Chapter One: Prince!

I have read every thriller and romance book I own. I don't know how much longer I can take being here. Typically, I'd be excited to sit here reading. However, that would be before I had read almost ALL of my interesting books. 

"I want to attend real school," I tell my teacher. I have been homeschooled all my life, since my parents, who are rarely around, always working, think the world isn't good enough to have me out in it.

"The world is trash, as your mom puts it, so to keep you safe, your parents won't allow it. I believe you know that Raven," my teacher, Mr. Mark replied. I scrunch my nose as a waft of pine settles in.

"Yeah, well, it's unfair. I can't even remember the last time I had company, besides the maids' little girl. Don't get me wrong, she's so cute, but she's 7. I need someone who's, I don't know, my age, maybe. I'm 17! I need it. They can't keep me here forever! They have to realize that sooner rather than later." I make sure to emphasize the word remember, angrily. 

"I know and they know that you're not a little girl anymore, so they're just worried for you, okay," he says with a sigh. "Get back to reading now. You have a report due when you're finished."

"Fine, but can I do the report now? I've already read this book."

"Yeah, you can start on it. That's it for today, I'll see you Monday. The report better be halfway done by then." The scent of pine slowly recedes as Mr. Mark stands up and leaves the room.

Finally, I have time to go to my room. Not my bedroom, but the room my dad allowed me to have a lock on. It keeps both my mom and the maids from going in there. It's my art room. My mom doesn't approve of my art, because it's graffiti, a style my mom is disgusted by. She says gangsters use it. 

I have my walls covered in graffiti right now. The blue and purple streaks blend flawlessly adding extra detail and emphasis to the butterfly's wings. I think maybe I'll add some red to make it pop more. 

The only other person who has the key to this room is my dad. My dad loves my work. He reminds me that it's good to be different. I don't want to be different. I've been different my whole life. I want to fit in. I want to be like others.

I am extremely smart. I know I am. I don't want to be smart, I mean, it's not my fault I have to spend my time studying since there is nothing else to do. Even when I was a toddler. I have been amazing at drawing, getting better by the day. I love math. I love school. I just don't like that I can't attend a real school, one that other kids go to. 

I want to make friends. Although, I can't say that I'd know how to make them in the first place, since I haven't talked to anyone besides my parents, the maids, and the maids' daughter. She comes here after school, and even though she's 7, she is still a little demon. So sarcastic that she seems like she could be my age.

I head to my room, just to get a change of clothing, when I hear other peoples' voices downstairs. Not my parents, or the people who work here, unless mom is hiring new maids. My eyes widen with dismay. Do my ears deceive me? I creep to the top of the stairs, and do my best to listen in.

" - hope you don't mind. She's a bit different, odd, I guess you could say. You should get to know her. She is a very caring an-"

Oops... I press the squeaky step. It's the only step that squeaks. How could I be so dull!

"Raven, what are you doing?" my mom calls out.

I get ready to scamper back up the stairs but decide against it.

"Um...well...I am headed to my room. Why?" I respond, attempting to hide my flustered voice. I frown in disappointment. All I want to know is who she was just talking to.

"Oh, okay. Are you finished with the English class?"

"Yes, I just finished," I say as I start to descend the long, narrow stairs. A little more…

"That's great, do you have any homework assigned for Monday?"

"Yeah, I'll start on it after I get a snack," I say as I finally come to the end of the stairs.

When I look up, my eyes widen with shock and excitement. At the bottom of the stairs stood my mother... along with a boy