I Choose You by Kemi Adejumo (classic novels for teens txt) 📗

It's the girl from the picture my Dad just showed me.  The one whose name I couldn't remember.  She looks simple with a  plain white gown and a face without makeup.  Almost like Jessica's.  Jess doesn't were makeup.  Although these days ,I have noticed that she wears blush and lip gloss.  It's very unlike her,  almost like she is trying to impress someone.  Is it Luke?  Heck if he is the one, I will... wait why am I even thinking of them right now. 

Your highness,  your highness? " the soft voice of the girl whose name  I still can't remember snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Oh I am sorry,  I didn't see you there" I helped her get up while she looked at me speechless.

"What is your name again? " I ask and she looked at me surprised.

"Uh.... Shar...sharpay? " she stammered.  

"OK sharpay,  where are you off to? "
"Oh Uhm  I went to use the bathroom and then lost my way back to the ballroom " she said nervously.

"Alright Sharpay,  follow me" I said and led her to the ballroom. 

Immediately i and sharpay entered the ballroom, all eyes where set on us.  Some girls surprised, some shocked while some excited. The camera  men were recording for the channel and of course the people of Orlander . Alice the selection Co ordinator walked up to us.

"Prince Christian,  thanks for honoring my invitation "she smiled  

"Anytime Alice" I replied.  She smiled and turned to Sharpay who is fidgeting and looks nervous.  Is she always like this?

"Miss Sharpay,  you were gone for a long time.  The practice is almost over.  Care to explain where you were? " Alice asked sternly making Sharpay cower at her sight.

"I was... was " she stammered unable to give an answer.

"She was with me" I replied coming to her rescue. She stared at me shocked that I just did.

"Your highness,  why don't we end today's practice with your help" Alice said. 

"Sure" I replied. I discretely scanned the crowd of girls in search of a familiar face. When I found her,  she was already looking at me. Wow Evelyn looks pretty in a lacey lavender dress. She smiled at me and that made my heart happy.  I mouthed "later" to her and she nodded her head getting my message.

"Prince Christian,  we have been practicing the Vlennese waltz and so far Miss Mirabelle has been the best.  Would you practice it with her please?"  Alice asked making me groan in my mind.  I glanced at Mirabelle and she looked at me seductively. Once again,  I can't believe I used to love her.  Thinking about everything she has done,  the sight of her disgust me.  I can't believe my Dad is making me endure this for the next two months.  I am definitely not dancing with her.

"UH Alice,  who has not gotten it yet? "

"I think Miss Sharpay your highness " she replied.  Of course it's Sharpay.  She is clumsy,  shy and now unable to learn dance steps.  I walked up to her and she looked speechless.

"Can I have this dance?" I asked but she didn't make any move so I dragged her to the middle of the ballroom. I didn't fail to catch Mirabelle's angry face... she can get angry for all I care.  

I started the dance with Sharpay and she was terrible at it.  She stomped on my toes many times and I think I would have to ice it later. 

"I am so sorry your highness.  All this is new to me... please don't be mad" Sharpay pleaded with a pout on her Face making me chuckle.  I remember Dad told me that she does  not come from a rich home so I understand.  Suddenly I became curious about her life and why she applied for the selection.

"Do you want to stroll around the castle field with me after this practice?" I asked.

"Uh... uh...sure your highness" she said and quickly stared at the ground covering her flushed face.   
"Good. Meet me at the garden in five minutes after this"

Soon the practice ended. I have been standing in the garden for about twenty minutes. I later heard footsteps,  I turned around and it was her.

"You are late" I said

"I am sorry your highness,  I couldn't find the garden fast." she replied.

""It's no problem. Let's go" I smiled at her trying to make her feel comfortable as I led the way.

"So tell me about yourself Sharpay" I said while she smiled shyly.  Atleast she seems comfortable now.  

"I am sharpay. I am twenty years old and I love horse riding"  

"Wow,  that's short.  Do you know what I really want to know?  Why you applied for the selection." I asked and her expression went from all smiles to sad.

"I will be sincere with you your highness.  I have no interest in royalty or becoming a queen.  I don't mean to be rude but I won't marry a person I don't love no matter who he is" she said with all sincerity. This is the first time today that I have seen her show boldness.  I am not mad by what she just said,  Infact I respect it.

"Then why did you apply? " I asked curiously.

"Because I needed the money.  If I stay here as long as possible,  the cheque we get every week will be enough to pay my family's house loan and help me pay off my Student Loan . Hopefully I stay long." She replied with determination.  I love her sincerity and I will do my best to help.

"Well then Sharpay,  I promise to keep you here as long as possible" I promised with a smile.  She stared at me shocked.

"Oh goodness,  thank you your highness.  Thank you so much.... you don't realize what you are doing for me.  Thank you so much. " she thanked me while crying. 

Soon she stopped crying and started telling me about her family.  She has two brothers and her parents are farmers.  Our conversation was suddenly interrupted by a giggle.  I can recognise that giggle even in my sleep.  I looked up and was faced with Jess on a horse while Luke was behind her. I stopped on my track and glared at them as they rode towards us.  Jess sighted me and started waving at me while smiling.  It took everything in me not to smile back at her.  I maintained my glare till they got to us. They both got down from the horse and Jess was smiling very wildly.  She wore her hair in a ponytail and had on makeup which is so unlike her.The pink gloss makes her lips look plum and inviting?  She has on a white tank top,a short  blue jean skirt and a leather jacket,  it's the matching leather jacket we both got a year ago. The skirt was too short unlike what Jess would wear.  It showed off all her legs. She looks... hot.  I scanned her from head to toes and I can't believe that my best friend could turn me on. Eeeww I have to do something.