CHAPTER 15:

“So what’s the story of Prince Noah? He was calling you Apple pie that day. Huh.” This morning Ivy was teasing Hazel, “Is it the same butler from the palace who liked you a lot?”

Ivy was dying to ask her about this but could not muster up enough courage. She had always been patient in her life but this one was something too much. A prince calling Hazel, Apple pie with affection, was something she found cute.

“No! Stop it.” Hazel was happier and chirpier today. She was humming to herself while changing Christian’s diaper.

“Hey there. Look at you, Chris. All neat and tidy now.” The baby was sucking his fist soundly and hungrily. “Someone is starving!” She handed over the baby to Ivy.

“Feed him. I would bring you soup.” She laughed when Ivy started making faces.

“Come on Iv. It’s not that bad. I am improving.” She ruffled Ivy’s hair before leaving the room.

It reminded her of a boy who ate the sandwich she made, without a single complaint. She was missing him. Missing him like crazy.

Sometimes she wished that he just materialize from somewhere and take her with him. She never got a chance to ask about his eye color. But in her leisure time, she used to guess if it was either green or blue. Because the Queen had green eyes and the king had blue.

And that reminded her of the man who was there to visit her a few nights back. She hoped to God that Zek was alright. Somewhere deep inside, she felt pain, torment.

That man was a part of Zek. He was the only one seen beside him. She never questioned Zek if it was his servant assigned by the Royals or just a caring friend. But whoever he was, he was faithful to Zek.

For the last few nights, she was sharing the room with Ivy and the baby. They kept on taking turns to attend the munchkin. Ivy for feeding him and Hazel for cleaning him or making him sleep.

Ever since Alec was thrown away on his arse, both the ladies were not only enjoying the baby but the freedom too.

She had enough in her account to survive throughout their life but she did not want to spend the money.

She had this uneasy feeling at the back of her mind that she needed to return money at some point, because the task that would be assigned to her by the prince, she would not be able to do it.

She needed to think something about it. Prince Noah had proved to be a gentleman not letting her down. When he gave her his personal number she thought he was just doing it as a formality. Not really meant it by heart.

When she had called him she was ready for the excuses like

Sorry, Hazel. I was busy last night. Did you call?

Hazel, what is it? Right now I am far away. Can’t reach you. Anything else I can do?

Hey Hazel! I wish I could have come. I am busy with my homework. Sorry!

Hazel, I did not share my number so that you can ask me to serve you 24/7.

Hazel…

“You look worried about something. Is something bothering you?” She jumped up when she heard Ivy’s voice. She was drinking soup while Chris was fast asleep in his cot.

“Are you missing your uncle? I know it got too much that night but …” Ivy had to stop when Hazel started shaking her head.

“No, please. Stop it. I am not missing him and no … I don’t blame you for the things that happened that night.” Hazel sat close to Ivy, “You have been like an elder sister to me Iv. Being my uncle doesn’t give him the right to treat us like shit.”

“Hazel. I … err …” Ivy hesitated a bit, “Hazel. I always wanted to tell you this. I need to admit it, you are very brave. You inspire me so much. In my life, I never saw any teenager with so much patience and the way you handled the situation! Bravo!” Ivy held her hand.

“Usually teenagers are complex, complaining about their families, the house chores, hormonal cravings, and hormonal mood swings. You are different and brave.” 

“Oh. No, I am not brave Ivy.” Hazel was feeling embarrassed now, she never took praise well. “But I don’t know how I mustered that much courage to call the prince and all. That night, there was just this one thing in my mind. Hazel! This woman and her child belong here. Right now they are weak, they are dependent on you and they need you.”  

Ivy was touched. This girl was thinking about her and her baby, but not about herself.

“That night I got angry Iv. I thought to myself, why us? Why we should leave? Why not stand our ground? Why leave Alec in peace when he is the one who should be thrown away? There were so many questions racing through my mind.”

“I still can’t believe you did this.”

Hazel shook her head gently, “No, I did not. We did this Ivy. And in future too, we would do it together.”

“We would raise the Christian together. We would teach him empathy. And there is one more thing I would want you to do Iv.”

“And what’s that?”

“Do yourself a favor and keep your eyes open. Whenever you find a good man just don’t let him go.”

“No Hazel,” She said sharply, “Enough of men. I am not ready for this.”

“I know Iv. I am not asking you to jump in someone's pants. But all fingers are not equal. Every man out there is not Alec.”

Or Zek either.

“The point is IF you find a man. Whenever. Now. Or later. If you find him worthy. Just don’t let him go. The right one will not only love you and Christian, but he will also cherish you. Right now just enjoy your baby. This newly found freedom.” Then sighing deeply she continued while laughing, “And my cooking.” 

Ivy laughed, her eyes brimmed with tears, “I always thought I must have committed a sin that I got Alec as a punishment but today I realize I must have done something nice that I am blessed by a friend and a sister like you. I would teach Christian to be like his cousin. Bold, Brave …”

“And bald!” Hazel tried to put in making Ivy laugh.

“Stop it!” She slapped Hazel’s hand. “And you are no more bald. That reminds me to ask you, why do you still wear this wig all the time now? Your hair is short but your scalp is fully covered now.”

“I don’t know. Maybe just out of habit.” She shrugged, “I had been wearing it all my life now. It would take some time to give it up that easily. It’s a part of me now which stayed closer to me for the longest time. ”

The wig discussion reminded her of Zek. Beside Ivy, he was the only one who accepted her with it. It never mattered to him if she stays without it or chose to wear it.

He had taught her to accept herself with all her flaws, imperfections, and shortcomings.

“Do you miss him?” She heard Ivy’s voice slicing through her thoughts.

“Hmm. Sorry?” Hazel straightened herself coming back to reality.

“You miss him. Right? And don’t say ‘no’.” Ivy stopped her when Hazel tried to interrupt in her defense.

“You do know Hazel that you can talk about it, whenever you want. I would always be there for you.”

“Yes, Ivy. You are the only family I have got.” She was hugging her when they heard Christian waking up.

Hazel quickly stood to pick him from his crib, “Hey big boy! You are always hungry.” She kissed his head fondly.