Why Not Us

Tanner's POV

Tanner did his usual Monday routine of sitting around his room eating breakfast and spending the next six hours with Madam Fernandez and the choir who were now tasked with coming up with the music list for the third gala. They didn't want to reuse too many songs from the past two galas. The last gala would be a more classical list but they weren't exactly working on that right now.

"Hey Tanner," Madam called, "could you decide on the opening song?"
"Oh course, any suggestions from His Highness?" He asked.

She shook her head in response so he walked off to a couch in the back to try and figure out something for the opening.

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The six hours had finished and Tanner was ready to pass out. It was only five o'clock but he felt so tired that he was practically stumbling up the stairs. He almost thought he was hallucinating when he got to the top and looked to the side to see Bailey and Maisie cuddling on a sofa in front of the hanging paintings, just a few steps from where Bailey had collapsed the morning before. Maisie ran her hand through his blond hair while he smiled with his eyes closed. They looked peaceful. Snapping his eyes back and forth from them to the hall leading to his room he finally decided to go with the ladder. He quietly sped up but instead ended up tumbling to the floor. He laid there for a second before rushing to his feet without looking back at the sight behind him and going straight for his room.

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Tanner could feel the tears in his eyes as he washed the conditioner from his hair. All he could think was why? Was he no longer good enough for Bailey? Maybe the excitement of sneaking around had worn off. Or, worst of all, maybe he had just been an experiment and it had failed. No matter the option it would be heartbreaking. He remembered the conversation he had accidentally overheard the morning before. Just the thought of it felt like rubbing salt in the wound.

He stepped out of the shower and threw his pj's on then took care of his hair before reaching for his phone. He brushed his teeth while the phone buzzed. Click.

"Hola?" The familiar voice said.

"Hola mamá," He replied, "hows tía?"

"She's doing better," He spat out his toothpaste and started to rinse.

"Mamá can I come stay with you guys?" Tanner asked, "I could be there by Wednesday"

"Of course cariño," She warmly said, "but why so suddenly? Is everything alright at home and the palace?"

"Si mamá" Tanner muttered, "I just miss you all!"