CHAPTER EIGHT

Rochester, New York; Home
3:25 p.m.
-Sunday; afternoon-

There was a knock at my door and then the doorbell ringed shortly after.

"Jack, we are here to take you in."

I walked onto my balcony and saw Doctor Evans was standing outside with two policemen at his side.

"Please, come down so we can get you processed."

"I cant do that, Doc."

"Jack, don't make this harder than it already has to be. You cant hide in your home forever."

You got it all wrong, Doc. I simply waiting for my friends to arrive. I do still have my right to say a final goodbye, right.

"What are you—"

I began to hear sirens, and I could hordes of people and cars making their way in front of my house.

"What is the meaning of this? said Doctor Evans."

"Just a little going away speech."

The crowd became massive in just a matter of minutes. Royalty, paparazzi, and even people I didnt know. They came to witness my final speech. The sight of so many people put a smile on my face.

"Its time," said Simon. "Show them the real you."

He handed me a megaphone and faced towards the audience

"Welcome, everyone and thank you for coming. Some of you may already know me, but for the people who dont, I am Prince William. Son of the Conner and Lily William. Their death is one reason for my disappearance; after they left I felt alone and confused and this went on for a while. But even when I had finally accepted their passing, new problems had arisen. For four years I have kept myself locked away because I am afraidI am afraid of every single one of you. I am scared to show you the real me."

I could see the cops talking into their walkie-talkies—possibly calling for backup.

"I have what is known as BDD—Body Dysmorphic Disorder. In the beginning I didnt even know there was a name for what I had. I began to think I was some kind of weirdo, a freak if you will. A lot of people dont understand what that this is a real illness and it is very serious one at that. But the truth of the matter is that everyone suffers from BDD. Everyone, at some point in time may have hated or were frightened by something about themselves. Whether it was your hair, your eyes, your teeth; everyone has suffered from the mental illness. Everyone copes with the challenge in their own way. Some may take therapy sessions, make-up, getting out more; and focusing on things other than your flaws are all good examples."

Police cars suddenly started to pull up and multiple officers rushed through the crowd. They came to my door and began kicking it in. I could see the worried faces on everyones faces.

"Please, everyone. If you dont get anything else from what Im saying just remember to love yourself. Surround yourself with positive people who are going to keep you focused on pursuing bigger and better things. Positivity is key. There is no cure for the illness. Time, medicine; they are not the cure. The only cure isyou. You have the power to beat the illness, you have the power to overcome it. God, purposely made you unique for a reason. Dont give in and feel like an outcast because youre a little differentembrace it."

I looked over at Violet and Simon standing at my side. The three of us shared a hug

A policeman snatched away the megaphone from me and I quickly broke away from his grasp. I leaned over the balcony to try and amplify my voice.

"Just be yourself!"

The crowd clapped and cheered me on. The police escorted me outside and the crowd surrounded me. I could see Cinderella and Prince Charming along with many other familiar faces. I was now confident. I felt that now I could do anything. I no longer felt like an outcast and I no longer have to hide away from the world. The doctor was right.

It was time I gave the world, and myself a second chance.