The Misadventures of Anastasia Collins

Wendy's POV

“Oh, look how pretty my lovely daughter is!,” Mother said the moment she entered the room. A small smile appeared on my face as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

“Take a look at my baby in her wedding gown,” Mother came closer to me as she hugged me from behind. She stared at me through the mirror, she could see it in my eyes, and no matter how I tried to conceal it, it wasn't working. She sighed and turned me over to face her,

“Wendy, I know you are nervous but do not worry. We are your parents, we know what's best for you. You may not see it now, but you will see it later on, trust me” A smile spread on her lips as she spoke to me.

I forced out a smile at her. She didn't need to say anymore as I nodded my head.

“Do not worry. I would make sure your father and I visit you now and then, alright?”

Again, I nodded my head without saying a word. What can I say?

“Do you need anything? Should I call the servants?” She asked, squinting her eyes at me. I bowed my head to her and answered,

“A mother's blessing, mama,”

Her face lightened up as she placed both hands on my shoulders, and before I could blink, Mother pulled me into her embrace as she began to cry,

“Oh my baby, she has grown so much. I am so happy for you, my love. This is like a dream come true. Your marriage would be the best there is. George will love you with everything in him that he wouldn't be able to take his eyes off you…” mother kept praying while I kept looking at my wristwatch behind her.

When it was almost time, I pulled her away from my embrace gently,

“It's time mother, I'll see you in the church,”

She wiped her tears before kissing my cheeks and leaving me alone in my room. Again, I turned to stare at my reflection in the mirror before smiling, You can do this, Wendy. I trust you,”

“My princess, it's time” someone called from outside, knocking.

Wearing my shoes that I had taken off, I picked up my veil and also held the flower in my hand before stepping out. My eyes scanned the number of guards Father had sent to escort me to the church. I shook my head as I rehearsed the plan before getting into the car.

How do I do this? I wondered as I looked out the window. I was in one car, but there were two others before our car and one behind us.

The minute we got to the church, I said to the guards,

“I need to rearrange my gown,”

They looked at each other before nodding their heads, there was no way they could follow me to the ladies' room. As I was walking over to the restroom on the opposite side of the church, a car drove with great speed, stopping right beside me.

I didn't bother to check who it was, I threw the bouquet in my hand away before rushing into the car.

“Go, Go, Go!” I screamed. Before the guards could make a move, my friend stepped on the accelerator and drove off.

“Woahhh ohhh!” I yelled as I threw the veil out the window of the car.

“Well done, Mike. You were just in time!” I praised my friend who was driving. Everyone in the car burst into laughter. It was a beautiful feeling to know that I could count on my friends on days like this.

“But you look so pretty, Princess Wendy,” Alice, another friend who sat in the back seat of the car with me, said. I knew I was cute, more reasons I cannot bring myself to get married to a widower, never!

“That’s the reason I don't understand why my parents, the king, and the queen think it is wise to give me to such a man. A widower!”

“Of course for fame, power, connection…” the guy in the front passenger's seat mentioned, and I rolled my eyes.

They do not care about me. They don't care what I feel about marrying a widower. They just wanted me to and when I tried to refuse, Father had clearly stated that there was no room for argument.

My friends and I had to think of a plan. A way to escape before saying I do. I knew if I had left earlier, there would be a search party and I would be caught and forced to marry the widower, but if I ran away that day, the widower and his family would call off the wedding in anger.

“I love you all. Thank you” I said with a heart filled with gratitude. I didn't know what I would do without them.

“Anytime baby,” Alice said as she winked, “After all, we are helping the future queen of Hevon's Kingdom. Soon, I will be the special adviser while Mike will be the royal driver”

“Alice, how dare you?!?” Mike yelled and we all burst into laughter.

These are my friends, my circle of friends, but one person was missing though, May. She is also one of my friends.

“So, you're going to Aaron's apartment, right?” Mike asked and I nodded,

“Yes. I am going to Aaron's apartment. He would be so surprised when I show up at his doorstep, he thought he loose me, my poor Aaron, I've missed my baby so much,” my lips pouted, causing Alice to make the Awwwn sound.

“Oh please…” The guy in the passenger's seat scoffed.

Aaron and I have been dating for three years now. He is the love of my life and I can't imagine my life without him. There is no way I would accept another man, especially when that man was a widower.

“There is no difference between the princess and the pauper,” Alice spoke up, making me slap her arm playfully,

“Aaron is not a pauper! He is my lover and my best friend, and life's not all about money. But love and peace of mind!" I tried to make my point until one of the guys said,

“Says someone basking in wealth”