Keeping The 'V'

Chapter 11 - Another Turn Of Events

I whipped around to find Chris standing there smiling at me. I gulped and prepared myself for the awkward questions.

" Where have you been? You haven't been at school for ages!" I was lost for words. Didn't he know about what happened between me and Mitch? Maybe he was just dodging the subject.

" Ah... Just some problems." I stuttered.

" So you haven't been expelled? With what happened between you and Ms. Rae. That's the rumours."

" Well I don't think I've been expelled. I haven't heard anything." It was true, I hadn't.

" Come back soon. We all miss you." He smiled. Feeling extremely awkward I looked for a way out of the conversation.

" Sorry, I've uh... Got to go." I blurted and ran away. I found the boys over by the canteen, food in their arms.

" Who was that?" Cam mumbled, shoving his face with food.

" Ugh. Just someone from school." I hesitated.

" Ladies and gentlemen if you could make your way inside as the show will start soon." A voice from the speakers boomed. We joined the rush if people and entered the stadium that had transformed into an amazing skate park. When we got in there we all turned off our phones as instructed and settled in our seats.

The show went on for about two hours and consisted of about a dozen skaters, some of who were great and others not. We waited anxiously for the winners to be announced. I cheered and whistled when the guy I was rooting for got first place and a hefty cheque for $20,000. We all raved about the experience on the trip home.

The boys decided to stay at Taylor's and order takeout and drink. Halfway through the night I finally decided to turn my phone on. I gasped at the million messages that I'd missed and a wave of shock and dizziness came over me. I stumbled backwards, then tripped over my feet and fell on my back. I didn't make a move to get up, I didn't want to. Black dots started appearing in my vision until I saw and felt nothing.

.~.

I woke up in a strange place, that also felt familiar. High ceilings rose above me and large pillars held them up. Everything was gold, or painted with intricate gold designs. I was dressed in a knee length, red chiffon shirt with gold detailing, a matching red crop top that hung loosely above me navel and a red chiffon vail that covered from my nose to my neck. On my feet were delicately laced up gold sandals and someone had braided my hair and fixed it with golden ties. Suddenly three young Greek looking girls rushed in caring platters of food and vases of water.

" My Lady. We come bearing food and water to prepare you before your encounter." one girl rushed, obviously nervous.

" Encounter?" I repeated, confused. What were they talking about?

" Do not tell me you forgot My Lady! Your meeting with the Kings of the five lands! They are already awaiting your presence!" This was confusing me, but I played along.

" I do not wish to eat right now." I spoke confidently, like I belonged here. " I would like a different dress to meet these gentleman in though." the girls placed the food and drink on a nearby table and rushed towards the bed where I sat. They grabbed my hands and guided me to a large room filled with gorgeous gowns and clothes. One girl picked out a long, strapless white dress, embellished with blue stones around the bodice.

" It's stunning." I breathed. They helped me out of my previous clothes and into the dress, lacing my sandals and redoing my hair in a bun complete with a gold crown if leaves.

" Is this all you wish?" one girl bowed her head at me.

" It is. Please show me to the guests." once again they held my arms and guided me through endless corridors to a large dining room where five men dressed identically sat. They all wore cream satin skirts and a different colored sash over their bare torsos. They all turned to face me and stood up as I entered. I tried to keep calm as I looked into the eyes of Mitch, Chris, Nathaniel, Harrison and Toby. They were all alive and well, unlike real life. Suddenly my maids scattered off and the boys formed a line in front of me. Almost completely in sync, they removed their sashes and their hand moved to un-tying the knots that held their skirts up.