Dark Rose [#Wattys2016]

Ten**Chloe

"CHLOE!"

I jumped up from the dining table and ran to my father's voice. "Yes?" I faltered in my steps and stopped next to him at the front door which was ajar, revealing the limo driver that had driven me home yesterday.

"Um..." I said lamely.

"What is he doing back here?"

"I..." Had no idea.

The driver cleared his throat behind his white gloved hand before speaking. "I am sent here by orders of Princess Labette herself to pick up your daughter here." His hands formally returned to his sides.

"The princess?" My father repeated disbelievingly.

The driver nodded. "Yes, sir."

"She sent you to pick me up and go where? School?" Please, say no. Please say no.

"Yes." Great.

"Well, I—" I had to decline. I didn't want to be the center of attention at school again. But before I could say no my father answered for me.

"Thank you. She will be ready in five." He informed the driver and shut the door before any future protests could come from the poor guy. My father faced me with his normal business expression. "I'm not saying you were telling the truth," he started. "But I'm not saying you're lying anymore either. Grab your bag and do not turn down the Princess's offer." My father turned with his hands behind his back and disappeared down the left hall.

I huffed and picked my bag, as instructed, and opened the front door again, finding the driver standing by the passenger door. When I met him, he smiled at me and shook my hand as if we've been doing this for a while. Will we?

This entire situation was new and out of my comfort zone, but it didn't feel all that bad, like it was a good thing that I'm doing something other than my normal schedule of life.

Eyes were wide when I stepped out of the limo, and gasps hung in the air. In two seconds, the entire school blew up with gossip about my arrival. I tried not to wince at whispering but couldn't stop myself either.

"It's like she's some big celebrity now." Some girl whispered.

"I bet she talked her down or something." Another said.

"What did she do? How do I become friends with the princess?" It went on and on until lunch finally rolled around. I wanted to talk to Morgan and tell her ridiculous this was.

I sat at a booth in the corner and waited for Morgan there. On today's menu was chef salad with egg and turkey bits, and just as I was about to grab my food, a bowl was placed in front of me. I looked up and saw that it was Tracey Albert who had already grabbed me lunch.

"Here you go." She smiled so wide I could count all of her teeth. "I got in line just in time to get it to you." Behind her was Grace Myers, coming up with a bottle of water.

"And I got you a water. I even brought drink mix." Grace said, shaking the flavored packet. I smiled and began to answer. "Thank y--"

"Hey. I was going to bring her lunch." Margie Scot appeared at the side of the two girls. I shook my head and put my hands out like I needed to surrender. "Really, guys, it's—"

"Would you like some ranch for your salad?" Margie asked quickly but Tracey shook her head and her mouth twisted into a scowl.

"No one like ranch on their salad all the time, do you Chloe?" She said glancing at me briefly before turning back to the argument, not allowing me to answer. "She needs all of the protein in that lunch and ranch is going to ruin it."