#&ben

Another pair of arms join the hug, “the house is so quiet without you,” Evan says.

We stay like that for what feels like hours.

“Darcy you look gorgeous,” my dad says as he spins me around.

“Yeah you clean up pretty well,” Evan says with a wink.

I smile at my dad before shooting my brother a deadly look, “maybe you should try it too then.”

“Oh,” I says with a smirk on my face, “look what I can do.”

I take a few steps away from them and then start walking.

“You can walk?” Evan says, “I think we already knew that, Darce.”

The smile isn’t leaving my face, “no look,” I lift the hem of my dress and show the heels I’m wearing.

My dad claps his hands, “wow look at you.” His eyes glint a little, “my baby girl.”

Evan puts his arm around my dad’s shoulder, god how much I’ve missed them.

I walk some more to show them that I’m actually capable of doing this. Thanks to Aran.

“Wow Darcy, so you can actually be like a girl.” Evan says, but it’s obvious that he’s impressed.

A third voice joins the conversation, “she’s practically a pro now.”

I lift my head and see a familiar head pop up behind my family. My face flushes a little, “I'm not actually, have you seen Danielle? She's the pro.”

I stop walking and introduce them to each other. “Dad, Evan, this is Ben. And Ben, this is my dad Patrick and this is my brother Evan.”

Ben shakes my dad’s hands first and then Evan’s, the smile not leaving his face. That damn smile. “Nice to meet the both of you, been looking forward to it.”

“Likewise, and I can see you've been treating my daughter pretty well.” My dad says, and it makes me smile.

“I’ve done my very best,” Ben chuckles, “you’ve obviously done the same for the past 19 years.”

I can tell my dad  appreciates the joke, he always does. “I see room for improvement.”

Evan leans in and whispers in my ear, “at least one child turned out perfectly fine.” I nudge him in the side. Hard. He winces a little, but tries not to show.

A short laugh comes out of Ben. “Well then I hope we’ve helped with those while she’s been here.”

My dad shortly glances over at me, “she's always been wonderful in my eyes, but now I feel like the whole world sees it too.” It’s weird to hear your dad say stuff like that, especially when you’re right there. I feel my face flush a little but the smile remains.

Ben nods once, “it’s been wonderful to get to know her while she’s been here.”

Now I’m definitely  going to interfere, “okaay, enough about me.” I nudge my brother in the side, this time softly, “Evan say something.”

I know Evan is not a fan of this direct approach, but I don’t know what else to say and he has been awfully quiet. Evan runs a hand through his hair, “uhhh I like your... outfit?”

Ben laughs as he tugs at his cuffs, “thank you. Highly uncomfortable but I suffer through it nonetheless.”

I don’t recognize my brother in this moment, and apparently my dad is confused as well.

Evan leans in to take a closer look I guess. “You look very hot, how many layers are you wearing?”

Did he just call Ben hot?

I know he meant temperature-wise, but this just sounded so weird. And he will not hear the end of this. Definitely not. I will remember him of this moment forever.

Ben doesn’t seem to mind, “three including the jacket. Tie doesn’t exactly help,” he smoothes it down with a sigh. “Still, today was a day to dress more formally so here I am.”

“Yeah I see, you look great though,” my brother says with a small uncomfortable smile on his face. I can’t stop myself from chuckling. I’ve never heard my brother say anything like that. To another guy.

I hear Ben laugh again, “appreciate the compliment. You’re looking sharp yourself.”

Evan mutters something that sounds like a thanks man.

“This is a weird situation isn't it? You're meeting the parents, times six.” I say to Ben.

“I’ve never been more nervous to meet a dad in my life, especially six.” He manages a chuckle as he rubs the back of his neck.

Aw poor boy. “But you're doing great,” I turn to my dad, “dad, how's Ben doing?”

My dad gets the hint, “you're doing wonderful, son.”

Ben lets out a small breath and straightens his posture. “That’s a relief, thank you.”

After Ben has left to the next parents, I chat some more to my family.

“Evan, you called him hot,” I tease him, “and you said he looked good.”

My brother brings his hand to his face, “Darcy seriously?”

I laugh, even my dad can’t seem to keep it in.

“You forced me to say something.”

“Son,” my dad says once he somewhat managed to contain his laughter, “you tried.”

“You could’ve talked about literally anything, but you decided to flirt with him.” I wink at him.

Evan’s face turns red, “I… I was not flirting with him.”

They’re calling us for dinner. I would lie if I say I wasn’t hungry.

Let’s be honest I’m always up for food.

I feel a gently nudge suddenly, “I did taste the cookies this time,” Danielle laughs softly.

“And weren't they like they best thing you've ever put in your mouth?” I say as I smile up at her.

There’s an amused look on her face, “... they were really good!” her voice then drops down into a whisper as she discreetly gestures to the gorgeous woman next to her, “I wish she was that good at baking.”

I see the woman raise an eyebrow, “what are you saying about me now?”

Danielle says, “um... Hey Darcy, this is ma mére, Corine LeBlanc.” Of course my goddess friend has an angelic looking mother. “and mére this is my friend Darcy...”

I smile at Danielle’s mom and shake her hand, “so nice to meet you.”

The woman smiles politely at me. These people have amazing genes, holy cow both Danielle and her mom are beautiful. “Nice to meet you too, lady Darcy I have watched you all on TV,” she looks around before turning back to me, “but is nice to see you in person.”

“It must be quite strange to see your own child on TV.” I gesture towards Danielle.

Corine says, “not really, she doesn’t look that bad,” she places a quick kiss on Danielle’s head. They’re cute.

Someone clears his throat behind me. Oops. Introducing my own family might be the nice thing to do. I turn around, “oh sorry this is my dad Patrick, and that's my brother Evan.” I tell Danielle and her mom as I gesture towards my dad and brother.

My dad smiles kindly at both women and extends his hand to both of them, “pleasure to meet you.”

I don’t know what has gotten into Evan, or why he thinks he needs to bow like some kind of jester. “Lady Danielle, or should I say lady Beautiful?”

What on earth?

“Nice to meet you Mr. Duncan,” Danielle’s mom says to my dad as she shakes his hand. Evan gets a quick hello. Well what did he expect? He’s making a fool out of himself..

Danielle follows her mom as she shakes my dad’s hand and smiles a little. She then turns to Evan and frowns, “No, you really shouldn’t. But... hi.” Danielle turns to me looking confused.

Evan doesn’t seem to get the hint. He keeps smiling at her, “lady Gorgeous then?”

I nudge him in the side and mutter to him, “Evan behave.”

From the corner of my eye, I can see my dad shaking his head. First his son flirts with Ben and now with Danielle. Why?

“Danielle. Just Danielle.” Bless her for trying to stay polite. “We should get going.”

We all start walking together, “It must have been a long trip from Honduragua,” Danielle’s mom asks my dad.

“Yes it was quite the trip. Especially when you've never left your hometown before. How was your trip from... Kent if I remember correctly?” now that my dad is talking to Danielle’s mom, I decide to talk some sense into my dumbass brother.

I softly say, “can you please act normal please?”

Evan doesn’t get the softly part, he blurts out, “I think I might be in love.”

My eyebrows fly up as a response. “You've only just met her?”

A snicker from Danielle pulls be back into the normal conversation, “I have heard the south is a nice zone to live.”

“I don't know about the other southern provinces but Honduragua is nice. You should visit one day,” my dad says.

Evan smiles at Danielle, “I can show you around, lady Dazzling.”

I can’t believe him right now.

Danielle lets out a breath, “ I’m confused cause I already told you my name but you must have missed it...” my friend looks at me with an apologetic expression on her face. I feel bad for her. Why can’t Evan act normal? Or at least try to be normal?

“Don’t pay attention to him,” I tell Danielle.

I feel something pinch my arm. Or should I say someone. “You’re my sister you’re supposed to help me,” Evan mutters in my ear.

I pick up little sentences of the conversation between my dad and Danielle’s mom. But I can’t really join in on it, because I can’t leave Evan alone. He’ll chase Danielle away, and I can’t let that happen.

“...Your dad is nice and you are like the complete opposite of your brother, so what went wrong with him?” There’s a little joking tone in Danielle’s voice, but she has a good point. Evan is supposed to be the wise older brother, and now he’s acting like some crazy fangirl.

“I’ve never seen him like this, I think he has hit his head or something.” That’s literally the only possible explanation for his weird behaviour.

Evan is still smiling at Danielle, “you're funny, lady Charming.”

Danielle reaches for her shoulder, her mom has her hand there and judging by Danielle’s face she’s in a little bit of pain. “Can I ask-um ... what happened to your mom?” her voice is like a whisper.

I glance in my dad’s direction, he seems to be having an interesting conversation. And Danielle’s mom is chuckling. Wow. I’m impressed.

I lean forward a bit. Danielle is sitting across from me and I don’t want the entire room to hear our conversation. “Our mom left a couple of months after I was born, never heard from her again.”

I lean back in my chair again, letting my hands rest on the table. I look over to my dad, he’s the best dad in the world. He has had to raise 2 kids on his own, that’s hard. And then there’s the caste situation. Life has never been easy for him.

From the corner of my eye, I see Evan staring at Danielle. Idiot. He looks like a hungry turtle looking at some lettuce. There’s some passion in his eyes. Gross.

“Oh...” Danielle clears her throat, “I’m sorry to hear that.” She has a concerned look on her face.

Danielle’s mom turns to us, “is everything okay?”

I smile a little, “yes thank you everything is fine thank you.”

My dad notices Evan staring at Danielle, “Evan you're making the girl feel uncomfortable, stop it.”

But my silly brother doesn’t listen, it doesn’t even seem like he’s trying at all. “I can't, her face is like a magnet and I can't seem to pull away.”

Danielle leans an elbow on the table to block Evan, poor girl. “You probably won’t see me around much these days...”

I kick Evan under the table, “thanks a lot, now you've chased away the only friend I have in here.”

He doesn’t flinch at all, there’s not even a hint of pain in his face. How? The shin is rather painful to kick, and he doesn’t even react? Instead he is still staring at Danielle with that stupid smile on his face. “No she means you won't see her, because she'll spend all her time with me, right lady Marvelous?”

I drop my head in my hands. I can’t believe this is my brother.

“Not a very clever idea to flirt with a selected, boy.” Danielle’s mom says in the most calm way ever. And she also gestures to the guards positioned all around the room.

Evan finally turns his attention away from Danielle, but now his sweet smile is directed towards her mom. “I highly appreciate the warning for the guards, I'll continue more discreetly,” and he turns back to Danielle again, and he actually winks. God why?

“Evan!” I nudge him full force in his side, “stop being a creep or I'll go get the guards myself.”

My dad is chuckling, I guess we’re quite the entertainment.

“It’s okay I can just ignore him.” Danielle says to me.

I sigh and shake my head, “I promise, he normally isn't like this.”

I hear my dad mutter something to Evan, “she doesn’t seem interested in you, son.”

Evan is still looking at Danielle, he mumbles back, “that's what they call playing hard-to-get, at some point her act will vanish”

We chat some more during the rest of the meal. I try my hardest to keep Evan in check, but it’s no use. He can’t be tamed.

My dad on the other hand seems to have a great time, he keeps talking with Danielle’s mom. I can’t help but smile at him.

It has been a couple of days since us all were witnesses of the fight between Ben and Wyatt. It was definitely hard and awkward to see, but it did remind me of the fights I’ve had with Evan. No matter how bad the fights were, the family bond remains and the grudges will vanish.

What did surprise me was Ben saying he wanted to end the selection. The thought of going home didn’t necessarily scare me, but to hear those words out of Ben’s mouth did come as a surprise.

I’m looking out of my bedroom window. The view of the garden is still the most beautiful view I’ve ever had.

The flowers are still blossoming. All those colours.

Two knocks on my door startle me. I have a feeling who this might be.

I walk over and open the door. Not knowing what else to do with myself, I decide to wave a little, “hey.”

Ben smiles a little, “hi. Is it okay if we talk for a bit?”

“Yeah yeah come in,” I open the door a bit more so he can actually enter the room.

“I just thought I'd come say sorry for what I said the other day. It wasn't... okay of me to say what I did.” Ben I standing there, scratching his nape.

I close the door and decide to head for my bed. I feel a little awkward and sitting is always better than standing. “Do you really want us all to leave?”

He shakes his head, “not at all. I was speaking from a place stress. I just needed some space and would’ve done practically anything to get it.” Ben sighs as he runs a hand through his hair, “it wasn’t right, but it’s the truth.”

My fingers fidget, I seem to do that all the time lately. “I get it, and I'm sorry for all the stress.”

He lifts a shoulder, “it's not your fault. I need to learn to manage it better is all.”

I suddenly realize Ben’s still standing, “please sit if you want to,” I say as I gesture to all seating options available in my room. “You know you don't have to do it all on your own, there are people who can help.”

Ben decides to sit in a chair facing my bed, “I know that now. Learned the hard way.” there’s a sad smile on his face.

I feel so bad for him. Things have definitely not been easy lately.

“Sometimes that has to happen though, learning the hard way I mean.” I remember the time I thought I could lift a steal beam by myself. But then it crushed my foot and I literally learned the hard way to never do that again.

Ben nods a bit. “Hopefully not too often anymore,” a tired laugh leaves his mouth as he slumps back into the chair.

I narrow my eyes at him, he looks very bad. “Are you okay?”

“Yes and no. I should be... eventually.”

Eventually? “Ben you're worrying me. You don't have to tell me anything, but maybe you should talk to someone?” I look down at my fingers, I can’t seem to keep them still.

“Talking to you girls has actually helped.,” I hear him let out a breath, “I mostly just need time, to fix things. Or at least try to.”

I look up again, “you'll be able to fix everything, I'm sure. Like I've said, you're a good person Ben.”

A crooked smile appears on his face, “I appreciate that, Darcy.”

“I'm happy to see you can still smile.” I reach up to put a strand of hair behind my ear, “also if you ever feel stressed again you should try yoga, I think you'd be really good at it.” It’s a tiny joke, but I strongly feel the need to lighten the mood.

He laughs a bit, “my body doesn’t bend that way, but thanks for the suggestion.”

“Oh you just need to stretch the muscles first and then after a while you'll be way more flexible.” Like I’m the yoga expert here?

“I’ll let you know how that works out for me,” Ben says as he points at me.

I can only imagine him actually doing that, the thought makes me chuckle. “Oh please do, Bennet.”

Ben tilts his head. “How are you doing? Everything alright?”

No.

I’m not even fine.

But instead I say, “yeah I'm good I'm good thanks.” I fidget the fabric of my dress between my fingers.

I haven’t slept properly since the attack.

There hasn’t been one night without the nightmares.

My pillow is soaked from my tears every morning.

And my scarred arm freaking hurts. But that’s the least of my problems right now.

“You sure? The same offer stands that you can talk to me, but only if you feel comfortable.” Ben says.

No I’m not okay, is what I want to scream. But I can’t bring myself. “But I don't want to bother you with my silly stuff when you've already got so much on your plate.”

“You sharing this with me is not a burden. I care about you, Darcy.”

I stare down at my hands. The fabric of my dress is all wrinkled up in my fingers. “You do?”

“You're all important to me.” I look up to find him smiling a bit.

“But some more than others, am I right?” my gaze quickly lowers again, I can’t bear to look at him.

“More like... important to me in different ways. If that makes sense.”

And I know exactly what he means. “No I think I get it, there's the romantic way and there's the platonic way.” I force myself to look up again.

“And I have a feeling where this is going.” He’s smiling a bit, but the only emotion present is sadness.

“What? No Ben I like you and I'd do anything for you. But I'm also not blind, I see the way you look at the others.” Did I really just say that?

“No I... I know what you meant. That’s what makes me sad because,” he sucks in a breath, “I’m sorry that I don’t feel the same way you do for me. You’re wonderful, Darcy.”

“It's okay,” I smile a little. Strangely enough my heart is not breaking, it’s just my ego being hurt. But my heart is still one piece. Yes I do like the guy, I mean how could you not. But I’ve noticed the glances at the other girls, and I think that’s what prepared me for all of this. “ I really truly hope you find what you're looking for, you deserve that.”

“I hope you do too. Genuinely.” He smiles a bit as he stands with his hands in his pockets.

“Thanks for everything,” I walk over to open the door, “I'll pack up my stuff and go back home and you won't be bothered by me anymore.”

Ben walks over to me and places a hand on my shoulder, “you don't have to rush. Take your time. And you were never a bother to me.” There’s a genuine smile on his face.

I smile a little, this guy is honestly the kindest person ever. “Thanks and good luck with everything.”

“You too. Goodbye, Darcy.” He smiles one last time before he steps out and closes the door.  

Wow so that’s it I guess.

I’m going home.

The thought doesn’t scare me, not even a little. On the contrary, I get a warm feeling in my stomach. I’m going to be with my dad and Evan again. Walk around freely wherever and whenever I want to. And most importantly I don’t have to wear heels anymore.

I decide to start packing, even if Ben said I didn’t have to rush.

It just seems a little weird to me, to stay here when I’m no longer in the running.

This room. I’ll never see it again.

And the view... I’m going to miss it.

I sit down on the windowsill and let out a sigh.

What a wild ride this has been.

Suddenly I realize something and I hurry to the bathroom.

I open one of the drawers, grab a washcloth, make it a little wet and start rubbing the inside of my upper arm. There it is. My tattoo. My beautiful wild flowers.

Ladies were not supposed to have tattoos, especially not in visible places. That’s what they told me on the day I got here.

A huge relief washes over me, I feel like myself again.

No matter how much fun I’ve had these past months and how much I’ve learned, this life just isn’t for me. I’m not one to wear pretty dresses and heels. Give me some sneakers, jeans and an oversized shirt and I’m completely happy.

With that feeling I lay down on my bed. Well it’s technically not my bed anymore, but who cares.

I wake up feeling revived. I haven’t had a good night of sleep in so long. And no nightmares. That’s something new.

I get up, knowing that there’s only one more thing for me to do here before I go.

Gently I knock on Danielle’s door.

The door opens quickly after, “hey!” Danielle frowns at me with confusion. “... ready for breakfast?”

How do I tell her this? I’ll miss this girl. Like a lot. “There’s something you should know.” I feel myself fidgeting with my fingers again.

There’s an alarmed look on her face, but she speaks rather calmly when she says, “O-K. Come in.” She gestures for me to enter, “is everything okay?”

“Thank you,” I say as I step inside, “uhm I don’t know how to say this so I’m just going to say it, I’m out.”

I didn’t even realize Danielle’s maids were here until the moment they leave the room.

Danielle’s eyebrows are up on her forehead, “Out?! But- no. W-why?”

“Ben doesn’t like me, it’s as simple as that,” I say as I shrug.

She puts some of her hair behind her ear before looking back up at me again. “...are you okay? I mean... how do you feel?”

“I’m okay actually,” I nod my head and smile a little, “I kinda saw it coming anyway.”

Danielle frowns at me again, “um... I’m sorry.” She puts a hand on my shoulder before she goes in for a hug.

I hug her back, “thank you for being my friend here.”

She chuckles over my shoulder, “thank you... You actually stood for a lot of sarcasm and silly jokes.”

A soft laugh leaves my mouth, “you’re so funny though, I had a great time.”

Danielle leans back, “but we are going to see each other again, right? If I can vis-” she pauses for a second, “um... please visit me when you can.”

“Yes you should visit, and don’t worry I’ll make sure Evan is not around then.” I know the moment to say goodbye is here and I’m not ready for it. My face turns a little sad, “I’ll miss you.”

She presses her lips together and there’s an embarrassed expression on her face. Poor girl is traumatized by Evan. “Okay! Then, yes I will.” Another small pause, “I will miss you too,” she says as she lets out a breath.

I give her another hug, “good luck with everything Danielle!”

She tightens the hug for just a little second, “thanks. Good luck for you, too!”

I can feel I’m about to cry, but I’m trying to keep myself together.

“Um... you need help with anything?” Danielle asks.

“Thank you, but I’m all ready to go.” I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat. “Have fun at breakfast and with the rest of this.”

I open the door, “I’ll see you.”

Danielle nods once, “see you soon.” She waves but there’s a sad smile on her face.

“Bye,” I say before I close the door behind me.

I walk through the hallway, past my now old-room, down the stairs and through the front door.

A car is waiting to bring me to the airport, but before I get in I turn around once more.

Goodbye palace.

I don’t even know why I’m nervous. Is it because I’ll see Ben again? Or just because I don’t know what we’ll be doing?

As I make my way over to the door, I decide to go for the latter options. I’ve never been that big of a fan of surprises, mostly because they always appear when you don’t expect them. Like the day my name got drawn for the selection.

I take a deep breath and open the door.

“Ben,” I nod my head a little and curtsy.

Or something that is supposed to be a curtsy. I definitely need more help to get the hang of this.

He smiles a bit, “hi, all ready for our date?”

“Yes I think so.” I close my door. I don’t want anyone lurking in there when I’m not around. “Are you ready for it?” I turn around and take the arm he’s offering.

“If I’m being honest... I’m actually a little nervous for ours” He chuckles as we start walking down the hallway. “ And you don’t have to curtsy by the way.”

That is such a relief, no more making a fool of myself. “Okay thank you, I won't do that again.” I smile, “why are you nervous? Are we doing something scary or..?”

“Not exactly. We’re doing a painting class,” he lets out a sigh with a tired laugh, “and I’m terrible at anything artistic.”

“Oh I'm sure you're not that bad,” I tilt my head a little so I get a proper side view of him. “But we'll see about that later.”

“Whatever I paint, I guarantee you’ll have no idea what it is.” He returns my side glance, god those eyes.

A soft chuckle leaves my mouth, “nooo it can't be that bad.”

All of a sudden something hits me and I stop walking. “But first we need to talk about something. Because I put a really high value to honesty. And this is probably not the right time but then again I don't know if the right time will ever come.” I don’t know what to do or where to look, so I turn my full attention to the ground. What a gorgeous carpet.

From the corner of my eye, I can see Ben nods his head. It takes a few seconds before he says anything, but it feels like hours are passing by. “You’re not alone in valuing honesty. What’s on your mind?”

I take another deep breath as I try to order my thoughts and form sentences. A word vomit is the result.

“Please don't be mad at me, and know that I am really grateful for being here. But I didn't put my own name in for the selection. My friends applied for me. At first I didn't want to go but my brother showed me the opportunities so I decided to roll with it and just go. And now that I'm here, I've realized how thankful I am about everything.”

I’m still pinning my gaze to the floor. Am I still breathing?

“I couldn’t be mad at you for that. But... if you do want to go home, that’s okay with me too. I’d hate for you to be forced to be here when you didn’t want to.”

He couldn’t be mad at me for that. He couldn’t be mad at me for that. A shower of relief falls over me.

“No no no, I don't want to go home anymore.” I force myself to leave the floor as it is and look at Ben again. “Okay that sounds creepy, I mean you can still eliminate me if you want but I won't leave on my own.”I sigh, why can’t I talk like a normal person? “I'm not helping my case here sorry, but do you get what I mean?”

He chuckles as he puts a hand over mine on his. This gesture makes me realize I’m still clinging onto his arm. “Yes, I do. And as of now, I don’t plan on eliminating you.” He smiles at me and pats my hand.

I’m happy I got this off my chest and it’s all out in the open now.

We continue walking and I can’t help but feel at ease. “Thanks that's such a relief. I meant to tell you the other day at the introduction interview thing but I just forgot about it.” Truth is: I had so much fun during the introduction that it didn’t even cross my mind once.

Ben lifts a shoulder. “You told me now, no harm done.” I can feel he looks down at me, but I can’t look away since I see some stairs coming closer. “Bold move by your friends though.”

“Yeah, it was more of joke and they believed Sevens wouldn't stand a chance anyway. But then my name got picked.”

“You know everything really /was/ random right? Caste had no influence on who was Selected.”

I did not mean to step on anyone’s toes or talk badly about the selection. “Yes I know I know. Castes are just a number anyway, they don't say anything about a person.”

That’s something I’ve been told my entire life. By my parents and friends at least. People from other castes do not always agree.

“You’re right. They don’t.” I quickly look up to see he’s smiling. “I could have been completely awful.”

I chuckle softly, “maybe you are, but no-one has told you yet.” I nudge him with my shoulder.  

I’m just happy the rough talk is over so now we I can go back to laughing and enjoying this date.

“And are you going to be the first person to tell me?” he smirks a little.

“Well now that I'm being honest,” I pretend to think for a second, “you're not that awful.”

“I’m not that awful. I’d consider an achievement for today,” he’s smiling again, but this time the amusement is visible in his eyes.

Talking to Ben feels like I’m talking to my friends back home. We were always joking and being sarcastic, it was awesome. I miss them. “Perhaps I'll have to adjust my opinion after this date.”

“Hopefully not lowered in any way.” He sticks his free hand his pocket. For some reason I feel like a child clinging to her parent’s arm, scared to lose them. I guess I’m still not used to this whole selection thing.

I ask him how he has been doing. And he tells me he’s doing just ‘peachy’. This is something I’ve never heard anyone say before. I’m not even sure what it means, but judging by his joking voice I guess it’s a good thing?

Just as I’m wondering where we’re actually going to, we reach our destination.

Ben smiles as he opens the door. We walk inside some sort of sitting room. Chairs and tables are moved back to the walls. Right in the middle of the room are 2 easels standing next to each other. As I come closer, I see there are tubes with paint in every possible colour.

A man is standing in front of the easels. He bows as we come in, “Your Highness, Lady Darcy.”

I cringe a bit at the Lady thing. It’s weird to hear people call you that, when you’re used to being the outcast of society.

Again, I don’t know what to do with myself, so I decide to go for a curtsy/head-bow/hello combination. I look around the room, “impressive.”

Ben says something but I’m not really paying attention anymore. I’m just too amazed by the grandness of this all. I’m being guided closer to the easels. There are brushes in every possible size. Who even needs that many brushes?

The teacher, who is called Gabriel, has a very serious expression on his face. “I won’t be taking up too much of your time, simply showing you your still life piece and recommending some techniques.”

I don’t even know why I am this excited. I have never done painting before, so all tips are welcome. And this teacher looks like he knows everything about it. He could be Gauguin himself. “Oh I can’t wait,” I clap my hands softly.

Ben is handing me something. A smock. “To limit at least some paint we might spill,” he chuckles.

“Clever thinking, thank you.” I take the smock from him and put it on. “How do I look?” I smile and make a little twirl. Since when am I so girly? Something or someone is bringing out a different side of me.

He grins at me, “like a Selected ready to paint some art with a mediocre prince.”

Gabriel the teacher lets out a laugh. I had forgotten he was in the room. He clears his throat. “I’m sure that’s not true.”

Ben puts on his smock and for some reason that feels very intimate so I turn to face the teacher. “It is. Those techniques you’re about to show us? Useless in my case.”

“You're so optimistic,” I chuckle. I’m not sure what to expect from his painting now. “Perhaps those techniques will bring out your inner Picasso.”

“And perhaps you’re in for a really awful surprise.” He glances at me from the side as he sits down on his stool.

I should probably sit down as well. “We'll see about that.”

The teacher steps forward and takes off a sheet to reveal the object we’ll be painting. I hear Ben suppress a laugh. “Today you’ll be painting a very common subject for beginners.” A bowl of mixed fruit.

I stare at the fruit bowl. There’s a red apple, a green pear, an orange, some grapes, a banana. Gabriel is going on and on about how to create the perfect light and shadow in a painting. Which brush stroke to use for each brush. How to mix paint together to create the perfect colour. I think at some point he even says, “you have to be the object you paint.”

How does one know so much about painting? He really is Rembrandt.

I try to take up all the information he’s giving us. However the person on my side is zoning out, he’s even glancing at me at some point.

Mister Monet explains some more about how to make the painting look realistic, until he claps his hands once. “Wonderful. Any questions?”

I’m staring at the teacher as I’m ordering all the information in my head.

Ben calls out my name.

“Uh yes actually, do I first draw it with a pencil as some sort of guideline or do I just start painting right away?” Wow Darcy, great question. What do you think all the famous painters did?

Gabriel nods his head, “I would recommend that, yes. It will help in painting a more concise canvas for your first time.”

I nod my head in return. “Yes I understand, thank you. I don't have any other questions.” I turn to Ben, “what about you?”

He presses his lips together, “Um, I think I’m good for now.” He turns to the teacher, “thanks, we’ll see how it goes.”

“Of course, Your Highness. Best of luck.” Gabriel bows and slips out of the room.

“He's a really good teacher and he seems really kind.” I stand up from her stool and walk over to the fruit bowl to get a closer look of the fruit arrangement. “Are you ready for this?”

“He is. A little dramatic but kind.” A small laugh leaves his mouth. “And I suppose ready as I’ll ever be.”

I rearrange the fruit a little bit. “Have you ever done this before?”

“Not successfully. I’m more into looking at art than creating it.”

“Ah I see.” The arrangement pleases me so I walk back to my easel and sit down. “Do you have a favourite artist or a favourite art object?”

“Paintings. All kinds, especially the ones we have in the art gallery.” I see he picks up a paintbrush and fiddles with it.

I let my eye fall on the pencils and pick up one that looks promising. “Oh that's cool. It sounds like a private museum or something.” I look at the fruit bowl and then focus back on the canvas in front of me. I bring the pencil to the canvas and attempt to draw it on there.

“Private museum to the palace if that’s a way to think about it.”  I can’t really see what he’s doing since I’m too focused on my canvas but I’m guessing he picked up a pencil as well. “I could show it to you sometime.”

However there’s one thing that did catch my eye. “That'd be fun, I'd love to see it.” I put my pencil down and turn to face Ben. “Also I saw the face you made, it was like…” I try to imitate it as best as I can, but make it approximately a billion times worse, followed by a laugh.

Ben laughs as well, “I know my talents. This isn’t one of them.” but then the laugh turns into a sigh.

“I’m sure it’s not that bad. But perhaps some paint can make it better?” I don’t even know.

“Better in that it looks like more a fifth grader’s work than kindergartener’s.” He spares me an amused glance before he works some more on his sketch.

“Yes exactly, you get it.” I shake my while smiling as I continue working on my own sketch.

I glance in his direction to see that he’s painting something, that I’m guessing is supposed to be the apple, red. “See, you’re doing great!” I feel like such a mom.

“So you've mentioned painting is not your strong suit. But what are your other talents?”

“I feel like a broken record,” he smiles a bit, “but surfing is one. I’d say I’m half decent at my job too.”

I feel so dumb. The question about hobbies and talents is like the most standard one ever. Of course he has to talk about it with all the other girls. I want to facepalm myself.

One final look between my drawing and the actual fruit bowl, before I decide it’s alright as it is. “Oh of course everyone asks that, sorry.” I grab some purple paint and start working on the grapes, “being good at your job is nice though, that can definitely come in handy when you're working.”

“Don’t be sorry, it’s an important question.” He chuckles, but I still feel like a stupid fool. “Besides that I’ve always been good at school if that counts. I love to learn.”

“I've never heard anyone mention school before when asked about talents. But sure, okay. What was your favourite subject?” In the meantime I continue painting. My fruit bowl is kinda coming alive. But I’m not sure if it’s looking good or not.

I also find out that Ben’s favourite school subjects are English, history and math. The guy likes almost everything. Except, of course, my favourite subject: physics.

It might not sound as the most interesting subject when being compared to history for example. But it sure is useful. Especially when you’re working in the steel construction business. You need to keep all things in mind: gravity, wear and tear of materials, weather conditions. You can’t afford to make a single mistake.

“What are you doing?” I ask when I see Ben’s putting splatters on his canvas.

He tilts his head, “what do you mean?” He then turns to his painting and sighs with a laugh. “Apparently everything wrong.”

“No no don't say that. Your painting is definitely unique!” One thing I learned about myself today is that I am surprisingly optimistic.

Ben looks at me with an amused expression on his face. “If you want to be nice about it.” He looks at his painting again, “might as well make it an abstract.” Then he gets even more paint on his brush and creates splatters all over his canvas.

I’m laughing once again, “you're creating some real art here.” Honestly I had never thought he could be this funny.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if I get professionally commissioned in the future.” He jokes some more.

“Agree,” I’m still laughing, “if this whole royal thing doesn't work out, you can always become an artist.”

He snorts, “that’d be a real shock to my family. I’d never hear the end of it.”

“I think the entire planet would be shocked.” I shake my head while smiling, “don't forget about this painting class though, it's where you created your first masterpiece.”

“Ah yes.” He puts down his brush to get a better look at it. Then he glances at my painting. “Not as much a masterpiece as yours though. Are you a closet painter or something?”

I turn to my own painting. “You don't have to say that.” I little smile forms on my face and my cheeks flush a little. “I've never done this before actually.”

I’ve only ever drawn blueprints of buildings but that’s just drawing some lines. This is something completely different.

Now he’s really studying my painting. “For your first time it’s very good.”

“Really? Thank you,” I smile as I’m looking down since I don’t know where else to look. That’s when I notice something else, my smock is still clean. “And I didn't spill paint anywhere, now that's an achievement.”

Ben turns to me with a smirk on his face. “I think I can fix that.” He picks up his paintbrush and splatters some paint on my smock as he snickers.

I jump up from my stool. “Oh no you didn't.” I laugh and throw a brush dripping with red paint towards his arm.  

He laughs, “hey, I at least put only the paint on you.” He starts swiping some yellow paint on my hand.

“If you only want the paint, then here you go.” I quickly take a few steps forward and smear some green on his face.  “Green really is your colour.” I laugh, thinking back to our introduction when he mentioned green was his favourite lipstick colour.

First he stared at me but then laughs some more. “How does this keep happening to me?”

I’m not quite sure what he’s talking about, but it does intrigue me. “What keeps happening to you?”

Ben points at his face, “this. The second time a Selected has painted my face.” He chuckles, but I realize I’m doing the same thing as some other girl has done already. Again. Just like the talents question.

“Oh it must be something in your face then, desperately in need of some paint.” I smile at him.

He lets out a short, loud laugh. “Am I really that terrible looking?”

“Hm,” I lift my shoulders in a playful way. “Colours always help a face stand out more.”

One of his brows goes up, but he’s not making any attempt to get the paint off. “And what other colors would you recommend for me?”

I study his face, “orange, yes definitely orange.”

He makes a face which makes me laugh. “Orange and green? Like a duck?”

“I've never seen a duck that's orange and green.” I walks over to the fruit bowl to show him what I was thinking about. “I was more inspired by this,” I hold up the orange. “The orange and this little green thingy here look great together in my opinion.”

Ben stands up from his stool and makes his way over to me. “Isn’t it a mallard duck? Or I’m just crazy.” He chuckles again.

“You may be right, but where is that duck orange? It's more yellowish and green.” I’m trying to remember what that duck looks like.

“Then that has more to do with the fact that I’m blind and need glasses.” Another small laugh leaves his mouth.

“Perhaps I'm the blind one.” An innocent smile is resting on my face, “would you like some orange with your green?”

He grins at me, “orange me away.” He then closes his eyes. “And trust me, I’m the one who’s blind.”

I pick up a brush with orange paint on it. “But you already have glasses, right?” At the same time I put some orange on his chin, nose and forehead.

“Yup. I wear contacts for certain events and days, but I prefer my glasses when I can.” Ben peeks an eye open, “am I all oranged up now?”

I mumble something, “glasses are quite sexy.” I think he didn’t hear me and I clap my hands. “Yes you're done, perfect.”

He opens his eyes in surprise and then smirks. “Sexy?”

“Yes,” I chuckle, “I don't know, they add something. Very attractive if you ask me.” Glasses point out both one’s jaw line and cheekbones. Oh and someone’s eyes as well.

He grins again, “I'd say the same. Not everyone prefers them though.”

“Hm it also depends on the person who's wearing them.” I turn around to see if I can put the dripping paintbrush somewhere. I spy my palette and put the paintbrush on it.

I then turn around to find Ben standing there with crossed arms. “And what would my verdict be? Because I'm told I could even be compared to a cute granny.”

I laugh, “a cute granny?” I shake my head a little, “no I don't see that, you're more like a charming student or something.”

“Huh. I think I can work with charming student.” He smiles at me, but then crosses his eyes. I chuckle when I realize he’s looking at the orange paint on his nose. “A student who's let himself become a canvas.”

I laugh again, “now you're a walking piece of art. Be careful that they don't put you in an exhibition in some museum.”

After that we joke around some more. But then it’s soon time for me to go back to my room and for Ben to wash the paint of his face.

I let him know how much I’ve enjoyed this date. Both because I learnt so many new things, and because my company was pretty great.

“Always a winning combo in my experience,” as he chuckles. There’s my door again, “and let's hope this paint comes off the both of us.”

I let go of his arm, “fingers crossed. Thanks again for the lovely date.” I smile at him.

“And thanks for /being/ a lovely date.” He smiles back at me. “Have a good rest of your day, Darcy.”

I open my door, ready to head back in and get this paint of me. “Thanks, you too.”

Ben waves a bit before he turns around to leave.

The party is going great so far. I’ve eaten lots of food and I have even interacted with someone. That someone happened to be one of the representatives of the European continent. I didn’t expect to have an interesting conversation, I mean what topic would you talk about with a complete stranger.

But for some reason we clicked over music. Then he told me about some music contest called Eurovision and apparently every European country sends in a contester, they perform, judges and the public vote, and then someone wins. Why is this not a thing in Illéa? It sounds amazing and it seems to be the perfect way to keep peace between countries whilst enjoying all the music.

Right now I find myself standing in front of the foods table. Mmmm. Everything looks so yummy!

I’ve tried the strawberry cheesecake, the little chocolate cupcake, the banana bread, and the little apple

Mmmm.

I’ll go for the … chocolate chip cookies.

I grab one and take a bite. Oh my goodness. This tastes like heaven.

A toast is then announced. Aww, the King and Queen must want to say something nice about Ben. Maybe they’ll bring up some embarrassing family moments. I can’t wait.

I turn around to see where this all is taking place, as I do I lock eyes with Danielle.  

With the hand that’s not holding the cookie, I wave at her as she walks over.

“Hey girl, are you having fun?” I ask her, then I take a small bite of this damn good cookie.

Danielle speaks rather quietly, so I lean in a little to hear what she’s saying. “Hey, again! I am...” she pauses for a second, “despite my clumsy moment.”

A waiter approaches us, he’s carrying a tray with glasses of champagne in one hand while the other is resting behind his back. How do people do that? That is so impressive! He must have a really good balance with that hand, and quite some muscles in his arm.

Danielle somehow ends up with a glass in her hand. “I was looking for you before ...” she asks me.

I take a glass as well and thank the waiter. The champagne is bubbling and sparkling. I can’t help but wonder what I would feel like to be in a bath filled with this alcoholic liquid.

“I was dancing with our prince for like 5 minutes after that I was here with all the food.” I stick the rest of the cookie in my mouth and chew. “You should try the cookies they're delicious!”

Danielle snickers as she turns to stand next to me. Her eyes are on the royals as she says, “no, thanks I have drank enough sugar.”

“They're really good though, I swear you don't want to miss them.” I glance at Danielle from the side. This girl is absolutely gorgeous. She looks like a goddess. How can anyone look so effortlessly beautiful?

I see her smelling her drink, “are they the reason you are smiling like that, or...?” Oh she can joke! I like this girl!

“Yes,” the thought of the cookie’s taste makes me smile, “those cookies are the best ones ever! I think I might be in love with them.” a giggle leaves my throat.

Danielle scoffs a laugh as she’s looking at me, then she turns back to look at the royals, “shhhh, Darcy... they will kick us out.”

“In that case…” I say as I grab another cookie and quickly eat it by sticking the entire thing in my mouth.

“You have been tasting more than cookies, haven’t you?”

I turn around to face the drinks table and point to the glasses filled with the delicious red liquid. “Yes those ones, Danielle you have to try them too!”

Danielle turns around as well, “they look so ... dangerous red. I would probably be jumping around with just one glass of those.”

“Sometimes dangerous is good!” You got to have some excitement in your life, or else it would be terribly boring. “What are they talking about?” I turn back to face the royals, I realize that I haven’t heard one word of their speech… Another thing I realize is that my face and dress are covered in cookie crumbs. I quickly dust them off, hoping no one has noticed yet.

“Yeah… about… Ben.” Danielle says with pauses in between each word. I glance at her from the side again, just to see her turn around and sipping her drink. She then turns to the front again and frowns, “.... this doesn’t taste as good as I imagined, but okay.”

The sight of her makes me giggle, “Danielle! You can't drink it now! You have to wait for the toast!”

“... Just rehearsing.”

I laugh, “you're funny!”

Everyone around us raises their glasses, this must be the special toast moment.

“... D-Darcy.” I can barely distinguish Danielle’s voice from the mutters in the crowd, “d-don’t!!”

I follow the other guests and down the champagne. “Are you okay?” Oh downing champagne was not a good idea. The bubbles feel like they’re stuck in my throat, making me cough.

Danielle then knocks my glass out of my hands. The glass shatters all over the floor.

And then Danielle is on the floor.

“What's happening? Why is everything moving?” I say to no one in particular. The one person I was talking to is spread out over the floor.

I feel like I can’t breathe. Like there’s something heavy on my chest, weighing down on my lungs. It feels like a steel beam, one of those big heavy ones, crushing everything underneath. I hunch forward, trying to make the feeling disappear. But it won’t. I try to take in big sips of air, but nothing’s working.

I. can’t. breathe.

I straighten my back again.

Would that work?

It doesn’t…

My head feels like it’s on fire, like someone decided to burn some wood inside my brain.

Sweat is breaking out and I feel like I’m suffocating.

What is going on?

Everything around me is a blur now: the people are absorbed by the floors and the walls, the tables have disappeared.

And worst of all

                                everything is spinning.

My ears feel like someone put a cork in each one. Sounds are muffled.

Something explodes in the distance. Bullets?

Then my legs give up and I feel myself falling.

My body hits the floor

                                               and

                                                              everything goes black.

I slowly open my eyes.

Everything around me is still a little cloudy, so I try to blink it away.

Where on earth am I?

My head feels like it might explode.

I have a massive headache.

I’m in a bed and there are tubes going into my arm.

What happened to my left arm anyway?

There’s some white bandage around it. Everything from my wrist to my elbow is covered.

I softly touch it with my free hand. Ouch.

I wiggle the fingers of my left hand. That’s not too painful so I’m guessing my arm is not broken.

How did I get here?

I sit up, not a good idea, because I immediately feel nauseous.

As I close my eyes, I sink back into the pillow.

What’s the smell here?

It’s so familiar.

But then again it isn’t.

It smells like that smell that lingers around at the dentist’s or the doctor’s.

Wait.

Hang on.

I look at the bedding, my outfit, the tubes. This is definitely a hospital setting.

How did I get here?

The door opens and two nurses walk in, “good, you’re awake.”

One of the nurses walks over to the right side of my bed, she starts working on a standing thing with a water bag (at least I think it’s water) hanging on it. “This might hurt a little, sweetheart.” She pulls the tube out of the bag. She connects something what looks like a large needle to the end of the tube.

She pushes it down, all the fluid left in the tube is being forced into my arm. It’s the weirdest feeling and I’m not a fan of it.

I flinch a little as the nurse removes the tube.

The other nurse gently turns my face towards her and starts flashing a light in my eyes. She nods her head and mutters something to the other nurse. I can’t quite make sure what they’re saying.

“How are you feeling, honey?” nurse number 2 asks as she puts the flashlight away again.

I clear my throat softly, “okay, I think.”

“Here drink this,” nurse number 1 hands me a glass with water.

I happily drink it all, not realizing how thirsty I was.

“What exactly do you remember?”

I think and I think and I think, “last thing I remember is me talking to someone, someone not from Illéa. I think he was from the European continent?”

The nurses exchange a look I can’t place.

“You don’t remember what happened?”

Uhm, what’s happening here?

My face flushes, “I’ve had quite a bit of alcohol.”

“That’s not it, sweetie.” They exchange another look, then face me with worry in their eyes. “You’ve been poisoned.”

“Poisoned?” the words don’t really sink in.

“Yes, poisoned. It was present in some champagne glasses.”

“You were rushed in here last night together with all other injured.”

I’m lost for words. How does one respond to this kind of news?

“When you were brought in here, we had to pump your stomach. The doctors didn’t know what kind of poison you’ve had, and they didn’t want to risk further toxicity or death.”

Wow.

I’m alive right now, so I know what they did must have worked.

But damn.

“And thankfully the pumping happened right in time, the poison didn’t make it to your intestines and therefore couldn’t do any further damage.” She smiles at me, “it’s quite the operation, but you did very well. You’re a tough one.”

I know she means well, but it’s not like I had another choice. I was unconscious after all.

I nod my head, “what happened to my arm?”

Nurse number 2 steps forward, “the poison knocked you unconscious and you fell in glass. You had several deep cuts,” she says as she points to different places on the bandages, showing where the cuts are. “pieces of glass had to be removed, the cuts were disinfected. The deep cuts have been stitched, to make sure you don’t lose any more blood. They will heal neatly but we can’t promise there won’t be any scars.”

I look at my bandaged arm. I’ll carry the memory of last night with me. Forever.

Nurse number 1 fills the glass with some more water. “If there’s anything, you can press the buzzer attached to the bed and someone will come.”

“All you need to do now is drink lots of water and rest and you’ll be your old self again in no time.”

The nurses smile at me before they leave me alone with my thoughts.

Think Darcy, think.

The nurses’ information does help me fill some gaps. My memory is no longer a big black hole, but more like a cheese with holes.

I look down at my bandaged.

Glass.

Shattered glass.

A shattered champagne glass.

The glass that Danielle knocked out of my hand.

Danielle.

Danielle lying on the floor.

My fists automatically clench together. Please, please let her be okay, please.

A knock on the door brings me back to earth. “Can I come in?”

“Yes Ben please.” I immediately feel sad, it was his birthday ball and then all this shit happened. I feel for the guy.

Once he steps inside, I can see what happened to his face. My eyes widen, I can’t believe this. Who would want to hurt Ben? His cheek is bruised, just like the opposite side of his jaw. My heart breaks a little at the sight of him.

He’s saying something, but I can’t take my attention off his face, “Ben.. what happened? are you okay?”

He walks over by my bed and sets something down on the side table. “Looks worse than it feels, I promise. Not to worry.” I want to beat up whoever did this to him.

That’s when I see the beautiful flowers. Flor de Izote. You can find them everywhere in Honduragua, so pretty.

“Those flowers,” they remind me of home, “they're gorgeous and my favourite actually. Thank you.” I turn back to face Ben, “how are you holding up?”

He shrugs as he flashes a smile, he looks very tired, “as good as expected. Which means exhausted and stressed but that’s not exactly new.” Ben chuckles.

“Is there anything I can do?” I hate hate hate feeling useless. And there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for Ben.

I play with the bedding between my fingers. This whole resting thing is new to me. Back home I used to have my job, not going one day meant not being paid. So there was no other choice but to go.

And since I’ve been at the palace, I’ve been up and about all day trying to learn as much as possible.

Ben shakes his head, “focusing on getting better is all you should worry about. Would ease my stress.”

“Okay I will.” I smile a little, even though I don’t feel like smiling at all. “But if there's ever anything I can do, you'll tell me okay?”

He nods, “gladly.” He tilts his head as he asks, “holding up alright?”

Am I holding up alright? “I think so. The nurses have told me what happened, filling some of the gaps.” My body tenses all of a sudden, causing all my muscles to become stiff. My fists clench as I ask, “Have you seen Danielle? Is she okay?”

Ben shakes his head and my heart almost stops beating. But then he says, “she’s still sleeping so I’ve yet to see her. But I heard she’s okay, tired but recovering.” I feel his warmth as he puts one of his hands over my clenched fists. The gesture might seem like nothing, but it actually takes some worry out of me.

I wasn’t aware I was holding my breath, until I let out a relieved sigh. “That's good to hear. How's your family? Are they okay?”

He nods once, “all fine. Probably don’t look much better than me, but no one was hurt, thankfully.”

What a shit situation is this? I wouldn’t know how I would’ve handled all of this if I was put in Ben’s shoes.

“That's a relief.” I shake my head a little, everyone must be asking the same things, “sorry for asking so many questions. Do you want to sit?” But then I realize he must be really busy, and I shake my head again. “But you must have so much to do. Sorry I don't mean to take up a lot of your time.”

“Don’t worry about that, you girls are my priority at the moment.” Ben pulls up a chair and sits next to my bed. “I’d be surprised if you didn’t ask questions.”

“Thank you.” I manage to get out as I smile a little again. “How are the others?”

Were they poisoned as well? Did other things happen at the ball after I was out? Are they alive?

So many questions but I can’t force myself to ask them.

“Shaken. Recovering in their own ways, doing the best they can.”

I feel sad for him. His night was ruined. People have suffered. I just can’t. “Ben.. I'm so sorry for everything, you don't deserve any of this.”

He frowns at me, “I should be the one saying that to you. You’re sitting here... recovering from being poisoned.”

“A little bit of poison won't kill me,” a small smile appears on my face again, “I'll be fine, I promise.”

My dad always used to tell me to stay calm and optimistic in difficult situation. Stress and panic make everything worse. Just breathe on, think about the positive things in life, and you’ll be okay.

“I believe you. If poison can’t get to you then I doubt much else could,” he chuckles a little.

“Yes I'm a strong person,” I flex my bicep to show my not-so-much-present muscles. I smile a little and Ben smiles back at me. Then I look down at my bedding, “Ben.. you're a really good person.” If anything, this situation made me realize how much I care for this guy.

His smile softens a little, “the same could be said about you, Darcy.”

“You don't have to say that,” I say as I fidget the bedding between my fingers.

Ben stops my fidgeting with his hand, “if I remember correctly, I told you a while ago I’d always be honest with you. That much hasn’t changed. You’re a good person.”

I smile a little at the memory of that first date. I told him right away how I ended up here, all because of my friends. “That was so long ago, but yes honesty before anything else. Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” he smiles a bit. “You deserve a lot more than you give yourself credit for.”

“And here I was thinking charming princes only existed in fairy tales.”I say as I return his smile.

A short laugh leaves his mouth, “careful or you’ll realize pretty soon I’m not that charming.”

“From what I've seen, you are pretty charming. So unless you turn into the biggest prick all of a sudden, you won't change my mind.”

“Reassuring since I don’t plan on being a prick any time soon,” he says with a crooked smile on his face.

I raise my eyebrows jokingly, “not any time soon huh, so maybe in the far away future then?”

“Quite possible. Who knows what the future holds.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

The sight of him makes me chuckle, “you’re cute.”

“So I’ve been told,” he sort of smirks at me. Ben then leans back in the chair and glances at his watch. “And also due for a quick meeting before I check on more Selected.”

I nod my head a little, “of course, I understand. Good luck with that and like thank you for everything.”

“You’re very welcome. Thank you for being so calm. Much needed at the moment,” he stands from the chair. Before he heads for the doorway he leans down to kiss my cheek. That’s new. My cheek immediately heats up, I want to bring up my hand to cover it but I strongly fight the urge. Ben smiles at me, “rest up.”

“Thanks I will,” I wave a little, “bye.”

I turn to face the beautiful flowers. How did he know these are my favourite?

A sudden kick of sleepiness hits me, but as soon as I close my eyes I see images of last night. It’s like a movie inside my head. I’m a spectator, watching everything happen. I can’t warn anyone, not even myself.

First I see Danielle fall, then myself. Blood gushing out of my arm as I’m lying there on the floor.

Everything around me is blur, I can only focus on myself. Lying there. Unconscious.