Part Two- This is Me

“What number do you think you got? I hope I’m number 5.” Andrew asked as we walked down the halls to get our jerseys at the office at the end of the day. 

“I’m not sure. Why do you want 5?” I replied. He looked down at his neck, which had a necklace hanging from his neck. 

“It’s my mom’s birthday.” He said quietly, facing forward the entire time. 

“I’m sorry.” I spoke softly, looking at the side of his face. His fur was ruffled on his cheek, and it looked like a tear was about to stream down his face at the mention of his mother. I can’t do this. 

“It’s not your fault she’s gone, Mariah. She would’ve loved to meet you.” Andrew said slowly, looking at his paws. No, she really wouldn’t have. 

“It is my fault, Andrew.” I muttered, looking out the window we were approaching. The office was coming up, but I wanted him to know the truth. I couldn’t hide this from him anymore. He deserved to have closure. 

“What?” He asked, coming to a complete halt. 

“My mother is the one who caused the building to collapse on your mom. She went crazy after I kidnapped Liza and used me for her own game. Typical Hatchi if you ask me.” I quickly spewed out, hoping he wouldn’t correctly hear everything. 

“Your mom is that thing that killed hundreds of Jammers- including my mother?!” Andrew’s face quickly grew red. 

“I’m so sor-” I started, but Andrew cut me off. 

“What even are you then? How are you a princess? Or did you lie to Xavier too?” Andrew asked, a tear going down his cheek. 

“My mother is a Phantom Princess. My father really is King Xavier. That makes me-” 

“A hybrid? How? Those things are sent to the deepest depths of the Jamaa Prison to rot for eternity. And how did that even happen?” Andrew was filled with many questions, and I wanted to answer them all for him. But there were pieces that even I didn’t know. 

“My mother was sent on a mission to seize the throne. She ended up falling in love with my father, but her true self was exposed. And-well-then she had me. I’m new to this entire thing too.” I explained, praying to Mira she would somehow give Andrew a small reason to forgive me. 

“Your mother killed my mother, and for what?” He questioned, looking straight at the

necklace around my neck. 

“She was sucked into this necklace to keep her soul away from harm. I don’t know why 

she would ever do such a thing. I’ve changed, but her soul hasn’t. You have to believe me. I love Jamaa, and I’m so glad I’ve met such a wonderful friend like you here. You have to believe me. Please.” I pleaded, tears starting to pour down my face. 

“You didn’t choose the life you led, and I didn’t choose mine. But I just need time. I’ll see you later.” Andrew said slowly, rushing into the office to get his jersey. I slumped on the floor, sobbing.  

A few minutes later, Andrew emerged from the door, waving to his friends as they exited the grand doors. I stayed where I was as Andrew approached me. 

“Here’s your jersey. And just so you know, I did get five.” Andrew said, smiling a very small smile.” I said a quiet thanks before looking at my number. 2. I shoved the jersey into my bag. Mira, please let him forgive me. 

***

“We heard the news! It’s all over the Jamaa Journal.” Xavier exclaimed, holding up a paper. I made my way out of the carriage after school. Already? 

“I knew you could do it!” Liam exclaimed, giving me a high five. 

“Yeah well I don’t feel like I succeeded.” I said, rubbing my eye. 

“Did you tell him?” Xavier asked, stepping towards me. I just nodded. 

“You can’t change your mother’s doing.” Lucy explained. 

“No, but I have to live with it.” I snapped, making my way into the castle doors. Nobody knew the pain that came with being a ‘hybrid.’ They don’t know how much it sucks to be the daughter of a Phantom Princess that’s out for blood. Even if she’s in this necklace, she’s still causing me problems. 

“I didn’t get to say congratulations.” I heard Olivia’s voice say. I was walking through the halls to my bedroom. 

“Thanks.” I said, not turning my head. 

“I know it’s hard right now.” Olivia began. I halted.

“Hard? Hard! You have no idea how hard it is. You don’t have a psychotic mother!” I snapped, causing Olivia to step back. 

“And you’re not much different than her.” Olivia said slowly, stomping off into her bedroom. I growled, running into my room and slamming the door. 

***

The Feast of Thanks is approaching, but what is there to be thankful for? I finally have a family, but at what cost? I’ve thrown away my entire life to live this life of hiding. Nobody would ever like me for who I truly am: a monster. To think I’ll have to be the one ruling this kingdom someday. It’s clear Xavier will change his mind and let his pure-Jammer daughter rule. Who would want a hybrid as their Queen? 

And Andrew-please forgive me. My mother has done terrible things-I’ve done terrible things. They said friendships can withstand everything. Can ours withstand this? 

***

(One week later; Last day of school before Feat of Thanks break)

“It’s about time for break! Then we get to start practicing with the team!” Liam exclaimed, walking down the halls of Magestia Prep with me. I guess he didn’t want me to be alone. 

“Why is it that Year Seven players don’t get to practice with the full team?” I asked. 

“I guess so they can make sure their team is perfect before newbies join.” Liam

shrugged, stopping at his locker.  I noticed Andrew walking down the hall with some of his friends. We made eye contact for a few seconds before I turned around. 

“I mean it’s not fair that I have homework over break.” Liam rambled on as I scrolled through messages on my iPaw. 

“Mariah?” I heard Andrew’s familiar voice ask. I turned around to see him-alone. Liam shut his locker, giving his friend a pat on the shoulder. 

“I’ve got to-uh-ask a question on homework. Peace.” Liam lied, taking off into the direction towards the dining room. 

“He’s really not a good liar.” Andrew chuckled leaning against Liam’s locker, I agreed. We sat in silence for a few moments before we both spoke. 

“I’m sorry.” We looked at each other before Andrew cleared his throat. 

“You saved my life. I can’t be mad at you for something your mother caused.” Andrew said, giving me his signature smile. 

“You forgive me?” I asked quietly. He nodded. I sighed a very loud sigh of relief. 

“So you’re actually a-” Andrew began, but I quickly cut him off. 

“Yes yes. But it’s all a secret. Nobody can know.” I demanded. He nodded. 

“I understand. I mean, I understand not to tell anyone. But I still don’t get this whole... thing.” Andrew admitted. I nodded. 

“I still don’t even know everything myself. Sometimes I feel information’s being hidden

from me.” I sighed. 

“Go with your gut, I guess.” Andrew explained. 

“It’s just my dad-he’s very busy. But I just know he’s keeping something from me. Like

there’s something he almost doesn’t want me to know.”  I explained, finishing right before the bell rang for first period. 

“Well, who doesn’t love a good mystery.” Andrew smirked as we walked to our math class with Professor Henerson. 

***

The Feast of Thanks, huh? Thank Mira I have a best friend like Andrew by my side. With him, I have a feeling things are going to start looking up for the better. 

I have a soccer team, where I’m going to be the first girl to play for. 

I have a dad who loves me for who I am, even if my past is a bit bumpy. 

I have Lucy, who’s like the mom I never had.

 Liam’s like the brother I’ve never had. 

Olivia’s-tough. But I’m sure things have to start looking up with her, right? 

My mom’s not causing trouble, my grandfather is in the depths of the Jamaa Prison, and school’s out for break. 

What could possibly go wrong? 

***

Oh, pathetic Mariah. I feel a sense of anger. Frustration. Someone who’s fully determined to ruin your life. My vessel has arrived, child. The time to fulfill my plan is almost here, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me. 

Ready or not, you’re in for a real show, my daughter.