9

A New Friend

The windows were pretty high and normally the horses would just lean their heads out for me, but Apple on the other hand, was something I’d never seen before. I mean, not as in a thing but uhm… species. More importantly, I was pretty sure he already had his own name. So I should probably stop calling him that. Shame, because I thought long and hard for a good name. There was a step ladder conveniently placed next to a window. I planned on checking each window until I found him but there he was reading what appeared to be one of my books. He hadn’t noticed me yet and I was so afraid that if I even said hi, he would panic.

“It’s not nice to stare,” He said with a soft voice. Startling me, I fell off the step ladder. Panic set in at getting my clothes dirty but I luckily stuck the landing. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Are you okay?”

“No… I mean yes, I’m fine.” I clambered back up to the window. “How… are you feeling?” I asked.

“That’s good.” His smile resembled that of my grandmother’s. “I’m doing fine, it’s a little difficult to walk for the moment, but I’m told I’ll be better soon.”

“Well, that’s wonderful news. My name is,”

“Prince Adam Hall,” He began proudly, “Ms. Elyon told me when she gave me this book. I’m sure you already know my name,” He finished with a chuckle.

“Well… I know the name I was gonna give my first horse,” I said, glancing to the side.

“I like Apples, they’re sweet and juicy. Do you think so too?”

“I suppose… how about your real name?”

He shook his head a little, somehow his smile never leaving his face.

“I don’t remember.”

“And yet you remember how to read?”

“Well from how Elyon explained it, strange things happen when someone has a traumatic experience.”

“She told you everything?” I asked

“Pretty much, yes. Ms. Elyon is an honest woman,” He said.

“She’s… pretty blunt, I suppose… Anyway, would you like anything to eat?”

“No that’s fine, Elyon brought me a wonderful meal.”

“Did you tell her that?” I asked, staring at him with suspension.

“Of course I did. However, she says it’s not her cooking. I’m not sure why she would feel the need to tell me that.”

“We’ll… that’s because she’s not the best cook,” I said, glancing back over my shoulder to see if she was nearby.

“Oh, I see… Well, who is the best cook?”

“I… don’t know. But I’m sure my grandmother knows. For my birthday today, I was given a cake made of ice and cream! And I just so happen to be the first to ever try it in the world.”

“That does sound tasty.” He glanced down at the book still in his hand. “Would you like to come inside and read this with me? I’m still on the 8th chapter so I don’t mind backtracking.”

“I can’t…” My gaze began focusing on the smooth wood I held on to. “I almost got hurt by some of the horses. Elyon tells me I’m forbidden to go inside… I really love horses and though they don’t speak, I love talking with them. When Elyon told me I couldn’t go back, I wanted to cry If I’m being honest. I’ve been in this palace all my life so I don’t have many to talk with… I suppose as long as I have this step ladder I can still talk to them, so that’s a little uplifting.”

Feeling the touch of another pulled me from my rambling. I turned to see Apple was no longer in the stables but now struggling to stand right next to me, book in hand and a warm smile.