Oh, Savanna

I was settled into my apartment that I had, believe it or not, payed for myself— with absolutely no help from my parents. I was extremely proud of that stepping stone. I was turning twenty-one and it was about time that I started fending for myself; living my own life, being my own person. I needed the freedom and I needed this fresh start— away from the palace, away from people who know who I am.

My eyes surveyed my living space. My studio apartment had an industrial look; untouched red brick made up my walls, the only room dividers I had were for the bathroom and the bedroom. I had always loved the concept of living in a small space like this, but what with my palace life, the dream seemed to only be that: a dream. Despite growing up in a lavish ‘home’, I needed the break from the countless bedrooms and the different wings. I needed a space that I could call my own and it would only be that.. my own. I never pictured my life panning out the way it did, I never thought I’d be here, in DC, living my own life. With no chains, no gates holding me back. I feet free.

It was all just a dream until Austin came into my life, he seemed to either change my opinions or help me release my rebellious side. He was the person that really understood and helped me with my self-esteem and my confidence to leave the palace.
I found myself sitting on my beige-leathered sofa, staring out of the large wall-to-ceiling window; the overcast day was all that greeted me with a sad “Good morning”. I remember the day Austin showed up at the palace, suitcase in hand a warm smile on his face. His eyes gleaming with something I could only hope was excitement. The day resembled today in Washington, the dark rain clouds clung to the sky like a thick blanket, allowing no sun to peak through its cracks. Today’s weather offered me the same comfort as my favourite blanket; I felt as if the clouds could swoop down and wrap me up in their arms.


I was notified that Austin would be staying at the palace, my parents had our maids set up the spare bedroom. They laid fresh linen down and set out new toiletries for our expecting guest.
I had asked to read over the letter they had sent him but my parents had denied me that, I didn’t spend too much time fussing over it though, grateful that they were giving him an opportunity to stay at the palace. Grateful that they were giving me the opportunity.
I was in my usual hideout; there was bite in the air and the trees blew with anticipation in the breeze. I sat snuggled up in a blanket on one of the comforters as my mind did what it did best: overthink.
Days like this always made it easy for my mind to run wild, there was a calming and worry-free atmosphere that the rain would always bring with it.
“Sav?” I heard a familiar voice call, it wasn’t my cousin, Vic, though. It was a voice that I had spent a month waiting to hear- it was Austin. I sat up and wrapped my brightly coloured patched quilt over my shoulders, letting out a unintended sigh. I walked to the doorway of my treehouse to find Austin was already half way up the stairs; I leaned against the doorway, his eyes finally reaching mine at the top of the stairs.
“Hello, Austin.” I smiled warmly, walking up to greet him halfway for a hug.
“Hey, how are you?” he said as he rubbed his hands against the backside of his jeans. He was dressed in black skinny-denim with a grey v-neck that showed off his tattoos nicely. He had a beanie pulled over his head, tucking away most of his loose hair. I stepped back, allowing him entrance to the treehouse. I couldn't help but wonder how my mother would have felt when her eyes casted on Austin’s tattoos. I couldn't help but laugh inwardly at the possible reaction she might of had.
“I’m doing good thank you, and how are you?” I kicked myself internally at my formality when it wasn’t necessary with Austin. He let out a small chuckle.
“I’m great! I was surprised by the letter I got.” he laughed again.
“I’m so sorry about that… I hope we didn’t pull you away from tour.” I smiled shyly, he offered me a large grin.
“I’m on break for a month, so it wasn’t a problem.” he offered me a wink; his flirtatious side was something I hadn’t seen that night.


“How are you feeling after that evening? I mean, what happened?” he asked me.
“Oh, I think my anxiety just shot through the roof. You know? I’m much better, thank you, Austin.”
“You don’t need to reply so formally, Savanna.” he laughed, earning a nervous laugh from me.
“You don’t need to call me Savanna, Austin.” I shot back with a smirk, earning a husky chuckle from him. His laugh lines showed around his mouth and his eyes. He had such a carefree persona and such a loveable personality. From what I’ve seen.
“So, I’m here, what will we be doing? Want to go grab coffee?” I grimaced, I’d never been outside the palace walls I was never allowed to, how would I get passed the guards?
“I’ve never really gone out the palace.” I admit with a sheepish grin. Austin raised his eyebrows, a small smile played on his lips. Not a sympathetic smile but rather a what-a-shame smile, as if there was something beyond the gates that was worth experiencing.
“If you’re up for it, I’ll sneak you out?”
“How would you do that? There’s guards everywhere.” Austin got a mischievous grin on his face.
“I’ve snuck out before, I know how to do it.”
“You’re a self-proclaimed pro at sneaking out?” I asked humorously.
“Indeed I am, your highness.” I groaned at his referral. “Just follow me.” with that we descended my treehouse steps and made our way back to the palace, Austin talking of his tour-life adventures and how he got an adrenaline rush from performing. I had never seen such passion from one human being and it amazed me.


“Hey, Savvi, what are you guys going to do?” my cousin, Vic, asked as he made his way down the stairs. His headphones snaked around his neck as he approached us. Austin smiled and revealed his plan to Vic; I didn’t know why Austin trusted Vic so much, I mean, I trust Vic, but I don’t know why he was revealing his plans of breaking the rules to him.
“Ah, Sav. I can see having Austin around will be good for you.” my eyes grew.
“Really? Breaking the rulles would be good for me?”
“In a sense, yes. You shouldn’t need to be cooped up here.” Vic explained.
“You want to join us?” Austin offered, Vic smirked. He had seen the world beyond the palace, he didn’t need to be stuck here like I did. My parents were always willing to let him out, he didn’t have as many responsibilities as I did.
“Nah, I’ve got things to do. But you two kids have fun.” Austin chuckled and as we walked towards the front door, Vic stopped us. “If you want to sneak out, let me show you a perfect place to do it.”

Notes