The car door slammed and I sighed in relief.

"Are you really that ready to leave, Rose?" Lissa laughed from the row of seats across the limo. (Yeah, limo. We were cool. Perks of being queen, I guess.)

Christian smirked at me from where he was sitting beside her. "Can't handle being around civilized people for that long?" He draped an arm across Lissa, and she shot him a feigned look of disapproval.

I snorted. "You're one to talk, Ozera. I saw you during dinner; you looked ready to bolt at any moment."

After the hours of polite smiling, respectful nodding and mind-numbing small talk that came with one of Liss' political events, I was ready to rip my hair out. Not that I was going to admit it to Christian.

"Come on, you two," Lissa spoke as I started to retort. "Can't we get along for just a few more hours?"

We both grunted, and she seemed to take that as a sign of assent. "Good. Now, where are we getting dinner?"

"Dinner?" Christian protested. "But we just ate!"

"I'd hardly call that food," I replied with distaste. "Seriously, did you see that gooey orange stuff? What planet did they get that from?"

Lissa giggled. "I know! I was trying so hard to make it look like I was actually eating something." She smoothed her fluffy chiffon gown. "Which is why we need to go stop for some actual food now."

I looked down at the long navy gown I'd donned for the event. "Based on our apparel, aren't our options a little limited?"

She smirked. "Only if you're concerned about what people think."

"Which has never seemed to be a problem for Rose in the past," Christian couldn't resist adding.

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, so what's the plan?"

"I say, French fries and double-chocolate shakes!" Lissa sang.

"Fast food? You want to roll into the McDonalds drive-through - in a limo and formal wear - and order a couple of Happy Meals?"

"Yes."

"The queen has spoken!" Christian announced in his best announcer voice. "Driver! Set course for the court of Ole McDonald, with great haste!" Lissa rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth twitched.

A few minutes later, though, we were met in the parking lot with a sign that marked that the drive-through had closed.

"So, what's the plan now?" Christian asked. Lissa gave him a look like it was obvious. "We're still eating here!"

And that's how, at eleven PM, two girls in gowns and a guy in an uncomfortable looking tuxedo marched across the McDonalds parking lot, with the shadows of their guardians lurking behind them.

When we got to the counter, Lissa began ordering for everyone as Christian added details about his order. "Picky much?" I teased him.

Lissa turned to me before he could reply. "Rose, what do you want?" I stepped up to the counter. The woman behind the cash register eyed my gown warily – much as she had looked at Lissa and Christian a few moments earlier- but didn't comment on it.

"Third-wheeling it tonight, aren't we dear? Don't worry, you'll find that special someone someday. What can I get for you?" I opened my mouth to protest and heard Lissa and Christian burst into laughter behind me.

I whirled around. "Not helping!"

Turning back to the cashier, I crossed my arms. "I'll have you know that I have a boyfriend. He's just away on business."

The woman just smiled knowingly, and I could hear my two friends trying to stifle their laughter behind me.

"I'm serious! Guys, tell her!"

Christian returned her knowing look. "Ah, yes. Her boyfriend. Who is away." He winked at her, and I sighed in exasperation. "Whatever. I'll have two cheeseburgers, a large fry, and a cookies-and-cream milkshake."

"Ah, yes," Christian nodded sadly. "Comfort food for the lonely." I gave him my deadliest glare, and he stepped back a bit. It was the smartest thing he'd done all evening.

Lissa stepped up to complete the order, looking amused. When the food was ready and we each took a bag, the woman from the counter caught my eye. "Don't lose hope, hear."

Christian never let me hear the end of it.