The Selection

Chapter 12

          I am walking downstairs to meet the Prince of Illea. On a date. His first date ever! I am so excited and nervous, but mostly excited. The gardens are a great place for a first date! I am wearing a blue floral dress tonight. When I arrive we walk into the gardens, and sit on the bench where America and Maxon met.
        "Are you having fun here, my dear?"
        " Yes, uh, Mason,  its the best experience of my life! And I'm not your dear. Not yet, anyway. "
        He laughed and smiled at me adoringly.
       "Come with me." He says quietly.
        He brings be through a maze, away from the cameras. And I see a perfect little clearing, with a lovely little picnic set up on a quilt.
       "Oh Mason. This is exactly how I  imagined my first date!"
       " Really? It was my Mom's idea. She thought any girl would like this."
       "Well, she knows her stuff then!"
      We sit down and eat dessert, and talk about our lives. Then out of the blue, he kisses me. It's a quick peck on the lips, but a kiss all the same. I am stunned, and I run away to my room.
        Oh my gosh. What just happened? That was awful! Do I really want to marry that guy? He's so rude! It's our first date! But did I like it? No. Maybe a little. I don't know.  But I don't want to go on another date for a while.
         Then. I hear a knock on the door. It's him. I don't want to see him right now, or not ever again. Or do I? I am probably making a big deal of it.
        " Um, hi. I just want to apologize for that. I am generally not like that, but you just looked so pretty."
         " Well, it's alright. I honestly kind of liked that. But I would have appreciated a warning!"
        " I know, and I'm sorry. It's my first date. I didn't know what to do."
        "Well, actually, it was my first date too." He looked embarrassed. Almost like he had been crying." But I wouldn't object, another time, if you gave me some sort of warning before. It's alright Mason, really."
        " Well, thank you. That made me feel so much better. I'm truly sorry, Lady Caroline."
        " That's Carrie to you, Your Highness." I tease. He smiles and leaves me alone. Was that the picture perfect date? No. Was it thoughtful and embarrassing? Yes. Will I remember for the rest of my life? Absolutely.