In Rome my name represents power. The British blue flag soaring high in the sky. It is National Anthem played at a baseball game on a sunny day, freedom.  

It’s perfection. Simple in six letters, who needs more? Say I can’t do something, and I will-- more stubborn than a bull. Elegant like a queen, Queen Elizabeth to be exact, as my middle name. She was stubborn too much like me, born to rule people.

Queen Elizabeth, so different but alike. Accomplished, a free spirit. She ruled without anyone by her side. I want that independence. I wonder… was she happy or did she miss someone. Lauren Elizabeth. I have the power and poise of a queen but don’t want her fate.

At home, my name can’t be shortened. My full name means trouble unlike my sister’s name Lucy–which is shorter than mine. Can at least be brought down to something cuter like Lu. I’m stuck with Lauren.

I love my name even though I’m stuck with it. It’s power, its a queen. I will forever and always be Lauren Elizabeth.