The Selection (YouTube edition)

Chapter 30

Everyone's stares we're drilling holes into my back. Finally Seto comes over to where Mitch and I are. Mitch looks over at Seto, and try's to direct his attention elsewhere. "Hey Seto, how are you today?" "Shut it Mitch!" He snapped, and turned to me. "How come you get two dates with Alesa, and a bunch of us haven't even had a real conversation with her?" He demanded. Seriously? They're getting jealous over this? Ugh. "Uhm, I don't know." I responded shakily. "It's not something I have control over." I said. "It's still not fair though." Seto whined. "Well that the actual crap do you want me to do about it?" I thought indignantly. "What did you do to get her to like you so much?" Seto asked me forcefully. Just then I heard gasps throughout room. I turned over to see Jason and Steve standing up. Jason had a red hand mark on his face, and Steve looked horrified. "Oh no...." I heard Seto mutter. Seto had slapped Jason. That was against the rules. He was going to get kicked out. Steve looked like he was trying to process what had just happened. There's more to this story I bet. I know Steve, he was a pretty chill guy. Jason must've said something pretty bad. Unfortunately, no one heard anything else. It'd be Jason's word against Steve's. He'd definitely get kicked out to be an example to us.

And was gone before dinner.
•••
"Smile please!" The flashbulb of the camera went off. Okward and Alesa were getting their picture taken. We were called down this morning to be in a photo shoot with Alesa. These photos were going in a magazine where people got to vote who looked the best with her. I doubt I could ever win majority vote on that. I was snacking on some fancy chip things while I waited for it to be my turn. I looked over at Alesa. Her outfit was very... How do you put it... Sparkly...? Her white dressed shimmered in the lights, and she had crystal beads all over her dress. "Next please!" The photographer called. It was Jason's turn. He gave the photographer a fake smile, then headed over next to Alesa, walking sassily. Ugh I really didn't like him. Everything about him was just so fake. I expected him to take his happy merry time with Alesa, but his strategy was to show his efficiency. I guess that'd make sense, because he used to be a model. After the finished up Jason batted his eyelashes flirtatiously, then strutted off. I was next. I gulped, and shakily headed over to Alesa's side. She looked like she was eagerly waiting for me. "Hello my dear Adam." She greeted. "Don't." I warned, giving a small chuckle. "Honestly Adam, why do you always wear something that isn't that fancy? After all you're living the royalty life now." "I guess if it pleases her highness than I shall." I said mockingly. In the meantime, why don't they hang you with the chandeliers? You dress matches perfectly." She giggled. "Alright sir Adam, you win." "Please look at the camera you two." The photographer demanded impatiently. I sweated nervously. Alesa noticed my nervousness. She started tickling me. That sly dog! I smiled, trying to hold in my laughter. The photographer got in a bunch of good pictures before I bursted out laughing. "Stop it." I whispered, laughing. "Well however else am I going to get you to smile for the camera?" Alesa asked innocently. The same process repeated several times. I'd nervously look at the camera, then Alesa would start tickling me to get me to smile. Lot was going great, then an official came in, and came up to me and Alesa. He gave a glance at me, and Alesa said "Don't worry he can stay. What is it sir?" "Your majesty." He greeted, giving her a bow. "There has been a rebel attack in the West. You're mother and father want your opinion on this." Alesa thought for a moment. "Round up some troops in that area. I'd say around 200 would be a good number." "Of course your majesty." He said, giving another bow and heading off. I looked over at Alesa. "You okay?" I asked, even though it was obvious she wasn't." She nodded. "I'm just worried about all those people." She whispered. "Look, if you ever become royalty you will learn the skill to look fine even though you aren't. Please do not breathe a word of this to anyone else." "I won't." I vowed. Alesa gave a small nod. "Thanks." We finished up our photo shoot a few minutes. Before I left Alesa whispered. "Don't tell a soul." In my ear, before greeting Bashur, who was next in line. "Good day Bashur." Alesa greeted him. "Before I forget to ask, are you free tonight?" I walked away with a weird feeling in my gut, but I couldn't place why.