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

Chapter Eighteen

Christian's Pov

 

It's been three weeks since I last talked to Jess. We fight every now and then but never this long.  This is the longest we have gone without talking to each other and it's driving me crazy.  These three weeks made me sad,  mad, hurt and many other emotions you could  think of.  I knew she was serious about wanting space when another maid started attending to me.  

 

I began to transfer the aggression to other things.  I have evicted fifteen girls out of the selection and my Dad has never been more angry with me  and my actions.  He said he is disappointed in me but I don't care, let's just get this selection over with.  I was not in the right frame of mind and I just wanted to talk to my best friend.  But of course,  i can't tell the whole of Orlander that that is the reason I'm rushing the selection. 

 

I think everyone is already aware of who is winning this selection,  Evelyn.  Apart from the one time I was with sharpay,  Evelyn is the only selected girl I talk to. 

The following week when Jess stopped talking to me,  i was hell to Evelyn.  I was rude to her,  shouted at her,  disrespected her but she was still there supporting me.  She had no idea why I was acting that way.  She didn't ask  , she just stood by me.   I got back to my senses  when she broke down in tears the next day of my druken haze. This is the girl I want to spend the rest of my life with.  I decided to make her happy and not think about my pain.  

 

I don't know what I did to jess but I won't let that ruin the love and happiness I'm supposed to show the girl I want to be with.  I have been with only her this past three weeks and it makes me happy to see her happy everyday.  

The way her eyes lights up whenever she's with me,  the glow and the way she turns crimson whenever I flirt with her.  Atleast someone is happy to be around me and does not find my presence choking. 

 

I am currently in my closet getting dressed for the last show before the ball tomorrow. My Mother planned it and it's a masquerade ball. Important people of Orlander and their families will be in attendance.  Even the families of the selected girls.  My Mom says it's a great way to meet their families.  I heard a knock on the door followed by a girl's voice. 

 

"Do you need me to do anything for you your highness? " It's the new girl that was assigned to be my maid. 

She said Jessica begged her to swap duties and she took it immediately.  I can't believe Jess would rather wash dishes than talk to me.  The thought of it hurts alot..I spent the last three weeks thinking what I did wrong,  when did my presence start choking her and why my presence disturbs her in the first place. All these questions were driving me insane. 

 After I saw her last two weeks at the church,  i tried looking for her again but she did a great job at hiding.  Even Molly refused to tell me anything.  First Luke now Molly,  i am beginning to question where their loyalty lies. 

"Your highness? " Emily called me,  snapping me out of my thoughts. 

"It's fine Emily,  I think I can handle it. " I replied.

"OK your highness,  call me when you need me"  She said,  bowed her head and left the room. 

Immediately she left the room,  I went back to deciding which tie to wear.   Jess would have known which one .  What would Jess pick?  I think it is this yellow one because she loves yellow.  Should I wear the yellow one?..... You know what,  if Jess decides to not talk to me anymore then I don't want anything that would remind me of her.   

I will wear the lavender tie because Evelyn's favourite colour is  Lavender.  I wore the tie and when I was done and prepared,  I left for the show.  The last show,  thank goodness. 

 

"Good Evening Orlander , welcome to the last show of the selection " Miguel Gordon announced and the crowd cheered.   I tried to look for the familiar face that I have been longing to see.  I saw Molly,  jake and Luke but no Jess.  Of course, she didn't come.  What was I expecting. "Today,  There is a golden question that I and the whole of Orlander are curious about and are anticipating to ask his highness princess Christian " he anounced "but before we get to that part of the show,  let's welcome on stage His Royal Highness,  King Henry" he said and the crowd clapped for Dad as he made his way to the centre of the stage. 

 

My Dad's speech mostly takes half of the show.  He mostly talked on the importation and exportion of the country.  He made it aware that the country is trying it's possible best to never owe anyone or go in debt. Everyone was always glad about the good news that my Dad always have to say and the selection news fuels their happiness and takes it to another level. As much as I don't agree to every of my father's decisions , I won't lie that he makes a great King who puts the happiness of his people first.  Now I see why the selection is important to my Dad and the people of Orlander.  It gives them a form of happiness to know that they are part of the decision making of the country.   It shows that the monarch is fair and as the Prince of Orlander,  i won't let my people down.    I will pick a girl and make her my queen.  

 

My Dad ended his speech and Miguel Gordon took over the stage. "Alright Orlander,  let's give our King another round of applause " He said    and the crowd applauded again. " Now to the most anticipated  part of today's show, I will like to ask the selected girls first.  Which of you has the prince shown the Princess' quarter? " he asked and everybody looked like they can't wait to hear a reply. 

 

 After about a minute and none answered,  i could hear the crowd murmuring in disappointment.  I looked at my parents and my Dad shook his head at me clearly disappointed too and then my eyes landed on Evelyn.  She was already looking at me, I could see sadness, uncertainty  and fear in her eyes.  Fear of not being the one,  fear that I don't love her as much as she thought. 

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