The Lantern Festival

It felt like ages ago when that horrible incident happened and I think that we all grew up from that. Henry and I reconciled our unspoken emotions and have become closer although we still keep our relationship a secret because of Henry's father. Henry explained that we must not yet come forward as the situation has just mellowed down. I am okay with that because I know in my heart what's true. He also sat me down about some details that may change because now that Amelia and Henry's engagement has been announced to the public by Henry and Amelia's father they will both appear more often together which leaves Chase and I under the radar. But he said that it will only be temporary and that he and Amelia plan to break things off properly after the election. The world of the rich and powerful is really like a chess game. One move creates a ripple effect and you can either win fast or lose slowly depending on how you put your pieces down and move them across the board. Henry, Lord Archer and Lord Reinhard (Amelia's father) are playing against each other with Henry on the other side and both lords on the opposing side. There was a time when my grandfather played this exact power hungry game and it did not end well but that's that. I hope things don't escalate.

Within Graceland itself, the security has been tightened to prevent any untoward events happening especially now that the preparations for the Lantern Festival is in high gear. The whole Academy will be open to the public and that poses a little threat to the students. Most importantly to Amelia since the announcement people have been clamoring to see the last remaining relative of the fallen Lascelles Royal Family, Amelia and her father Lord Reinhard and have been totally curious of her which is why I guess Lord Archer chose her as one of his pieces. Poor Amelia being tugged around like a pawn in this power struggle.

There hasn't been any news about the masked men that tried to abduct her but abducted me instead. No one else knew who the assailants really abducted as my identity was hidden from the records to protect me from the assailants who might want to exact vengeance on me for ruining their plan. Detective Abernathy hasn't been able to locate them he senses that there must be something more sinister than just a kidnap for ransom scenario as first painted by the masked assailants. So he gave me his personal number so that I could get in touch with him just in case something comes up and vice versa. He's also coordinated with Amelia's family and now her security detail is like the Iron Wall as Chase would describe because even he could not get near Amelia for some time now. If your wondering if Amelia knows that we are related, the answer is nope. We kept the truth among the two of us, Henry and I, since there is no way of telling who is on my side or not. It's too early for that and not to mention I would have to prove my identity but how could I if I don't have any record or evidence to show. Although Henry says that I could always have a DNA test and prove how much I am related to the Royal Family. But I don't think we have to go that far yet. If Henry believes me then that's all I need at least for now.

Graceland Academy is no so different from other schools that have an open festival to the public the students are tasked to put up booths for every class and try to showcase the excellence and beauty of Graceland Academy to everyone who visits. Every Program for the Arts also has some sort of presentation much like our Swan Lake that will be the highlight of the Gala Night of the the Lantern Festival. The other programs will be accompanying us as well like the students of the music program and the drama department who will be filling in as the crowd roles needed in our performance. On the other hand the athletic departments will be holding several charity games and have invited other schools to compete with them as well. Its a festival of festivals in Graceland and as the premier school in Astoria, the Astorian government gives attention to this event as there will be some dignitaries both local and foreign coming in to celebrate with Graceland Academy.

One by one students from every class are busy putting up their different booths and because this is an elite school you won't see poorly made signs or poorly constructed stalls. Some of these groups even hired professionals. Why? Because they can and they need to, there will be dignitaries after all and we wouldn't want them to see a shabby looking shop inside a marvelous campus. Some even go about the concept of bringing their family business as their class's booth so it would be natural to see the grounds of Graceland decked with some pop-up restaurants and branded stalls that are also found in the Cityscape. There will be in some occasions celebrities performing with and for the students. Out of this world right? I mean I would've been happy if they asked us to build our own shabby shop inside the campus and give our best in what we chose to do. But it can't be helped when you have the daughter's and the son's of rich and powerful people going to school in Graceland. The proceeds by the way all go to chosen charities across Astoria and the class that raises the largest sum of money to donate will be given merits.

For us, our class representative has opted to go with a very unique and fond approach. Since her father is the designated postmaster of Cloches she suggested that we bring the old habit of writing personal letters but to put a spin on it. There will be a set of students who will be the post men and women delivering the special mail written in our little writing café and post office within the campus of course and there will be students to help in the writing of letters, baking, brewing and serving goods on the other side of the café post office and there will be those keeping track of the deliveries. And because this is for the Lantern festival of Graceland Academy there will be a limited edition stationaries with post cards and stamps with the face of our dear good Graceland Prince. I thought of procuring some for myself when no one is looking of course. Who knows I might even write him a letter. Hehehehe… I feel so giddy inside just thinking about it.

Of course since the GABC has been preparing for the Lantern Festival for more than two months now we are hunkering down as we are getting closer and closer to the Gala Night. When Anthony, Henry and I came back and met with the members and Mr. Michael we devised an alibi on Anthony's injury and mine. We said that we were in a minor vehicular accident we got away with it bit we still got an earful from Mr. Michael for not taking good care even if we were understudies and we will only be able to dance if anything should happen to the principal dancers, to Amelia and Chase. Mr. Michael berated us on the thought that does he have to go get understudies for Anthony and I because of our carelessness. It does sound silly of course to have understudies for the understudies. The three of us agreed on keeping what really happened that night as a secret.

Ever since we came back and have seen each other, Anthony has been nothing but dotting. Even though we were both recovering fast and almost remarkably well he seems to treat me like fine China that at any time I might break.

"Hey Christie, tell me if your tired and I'll go get you water okay?" Anthony states like a worrying mother.

"I am fine Anthony." I smile at him.

"I know but I still haven't done enough for you. If I was stronger back then nothing bad would've happened to you." Anthony clenches his fists.

I touch his clenched fists to calm him down. "I am here aren't I? We never could've guessed that things would turn out that way, so stop apologizing to me. I am much stronger than I look." I nudge him on his side.

Our closeness seemed to be misunderstood by the other members but Anthony and I know the truth. He also respects my boundaries now more than ever. Him, Chase and I look like the three musketeers. We talk, laugh and joke around inside the studio during practice. Anthony has also developed the habit of waiting for me in the halls of our class to accompany me to our studio and Chase would tag along with him. Anthony comes and fetches me from my class because he says he owes me this much to make sure that I am always protected and that if he would be allowed he would never leave my side as for Chase well he tags along with Anthony because he has nothing better to do with Amelia being heavily guarded and all. One time we even joked about it.

"What is up with this security around Amelia? She's like surrounded by this huge Iron wall wearing shades and suits." Chase complains to us.

"I guess they found it necessary to keep her on guard with all the attention she's getting." I tell Chase.

"But she's only a distant relative of the Royal Family and it's not like they would come into power anytime soon. If you asked me they are just flexing their new found connection." Chase continues on.

"Well if she does marry into Henry's family she really will need added security who knows who else is after the Archer family and everyone around them." Anthony spoke up.

Both Chase and I did not answer for probably the same reason, we both don't want that to happen. We both have our beloved reasons. In the end this will all pass but for now we just have to ride it out patiently.