His Choice

⚜ TWENTY ONE ⚜

Edited

---(This line is called Cuttlefish Lovers Secret Communication Codes by Dicetropical )---

Later that day, I feel more confident in my swimming abilities. Though I know I won't win, I know that I'll just need to focus on not being last. Heat rises to my cheeks when I think of the time I managed to spend with Jake this morning. I feel like I'm cheating.

The small moments that we spend together make me feel like I'm on cloud nine. When we're alone like that he always gives me so much of himself, shows me a real smile, not one painted on for politics. But it's those moments that make it that extra bit harder to see him flirt with other girls.

I want to give in to envy, but I don't. I know that this is just the way The Choosing works.

Shaking my head, I attempt to rid myself of such thoughts as I stroll out of my bedroom. I'm ready for dinner. It's been a hectic day, Annie got eliminated, I learnt how to swim, I got to see Jake damn near naked, and all I want to do now is eat then go into hibernation.

As I navigate the corridors, I trip over something small and stumble around to regain my balance.

What the heck?

Leaning against the wall for support as I drag myself out of my daze, I look back to see a small round table hosting a bundle of stuffed teddies sat on miniature chairs. One of the chairs is laid on its side in front of me, evidently the cause of my trip.

Picking up the stuffed bear that had also been a victim of my clumsiness, I replaced the chair and perched him on top of it. Just as I stand back up, I notice a little girl further down the corridor staring at me.

In her hands, she clutches a small china teapot that has been detailed with small pink flowers painted along the side. She crunches her face up as she looks between me and the tea party set up.

"Hello," I say with a warm smile as her young eyes rip me to shreds. Her scowl is so fierce for someone so small. She looks about four or five. She has long brown hair, tied up in pigtails and forest green eyes.

Whose kid is this anyway?

Her eyes narrow as she stays silent. "Is this your tea party?"

"Yes. Would you like to join us?" she finally replies and I am surprised at how well-spoken she is. Now it's my turn to narrow my eyes on her.

"It's almost my dinner time, so I really can't stay," I politely decline her offer.

She frowns then shuffles towards the table before pulling out a packet of crisps and some cookies. "You can eat with me," she says abruptly, before taking one of her teddies and putting them nicely on the floor. "You'll have to sit on the floor for now Mr Penguin, we have a guest joining us for tea." She turns to me and grabs my hand before yanking me down so I stumble into the chair. "I'm Princess Alison, but you can call me Allie."

Princess? She must be Jake's little sister!

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess, I'm Allenica. You can call me Ally as well." I smile at our shared nickname.

Her eyes light up at the mention of my name and she grins so wide I fear it'll get stuck.

"I heard Jakey talk to Daddy about you!" she talks as she starts pouring 'tea' into the minute china cups that have been set up in front of each chair. Jakey? That's cute. "He said that he is going to keep his eye on you, whatever that means." She tilts the snout of the teapot over my cup and carefully dips it so the liquid floods out. I note that it looks like water - probably safe to drink. I'm sure it'd be my head on the block if I didn't humour the little princess. "I hope it means you'll be my new sister! You're very pretty! And your name is the same as mine!"