9. Chatting with Siblings

I wake up on Saturday morning to the sweet smell of cinnamon. I climb out of bed, brush my hair, then run downstairs where Mother pulls a pan of cinnamon rolls out of the oven. Her cinnamon rolls are the best.

"Good morning, Gillian!" Mother says with a smile.

"Morning." I respond as I sit down at the table next to Trixie.

"Hi, Gilly! This afternoon, Han, Hamish, Felix, and I are going to play with Delane, Naveen, and their siblings! Want to come? They're going to show us their new dresses!"

"Please, Gilly?" Han and Hamish beg in sync.

"Sorry guys, but I can't! I'm going to Royal Manor."

Trixie smiles bright. "Royal Manor?" I nod. "Why?" Trixie asks.

"For my best friend's birthday."

"Where the Royal Court lives? No way! How can your friend have their birthday party there? I want my birthday party there!"

"It's because my best friend is a prince and he lives there." I pause. "Ya know, Jax. Rapunzel's brother."

"Ohhh, I remember Jax!" Trixie exclaims. "Not gonna lie, he is amazing."

Felix walks over to the table and says, "Jax is just your best friend? Are you sure?"

I give him a confused look. "Yes," I say sternly, "Jax is my best friend and my best friend only."

What the heck, Felix.

Okay, I may like Jax, but I still can't decide. I don't think I do, but no matter what, I don't want to give my siblings any ideas.

My siblings all laugh. "Anyways, I'm leaving here at 4:00 and I'll be there for a week.

"Wait, that means you won't be coming to the ball with us?" Trixie mutters.

"No, I won't be there. But it's ok, you guys will have Delane and her siblings to play with." I respond.

"Okay," Trixie groans, "have fun with the princesses and your friends!"

Even though I don't think I will be hanging out with the princesses, I say, "I will. And I'll be back before you know it."