Nicole Jane’s POV
“OMG! Really? Of course, I’ll join! I never refuse anything that’s free,” Mikan exclaimed excitedly.
“Okay. Let’s use your car today. I’m not in the mood to drive,” I walked faster.
“Alright. But wait a second! Why are you in such a hurry?” She ran just to catch up with me.
I ignored her. I’m annoyed!
I have been calling and texting Kyle for a while but until now, I haven’t received any response from him.
His last text to me was this morning. He mentioned that he couldn’t come because they had important matters to discuss and do with the royals. But he promised to pick me up after school.
I haven’t seen him the whole day, and now this. He was actually the one I wanted to go to the mall with. I waited for over an hour, but Kyle didn’t show up!
“You’ve been staring at your phone for so long it’ll probably melt,” Mikan said, still focused on the road. We were on our way, and she was the one driving.
Annoyed, I threw my phone on the dashboard. “It’s because of Kyle. He still hasn’t contacted me. Do you think I’m just overreacting?” I asked her, feeling embarrassed.
This is my first relationship. He’s my first boyfriend. Everything is new to me. I don’t actually know what to do or how to react in a situation like this. And things happened so quickly.
Mikan just laughed, which annoyed me even more. “No. For me, it’s normal for you to react like that. But of course, it’s still better if you hear his side first before jumping to conclusions. Because I believe that he has his reasons. Just trust him.”
Trust him. Of course, I trust him. But naturally, I’m also worried. I haven’t seen any of the royals the whole day. I couldn’t even contact them!
When we arrived at the mall, I composed a text to Kyle, telling him that I just tagged along with Mikan for some shopping. He doesn’t want me to go out alone without anyone from the royalties, but maybe he’ll understand. Besides, I can take care of myself.
We were entering the department store when I felt like someone was following us. But when I turned around to check, I didn’t see anything suspicious. I just shrugged it off and let Mikan pull me wherever she wanted.
“Looks like we came at the right time! There are so many sales!” I just shook my head at Mikan, whose eyes seemed to sparkle as she looked at the dresses. As far as I know, her family also has a business, but she’s just naturally stingy.
Meanwhile, I looked around at the shoes before trying them on. I missed doing this. It’s just more enjoyable now because I don’t have bodyguards constantly following me. It can be irritating, you know.
“Nicole, let’s buy these two! So, we can have the same ones. I’ll just choose a different color. It’s cute, isn’t it?”
She smiled and showed me the two t-shirts with the same design. They were two girls facing away from the camera, their heads leaning towards each other. The only difference was the color. There were also words printed on top of the design.
Best Friends Forever
I was about to refuse because I found it corny, but she turned away from me while carrying the two t-shirts. I just let her be.
After going around and shopping, we decided to eat at a fast food chain we passed by. Shopping was really tiring and hunger-inducing.
We didn’t stay long because we might get caught by the curfew. Moreover, the path we were going to take was a dark and dense forest. Not to mention, it was a long journey.
She had four paper bags with her while I only had two. She really made the most out of her shopping because she said it was free. I only bought a dress and shoes. Meanwhile, she had two bags and those t-shirts!
“What’s wrong? Who are you looking at?” Mikan also stopped walking and looked behind me.
“Nothing. Let’s go!” For the last time, I glanced around. It felt like someone was really following us, or maybe it was just my imagination. I tend to be a bit paranoid.
“Wow! It’s tiring, but enjoyable nonetheless. Let’s go out earlier next time, so we can visit more places and buy more things.” Mikan let out a yawn before starting the car engine.
“Maybe I should drive this time instead. You seem sleepy, and we don’t want to get into an accident.”
She smiled at me, and nodded in agreement.
I stepped out and walked around to the driver’s seat. She immediately handed me the keys.
“You’re such a sweet friend, really. Thanks!” I was surprised when she suddenly hugged me as I sat down. This girl is really clingy no matter what.
“Alright, just take a nap there.”
Fortunately, there weren’t many cars and there wasn’t much traffic, so we quickly made it back. I even got scolded by the vampire guard because the curfew was approaching. I found out that almost all the staff here are vampires, except for the people wandering outside.
There are also scattered individuals guarding the town. They call them protectors.
When I parked the car, I lightly tapped Mikan’s cheek. “Hey, wake up. We’re here already.”
She immediately opened her eyes and straightened up.
We quickly got out of the car and walked towards our dormitory building. The surroundings were quiet, and there were no students outside anymore.
“I’m really sleepy. Thanks again for the treat! Until next time, good night!”
I wanted to say that there won’t be a next time, but she quickly ran into her room. It seemed like she wasn’t tired at all.
I just smiled and went into my room. But as soon as I closed the door, I dropped the paper bags I was holding and almost screamed when someone grabbed my waist and hugged me.
But the moment I smelled his familiar scent, I already knew I was safe. Even in the darkness, I knew it was him.
“I missed you. I’m sorry for not contacting you right away. There was an emergency.”
I still couldn’t believe he was here now, so I just nodded and hugged him back.
I wanted to shout at him and tell him how annoyed I was with him. But if he was the one who humbled himself and approached me first to apologize, maybe it’s better to just enjoy the moment. After all, I missed him too.
“I’m sorry for leaving without anyone from the royals with me. I just got annoyed.” I pulled away from the hug and stared at him. I heard him snap his fingers, then suddenly, the whole room was filled with lights.
He stared back at me, then gently caressed my cheeks. How I love to feel his touch. “Who said that you were alone? Kira followed you.” He smirked.
My eyes widened. So that’s why I felt like someone was following us earlier. Why didn’t he just show himself? I will definitely scold that guy when we meet.
“Oh, by the way, how did was that emergency you took care? Is everything okay?”
His smile suddenly disappeared, and in an instant, his face turned serious.
“The truth is, there are still things we need to do and clarify.” I felt the sadness in every word he uttered.
So, I held his cold hand and squeezed it, giving him comfort.
“Don’t worry. I know you can handle whatever it is. I’m here for you.” I don’t know why, but while I used to dislike seeing him before, now I want to be by his side all the time.
He kissed my forehead, which stunned me for a moment. “Thank you. I already know that. And I’m also here to say...” He scratched his nape, looking nervous, which I couldn’t understand.
“To say what?” I don’t know why my heartbeat suddenly quickened. I have this feeling that I wouldn’t like what he’s about to say.
He took a deep breath. I felt even more anxious.
He looked directly into my eyes. I could clearly see the struggle on his face. “I’m here to say goodbye.”
My mouth dropped open at his words.
Is he angry because of what I did? Did I do something wrong? Is he already tired of me? Does he have someone else? Did he make me his girlfriend just to make me fall for him and then leave me in the end? Is he just playing with me?
Various reasons are running through my mind now. Until my tears just started flowing on their own. It hurts. I don’t think I can handle it.
Why? Why now that I already love him? Why now that I’ve completely fallen for him?
“You’re breaking up with me? Why? Wha—” I couldn’t finish my sentence because he suddenly pressed his lips against mine.
My eyes widened, and I couldn’t move. I was so shocked! This is my first kiss, and I don’t really know what to do!
Then I realized that my lips were moving on their own, responding to his kisses. I encircled my arms around his neck and pressed my body closer to him, which made him groan. I want him to be close to me. I need him. I love him.
But I suddenly stopped and held my head as it suddenly began to ache. “Ahhh!”
“Nicole! What’s happening to you?” I felt him hug me tightly. His voice was filled with worry.
“M-my head hurts!” I almost stumbled because the pain was so intense. Luckily, he caught me quickly.
In a blink of an eye, there are scenes that I can’t remember suddenly appearing in my mind.
“You look so beautiful, my daughter. You’re indeed a princess. The gown suits you well,” Mom said with tears in her eyes.
“Thanks, Mom. But please don’t get too emotional. Your makeup might get ruined,” I kissed her cheek and hugged her.
“I’m sorry. Mommy just can’t help but cry, especially now that my only child is getting married.”
I just gave her my sweetest smile.
“Let’s go now before we’re late. I know that Carl can’t wait to see you any longer.”
I nodded excitedly. I was truly looking forward to it.
I was nervous but happy. This is it. Finally, the man I love the most will become my husband.
When we arrived at the wedding venue, everyone was already preparing. Guards were scattered around because both Carl and I come from royal and powerful families. Daddy approached me immediately, and I clung to his arm.
“You’re so beautiful, my princess,” he whispered.
“Thanks, Dad.”
As I walked, slow music started playing. I couldn’t help but shed tears when I saw Carl, almost in tears himself, staring and waiting for me at the front.
We were both smiling at each other as I approached. I was just a few steps away from him.
Until we stopped right in front of him. My Dad gave my hand to him. But before he could reach for it, chaos suddenly broke out around us.
“Jade!”
“Carl!”
I couldn’t get closer to him because someone suddenly pulled me away. While he fought off those blocking his path.
In an instant, screams filled the place, and blood stained the surroundings.
The pain in my head slowly faded, and in a daze, I turned to look at Kyle. He looked as shocked as I was.
Why do Jade and Carl resemble us? Why did everything become more confusing as soon as their faces became clearer in my dreams?
Or could it be that we are actually them? But...
“N-Nicole... What happened? Did you see something?” He held me by the shoulders, and I felt him trembling.
I just stared at him until my eyes slowly closed.
“H-how? W-why?” I uttered before I completely lost consciousness.