A Princess With A Purpose

By Jamie Harris

Angel and her brother Caleb moved from Maine to attend George Washington University, where Angel was expected to be a star soccer player. Angel hoped to leave her past behind. Upon arrival, she met Michelle, a spunky pre-law student who grew up in Ireland, and her twin sister Shawna from Louisiana. Angel and Michelle became best friends. Michelle's rich father provided a house for his daughters, and they invited Angel and Caleb to live with them. Angel soon realized she can run away from home, but she can't run away from her dreadful past. Angel is fighting for her life, and her only hope is her newfound friend, but will that friendship be strong enough to overcome the evil that's after Angel?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781635753059

Book preview

301055-ebook.jpg

A

Princess

with a

Purpose

A Novel

Jamie Harris

ISBN 978-1-63575-304-2 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63575-305-9 (Digital)

Copyright © 2017 by Jamie Harris

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

296 Chestnut Street

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans for good and not for evil. Plans to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11)

To the Man from the beach, whose inspiration, guidance,

and encouragement made this book possible.

Chapter 1

Heads turned to watch a red 1969 Mustang drive down the main road of George Washington University. Born to Run blared out the car stereo, and two cowboy boots stuck out the passenger window. The driver, a teenage girl, scanned the campus with frustration in search of something. I can’t find it anywhere. She rounded a sharp curve. Ooh, what does that sign say? Yes! Student parking.

She pulled into the first parking spot she found and shut down the car’s engine. Phew, we made it.

The owner of the cowboy boots straightened his posture and said, You know, Angel, we should at least call them and let them know we’re okay.

Caleb, you promised once we crossed the Maine state border we’d never talk about it again. I left all that stuff in Maine. I would have left you there too if I didn’t need you.

Wait! You think I had something to do with it?

Angel dropped her shoulders and sighed. I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore.

I’m your brother, for crying out loud.

And he’s my father! Angel yelled.

Caleb shifted his body to face his sister. Angel, you’re confusing your imagination with reality. They were nightmares. That’s all they were, nightmares.

No, it’s all real. She looked down at her lap and said, I have evidence.

Caleb’s face flicked with the slightest bit of uneasiness. What evidence?

Angel turned her face to the driver’s window. It doesn’t matter. It won’t prove anything anyway.

No, seriously, what evidence do you have? Show me your evidence.

I can’t, Angel said dismayed.

Why not?

She turned to Caleb. I just can’t, okay?

Caleb threw his head back against the seat and let out an exasperated breath. After a few moments of staring at the roof, he lowered his head and said, Okay, Angel. Look, we’re in a new state a thousand miles from home…

Seven hundred and twelve.

What?

We’re seven hundred and twelve miles from home, and we’re not in a state. We’re in a district, the District of Columbia.

Whatever. My point is, we’re in a new place starting a new life. I’ll never bring up Maine again. I promise. He reassured her with a smile. Forgive me?

Angel’s serious face melted into a forgiving smile. Come on. Let’s go start our new life.

As Caleb got out of the car, he muttered under his breath, Start a new life. Boy, you got that one right, Angel.

Angel jump-started a Marlboro from Caleb’s partially smoked one and let out a puff of smoke. Caleb, before school starts, I think you should get a haircut, she suggested as they headed toward a building. You don’t want your hair as long as mine, do you?

Get real, Angel. My hair doesn’t even come close to the length of yours. He gave a slight lean backward and said, A couple more inches, Angel, and you’ll sit on yours.

She ignored his comment but continued, And a shave too. Honestly, I don’t understand the infatuation you have with dirty and disgusting hair on your face.

Anything else, dear? Caleb teased.

Yes, you need to lose a little weight. What do you weigh now, two-twenty?

Two-ten. And just because you’re skinny doesn’t mean everyone else is fat.

I’m not skinny. I’m physically fit. Coach said so.

He also said you could stand to gain at least ten pounds.

"Stand to doesn’t mean need to."

They reached the doorway of the Bursar’s office. Caleb frowned. Come on, let’s get this done and over with. They entered the building.

Across campus, two girls attracted stares from everyone they passed. Shoulder-length auburn hair with bangs that almost touched their green eyes and physical features made it hard to tell them apart. The identical blue jeans tucked into black leather boots, white blouses, and the European cut blazers they wore made it even more difficult.

Though they looked identical, their accents gave them away. One girl whined in a strong Irish accent, "Come on, Shawna. Let’s get something to eat, please."

No, Michelle, we have to get our schedules. Now, stop whining, Shawna responded in a prominent Southern accent.

"But I’m starving."

No, Michelle, you’re spoiled.

Am not.

Am too. Face it, Michelle. Grandma and Grandpa spoiled you rotten.

Did not.

Did too.

They walked a few moments in silence. Shawna kept eying her sister’s face. Finally, she just couldn’t take anymore. Oh, all right, Michelle, stop pouting. I’ll tell you what. We’ll pick up our class schedules, and then we can take the bus home and I’ll fix you anything you want for lunch.

"Fine. But I don’t want to take the bus home."

Hey, it’s your fault we don’t have a car.

Is not.

Is too. Shawna pointed to a building. The Bursar’s office is in there. Come on, let’s get this done with so we can get home and feed you. Then I won’t have to listen to your bellyaching.

Inside the Bursar’s office, the twins took their place in line. "Aw, we’re going to be in line forever, Shawna."

No, we won’t, Michelle. Now will you please, for five minutes, stop whining?

This is boring. Michelle started to look around. Her focus landed on the two teens in front of her. She laughed. Excuse me, she said, tapping the two teens on the shoulders. When they turned to face her, she said in a serious tone, The ’70s called. They want their clothes back.

Michelle! Shawna’s cheeks flushed.

"Aw, come on, Shawna, tie-dyed tee shirt, patched jeans, flowers in her hair, bandana around his head, AC/DC belt buckle, please."

Shawna, red as an apple, apologized. Please excuse my sister. Obviously, manners aren’t one of her strong points.

Amused, Caleb replied, Hey, look, Angel, it’s the Doublemint Twins.

This time, Angel turned red. Caleb, that’s not polite.

Shawna extended her hand to Angel. Hi, I’m Shawna, and unfortunately, this is my sister, Michelle.

Offended, Michelle said, "Hey, what do you mean unfortunately? Being your sister is the best thing that’s ever happened to you."

Angel shook Shawna’s hand. I’m Angel, and this is my brother, Caleb.

I’m confused, Caleb said.

Michelle scanned Caleb from head to foot. I can see that. But tell me, what’s rattling around in that head of yours?

All right, it’s obvious you two are sisters. Why do you speak with different accents?

Angel chastised Caleb. That’s none of your business, Caleb.

Shawna understood the curiosity and assured Angel she didn’t mind the question. We get that question a lot. It’s a long story.

It’s a long line. Caleb countered.

Shawna started to explain the mystery of the twins’ different accents. Our parents were newlyweds when they left Ireland for America to embark on a new career in commercial real estate. They settled in Louisiana, near New Orleans.

Swamp City, USA. Caleb laughed.

Shawna brushed Caleb’s comment off, but Michelle didn’t. Yeah, and where are you from—Arse City, USA?

What’s an arse?

You are.

Speak English, you little leprechaun.

Angel turned red as a beet. Caleb, stop it, or I swear I’ll slap you. You’re not only humiliating yourself, but you’re embarrassing me too.

Shawna could see Angel getting upset with her brother. She also knew Michelle never backs down from anyone, so she thought fast. Angel, what’s your major?

They all focused on Angel. Biology, I’m pre-med. My goal is to become a child psychiatrist.

Hey, biology is my major too. I want to be a neurosurgeon. Maybe we’ll be in some classes together. Michelle won’t be in any of our classes. She dreams of being a lawyer. It’s her passion.

"I don’t dream of being a lawyer. I’m going to be a lawyer. I’m going to Harvard and get my SJD. Someday, I’ll be the youngest Supreme Court justice in history."

What makes you think Harvard will take you? Don’t you have to be smart to go there?

Caleb—I swear, one more comment and I’m walking out of here, Angel chastised.

Oh, come on. I’m just having fun.

Shawna noticed others eavesdropping. Sure, Michelle can be obnoxious, but she is smart. She graduated top of her class. I don’t know anyone more intelligent.

Now you do. Caleb puffed up his chest.

Who? You? Ha, how much is one plus one? Ngh, wrong, Michelle mocked.

I know I’m smarter than you, you little leprechaun. I meant Angel. She’s a prodigy.

Angel wanted to sink into the floor. She looked at the twins and shook her head. I’m not a prodigy.

Angel, will you stop always putting yourself down. Caleb turned to Shawna and Michelle. Angel’s IQ is off the charts. She graduated valedictorian and turned down an invitation to Oxford. Angel’s going to school here on a full ride. Plus, she’s an all-state soccer champion. They want her on the team here.

It’s not like he’s making it sound, honestly. I’m really nothing special. Angel slapped Caleb’s arm. Why do you always do that to me? Why can’t you just let me be normal for once?

Because you’re not normal.

Yes, I am! she shouted. All the students in line watched as she ran out of the building.

Shawna, get my schedule for me. I’ll catch up with you later, Michelle said with concern in her voice and left to find Angel to make sure she was all right.

Chapter 2

Michelle found Angel by a fountain swirling the water with her hand lost in thought. I’ve been looking all over for you. She noticed tears in Angel’s eyes. Michelle sat. Hey, you okay?

I’m okay I guess. It’s just… She shrugged her shoulders. I don’t know.

What? That it sucks being really smart?

I’m really not that smart.

Angel, Oxford doesn’t invite just anyone to attend their school. Michelle lifted Angel’s chin with the side of her index finger and looked into her eyes. Tsk, such sad eyes. Why’d you turn Oxford down?

Angel shrugged. I don’t know. I guess I didn’t want to be like them. Angel looked past Michelle. Her eyes sparkled, and she spoke like someone who believed in fairy tales. I wanted to be normal. You know, go to a normal university, have normal friends, do normal things.

Michelle considered Angel’s desires before she spoke. I was born in the United States, but I lived most of my life in Ireland. I speak with an Irish accent and know more about Ireland than America. That doesn’t make me any less an American than Shawna, you, or even your bozo of a brother.

What’s your point?

My point is, just because you’re smarter than most doesn’t make you abnormal. It makes you different. You’re like an apple amongst oranges. Apples and oranges are different, but they’re both fruit, and they’re both just as tasty. Michelle frowned. Oh, I wish I hadn’t used that analogy. It just reminded me how hungry I am. Let’s get some lunch. Do you have a car?

Yes, I do have a car, but what about Caleb and Shawna?

Michelle stood. Let them get their own lunch.

We can’t leave them stranded.

Why? I do it to Shawna all the time. They’re adults. They can figure things out for themselves. Michelle grabbed Angel’s hands and pulled her up from the fountain ledge.

While Caleb and Shawna waited in line, Shawna wondered why Caleb seemed annoyed with Angel rather than concerned. She imagined that’s just the way siblings are. Well, Michelle is with Angel. Michelle could be obnoxious, but she could also be very caring and understanding, she thought.

Caleb and Shawna took care of business at the Bursar. They stood on the front steps of the building, and Caleb suggested they look for their sisters. Angel and I still have to find a place to live.

After an hour’s search and no sign of the girls or the Mustang, Caleb got angry. Shawna knew what happened. Caleb, Michelle probably convinced Angel to take her to lunch. Michelle’s been bellyaching all morning how hungry she was. Caleb smacked his hand with his fist. She tried to defuse his anger. Caleb, I have a thought. Michelle and I live not far from campus. Michelle’s bound to have Angel bring her home eventually. Let’s go there, have some lunch, and wait for them. Caleb agreed.

At the girls’ ranch-style home, Caleb took a swig of beer to wash down the last bite of his sandwich. So, Michelle was a hell on wheels, huh?

Shawna swallowed a piece of strawberry. With our father starting a new business, he was hardly home. Our parents didn’t expect twins. I guess the straw that broke the camel’s back was when Michelle was three. She brought home a baby alligator and asked if she could keep it. It wasn’t the first time she did something like that. She’d always bring home strange creatures from the swamp and ask if she could keep them. Shawna laughed. You know, for as many times Michelle brought something home from the swamps, that’s about as many times the police or a neighbor brought Michelle home claiming they saved her from certain death. Shawna took a sip of beer. Oh, my parents tried everything they could think of to prevent her from playing in the swamps, but nothing worked. Michelle is a very determined person. Finally, for her own safety, our parents sent her to Ireland to live with our grandparents. She came back home in August, when she turned eighteen.

Caleb laughed. She sounds like a handful. I probably would have shipped her off to Ireland too.

Oh, don’t get me wrong. My parents love her very much, and we went to Ireland as often as we could to spend time with her.

Did she ever come to the states?

A few times, but mostly we went to Ireland. Besides, I think Michelle liked Ireland better than Louisiana.

Caleb heard a car pull in the driveway. Sounds like they’re back.

Michelle opened the Mustang’s passenger door and fell out of the car. Angel laughed. Are you okay?

No, I’m Michelle—I think.

Angel staggered to the girl lying on the driveway. She tried to help Michelle up, but instead she fell on top of her new friend. Michelle, I think we’re drunk.

No, we’re not—we’re hammered.

Caleb and Shawna came outside and found Michelle and Angel struggling to get up from the ground. The two girls laughed hysterically. The sober siblings helped the two intoxicated girls into the house. Michelle, you’re drunk, Shawna scolded.

Pl—astered. Michelle wrapped her arm around Caleb’s neck. He smelled the alcohol on her breath as she slurred the words, You know, birds eat more than your sis-sis-sister does.

Annoyed, Caleb looked at Angel lying half on and half off the couch, Yeah, but apparently they don’t drink as much.

Hold, hold on to that thought. Michelle took her arm off Caleb and started down the hall.

Where are you going?

To ride the porcelain train. Oh, and by the way, be careful. Angel did the technicolor yawn in the car.

What’s she talking about? Caleb asked Shawna.

Michelle is going to the bathroom to throw up, but you don’t have to worry about Angel. She already threw up in the car. Michelle speaks her own language when she’s drunk.

Caleb turned his attention to Angel. Angel, what’s going on here?

Ssh, you’ll wake up Angel, she replied, half unconscious.

Caleb kept his anger in check, but Shawna could see fury in his eyes. I don’t believe this. We still have to find a place to stay today.

Listen, why don’t you stay here for the night? We have two extra bedrooms. Angel’s in no condition to look for a place to stay anyway. You can put her in the bedroom down the hall to the left where she can sleep it off. I’ll put up some coffee, and we can figure this all out. Tomorrow you can get a fresh start.

I don’t understand this, Shawna. Angel never gets drunk.

You’re lucky. Michelle spends half her waking hours drunk.

Caleb carried Angel to the back bedroom and dropped her on the bed. We’ll deal with this later, he said to her, but she never heard a word.

The next morning, Caleb and Shawna had just finished breakfast when Michelle entered wearing only a Notre Dame Football jersey that hung like a mini dress. She was whistling a happy tune. Hey, what are you still doing here, bright boy?

I’m waiting for Angel to wake up. I’m surprised you’re able to function this morning—considering last night.

Why? Did I appear incapacitated in any way?

Drunk is more like it.

Intoxicated.

Is there a difference?

Absolutely. Michelle peered into the living room. By the way, where is the little lassie?

She’s sleeping it off in the bedroom on the left, Shawna said.

Well, I guess I’d better go wake her up. We have a lot to do today. Michelle started for the hall.

Caleb turned red. No, you and she don’t have anything to do today. Angel and I have to find a place to stay.

Michelle stopped at the doorway. Look at that, Shawna. I drink, and he gets the hangover. Don’t worry, bright boy. Angel already found a place to stay.

Where?

Here, Michelle said, and scampered out of the room.

Michelle, get back here, Caleb called, but she kept going to Angel’s room.

She found the girl buried under a mountain of blankets still wearing the same outfit she had on yesterday. Michelle opened the window shade, letting sunlight brighten the room. Wake up, sleepyhead. It’s a hap-hap-happy day. She nudged Angel.

Mm, go away.

Michelle pulled Angel up to a sitting position. Come on, lassie, we have much to do today.

What time is it?

It’s seven-thirty in the morning. Now come on up and at ’em.

Mm, go away. Come back at noon.

Michelle guessed Angel was a virgin drinker. She knew exactly how to help the girl. What you need is a hot shower and a change of clothes. She swung Angel’s feet off the bed. You take care of the shower—she eyed Angel—and I’ll take care of the clothes. You look about my size. I’ll find you something of mine to wear.

An hour later, Michelle and Angel entered the kitchen. They sat at the table, and Shawna offered Angel a cup of coffee.

Angel doesn’t drink coffee, Caleb said. She only drinks tea.

Well, I don’t know how good tea is for a hangover, but it’s worth a try. Michelle and I don’t drink much tea, but I still think we have some. Shawna started to check the cupboard for teabags.

While Shawna searched for teabags, Caleb started in on Angel. What’s this business about you staying here?

What? It took Angel a moment to comprehend what Caleb meant. Michelle offered and I accepted.

Michelle, don’t you think we all need to discuss this before you and Angel make any decisions? Shawna asked as she prepared Angel’s tea.

What’s to discuss? Angel needs a place to stay and we have the room, case closed.

"No, no, the case is not closed. Angel needs to stay with me!"

"Okay, you could stay here too. Geez, it’s not as if we were going to leave you homeless. You really need to learn to relax."

Now you listen here, you little leprechaun, Caleb started.

Angel cut him off, Caleb, it’s an ideal situation.

No, it’s not ideal! You spend one afternoon with her—Caleb pointed to Michelle—and you come here drunk as a skunk! You’re not living here, and that’s final! You’re staying with me where I can take care of you!

Angel dropped her eyes to the table and said nothing. Shawna and Michelle noticed. Shawna intervened, You know, Caleb, maybe we should hear what they have to say. They might have something.

Caleb, Angel said meekly.

No, Angel.

Angel, Caleb is right. Everyone looked at Michelle astonished. She suggested the idea, and now she appeared to agree with Caleb. "Angel, Caleb’s the man, and he needs to make the decisions. If he wants to pay rent to someone he doesn’t even know instead of living here free amongst friends, you need to accept that stupid decision.

"And the fact you only have one car between the two of you, well, I’m sure Caleb won’t mind staying at home when you come here to study with Shawna. You’re probably going to have some classes together.

Ooh, I forgot. What would the guys on campus think when they find out he lives in a house with three girls? Michelle looked at Caleb. Yeah, I’m sure you can find a better deal.

Now hold on a minute. We shouldn’t be so quick to make such a decision. Caleb started to change his tone. What do you mean by living here for free?

Daddy owns this house. He bought it so we could live here while we go to school. He pays for everything, and all we have to do is make sure we keep it up. He even gives us money for groceries and spending allowances. All you and Angel would have to do is help with the groceries and chores.

Is your father rich or something?

"He’s got mil—lions."

If your father’s so rich, why didn’t he buy you a car? Caleb asked.

Shawna replied, Our father doesn’t trust Michelle with a car. Michelle had a few accidents.

Only five!

What do you do, drive in Irish? Caleb teased.

You’ve had five accidents since you got your license? Angel seemed amazed.

"Oh, you mean legal accidents. I only had three of those."

Shawna, if we decide to live here, she’s not going to drive my car, is she? Caleb asked.

It’s not just your car. It’s Angel’s too, and if she says I can drive it, then I can drive it.

If I say you can’t drive it, you can’t drive it, and I don’t care what Angel says.

Caleb, Michelle won’t drive your car, Shawna told Caleb.

Why can’t I drive their car?

Because you can’t drive, Michelle, Shawna answered.

I can too, and I have a license to prove it.

I don’t mean you can’t drive. I mean you’re no good at it.

Michelle looked at Angel and said, She’s got a point.

Caleb considered Michelle’s argument about the housing situation. You know, Angel, it might not be a bad idea if we live here. I mean, if it’s all right with Shawna. I’m making a thousand a month on my writing articles. We can take our savings and put it in the bank. He looked at Shawna. What do you think, Shawna?

I think it’s a great idea. We have the room. I also compared my schedule with Angel’s. We’re in many of the same classes, and I can sure use a study partner.

Okay, then, we’re all agreed, Caleb stated.

There’s one thing I need to mention, Caleb, Angel squeaked. I gave Michelle four thousand dollars of our savings.

Angel cowered when Caleb slammed his hand on the table. You did what?

Caleb—

No, Angel, get it back.

Caleb, by the end of the school year, I can make you ten times that amount.

And just how are you going to do that?

Michelle’s a genius when it comes to money. She’s constantly advising our father, and she has made us a nice nest egg already.

Really? I’d like to hear more about this genius’s super power.

Not now. Angel and I have plans, so go empty the car.

What plans?"

None-of-your-business plans.

Well then, if you want the car emptied, then you go empty it.

Hey, I don’t have a problem with that. Michelle looked at Angel. Come on, lassie. Let’s go dump your brother’s stuff in the driveway.

Never mind. I’ll do it myself, Caleb said, getting up from the table.

As he headed out of the room, Michelle called, And clean up the puke in the front seat while you’re at it.

When Caleb left the room, Angel said to Michelle, I saw what you did. I saw how you manipulated Caleb into doing what we wanted.

See, Angel, being smart has its advantages.

Either alcohol had no lingering effect on Angel or shopping overpowered Angel’s hangover. Come on, Michelle. I want to check out this store.

Slow down, lassie, Michelle said, trying to catch up with her friend. We have all day.

Angel had enthusiasm and resources, but she lacked fashion sense. Angel, they don’t make angel sleeves anymore. They went out of style. Angel, you already bought three pairs of boots. Why not buy these pretty sandals? Michelle started to feel sorry for the girl’s lack of fashion knowledge.

"Please, Michelle, just two angel-sleeve tops. Angel showed Michelle the tops. These, and that’s it. I promise."

I don’t know how you found this seventies shop anyway or why I let you drag me into it.

"Please."

Oh, all right, lassie, but on one condition.

Anything.

I get to pick out your next two outfits.

It’s a deal.

By the end of the day, Angel had purchased a fair variety of clothes, four pairs of boots, two pairs of dress shoes, two pairs of casual shoes, and a pair of sneakers. Her crème de la crème was a top