His Princess

The first happy bloom of flowers under the sky that smells of spring ~ that first soar of a growing nestle, the time it spreads its wings ~ that first drop of heavenly water and the farmer begins to sing ~ an excited, young damsel who has just been offered a ring

 

   Such was the joy that swelled inside him. He could not have felt any better. His gleaming, crystal clear face radiated a smile as wide as Mr.Hickinbottom, his neighbour, and it could well be estimated from his expression that every word that’d fall from his mouth would be akin to Mr.Hickinbottom’s ever-so-happy dog’s joyous barks; if only it could speak.

   He stood outside the airport, waiting; waiting for his princess. As each minute ended, being thrown into nothingness, never to return, his hopes straightaway clung onto the next one. He was dying to catch a glimpse of her, dying to see how much his princess had transformed. Is she just as beautiful as she was back then? Or has she grown more beautiful? Is her voice just as mellifluous as it was? What about her hair? Is it still a perfect shade of lemon yellow? Or has it, by any chance, changed colour? Are her eyes still as big and shiny as-

“BOO!”

“Ahhhhhhh!”

“Goodness me, Daddy, that was nearly five inches above the ground! You broke your own record!”

“You scared the hell out of me, Darla! Whew.” He replied, panting.

“Oh Daddy...” Before he knew it, he was pulled in for a big, teddy bear hug. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too, Princess.” He said, his smile the broadest now, trying hard to stop those tears from rushing out. He couldn't have welcomed his Princess with those nasty, salty drops, could he?

“Look at you! What a fine young woman you’ve turned out to be; just like your Mom.” He exclaimed, letting go of her. Darla beamed.

“How’s Mom? And Peggy?”

“Fit and fine. They’re eagerly waiting for you at home.”

“And what about Mr.Hickinbottom? Do you still argue with him often?” She asked curiously.

“He’s fat and fine, as ever. I’m getting better in that regard, you know; my patience level is at an all time high.  But when that bloody ol’ chap makes his dog pee on the boundaries of my house, I can control no more.” He retorted, picking up her luggage. Darla chuckled.

“I bet you have loads to tell about your college life! Let us leave that for the long  car ride, shall we? We gotta get goin’ now or your mom’s going to bombard my phone with endless calls.” He said.

They got into the car and with his enthusiastic shout of “Let’s go!”, they set off. He went smiling all the way, smiling over the fact that his ears would have to take in a lot of blabber for the next fortnight.

 

Author's Note

"You don't have to marry a prince to be a princess when you're the daughter of a king."
Would love to hear your thoughts on this one!

Reviews

[AllauraRose]

This is a very good short story. At first you think it is about a man waiting for his girlfriend, because they have a long distance relationship. I loved the change of events. This is very well written and I can see the story as I read it. Amazing work!,

[Zoya]

So glad you liked it! Thanks much for the kind words :)

[Avia]

Awwwww. This is so so sweet.

[Zoya]

Thanks for the read :)

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful story shared dear Zoe. I liked the good talks and the love shared in the story. We learn too late. Time with Grandparent, our elders and parent. We will wish we stopped and spend more time with. Thank you for sharing the amazing story.
Coyote

[Zoya]

True you are. Thank you for your words here, Coyote. Much appreciated.

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure and you are welcome Zoe.

[Jacob Clifford]

Very sweet! The interactions between father and daughter, and simple as they are, are joyful to read about. Sometimes simple stories are the most touching.

[Zoya]

True. Thank you, Clifford, for the time and review! Appreciated :)

[Stan Lee]

Really enjoyed this short story. You described the relationship between this father and daughter very beautifully. Thank you for sharing.

[Zoya]

Thank you for reading! Much appreciated :)

[emipoemi]

O - M - Freaking - G! Zoe, this is story telling at its finest! Just enough detail is given for it all to be enjoyed: the characters are fun and round (and I love their names), the narrative runs smooth! I adore that poem at the beginning, and how you throw the readers off in thinking that it's going to be about true love, when it's actually about a father and daughter. This is YOU at your absolute finest! I applaud you! (You're only error is that "hair" despite implying a lot of "strands", is actually a singular noun, so "they" can't be a "perfect shade of lemon yellow", "it" would be "still a shade of lemon yellow").

Well done! Very well done! *pat on the back*

[Zoya]

Wow, thank you loads for the very kind review! I'm happy you liked it :)

[Suhd]

Ah! Such a wonderful write-up this is. Truly, the love of father and daughter is second to none. You said this wonderfully. Keep sharing :)

[Zoya]

So glad you enjoyed. Thank you very much :)

[.]

Another fine short story, Zoe.

I can relate to this type of waiting, it seems we spend a lot of our time waiting for something or someone to re-enter our lives.

Your author's note really sums up your story well; all daughter's are a princess in the eyes of their loving Fathers. And that is why it is difficult for the King to hand his Princess to a Prince when that time arrives.

As always, your writing is very well done, descriptive and keeps the readers attention. So, another fine job on this one. Keep up the writing.

[Zoya]

I just came across that line and added that to my author's note right away! It really does sum it all up well. So glad you could relate. Thank you very much, Doodley! Appreciated, as ever :)

[.]

Always welcome.

[wordman]

great story zoe,when you gonna start the book

[Zoya]

Thank you, wordman! Soon, hopefully :)

[Farhan Shaikh]

Really well penned...loved the description

[Zoya]

Thank you, Farhan! Glad you did :)

[Najam Us Saher]

I enjoyed the description and your usage of words. Beautifully written with all the emotions packed in a story.

[Zoya]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Najam :)

[Najam Us Saher]

You're welcome ☺