Choose Your Own Romance
(pg.4) I glanced over toward the front of the Mess Hall, where both Rake and Smithy were sitting, being served by Pepper, who was standing near. With an outlet of breath, I left the place I was to join the trio. However, just as I neared about ten feet away, I witnessed Pepper's expression shifted into a pout, brow becoming stern. Though I could not make out the conversation, I heard the voices raise, as if in anger, and Smithy stood frusteratedly, walking away toward the Royal Gardens with face sullen.
Pepper turned to Rake, and more words were exchanged. Suddenly, she turned on her heel to serve Sirs Ivon and Theodore their eggs. Rake, who was now alone, stood awkwardly and wandered toward the pillars that let out into the hall. He leaned back on it, and looked at nothing but his mud-caked boots.
I pinched my brow in concern. What had the conversation been about? I didn't think that anything could break Pepper and Rake from eachother's presence. And Smithy had never shown so much emotion on his face before. Fixing a determined frown on my face, I decided to fix my friends' fellowship, plucking a crimson rose from a centerpiece on the table next to me.
The flower had been freshly plucked this morning, so drops of dew still clung to the lips of the pedals, and the fragrance was still strong and heady. Smirking, I waited an adequate amount of time, then approached the ill-mooded cook, who was banging bacon and flinging french toast on plates.
"Um, Pepper?" I asked timidly, and her piercing gaze shot itself toward me. She stood stiffly.
"What is it, Jane?" she snapped, and I held the glistening rose toward her.
"He said he was sorry." I told her, and her gaze widened, moving toward the two boys. I saw the indecision on her face, then she looked back to me. Clearing her throat, she took the flower gratefully.
"Um, who is this from?" she asked hesitantly, and I grinned.
A. "Why, it's from Rake!" ...(pg. 16)
B. "Ehrm... he said he was a 'secret' admirer?" ...(pg. 17)