It Was All a Mistake (A Selection Fanfiction)

Chapter 32: Departure

Marabelle's PoV:

I prepare myself to leave Lanonia. Last night, the King gave me a stern, and loud, lecture in front of Krista, Bree, and the prince. My maids bustle around my room, gathering dresses and other garments. I walk into the restroom, looking at everything for the last time. The only flaw with this competition is that when you get eliminated, you realize how much you're leaving behind. No more 2 hour baths, or waking up at noon, or swimming with your friends till midnight. No more exotic foods and teas, nothing. A tear slowly trickles out, when I remember that I will probably never see Krista, Aurelie, and Bree again. The prince I could care less. We never spoke that much, but he showed his true bravery last night with our argument with his father.

After shoving the last items into my huge suitcase, I get ready to depart. Right as my hand reaches for the door, the knob turns. I back away, and see Bree. Different emotions play on her face when she sees me. "I'll miss you," she cries, and tears start to cascade out. It finally gets to me, and tears pour out of me too. "Me too," I admit, and we hug each other for a long time. "I have a going-away present," she pulls away for a moment, grabbing a silver gift bag. I lift out a beautiful gold bracelet that's adorned with pearls and diamonds. "It's absolutely stunning, Brianna! I can't take this," I put the bracelet back in her palm, but she simply shakes her head. "You have to, Mara. Or else I would have two of the same bracelet," she laughs. "Friends forever?" I ask. She grins and nods, "Of course!"

I walk over to the royal airport, and hold my boarding pass tightly. I hand grasps mine, and I spin around to see who it is. A smiling Aurelie looks at me straight in the eye. "I'm so sorry," she whispers, tears drizzling out. "It's fine," I try to act confident. "No, it's not... even though he's the king... he can't do this to you!" she screams, and Evan turns around. He walks over, his face bright red, but not in a harsh way. "I don't appreciate you talking about my father that way," he states. I blush, and look down. "But what you said was true," he finishes, hugging me. I blow out a breath, and kindly shove his shoulder.

"You ready to board?" he asks. "Umm... no... not really," I admit, playing with the hem of my dress. "Good," he responds. My face must've looked as confused as I felt, for he laughs and explains. "You're not leaving... I convinced my father to let you stay in the competition, so long as you control yourself," he smiles. "Wha-b-bu-but... how???" I stutter, shocked about the news. "It doesn't matter anymore," he chuckles, and Bree squeals while running over to me. "YOU'RE STAYING!!!!!!!!!!" she shrieks. "YEP!!!" I shriek back, and soon Krista and Aur are with us... all screaming.

Once the loud moment passes, I speak to Brianna privately. "Here," I say, placing the bracelet in her hand. "No," she pushes it back to me, "Keep it... I gave you this bracelet as a sign of our friendship, and we're still friends... so it's yours," she finishes. I'm speechless, and hug her tightly.