The alarm went off at 8 a.m. Aimee hit the snooze button. Eight hours of sleep was not enough to relief her jet lag. Ten minutes later the alarm sounded again. She decided against hitting the snooze again so she just accepted defeat.
She took her Bible out and reread the first chapter of James. When she was done she closed her Bible and kneeled down to pray. “Dear Lord, I trust you with my life. I am so thankful for the love and mercy you have given me. I pray for Your guidance in my studies and the search for answers to my mother and grandmothers history here in Neahovia. I know they are in better hands now but I still miss them both so much. Again I want to say Thank You. In Jesus sweet and precious name I pray Amen.”
She wiped the tears from her eyes as she looked at the photo of Piper and her mom at Pipers’ graduation. It made her think of all the things she has missed and all the things she will miss out on with her mom.
Her mother would not be with her when she gets married or has children. Aimee hated feeling like this way. Why did she have to keep telling herself to stop dwelling on the things that could have been or should have been things in her life.
She looked up to heaven. “God help me to not dwell on the sad things I miss. But to be grateful for the good times I had with my mom and grandmother. Amen.” She decided that maybe a good warm bath would help clear her head.
Piper laid silently in her bed while Aimee prayed. Her heart was breaking for her best friend and at the same time she realized how much she took her mom for granted. She could never imagine her life without her mom.
“God help me to be more appreciative for all the blessings I have in my life. And more observant to those around me. Amen.”
She took the photo of her and her mother and placed it on the other side of her bed facing away from Aimee. She ran to the restroom as soon as Aimee was out.
Aimee decided to roll her hair today. So while Piper was in the shower she found her hot rollers and rolled her hair. She applied her make up still waiting for Piper to come out of shower. When she did come out she went straight to her wardrobe.
“Piper you didn’t have to move your picture.”
Piper turned toward her friend. “I’m sorry, I should have been paying more attention to your feelings. If you ever want to talk I am here.”
“Thanks Piper but right now I need to focus on something else.”
Piper went to work on her hair. “Ok, let’s talk about dinner last night.”
“What about dinner?”
“You went with Aiden.”
“So.”
“Did you know he has a girlfriend?”
“Yeah he told me. Her name is Ava right?”
“Yeah, and did he tell you how jealous she is?”
“No.”
“I bet he didn’t tell you he is Prince Aiden Kaiser.”
Aimee looked at Piper. “No, so he is a Neahovian Prince.”
Piper took her clothes to the restroom stopping in front of the door. “He is second in line for the throne. I told him to tell you before we had to go to administration. When we get there we have to sign a Privacy Statement.”
Aimee started taking her rollers out. “I am fine with that. I think my dad has arranged one for me as well. He wants to make sure I stay out of tabloids.”
“Oh right his running for some kind of office isn’t he?”
“Senate.”
When Piper came out of the bathroom Aimee was picking out her outfit. “We need to go shopping fast.” Piper remarked as she sat on Aimee’s bed.
Before Aimee could respond Lexi and Sophia ran into the room. “Did we hear the word shopping?” They spoke in unison.
“Yes, have you seen Aimee’s closet?”
Lexi stood with her mouth half opened. “Oh my honey is that all the clothes you have.”
Piper snickered. “This is all she brought with her blondie.”
Lexi giggled. “Thank goodness. So do you have money or a credit card so we can take you shopping?”
“Lexi Medine.” Sophia slapped her shoulder.
“What? I just need to know what she can spend so we can plan what Boutiques to go shopping at.”
Aimee laughed. “I have a credit card and after we are done on campus today. I have a meeting with a finance friend of my dad’s he is going to help set up a bank account.”
A plan was made to go to some local Boutiques close to campus that afternoon and then the next day they would go to Huffington Square (Neahovian version of a mall).
Aimee went to get dressed and when she returned Lexi was sitting on Aimee’s bed with a confused look on her face. “What’s wrong Lexi?”
“I was just thinking if that is all your clothes. What was in the luggage, boxes and trunk the guys carried up?”
Aimee laughed. “The trunk had my beauty supplies, hair accessories, and jewelry. The luggage and boxes was the clothes and bedding and these...”Aimee pulled out a rolling storage compartment made especially for her.
Lexi’s mouth dropped open. “How many shoes did you bring?
Aimee smiled. “This holds twenty-two pair. My Toms, flats and sandals are in the trunk. Plus my boots are still in a box.”
Lexi held up a pair of sandals. “What size shoes do you wear?”
Sophia looked at Lexi. “If you can ask that I want to know how tall she is.”
Piper came over. “Please tell me I did not hear you right. You might as well ask her weight too.”
Aimee laughed. “It’s ok Piper. I wear an 8 1/2 to 9 depending on the shoe. I am 5ft. 7.5 in. and I weigh 140 lbs.
Lexi still holding the sandals grinned. “Lucky me. I wear the same size.” She glanced over at Piper. “5’ft. 7in. and 135 lbs.”
Sophia stood and stretched. “5ft. even I weigh 110 lbs. and I wear a size six. Your shoes are safe from me.”
Everyone laughed and turned to Piper. “I am 5ft.5in. Weigh 120 lbs. and she already knows I can wear her shoes.”
The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as the girls made their way to the kitchen. Aiden was sitting on the counter enjoying a cup of coffee while Colin was eating a bowl of cereal. Aimee took a cup from the cabinet and poured her coffee as Aiden hopped off the counter. “We need to be at the Administration. Building at 10:30.”
Lexi sat at the table and began making a list of the supplies they needed. Aimee enjoyed what may have been the best cup of coffee she had ever drank. Before leaving Lexi had Colin took a group photo and then one just of the girls. Everyone agreed not to post them on social media.
The Administration Building was a short 15 minute walk from the flat. That was another thing Aimee was liking about staying in Neahovia. Everything was so conveniently located. Aimee hung in the back paying attention to landmarks. Eventually Aiden slowed his pace to let her catch up with him. “Are you ok?”
“Yeah.”
“Then why are you so quite.”
Aimee shrugged her shoulders. “Aiden do you think we can be friends?”
“Yeah why?”
She stopped and looked him in the eyes. “Because friends don’t keep secrets. When did you plan on telling me you where Prince Aiden?”
Aiden looked at the ground then back up. “Lexi?”
“No Piper. She felt I should know before we got to the Administration Building.”
“I was going to tell you on the walk here.”
“Why not last night.”
“I hope you don’t take this wrong but I have to watch who I trust. I wanted you to know me as Aiden first.”
“But Prince Aiden is part of who you are.”
“It’s a title Aimee not a descriptive characteristic.”
“Ok I can get that. My dad is running for Senate and our family is well known in the states, so I know how hard it can be to trust people.”
“So all is forgiven and no more secrets.”
Aimee nodded “Deal.”
Aiden and Aimee walked a bit slower than everyone else. He keep drilling her on how her dad running for Senate made her family popular with the Tabloids. She finally agreed to tell him later when the seven friends could be alone.
♥ ♥
Aiden was truly amazed at how well Aimee handle the news that he was a Prince. Most people especially girls went crazy when they found out. But she was calm about it. Maybe it’s because of her family being popular in United States. All he knew was that normally it took him months to form friendships and with Aimee it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours yet and he felt like he could trust her more than some people he had known for years.
“Hey the building is this way.” Colin yelled.
“We knew that. We are just making sure you knew.” Aiden yelled back.
Piper took them both by the arm. “Is everything all worked out? She knows you’re a Prince and you know she is the daughter of a US Politician running for Senate. All is good in the world of Flat 707?”
They just grinned at her.
Colin held the door “Ladies first.”
Aimee was the last girl to enter. “Aimee I must say you are taking Aiden’s new so well.”
She smiled and leaned toward Colin like she was whispering. “He is just as normal as any of us. He puts his puts his pants on one leg at a time.”
Colin laughed. “I really like this girl.”
Piper stood tall. “I told you guys she’s great.”
Sophia looked around. “Aimee I am confused though. Piper was telling us about your dad and the privacy statement we would sign for you. I didn’t realize being a Candidate for Senates daughter could make you so popular.”
Aimee laughed. “It does when you have a step mom like mine.”
Josiah looked at her. “Is she some kind of rock star?”
“She wished. I explain later.”
Once everyone was done in the administration office they had a guided tour of the campus which ended at the Campus Bookstore. Everyone got their schedules and class books at the store before heading to eat.
They chose a pub just off campus for an early lunch. They sat at table near the front of the pub. Aimee was eating a sandwich recommended by Lexi. It was very tasty however she keep noticing Colin staring at her. “Do I have something on my face Colin?”
`“No.”
“Then why are you staring at me?” Her bluntness caused round of laughter at the table.
“This place is practically empty so tell us why you are so popular back in the United States.”
Aimee looked around. The place was empty except for the two guys at the bar and one gentleman setting in the far corner from them. “Ok, but this is embarrassing so no one can laugh.”
She waited until they all agreed. “My stepmother has turned my dad’s campaign into a reality show.”
Aimee watched as they each held back their laughter but Piper just couldn’t. “I am sorry Aimee. I can’t see you on one of those shows.”
“I know. That is why I managed to not be in very many of the episodes. But that doesn’t stop the paparazzi they are like little weeds everywhere they shouldn’t be. I insisted I wanted a normal college experience and that the Paparazzi could not know where I was attending college. In fact, apart from you guys no one but my dad and stepmom and close family knows where I am attending college.”
Aiden looked at her. “So is that why you chose Neahovia to hide from the paparazzi.”
Aimee looked down and then at Piper now she needed to tell her secret. “My mom was from Neahovia.”
Everyone sat quite for a minute. Then Sophia looked at her. “That’s the first time you mentioned your mother.”
Lexi turned to Piper. “She brought her up first Piper.” Aimee looked at Piper who just sat there.
Colin looked over. “Piper threatened us this morning. She dared us to bring up your mom.”
Aiden through a fry at Colin. “Dingle berry. Sorry Aimee he can be so…”
“It’s ok. I need to tell you guys anyway I just didn’t know how. My mom died when I was ten.”
The table grew quite. Aiden wrapped an arm around her in a side hug. “Aimee we are so sorry.”
Aimee shook her head. “I know.”
Lexi had tears in her eyes. “That is so young. Can we ask what happened?”
Aimee cleared her throat. “She was in a horrible car accident. I was supposed to be with her but I had a fever and my Gran keep me home.”
Feeling her pain Aiden took her hand. “Hey it’s ok, you don’t have to tell us everything just know we are here if you need us.”
Aimee nodded as she took a tissue that Piper had reach her. Josiah left for band practice. Unlike the rest of her roommates he showed no remorse. Sophia looked up. “So tell us how you managed to stay off that reality show.”
Aimee laughed as she explained the not so easy task of avoiding the cameras. She explained how she offered to be her younger sisters’ personal chauffeur, studying at the library, joining her schools dance team, and finally spending time at her Grans plantation in Savannah Georgia.
When Lexi mentioned how she thought that her Gran probably loved having her company. Aimee had to explain that her maternal grandmother died when she was twelve and her grandfather had died prior to her mom and Gran moving to the United States. Aimee asked to change the subject. Shortly after Colin and Aiden went to the park to play ball and the girls went shopping.
♥ ♥
He had to be cautious that the group did not realize he had been following them. Madam was right Aimee Pittman was sitting right in front of him and with Prince Aiden none the less.
This mess is worse than she originally thought. He wanted to take a snapshot with his cell but he couldn’t without blowing his cover. He tried to listen to their conversation but they spoke in low voices.
Once he saw the Prince hug her and another time he held her hand. Madam is not going to be happy. Not at all. When the spikey green hair kid left he followed him Aimee looked like she was crying. Madam was not going to like what he observed she is here to go to Ancaster University and from the looks of things for the full program. He needed to find someone to spy for them but who.
♥ ♥
Lexi drove the girls to meet Mr. Myers at Ancaster Bank. It took him and Aimee a little over an hour to set up her accounts. Afterwards they went shopping at a few local venders and boutiques near campus. Aimee bought six outfits and two new pair of shoes. They went to the market and a shop that sold household items before returning home. When they returned to the flat at five p.m. Aimee laid down for a much needed nap. She had not recovered from her jet lag just yet.
The clock read 7:45 when Aimee awoke. Piper and Sophia sat on Piper’s bed looking at magazines. “So was you going to let me sleep right through the meeting?”
Piper laughed. “You just look so peaceful so we didn’t want to disturb you. The guys aren’t back yet so we figured we would wake you when they got here.”
Aimee pulled her hair in a messy bun and joined them. Sophia was looking at a cooking magazine. She told Aimee how her dream was to become a world famous chef. She missed the cutoff to apply to the culinary school of her choice and was only going to Ancaster University for one year she had already started her early application process to the school.
Piper glanced at the clock. “We need to go down the guys will be back soon and I want to get some food before they devour it.”
Lexi was in the kitchen when the girls came down. Sophia and Piper sat on the couch. They discussed how Lexi wanted to be the Flat Leader but Aiden suggested we vote. Piper made comments in regards to how Aiden may be a Prince but Lexi was the self-proclaimed Queen of Flat 707.
Aimee feeling that everyone was being unfair to Lexi decided she would help her in the kitchen. Sophia laughed and told her it was her own funeral. Lexi was getting down the plates when Aimee entered the kitchen. She took the forks from a drawer and began helping set the table then got ice from the ice maker for drinks.
The guys arrived a little after eight with Pizzas and a DVD.
“What took so long?” Lexi asked in a harsh tone.
“The line was long.” Aiden waved the DVD in the air.
“A movie. Seriously we can watch movies on the internet.” Lexi was getting mad which was causing her neck to turn red.
“Not this one you can’t.” Colin placed the pizzas on the table.
Josiah took a plate. “Yeah it’s an action pack thriller full of blood and glory.”
Sophia stood behind him. “Gross.”
Lexi rolled her eyes. Aiden laughed as he sat beside Lexi. “Why Lexi I thought those where you favorite movies.”
Colin laughed. “We forgot you are the romantic type.”
The discussion on the movie went on for a few minutes. Sophia and Piper agreeing a comedy would be nice. Aimee agreed on the comedy as she sat between Aiden and Lexi. Colin then confessed it was an action pack romantic comedy.
The meeting started as soon as everyone sat down at the table. Lexi read the letter from the Villa Advisor explaining the Villa rules. It was posted on the message board when she was done.
Next they decided to make some rules specifically for their flat. Colin and Josiah was not thrilled with the no intercourse or no alcohol in the flat rule. But Lexi had a way of convincing them that the rooms where close together and the walls where thin and that if they wanted to stay drunk and be wild they could always join a fraternity.
In the end they agreed to the rules. The last item was voting on the leader. They decided on a written ballet with Lexi and Aiden as the candidates. The end vote was Lexi three and Aiden four. Aiden let Lexi know he voted for her and that he would require her help. Lexi agreed to share the duties with him.
When they were cleaning up Lexi approached Aimee. “I know you was my third vote. Thanks.”
Aimee grinned. “Anytime.”
The movie was just as the guys said an action pack romantic comedy. When it ended Aimee went straight to her room she was so exhausted. Piper came up shortly after and they read their Bibles again. Aimee was really enjoying herself and she thanked God for her knew friends. She added a special prayer for Josiah something about him seems off and it was more than his appearance. He left the flat half way through the movie and stated he would be back Sunday night.
Saturday was a beautiful day so instead of going straight to Huffington Square the girls went to Birch Park with Aiden and Colin. The guys found a group of people to play soccer with and the girls spotted a tennis court nearby. Aimee and Sophia teamed up against Piper and Lexi. When the games ended they went to eat at a small restaurant just outside of the park. It had outdoor tables so they could eat and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
♥ ♥
He had to look twice at the tall blonde girl. She looked very familiar but she could not be who he thought. That was impossible. He watched them from a distance for a while before walking away. There was just no possible way. He was being paranoid.
The man in the grey shirt was watching Aimee this much he was for sure. If memory served him right the guy could mean trouble for Aimee. Things just keep getting more complicated. He needed to get a spy on Aimee quick someone young. Someone who she can befriend her. He had his work cut out for him. No one from this group will do. They are already bonding as her friend and may tell her. The green hair kid is not with them but he looks as if he would turn out to be an enemy not an ally. Madam is not pleased with him as it is. He failed to keep the girl in the states and away from the horrible secrets Neahovia holds for her. The poor girl is in so much danger and doesn’t even know it.
♥ ♥
Sunday morning Aimee and Piper attended services at Wise Chapel. The congregation was so nice. They meet Rev. Mark early and toured the church. The building was remodeled into a beautiful church. Aimee marveled at the wondrous work God had created. She thought about the old building and how it looked when she and Piper arrived to help work on it three years ago. It was so old and ran down. In fact if not for the church restoring the building the city was going to condemn the building.
Most people thought the project was useless that the building had no potential. They said trying to restore and turn it into a church was crazy but when God’s in control nothing is useless or crazy. She then thought about how that building related to a loss soul and how God turns something as ugly as sin into something as beautiful as redemption. He redeemed us from our sins just as he redeemed Wise Chapel from being condemned. She shared her thoughts with Mark. He looked up to heaven. “That’s something close to what I preached for my first sermon here.”
James escorted the girls to a young adult class. The lessons were targeted for college students and young adults starting out in the world. It was a study on the book of James. Aimee loved the book of James and the class was very insightful. She tried to keep from staring at her friends. James and Piper sat together and was whispering to each other when the lesson ended.
After class they went to the main Sanctuary for Worship service. The message was about What God Requires of Us. It was a truly uplifting message. The last part of the sermon was Aimee’s favorite it was taken from the text of Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.
Rev. Mark preached on how with these characteristics we can truly worship God. If we justly show others love and mercy without expecting something in return and walk humbly with God everyday then others will see God through us. Just before the alter call Rev. Mark ask everyone to think about who is it that ultimately gives you strength and courage. God. We should use the virtues he gives us to ensure that we are living our lives as God wants us to. To live as Christ did while here on earth.
The Andersons invited Aimee and Piper to join them for Sunday Dinner. Tessa and Mark prepared the food for the cookout while the girls hung out with James and his sister Cameron. James and Piper found out that they both were majoring in Advertisement.
Over dinner they discussed how the church was reaching out to the youth and college students but the lack of Sunday School teachers was making it hard. Aimee and Piper volunteered to help start a class for fourth through sixth grade. After dinner James offered to escort the girls home and then he took Piper out for a fro yo.