken a fancy of Joan, and wanted to marry her. Prince Robeline’s bride needed such thorough choosing because he will be the future Crown Prince, while his other brothers can marry whoever is fit.
That night, Prince Robeline announced that he wanted to marry Aristelle, and suddenly, the Royal Family announced that Aristelle was their daughter the fourth child, the Princess of Maitland.
On the First of January, the Royal Wedding took place in Prince Robeline’s country, with the Wedding of both Prince Robeline and Princess Aristelle, and Prince Robert and Joan.
On the same day, Crown Prince Talon will ascend the throne to become King Talon and Aristelle’s brother, Prince Aden will become the Crown Prince.
On that day, Joan’s widowed mother was present, and she was none other than Janice, King Talon’s sister! It was such a happy day for everyone, and Aristelle and Joan became form Best Friends, to cousins, to sisters.
~THE END~
Aristelle is a pretty and diligent girl from Beetrotes Finery Arts School. Aristelle was very sweet, and all the teachers treat her better than their other students.
This is because her father is the current Crown Prince of Country Maitland. She was never named a Princess as the rule of Maitland states that only the first 3 newborns of the Crown Prince will be entitled to a royal status. The other off springs shall be given the title only if the Crown Prince ascends the throne before his first child marries.
This is because after the Crown Prince ascends the throne, he shall have the King status, thus all of his children shall have royal status. If his child marries before he ascends the throne, the child will immediately have the sub Crown Prince Status, thus the fourth child onwards will never be a prince or princess, but will be banished to be a commoner.
Most Crown Princes will never let his oldest child marry till he ascends the throne, so the other children will be entitled to a royal status. This tradition was kept till the 74th King Lionel monarchy. He has his oldest son, Crown Prince Edward, and Prince Edward’s wife, Crown Princess Annette, and their children, Prince John, Prince Talon, Princess Audrey and Janis. Janis was never given the Princess title as she was the fourth child. On King Lionel’s death bed, Prince John begged King Lionel to let him marry a maiden name Juana. He agreed, and the wedding was confirmed, only that King Lionel did not die, but improve his condition instead. The wedding cannot be cancelled, it was too late. Thus, the wedding was a solemn day as Janis was to be banished as a commoner.
Soon after the wedding, unfaithful Prince John ran away with Juana. They were soon stripped of their royal status and after King Lionel passed away, Crown Prince Edward ascended the throne, and Prince Talon became the Crown Prince. It was too late to find Janis to give her back her title. Princess Audrey was soon married to Prince Babushka of Tibet, and she led a very happy life, maintaining close contact with Crown Prince Talon.
Many country affairs and decisions were handled by the Crown Prince, as the king and queen relaxes and guides the Crown Prince and Princess on their roles and help to bring up bring the young Princes and Princesses for their future roles.
Crown Prince Talon took over the country well, and he was determined to find his sister, Janis, to no avail. He soon married Young Miss Mesilla, daughter of Duke Finks, and they led a very happy life, having three sons, Prince Aden, Prince Reith and Prince Cortices. Crown Princess Mesilla was very upset of not having a daughter; so at last, she gave birth to a daughter, Aristelle.
From young, everyone in the palace was warned never to reveal Aristelle’s real status to her, so at the age of four, Aristelle was enrolled to Beetrotes Finery Arts School with 12 maids. She only returns for the weekend, so until the age of 14, she just knew that she has a very rich and loving family, with three handsome older brothers. Crown Prince Talon pampered her a lot, as he was always reminded of his sister, Janis. No commoner knew what the royals looked like, thus Aristelle never guessed that she was a princess.
Aristelle have a very close friend, Joan, which was considered very poor in Beetrotes Finery Arts School. She was once very rich, but after her father died, the head mistress took pity on her and let her stay, but the other teachers often bully her. All the girls in the school have at least 2 maids, but Joan has none.
“Girls of level 2, meeting at conference room at 9pm sharp. Be in your velvet suits.” The sharp voice of Ms Harbor rang in the Night Hall. “Everyone except Joan, you stay back for a punishment.”
“It’s already 8.30pm…” “I’m tired!” “Must we go to that stupid meeting?” “Jane! Get me my velvet suit!” “Yes miss.” “Becky! Bring me my suit now!” “Yes young miss.” Murmurs floated around the Night Hall and shouts to their maids follows.
“It must be me. I did not wear my velvet suit for the last meeting. It is not my fault! We cannot afford a velvet suit made of pure hand sewn crystals!” Joan complained to Aristelle.
“Its okay, Joan, I’ll get daddy to get one for you.” Sweet Aristelle said.
“No! You father has already paid for a year of my schooling! It’s more than enough!” Joan argued.
As the girls flooded to the conference room, Joan went to meet Ms Harbor. Aristelle crept behind, straining to eavesdrop. “Joan, you think that you are so good? You are not even rich! You are a poor maid. You should be doing work at the maid’s dormitory! You still dare to attend the meeting for the fine girls? Lucky for you, Aristelle’s dad paid for you your school fees! You still dare to be so close to Aristelle? She is a prestigious young miss! You are just as good as a servant!” the head mistress ranted. Aristelle had heard enough.
“Why do you have to scold her, Ms Harbor?” she burst in angrily. “Oh, Young Miss Aristelle! I am sorry!” Ms Harbor gave her a low curtsy. “I have your interest in heart!” she kept her head low. The teachers knew of Aristelle’s status too.
Aristelle had always been given the best of everything, but after Crown Prince Talon found out, he was furious. “Aristelle must never suspect that she is of royal blood. You cannot give her advantages! Please give all the girls as much as she got. The expenses will be under me!” With that, all the girls have jewel clad bedrooms, golden bathrooms and sumptuous feast for every meal.
“Greetings to you, young maidens.” Ms Hatch called the start of the assembly. “Where is Miss Aristelle?” she asked, as the meeting was more directed to her. “I will find Miss Aristelle.” One of Aristelle’s maids bowed low. After that Aristelle and Joan was ushered into the conference room, the meeting continued. “The young Prince of our neighboring country, Prince Robeline will arrive at the start of term 4. The whole of term 4 will be used to choosing the perfect BRIDE for Prince Robeline.” At once the hall filled with excited murmurs. “Silence! The reason I called you here, is to inform you, that from tomorrow onwards, there will be official training for the competition.”
The following weeks, all there had been is practice for the girls. Their parents willing fork out as much money as they can, hoping that their daughters can be a Princess. There had been curtsey classes, poise classes, side riding class, piano classes, ballet classes, mannerism classes, self grooming classes, speech classes and graceful classes. These were the basic aspects of a Princess. Out of the 100 girls, 70 of them gave up mid way, complaining that this was too tough for them. Aristelle thought that these was easy, as she was already of royal blood, thus these were instilled in her soul when born.
Prince Robeline is a very handsome young man, the dream of every girl, even Aristelle. Aristelle thought that she would not have the chance as she is just a commoner, while Crown Prince Robeline should be marrying a princess. But too bad, she thought, ‘Our country does not have a princess, only 3 princes whom I did not meet before’. Never would she have thought that her brothers are the princes and herself, the princess.
The Royals of both families were well aware that Prince Robeline is to marry Aristelle, but Crown Prince Talon, Arstielle’s father, wanted Aristelle to prove herself as he is well aware that his daughter, the only Princess of Maitland, will have the finest arts and skills instilled in her. Therefore, Prince Robeline is to choose his own bride, the one that impresses him and the one that he thinks fit for himself.
The competition started during the first week of Winter Term. A whole one month of Winter Term is occupied to select the finest young Miss to marry Prince Robeline. The next two months are for the wedding preparations and the meeting of both sides of parents. The official Royal Wedding will take place on the First of January of the next year.
The first week was curtsey and poise selection by the officials of Prince Robeline country. Out of 30 girls, 10 failed to pass. Aristelle and Joan passed the test with no difficulty, while the rest of the girls passed because their parents paid for many professional to teach them.
Hattie, a particularly snobbish girl, announced: “My parents forked out more than what they had earned for ten years just for my lessons and costumes, I would surly win the competition.”
Other girls started quarrelling, while Joan and Aristelle kept quiet. Finally, Aristelle said, “The Prince will choose whomever he thinks is the best. Please do not quarrel.”
“Oh, shut up, Aristelle. We had never seen your parents before, and we do not know if they are rich. Perhaps they are the poorest parents in here!” Hattie laughed.
“Aristelle and Joan, you are just lucky to pass this round. Your parents have not been giving you lessons, unless you are of royal blood, you will not pass the next round!” Tina scoffed.
However, Prince Robeline was just nearby. He heard all the commotion and took note of the quarrelling girls and the refined and mature Aristelle and Joan. He said nothing and carried on his way.
The next week was for Round two, mannerism, speech, grace and self-grooming competition. Five girls did not pass, while Aristelle and Joan passed it easily.
The third week was for Round 3 and 4. Round 3 was Piano and Ballet competition, and five girls did not pass. During this round, Aristelle and Joan did not perform up to expectations, as the other girls practiced very hard for this, and Aristelle and Joan have received no former lessons and practice. When Aristelle had asked her family before to let her and Joan have some classes, her father and mother smiled and said that they were confident that Aristelle and Joan are naturals, unlike the other girls whom worked their way up.
“The Prince wanted a natural, darling. Just do your best.” Aristelle’s mother told her.
Therefore, Aristelle and Joan did badly compared to the other girls, but Prince Robeline was there, and he told the judges to pass both Aristelle and Joan, as he had overheard that they have no lessons, and this result was already very good.
Round 4 came as a surprise. It was the side-riding and animal care round. Out of 15 girls, only 5 passed as many girls hated animals and only cared about have clean dresses. Aristelle and Joan both loved animals thus they passed this test easily.
The remaining 5 girls were Aristelle, Joan, Tina, Irene and Joyce.
The final week, was left for the final round. The first two days were reserved for preparations of the dance. The second two days were interaction with Prince Robeline. The final night was the Grand Ball. After the Grand Ball, Prince Robeline will announce his chosen bride.
Prince Robeline had interacted with the five girls, and the one he likes most was Aristelle, just as Crown Prince Talon had predicted. He was certain to choose Aristelle as his bride.
However, Aristelle was not that happy. “My grandfather just passed away last week! I am so sad.” She complained to Joan.
Although they were very sad, the Royal family was very happy and couldn’t wait to invite Aristelle back into their family, the Royal Family. The announcement will take place on the night of the Grand Ball.
On the night of the Grand Ball, Prince Robeline danced with Aristelle the most, and Prince Robert, Prince Robeline’s brother, was there too. He had taken a fancy of Joan, and wanted to marry her. Prince Robeline’s bride needed such thorough choosing because he will be the future Crown Prince, while his other brothers can marry whoever is fit.
That night, Prince Robeline announced that he wanted to marry Aristelle, and suddenly, the Royal Family announced that Aristelle was their daughter the fourth child, the Princess of Maitland.
On the First of January, the Royal Wedding took place in Prince Robeline’s country, with the Wedding of both Prince Robeline and Princess Aristelle, and Prince Robert and Joan.
On the same day, Crown Prince Talon will ascend the throne to become King Talon and Aristelle’s brother, Prince Aden will become the Crown Prince.
On that day, Joan’s widowed mother was present, and she was none other than Janice, King Talon’s sister! It was such a happy day for everyone, and Aristelle and Joan became form Best Friends, to cousins, to sisters.
~THE END~
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