between us | klaroline (book 1)

Chapter 22: Time For A Change

The ring my fiancé picked out for me is so stunning. Tons of diamonds are placed throughout the ring and around the gold parts. It's perfect and on my hand, it looks so beautiful. I love the feeling of being engaged. Having Charlie hold me tightly as we dance on the dance floor with music playing and our families dancing as well.

Even though we were surrounded by his brothers, his parents and my parents I felt like we were the only two in the world. Alissa couldn't even bother me now, she sat lonely at a table with a grumpy look on her face. "What is it gorgeous?" Charlie whispered into my hair as we swayed to the classical music. I looked up at him to see what he was on about.

"You're smiling extra extra wide. Let me guess...you're saying to yourself how lucky I am to have you?"

"No." I laughed at him. "I'm happy because I won."

"Won what?"

"I won happiness. I am engaged to an amazing man, i'm happy in my life, I live in a castle and i'll be queen one day. Alissa sits over there in the corner with nobody. She has nothing of mine and i'm great in my life." He smiled as I spoke, looking right into my eyes with his.

"Still saying a terribly obnoxious thing, I love you so much. I hate the people you hate, now that we're together officially. Alissa though, she is jealous of you, that's why she tries to steal all the things you have darling."

I listened carefully at his words. He seemed so understanding and it amazed me at how forgiving and thoughtful he could be toward people. Even the bad ones.

"You're probably right. Should I go speak with her?" I asked my fiancé.

He nodded, letting go of me. I curtsied and walked through the small dancing crowd, toward Alissa in the left corner, watching her drink.

"Oh sorry!" A voice apologized immediately after bumping into me. I looked up at the taller man in front of me. One of Charlie's brothers. He had the same smile as his brother. Soft and handsome.

"Oh my! You came out of nowhere!" I laughed, brushing off my dress for some reason. He bowed, his tie swinging forward. I smiled at his politeness.

"Sorry princess. I am prince Jake Hillington. Pleasure to actually meet you proper." He replied with his thick accent.

"Pleasure is all mine! Lovely to meet you." I smiled up at him. "I should go talk to my cousin Alissa." I looked over at her. She still eyed her drink curiously.

He turned his head to look and his eyebrows went up then back to me. "Wow. Beauty does run in the family doesn't it? Anyways, promise me a dance for later?"

"Of course. See you then." I nodded and walked away to my initial position. I cleared my throat to get her attention.

She didn't even bother to look up from her glass. "Ugh what do you want Amanda?" She gave me attitude. I rolled my eyes, wondering why i'd agreed to do this.

"Alissa. Stop it with the attitude right this minute." I ordered sternly, making her look up at me. I waved for her to follow me whilst I exited the ballroom, leading her to follow me.

I walked toward the gardens, it was dark outside but I loved the weather now that it was summertime. "Where the hell are we going?!" She whispered to me. I ignored her and kept walking till we reached a spot in the garden with purple flowers.

"Look." I pointed at the flowers.

She turned her head to look down and shrugged with annoyance. "What Amanda? Get on with it or are you just here to waste my time?"

I grew angry now. "Alissa. Shut up! I am showing you something!" I shouted, making her be quiet for sure. She closed her mouth and heard me out.

"These flowers were the ones you and I planted together when we were children. Just five years old. Remember when we were best friends? No fighting, no cheating, no jealously, no bragging or being brats. I have to say Alissa, you are a stunning woman but if you keep acting this way? You won't get anywhere. Not with me and my family and certainly not with men. Men who want a real lady and not...excuse my language but a slut."

She gasped at me.

"You were once such a kind and generous person but now, you're a fake and a phoney. I am not impressed and I honestly am embarrassed to be seen with you as my cousin. You need to grow up and realize, being this pretty and dumb lady won't get you anywhere in life."

"You're mother sure seems to like me." She answered. I rolled my eyes at her again.

"My mother is a smart woman that is sick of being in a castle with the same old people. You're simply a long lost friend. You are not her friend though. She is using you for socialization." I looked at her, she breathed in sharply and looked down at her heeled feet.

"You really do hate me don't you?"

"Yeah. If you change however...I wouldn't hate you as much. You're hiding your true self and that's what's making you a horrible and miserable person that kisses her cousin's boyfriend."

She nodded at my words.

"I do suppose you're right...." she admitted, making me gasp softly. I tried not to let her hear me though. I was surprised at how well she took this information.

"And I will change. I will go back home and come back to visit you at your wedding. I'll be a new bright and good person. How does that sound?"

"Marvellous. I can't wait." I smiled, reaching out to hug her. We embraced and placed our heads on one another's shoulders. It was so comforting to have my cousin back.

Not the devil she was pretending to be.