Derrick

Sixteen.

This is a VERY, VERY rough draft. I do not have the time to re-read AND do homework, so I'm going to re-read later. Please don't judge this chapter or Fifteen for having a lot of errors, I promise to re-read and correct them ASAP. Also, my inbox isn't available right now, so those of you who've messaged me, please don't think I'm just ignoring you :')

This chapter has roughly 1600 words in it. Thank you SO MUCH for reading!

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Soon after Roy showed me my presents, Kaden pleaded exhaustion and went to his room to sleep. That stung a little, but I knew he'd been through a lot and the protective side of me told me that he needed the rest. Even Elmer, worn out from the trip, finally got comfortable enough to curl up on my pillow. Roy assured me that he'd get the kitty everything he could possibly want as soon as possible. He even offered to stop by a pet store on our trip to find an appropriate engagement ring, and I gladly accepted.

I wanted to look pretty for our trip outside of the palace, but it was cold and a short dress would be impractical. Instead, I decided on a nice beige sweater and a pair of black jeans. I found a pair of matching beige furry boots, and grabbed a black jacket to match the jeans. I straightened my hair and grabbed a pair of black earmuffs.

I was so excited I felt floaty. Before leaving, I leaned down and gave Elmer a kiss and a few ear scratches. He stretched, his little toes spreading out, an immediately curled up again. His paws came over his forehead in a tight 'x' before relaxing again. I smiled and left as quietly as I could.

The huge dining room was just across the hallway, and Roy waited for me, leaning against the ornate dining table. He wore a simple white long-sleeved shirt, gray jeans, and a pair of black converse. His wheat-colored hair was boyishly messy.

He gave me an easy grin as I made my way toward him.

"Cute," He complimented, looking at my outfit. I blushed. He held a hand out, and I took it. His hand was warm and soft, and completely engulfed mine. He led me outside of the palace, where a black car waited for us. It was shiny, smooth and sleek, with windows tinted dark and a fancy hood ornament of a diamond. Roy opened the passenger door for me, and closed it when I got in. Then, he walked around the car to the driver's side.

"So I invited you on this trip with an ulterior motive," He said as he started the car.

"And what's that?" I asked, excitement making me giddy. He looked over and grinned.

"Have you ever used a credit card?"

~

We drove for over an hour, but I didn't mind. I was glued to the window, watching the trees melt into rows and rows of houses. People walked around on the sidewalks, and kids laughed and played in a park we passed. It was bittersweet; it reminded me of looking out of my window at my parent's house.

The car crawled to a slow stop, and Roy looked over at me.

"This is a very exclusive jewelry boutique. If you don't see anything you like, you can describe the ring you have in mind and they'll run a few sketches by you. If you like one - or two -, let them know and they'll make it."

"Okay," I said, unsure how to proceed. Roy got out of the car and jogged around the car to open my door. Despite the sun shining, it was cold outside, and I was glad I wasn't dumb enough to wear a dress.

The boutique looked shiny and new, and smelled like mint from the outside. Roy led me in and the mint smell got stronger. It was strong enough to be noticed, but not strong enough to give me a headache. The large windows at the front of the shop let a large amount of sunlight in, and the rays glinted off of the numerous multifaceted diamonds on display next to the door.