The One (A selection aftermath)

Chapter 27

I stare down at Harris.

He is proposing.

I watch as he reaches down and-

Wait.

Instead of pulling out a ring, Harris ties his shoe.

"Do you know where Jamie's room is?" Harris asks standing up from tying his shoe.
I gape at him. 

"What the-" I start off but get interrupted by Harris' laugh. 

"Maple," he gasps for air in between his laugher, " you should have seen your face." 

"Harris what is going on?" I ask utterly confused.

Finally he stops laughing and takes my hand.

"Okay I was just messing around with you when asked about Jamie. I over heard you smack talking Jamie. I was also joking when I tied my shoe." 

Harris kisses me on the check then runs down the hallway.

"Wait! Harris what does that mean?!" I yell after him.

What the hell just happened?

Harris joked about tying his shoe. Does that mean he is going to propose? 

I run my hand through my hair in frustration.
Harris is a headache all by himself.
I give up on trying to figure out what just happened and walk toward the ballroom.
I reach the doors and swing them opening stepping into chaos.
People run around making sure everyone is camera ready, while others are adjusting the lighting.

My stomach rolls with nerves.
The last time I was on set, everything was normal. My biggest problem then was making sure I chose the right guys to enter the Selection.
It is a different world now.

"Rolling in 5!" Some yells.

"Maple." My mother calls from her throne. I hurry over to her and sit down on my chair.

"You look stunning." She compliments.

"I get my looks from the best." I smile at her.

"Your talking about me right?" My father says joining the conversation.

All he gets in reply is an eye roll from me and a smirk from my mom.
"Where are the boys?" I ask looking at the empty chairs placed for them.

"I don't know." My mom replies, but she side glances at my dad, hiding a smile.
Something is going on.

"ROLLING IN 3. 2. 1. ACTION!"
Suddenly the lights backstage go off and all eyes are on us.

"Hello Illea." My father says with a prod voice towards the camera.
I just realized I don't know what to say or do. They never gave me a script.

" I am pleased to say that Íllea is back in business." That get a laugh out of the audience. 

" But before we get down to business we have a special message from one of the selected boys."
I whip my head toward my dad. 

A message from who?

Suddenly Harris appears by my side with a grin.

Then he gets down on one knee.

The crowd squeals in excitement.

"Is this the really thing now?" I jokingly whisper, tears lining my eyes.
Harris answers with a smile.

"Maple, my sweet orange loving girl, would you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?"
I want to laugh and cry and jump up and down but all i can manage is a head nod. Harris takes my shaking hands and places the ring on. Heat zips through my body when he grabs my hand. Harris stands up and embraces me in a giant hug. I wrap my arms around him with joy. My future husband. A round of appluase erupts through out the room, cheering us on. 

"Sound like we have a fan base." Harris wishers in my ear. I look up at him and see his gleaming eyes. 

"It sure does, fiancee."

"To Maple and Harris, the future king and queen of Ilea!" My father says in a host, holding up his glass. The dining room replies with cheers and laughs. Everyone in the room is wearing smiles. I lean my head on Harris shoulder breathing in his scent. He grabs my hand and squeezes it. 

"Are you okay?" He asks looking me into the eye. I stare back at him, breaking in to an other grin. '"I couldn't be better. Im just tired."

"We could head up stairs if you want."

"I think we have to stay at our dinner party a little longer." I say lifting my head.

Laughed floats around the room with the smell of turkey and mash potatoes.

"I never want this to end." I mumble to myself.

"And that is?" Harris asks taking my hand.

"This," I motion around the room.