Chapter One; Anybody Have a Map?

“The first game of this season is upon us," an announcer blared. I was sitting in the unofficial girls locker room, waiting for the female instructor to come get me. This was how it happened. It wasn’t the best, but it worked. 

I didn’t play at all last year—the coach said it was because I had to learn the ropes first—but it would be different this year. The current center midfielder had graduated last year, so it was my time to shine. 

I was two months into my eighth grade school year, and things were looking up. Andrew and I have become really good friends, and Liam and I have gotten along so much more. Olivia’s actually being decent to me, and Lucy and Xavier call me their daughter. Not only that, but I have a great team by my side. There’s been little to no signs of phantoms, and life seems to be normal, or as normal as things could get around here. 

As for my grandmother—Xavier’s mom—things are complicated. She refused to come to the Feast of Thanks or Jamaaliday dinner because she “didn’t want to celebrate family holidays with a freak like me.” I had to bite my tongue so I didn't reply, “I don’t want to celebrate family holidays with a witch like you.” 

I still wasn’t used to the crowds of Jammers trying to get my autograph (I’m not some celebrity or anything), but it was getting easier to manage. Body guards would just surround me, which was pretty weird. Jammer holidays are still confusing (Like, what’s the Spring Festival even for?), but it’s nice to have a few weeks off of school. 

The whole ‘being good’ thing has been a ride, especially keeping my powers hidden. Andrew has finally accepted the ‘phantom-Jammer hybrid’ situation. He really just accepts me. I couldn't ask for a better friend.

“You ready, Mariah?” My female instructor came in. She was Coach Taylor’s wife, and the unofficial female coach. 

“Heck yeah I am!” I exclaimed, grabbing my cleats. This was going to be my first real game, and I was ready to show Coach Taylor what I could do. 

***

“Are you ready to play?” Andrew asked, running over to me. 

“Of course I am! We finally get to play in a real game!” I exclaimed. He nodded, holding his helmet at his side. 

“You four ready to play?” Coach Taylor came up to the four Year Eight’s. I nodded, along with everyone else in the group. 

“Good. Mariah, show them what a girl can do.” Taylor smiled, giving me a fist bump. 

“You can count on me, Coach!” I exclaimed. This was what I’ve been waiting for for a year. Everyday I spent training on the field has prepared me for this. Today, everyone will be watching me, hoping I mess up. I’m not going to give them the satisfaction. 

“We’re excited to announce the new center midfielder is none other than Princess Mariah of Jamaa. Talk about female empowerment.” The announcer, Prince William, beamed. Female empowerment? Please tell me that’s not why people think I tried out. 

I looked up to see my family in one of the balcony rows, which is where the royal families sit. They allow Jammers to come and watch in the bleachers. It was horrifying to see thousands of people here, waiting to watch my every move. I was pretty nervous, but I knew what I had to do. My team was counting on me, and I wasn’t going to let them down. 

***

The loud buzzer went off, signaling that the game was over. The score read 3-2, with the Jamaa Royals one point ahead! I had managed to score one goal, which was enough to make Coach Taylor jump high in the air at the end of the game. Andrew and I fist bumped, and Liam ran over in his pads. He had managed to stop the game-losing shot, which was a huge deal for him. I saw my family on the balcony cheering. This was one of the best days in my life-besides meeting my father. I guess that day was pretty good. I sipped my water as I made my way back into the girls’ locker room. My first official soccer season has just begun. 

***

“It’s been a long day. Why don’t you go get some rest? We can have dinner brought to you in a few minutes.” Dad asked as we entered the castle doors. 

“That’s not a bad idea, but I have homework to finish.” I explained, rubbing my eyes. Liam immediately went to his room to change. He was muddy from head to toe from diving on the ground. I wasn’t too bad, but I was going to shower off since I probably smelled worse than a rotten boomseed. 

“I’ll be down for dinner in five. I’m going to go shower off.” I explained, running towards my room. It was weird adjusting to a room larger than your old home, but I was thankful for the space. After a quick shower, I threw on a light purple gown with my sneakers and ran downstairs for dinner. 

“Mariah!” I heard Liam shout as I was descending from the stairs. I looked up to see him shutting his bedroom door. He was hopping on one foot as he put his shoe on. I laughed, waiting for him. 

“You did amazing today!” He exclaimed, catching up with me. I smiled as I walked down the stairs. 

“Thanks! You were incredible! You blocked the shot that could’ve put us in overtime!” I responded back. 

“Dad said the chefs are preparing my game winning dinner today! It’s chicken wings with fries. It’s not your typical royal cuisine, but it’s the best! Everyone else usually eats fancy chicken with who knows what on top of it.” Liam explained, chuckling at what he was saying. I laughed with him. He wasn’t much different than me. We both really didn’t like the royal swing of things. We reached the dining room, and Liam rushed inside. Lucy quickly reminded him of his manners, and he sat down quietly. 

“We weren’t sure whether you’d want beef filets or Liam’s victory dinner, so I had the chefs make both for you to pick from.” Dad explained as I sat down. 

“I’ll try this victory dinner. It sounds very rewarding.” I laughed, picking up the chicken wing. I wasn’t sure what to do with it, but I watched Liam just bite it. 

“You have to watch the bone.” Liam explained, pointing to the white thing inside the chicken. I blinked. 

“Bone? Like as in an animal bone?” I asked, looking at the chicken. 

“Well, yeah. Do you not like meat by the bone?” He asked, looking at me. I shook my head.

“That’s okay! You can enjoy the beef fillet.” Lucy explained, taking a bite of her food. Olivia cut a piece of chicken in her salad. 

“That’s why you never try something Liam says to.” Olivia smirked, eating the piece of chicken. 

“Hey! I have a good pallet, unlike you. I don’t eat salad all the time.” Liam narrowed his eyes at her. 

“At least I eat like a proper royal. And at least I act like one.” Olivia growled, slamming her fork down. 

“Well I-” 

“Children.” Lucy said in a normal tone. Instantly, the two of them stopped bickering. 

“We don’t argue at the dinner table. And we certainly don’t judge others.” Xavier added, taking a sip of his drink. 

“At least Mariah’s actually the most behaved for once.” Olivia muttered, but I heard every word. I just rolled my eyes and continued eating, but Xavier didn’t take that very lightly. 

“That’s enough! If you keep this behavior up, you won’t be going to that sleepover tomorrow, young lady.” Dad exclaimed, looking directly at Olivia. She slammed her fork down again, standing up. This girl just won’t quit.

“Do you expect me to keep up a nice act all the time? She’s not normal, dad. She never will be. It’s a surprise that Andrew still acknowledges she exists!” Olivia exclaimed, stomping off. I sighed, finishing my fillet. Liam looked at me apologetically. 

“It’s okay. I realize I kind of deserve it.” I said, picking at my fries on the other plate. 

“She’s not being very lady-like. I don’t understand what else to do.” Lucy sighed. 

“She has a right to be upset with me. I invaded her home. And when she finds out I’m the next heir to the throne, she’s going to lose it. You might as well just give it to her.” I explained. 

“We can’t do that. It’s the law the eldest gets the throne.” 

“It’s only a few months.” 

“You’re still older. Besides, you’re going to make a fine queen.” Xavier smiled. Liam’s eyes grew wide. 

“She’s going to have a fit when she finds that out.” Liam said quietly, finishing his fries. I nodded. 

“She’ll adjust.” Lucy smiled at her son. 

“Let’s just hope I’m not there when she finds out.” I said. 

“It’ll be alright, Mariah. She’s just adjusting to a new life.” Lucy explained, patting my shoulder as she walked out the door. 

“Do your homework and get some rest. We’ll worry about this when the time comes.” Xavier smiled, holding the dining room door open for me. 

***

(Third Person POV) 

“What are we going to do?” Xavier asked, sitting at a chair in his and Lucy’s room. She sighed. 

“I don’t know. Olivia just won’t accept Mariah.” Lucy put her head in her paws. Xavier walked over to her and brushed her hair behind her ear. 

“We’ll figure this out together, Lucy.” Xavier smiled, but Lucy was still upset. 

“I’ve been trying to connect with Mariah since she arrived. It’s so hard to tell whether or not she’s accepting of me. I just can’t understand her sometimes.” Lucy sighed. 

“Nonsense. Mariah adores you. She’s called us her parents once, remember that? It was one of the best days of my life.” Xavier explained. 

“I know, but what if that was just an act? You can’t tell me things aren’t odd between you and her. She’s not like us, Xavier. I mean, of course she’s a Jammer. But she’s also a phantom. I just want her to know I love her like one of my own, and I’m willing to be the mother she never had growing up.” Lucy whispered, a tear falling down her face. 

“Lucy, honey. I’ve been having some trouble too. She’s just not used to having a family. She doesn’t understand how to interact with us because she never had a loving, caring, parental figure before. I know she’ll come around. She calls me dad now, Lucy. She’s learning to trust us.” Xavier’s smile grew wider as he wiped the tear from his wife’s face. 

“I guess you’re right.” Lucy beamed. 

“We’re not giving up before we’ve tried, Lucy. I told her that before. We’re going to make this work because we’re a family. 

“Does anybody have a map on how to do this? Cause I’m just making this up as each day comes.” Lucy laughs, rubbing her temples. 

“That’s how it is with raising children. Nobody knows how to do it.” Xavier laughed, hugging his wife.

***

Now THIS is well overdue. Can you believe it?! After SO long, we finally get to see Mariah and her family again! Dang, writing this gave me so many great memories of writing this book. I’ve missed it so much. School’s been a bummer lately, but I’m going to try to get back into my normal bi-weekly (possibly weekly if things are going good) uploading schedule. Are you guys excited for book three? Do you have any theories? Let me know in the comments below! Jam On!

Ready or Not; The Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTyrCzAfFAKSYV-8S9D559-uAyzBrF9jf