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

Chapter Three

It's been two months since I started working in the palace and everything has been running smoothly. Well everything except trying to avoid Erica. Today is my graduation and I am so excited.  The palace has been rowdy for the past three days now because every servant is trying to prepare for the return of Prince Christian.  We are currently in the servant quarters because all the maids have been summoned by the head maid, Madam Silvia .

"Good morning everyone "Madam Silvia greeted. 

"Good morning Madam "chorused everybody

"As you all know,  prince Christian and his cousin Princess Molly are  celebrating their  graduation and  return home.  Report from the King says that there will be a special announcement today during the after party. Some of you have been assigned to accompany the King and Queen,  while some of you are to stay in the palace to complete the preparations. I don't want anyone slacking behind or making any mistakes. Do I make myself clear?" warned madam Silvia. 

"Yes Madam "we chorused 

"Oh and Jessica? "called madam Silvia 

"Yes Madam? "

"Congratulations on your graduation.  According to the palace rules,  you may take the day off. "said Madam Silvia.

"Yes Madam, thank you Madam " I replied with a wide smile on my face.  I caught Erica rolling her eyes at me but I just looked away. 

"Very well,  you are all dismissed.  Get to your duties now "commanded madam  Silvia.  

"Yes Madam" We chorused, bowed and filed out of the hall. 

I went straight to my room to pack everything I'll need before going to school. Molly insisted that we get ready together. About a week ago,  I and  Andy had been trying to find a dress for my graduation but  could not find any. Molly came to my rescue when she sent me one of the most expensive dress in her latest brand. The dress is perfect, even too perfect. That was why I wanted to reject it but Molly threatened to disown me as a best friend if I reject her gifts. She Is just the best.  I packed up everything,  had my bath and began  my journey  to school.           

I got to school three hours ago and right now,  I and Molly are currently in her dorm room all dressed up and ready .  We are just taking pictures and I can't believe how beautiful we look.  It's all Molly's work, she literally turned a maid into a beauty queen. I have not seen the boys because Molly said she wanted them to be surprised when they see our outfits.  Yeah, typical Molly. 

"Ooooh we look so beautiful "Molly said standing in front of her large mirror. 

"I know . thank you so much Molly for the dress and makeover. I am really lucky to have you as my best friend " I said trying hard not to cry. 

"Aawn don't cry Jess. I would do anything for you , what are friends for. Come here" she said and gave me a big hug. 

"I hope Christian thinks I am as beautiful as you say" I hoped .

" I dare Christian to take his eyes off you.  With you looking like that,  girl he is not going to be looking  at any other girl" I just chuckled because I don't think that will happen. 

"Are you just saying that as a best friend? ". I asked

"No Jess,  I am saying that because it is true and if Christian doesn't think so,  then I think my cousin needs  glasses because he is most probably blind "Molly exaggerated making me laugh out loud.  She just knows how to cheer me up and gives me so much confidence. 

"OK.  Thank you, you are the best"i said trying to hug her again but was interrupted my a knock 

"who is it? " Molly asked

"Babe its me"

"Oh the boys are here"Molly said and went to open the door. 

"Molly the graduation is about start and..." Jake's tongue was left hanging immediately he laid his eyes on her. 

"wow...babe  you..you...look amazing "Jake stammered unable to form a sentence 

"Thanks babe" Molly said and hugged him tight.  Christian and Luke came in afterwards. Christian walked into the room but stopped in his tracks after setting his eyes on me.  I saw him stare at me and gulped. Christian has never looked at me this way before ,  it's almost like he is seeing me differently for the first time. To be honest, I thought I saw adoration  in his eyes ...or maybe I was wrong.   His stares were doing things to my heart. I stared at him back and he was looking so handsome.  He is always looking amazing even if he is in rags.  His hair looks smooth and soft and the suit he is wearing looks perfect on him.  How can someone look this gorgeous?   I was nervously waiting for him to say something but Luke beat him to it. 

"Wow Jess you look beautiful. You both look beautiful . I mean dang girls." Luke  admired looking from me to Molly. 

"Thanks"we both chorused

"Yeah,  you guys look great " Christian finally said looking away from me.  Yeah,  I was wrong. I really was expecting him to say more than that.  Now my confidence is deep down in the ocean.  I looked at Molly and she mumbled a "I am sorry ". I just shook my head telling her that I am fine. To be sincere I am not fine. 

"C'mon guys let go , the ceremony is about to start" Luke said before facing me and stretching out his hand " Jess will you do me the honours of being my date today? " I looked at Luke shocked.  I can't believe he is asking me. I mean I love Christian but Luke is also way out of my league.  I mean every girl would die to be his date but he asks me??  I peeked at Christian to see his reaction but he just looked away like he didn't care if I was someone's date. He finally looked back at me and said a sentence that finally shattered my hopes of ever belonging to him. 

"C'mon Jess... Say yes.  Don't worry,  as my best friend,  I will make sure he treats you well,  if not he his dead" Christian said chuckling. My head fell in disappointment and I tried very hard to hold back my tears. I looked back at Luke with a fake smile on my face and took his hands. 

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