Chapter 3
The girls walked into the room Rich had pointed to and tossed some extra blankets to the guys before closing the door. Rich quickly went back to sleep as Michael, Jeremy, and Jake got settled on the floor.
“So what was that argument about?” Jeremy whispered to Jake.
“It’s no big deal.”
“Then tell us.” Michael smirked.
“Fine,” He laughed, “Rich didn’t know I was a prince til this morning.”
“That’s kinda a big deal Jake.” Jeremy remarked.
“I know it is, I’m just glad he forgave me.” Jake sighed, looking up at Rich, who was sound asleep, lovingly.
“So Jenna, what are your parents like?” Brooke asked the girl with a sleeping Christine resting on her shoulder.
“Oh, they’re fine I guess.”
“You guess?” Chloe echoed.
“Well I have a lot of siblings, they just don’t really have time to talk to me.”
Brooke walked up and hugged Jenna, but careful to not wake Christine. Chloe just rested her hand on Jenna’s back, but it was still comforting.
“Thanks guys.” Jenna smiled as the two other girls pulled away and cuddled with each other. “What about Christine? Won’t her parents be worried?”
“I don’t have parents.”
“Crissy? I thought you were asleep?”
“Acting Jenna. Acting.”
“Well you’re a damn good actor.” Jenna complimented, causing Christine to blush.
“So you’re an orphan?” Chloe asked.
“Yeah. I was raised in an orphanage, but once I started acting I spent more of my time at the theater instead.”
“And the palace!” Brooke added, “My parents always let you stay there.”
They girls continues talking until Jenna and Christine fell asleep (for real this time), leaving only Chloe and Brooke awake. So Brooke decided to ask a question that’s been burning inside her.
“Chlo?”
“Hm?”
“Are we girlfriends?”
“Is that okay with you?”
“Yeah,”
“Then yes, we are girlfriends.”
Rich woke up crying and sweating. He was breathing heavily, gasping for air. He tried to control his sobbing, but the tears just kept coming. Rich curled himself into a little ball and tried to keep quiet.
That didn’t work.
“Rich?” Jake looked up at Rich, he was crying and his hand was covering the burn scar on his face. “Shit, Richie.” Jake got onto the bed and grabbed Rich, pulling him close. “Nightmare?”
Rich nodded.
“Want to talk about it?”
“It wath the thame ath alwayth.” He sobbed, grabbing onto Jake like his life dependent on it.
“It’s okay Rich. You’re safe. I’m right here.” Jake comforted, holding Rich gently. “I’m not gonna leave you.”
“I’m thorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. It’s not your fault.” Jake assured him. "Hey, don't itch your scars."
"It hurth."
Jake gently guided Rich's hands away from the scars on his arms. "I know it hurts but it's gonna stop."
Eventually Rich's breathing slowed and he stopped crying and he fell asleep in Jake's arms.
"Night Richie." Jake sighed as he laid Rich back on the bed.
"Thtay." Rich muttered as he held onto Jake's arm.
"Mkay baby." Jake laid down next to Rich, who cuddled up to him. Jake removed his cape and draped it across from Rich and the couple fell asleep.