Beloved (Editing 50%)

Prologue

Prologue

Ten years ago....

Faster.

Turn right, then left.

I turned in the direction of the small alleyway beneath the hoary overpass bridge that reeked of mildew and damp dirt. I might lose him there. But no, I can't. He already recognizes that place since he have before seen me passing there a couple of times. I need to find a new place to hide so he won't catch me.

Up ahead is an open iron gateway a few meters right from the overhead bridge. I'll go there and hide.

Faster.

I must to run faster. My energy is already draining and my arms and legs feels like heavy iron. Just a few more paces.

Ten meters......seven.....five......three meters.

I'm in and I----

"--oomph! Ouch!" I didn't know there's a barrier after the gateway.

I stand up dusting the dirt from my old rugged skirt—something that my mother had sewn for me for my seventh birthday last year. It's not that pretty. It's just some old pieces of garbs that my mom patiently sewed together, creating a skirt. But, I'm appreciative for it.

"Umm. Pardon me, but, are you alright?"

I turned my head to the right, alarmed by the boy that spoke to me. He looked neat, I could say, a rich boy none the less. He has such dark brown hair that can be mistaken as black and striking blue eyes that felt as if they could melt your soul. Looking into those eyes made me feel warm inside. Making me feel safe and protected from all possible harm .And it made me smile. He seems like a friend. He could be my friend.

"I didn't mean to run into you like that. I was just running away from the guard, that's all. I apologize if I hurt you." He added.

I'm a little giddy inside.

"Oh, so that was you. I believed I had run in to a barrier or somewhat. I'm alright, I'm not hurt and thank you, for apologizing." What a stupid excuse.

My manners my mother taught me seems to be surfacing when I face someone I fancy.

"I'm glad to hear it. My name is Edmund by the way. Or call me Ed. My friends always calls me Ed. The say my name is a little bit challenging to say every time." he said while extending his right hand for me to shake.

Shyly, I shook his hand—then I felt it.

I felt the spark— the warmth that flowed through my veins and the shivers that ran through my every bone. I was experiencing all the indications my mother had told me to expect when I found the person who was to love me unconditionally and for me to love in return. The person who would protect me and make me happy. The person who is predestined by the fates to be mine. My beloved.

Even as a little girl, you'll know instantaneously if ever you come in contact with your fated one. I have heard every story there is about Beloveds finding each other. Rare occurrence they may seem but it's a fairy tale every girl dreams of. And it was my greatest dream as a child. The first time my mother told me about the story, I have dreamed of finding my own Beloved someday.

I became excited and stared at Edmund. He felt it too. I know it. But he looks so lost and unsure

"Boo! Found you Aimee!"

Shocked by Asher, Ed let go of my hand. Disappointment surged through me. I immediately became sad. I wanted to hold his hand again. But that would never happen. Not now that Asher is here.

"Tag--" Asher said while patting my shoulder. "--you're it!" then he ran away again off to somewhere to hide from me.

Asher and I were playing tag before I ran into Edmund. I guess fate really meant for me to meet my beloved as early as eight years old. Even though I'm this young, I've understood enough of having mates and about life. Living a life as a peasant can teach you a lot.

The sound of shouting, metal clashing, and people running brought my attention. I looked at Edmund curiously. He just shrugged like it was nothing. Then the uproar and footsteps came closer and closer until the people spotted us—until they spotted Edmund.

"Didn't you tell me you were running away from the guards?" I asked him, curious on about why he would be running away from the guards.

"Yeah I did. So I guess this is goodbye?"

Goodbye.

So I guess he didn't feel it. The sparks.

"I guess" I said. "But we can meet again right?" I felt like crying but I held it in. I'm a strong girl. My mother told me so.

"Maybe, someday I hope." he answered while turning around.

As he walked away, I silently said my farewell. Goodbye, I said. I took a step back, walking away, when I heard the soldier's voice directed at Edmund. "You're Highness, my Prince where have you been? The Queen has been looking for you."

You're Highness, my Prince.......

So he was a Prince.

This only means one thing. We can never, ever be together. Princes never take peasants as their princess. Even with the young heart that I have it hurts. Knowing that you and your destined beloved can never be together hurts a lot. So I took another step back, turned around, and ran. I ran away from the reality that threatened to crush me.

I'm a strong girl so I'm not going to cry.

As I ran, I said goodbye the second time.

But this goodbye meant forever.

Goodbye Edmund.