The Selection

23 - Report to Remember

I was starting to look forward to the end of the Selection as I got ready for another Report. A knock on my door pulled me out of my wallowing in self-pity. 

"I'm almost ready, Harley," I called out as I finished fastening my earrings. 

"Take your time, Gorgeous." A voice called back that was definitely not Harley. I darted over to the door and opened it. 

"Josh? What are you doing here?" I asked as I took in his appearance. He looked incredible and I felt the urge to run my hands along his suit jacket. 

"Besides looking at the most beautiful woman in all of Illea? I thought I'd escort you to the Report." 

"You came all the way here for lil ol me?" He held out his arm and I looped mine through it. I closed my door behind me and we walked toward the stage. "So what inspired you to show up at my door this fine evening, Mr. Matthews?" 

"After spending so much time with you this week, I realized that I couldn't stop thinking about the next time I'd see you. And then, when I realized we would be surrounded by all the others, I decided to steal some alone time." I blushed at his words, leaning into him a bit. 

"You're too charming for your own good." I giggled. I would have been embarrassed if not for the look he gave me as the sound emerged. He stopped walking, turning to face me. "What are you doing?" 

Josh looked around, checking to see who was around before leaning in and kissing me. It was quite chaste and I was torn. On one hand I was relieved that I wouldn't show up to the Report looking debauched for the whole kingdom. On the other hand, I was dying to take it further, especially with how incredible he looked and the way he was staring at me. 

"I could do that all day." He leaned in again and I let my eyes flutter closed. Instead of a proper kiss, he smiled against my mouth. 

"We're going to be late." I whispered. He pulled back and we continued walking as if nothing happened. I was thankful I decided to go with a more natural look as opposed to the red lips I had originally planned. I don't think my parents would be overly impressed if we showed up with cherry coloured smudges around our mouths. Then again, maybe my father would be thrilled I chose his favourite. 

Once the show started, I could feel Josh's eyes on me from across the stage. I knew my cheeks were heating up and I just hoped Shawn wouldn't call me on it. 

"Now the moment you've all been waiting for: The results for our fan polls." The audience cheered. "As you know, this week we asked you to vote for for your favourites and of course the winner of the first Elite Talent Show." 

"Our first category is the most likely to win. The people of Illea have chosen Joshua Matthews as the Frontrunner." I glanced at my father as Josh stepped forward to accept the little trophy. He seemed pleased with the results and I wondered if he had influenced the results in any way. "Next up, Mr. Fan Favourite, Lucas Friar." Lucas waltzed up and winked at the audience. I could see a few people swoon as he tipped his invisible hat to me. 

"We polled our audience about the eliminated boy they think never should have been eliminated. To present the award for The one that got away, Queen Katy!" I laughed as my mom walked forward, living her awards show fantasy. 

"The nominees are: Dave Wickham, Yogi Jabonero, Zac Chase and Billy Ross." She opened an envelope and gasped, exaggerating her shock as she read the winner. "And the award goes to Billy Ross!" The audience clapped and I fought the urge to gag. "Since Mr. Ross can not be here to accept the award, my daughter will accept it on his behalf." I tried to hide my disgust as I plastered on a smile and accepted the award. 

"Next up, the award for Most improved goes to..." Shawn reclaimed the focus as my mom and I returned to our seats. "Farkle Minkus!" Farkle stumbled forward and did a dramatic bow before accepting his award. "The Dark Horse award goes to Brandon Knight." After Brandon accepted his award Shawn continued. "The audience has voted for who they think will be the next one eliminated." a dramatic 'oooo' echoed through the room. "Sadly the audience thinks the next one gone will be... Mr. Charlie Gardener." Charlie stepped forward, the smile not fading from his face.

"I look forward to proving everyone wrong." He grinned earning a few cheers.

"Well said Mr. Gardner." Shawn clapped as best he could with the microphone and cards in his hand. "Now the moment you've all been waiting for. Our top three from the Elite talent show are: Isaiah Babineau, Farkle Minkus and-" I expected Lucas to be called up as he was not only the fan favourite but also his rope tricks were very impressive. "Joshua Matthews." My mom stepped forward again, grinning brightly as Shawn handed her his microphone. She loved performing like this and while my father usually frowned on her participating in the report, sometimes Shawn let her take over for a segment.

"Now I'm sure you are all wondering what the winning gentleman will receive. Next Friday we at the palace will be hosting the annual Hart's Ball." The crowd cheered at my family's annual celebration. "As this year's event aligns with our selection, each of our Elite boys will be in attendence. Along with that, my husband and I have extended the invitation to their families!" All of the boys perked up at the news. 

"The winner of the talent show will get to share the first and last dance of the night with Princess Maya." Shawn announced. Everyone cheered as if dancing with me was the greatest prize. I blushed and blew a kiss to the top three. 

"And the winner is......" 

"Joshua Matthews!" My mom and Shawn announced together. Two guards walked out carrying a trophy that was much to large fo the size of the competition. Zay and Farkle walked back to their seats, mumbling to each other as Josh accepted the award.

"I am honoured. Truly. A dance with the belle of the ball is truly the greatest prize I've ever won." I playfully rolled my eyes at him but he didn't let it shake him. 

"That's all for tonight, Folks. Tune in next week!"