Chapter 11: Preparing for the Ball

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Chapter 11: Preparing for the Ball

Maddie approached me in the cafeteria.

"Emily, I need to talk to you," she said.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Jackson. Are you sure about him?" Maddie asked.

"Yes, Maddie. I know what I'm doing," I replied.

"But what happened last year...?" Maddie trailed off.

"I know. But Jackson's different now."

Maddie's expression softened.

"Okay, Em. Just be careful."

Flashbacks haunted me.

The carnival.

A glimpse of a Ferris wheel.

A whispered promise.

Jackson's voice brought me back.

"Emily, hey."

"I'm sorry," I said, shaking off the memory.

Jackson's eyes filled with concern.

"What's wrong?"

"Just memories," I whispered.

Jackson's hand found mine.

"I'm here for you."

The afternoon the Hostel Mother gathered us in the common room.

"Get ready for the Annual Spring Ball!" she announced.

Excitement rippled through the room.

Later that night Jackson found me in the library.

"Emily, will you go to the ball with me?" he asked.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Yes."

Jackson's smile lit up the room.

"We'll make it unforgettable."

Maddie approached us.

"Em, what's your gown look like?" she asked.

"I haven't decided yet," I replied.

"Let's go shopping tomorrow," Maddie suggested.

~The following day

Maddie and I browsed through gowns.

"This one's perfect!" Maddie exclaimed.

I smiled.

"You think?"

Maddie nodded.

"Try it on."

The gown fit perfectly.

The gown fit perfectly

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(Emily's dress)

Maddie beamed.

"You look stunning."

As we were heading back from the boutique Jackson texted me that we should met up

Jackson and I sat together in the park.

"Emily, I'm nervous about the ball," he said.

"Why?" I asked.

"What if I mess up?"

I smiled.

"You won't."

Jackson's eyes locked onto mine.

"I promise."

Me and Jackson continued our conversation together until we saw maddie approaching us asking if she can sit by us

Maddie, Jackson, and I laughed together.

"Remember that time...?" Maddie started.

Jackson chuckled.

We were enjoying each other's company making me feel at ease that maddie and Jackson are actually getting along it made me forget all my problems at the time seeing my best friend and boyfriend finally getting along

Could life get more perfect?

"Emily, you're blushing."

I playfully rolled my eyes.

"Shut up."

~the next day

Music rehearsals began.

Decorations went up.

The hostel buzzed with excitement.

Jackson and I sat together, hands entwined.

"Ready for the ball?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Together."

Or thats what I thought atleast

Night fell.

Stars twinkled outside.

Jackson and I sat together.

"Emily, what makes you happy?" he asked.

"You," I replied.

Jackson's eyes sparkled.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

I knew deep down it was a little too early for me to say those words but at the moment it felt right, I felt that I knew that I loved him although my brain told me otherwise

Days past as the ball drew near.

Anticipation built.

Maddie and I rehearsed our dance moves.

Jackson and I shared whispered promises.

The night would truly be unforgettable or so I thought

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