Chasing Sunset (COMPLETED)

CHAPTER 24: The Real Prince

You want to have a walk?

Holding my hand, he guided me outside the hall. We settled for a bench underneath a tree, as if we were in the park, underneath a clear, bright night sky full of stars.

I'm not mad at you Celine but for the first time, I can't understand why I'm scared.

Scared?

For myself, while you were dancing with him, you are infront of me, yet you are too far to be reach. All my life, the only woman I have is my mom, which is why I'm afraid I might lose you anytime.

Do you see that stars up above? As long as you know they are there in the sky, I will never leave your side. Whether it rains today, or the day after tomorrow, or for a whole year, you know they will still show up.

Alexis asked me if you won a bet, reason why I chose you instead of him. I said No.

Is it not?

Why did I wear this bracelet if I did not choose you? Ae, of all the people who asked me, you are the only one who I felt the sincerest, so what else are you afraid of? There are still more out there who will introduce themselves to me and more letters to come, but I will still choose you. Unless you don't want me?

Celine, Remember our oath?

Yes, and Yes.

What you mean with those two yeses?

Yes, I will always remember that oath, and yes to your very first question, remember?

You mean... Am I right Celine? he's already beaming with happiness.

Yes, I want to make this right Ae, with you. To a brand-new start, we will need to do this together, one step at a time, and we begin it today.

Thank you, Celine, you don't know how happy I am right now. I promise, I won't let you down.

He hugs me, tears of joy are evident on his face.

We stay there for a few more minutes until we decided to go back inside. The host was talking on stage and everyone sat down temporarily when we arrive.

The Male and Female Stars of the Night was just announced, two stunning Seniors walk infront, to receive their awards.

"And now to award our Prom King and Queen.... before the event starts, some students, for sure they are your friends, submitted names to us to be candidates for this award. And we asked most of you, if not all, to cast their votes, while we held this event."

"Any idea guys? Are you all excited to know?" Everyone applauded while each table are shouting with their own bets.

"Once I call your names please come forward."

"Our Prom king and Queen is none other than......"

"Celine Jones and Aeon Collins!"

I didn't understand what is really happening. I heard everything the host said, but the thoughts haven't sink-in in my head. I only realized it when everyone screaming infront of us, and a smiling Aeon stood in front of me, waiting for my hand to hold him.

We went on the stage to receive our awards, a crown and a sash. And a chance to dance infront of everyone, with just the two of us.

May I have this dance, my Queen? Aeon formally asks.

We dance, infront of so many people looking at us. I am able to appreciate more on the person infront of me today, tall, handsome, kind, smart, romantic, affectionate, thoughtful. What did I do to deserve this kind of man? Is this just a dream, a fantasy, that I am the princess, and he's the prince charming I longed for.

Celine, I am starting to fall for you.

Ae, please don't look at me like that, I might melt, was the only thing I said to him

If it's against the law to look at you, I am ready to be imprisoned.

Silly. Are you really the Aeon, I knew? As far as I know, he's cold, quiet, boring and no interest in girls.

Don't ruin our moment Celine. No matter how many dares you want, I will make sure to win.

You wish! Hahaha.

It was indeed a fun night, an unforgettable experience, a once in a lifetime moment, for each one of us, most especially to Aeon and me.

Aeon drove me home, along with my Aunt who was obviously tired.

***

Celine, you look so beautiful today. Far different from the Celine I brought here months ago. You really evolve into a fine young woman.

Aunt Paulette, do I look like an ugly swan before?

Hahaha. You look like an elegant and beautiful swan now. If Chad is with us, no one can get into you, especially your friends and Aeon. But I still send your video to your parents, it's a pity that they are not here to witness your proud moments.

OMG! I'm sure they will become ecstatic again, and Chad, I can already imagine his face!

I just want them to be proud of you, and I promised them, that they would never regret letting you come here with me. In less than a year, you already achieved a lot.

I know, and I will never regret my decision of coming here.

Hmmm... What is it in you and Aeon? He can't take his eyes on you. But if you were to ask me, I like him for you Celine. He makes you happy.

You are right, he really makes me happy, and he values me, he helps me and will do everything for me. I am starting to like him Aunt Paulette, but I'm scared.

Why, Is it about Edward?

He called the other week and was asking me to return.

Isn't it your plan in the first place? Then why are you hurting, you should be happy, right?

One of these days, I need to decide and one of them will be left behind. I don't want to hurt anyone.

Celine, I want you to choose what you think is best for you. Follow the path to your happiness. You are still young, just enjoy all the time you have.

The night did not end without Aeon's text.

"Goodnight my Queen. See you tonight! In my Dreams! 😊" Aeon's text.

"Goodnight Ae! Thank you for tonight! See yah!"

If this is a dream, I would love to stay here forever. But sooner or later I need to face the reality, and it's not always rainbows and butterflies.

A few years ago, I dreamt of dancing with Edward, and him as my prince while I as her princess in a fairy tale like pavilion, full of lights dancing around us, where his eyes never leave mine, and we leave happily ever after. But that will remain to be a fantasy, a fiction that happens only in my imagination.

The real prince is Aeon, who wakes me up from my sleep, like Prince Phillip to Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. The prince who went all the way to help her princess gets back to reality, the one who helps me get up again, who helps me see my worth, value my potentials, and most especially appreciate the beauty within me.

Should I settle here with my real prince or should I stay with the prince of my dreams, where he's now waiting for my return.