Chapter 25 – BEN

Mona left the room stomping her heels on the floor. Olivia and Khalila were very silent, but I saw tears forming in their eyes. Khalila was the first to move and she stood in front of us. She curtsied in front of who she thought was me, and then walked away.

I wanted to hug them all before they left. But as Lou, it would have been awkward. As much for me as for them. So I let her go. Olivia followed her.

"Olivia?" I said softly. She turned around and looked at Princess Lou, even though it was me talking to her. "When you go back to the Theatre, please send us the program, so we can go see you, okay?"

She nodded and then walked away. Georgia and Adeline curtsied, too, and then walked away with no drama. I don't think they had any feelings for me anyway. I know I didn't.

Jason and Cole just stared at us. Cole was the first one to speak. "You're not serious." Lou and I nodded. "Oh, come on! I've spent the last four months of my life here, and for what? For nothing. But thanks for the money, anyway." He walked away, not even acknowledging us on his way out.

"Ignore him," Jason said. "Uh, all the best to you two," he said, bowing. Then he left.

Alex and Lawrence followed his example and walked away. Julio was still in the Hospital. He wouldn't be going home until he was fully healed and recovered anyway. So now it was just us and the Elite. Sixteen young people left. Eight boys and eight girls to choose from.

We bid them goodnight and walked away. The last thing we wanted right now was questions from any of them. We were all exhausted, anyway.

After a few hours of sleep, I called in the maids to help me dress, grabbed a coat and headed outside. I needed some fresh air, and the cold winter air would do the trick. I found myself on the balcony from where we had seen the fireworks the previous evening and closed my eyes. I took a long, deep breath, burning my lungs in the process. But it felt good. I heard some steps on the marble frozen floor, but ignored them.

"Hey, uh, Lou? I mean Your Royal Highness?" I heard a few moments later. Nash. I opened my eyes and turned around, sticking my hip out, making sure to act as much as possible like Lou.

"Why, hello, there, Nash."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course." I kept my best smile, but I was afraid it would fade away as soon as the question came out.

"Why did you keep me in your Selection?"

I hoped my relief didn't show on my face, but this was not the question I was expecting.

"Um, because we had some great time together?"

"So you didn't even choose me because you like me?"

"Of course I like you, Nash. Maybe a bit more than like, though," I said, coming closer. Ugh, how I hated doing this.

"Do you remember what I told you before the Rebel attack on Thanksgiving?" he asked.

"Um, yes? No? I- what were we talking about?"

He let out a dry chuckle and crossed his arms over his chest. "Just what I thought. You're not Lou. Lou would have remembered that conversation. Who are you?"

"I'm Lou, I swear," I lied.

He looked into my eyes. "No you're not. I've been watching you, you know? Sheila had some interesting things to tell me. But now she's dead."

"You're a Rebel." I hissed.

"No, of course not. I just needed someone to inform me on what you did. And since Christmas, you've been acting weird." He paused again. "Who are you? Is somebody using Voodoo on you?"

"Uh, no?" I sighed. "Look, this Selection is really getting the better of me. I'm tired, I'm stressed out, and you can't blame me for this. Having to date twenty boys for the whole world to see, finding a husband, while dealing with meetings and political matters, is not what you would call a vacation. So let it go, okay?" I turned around and let out a long breath. I hoped that was Lou enough. I rested my hands on the marble railing and looked at the snow-covered garden.

There was silence around us for a moment, and I really thought he would let it go and walk away. But then I felt his hand on my shoulder. I flinched away, but then composed myself and let him do it.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay? I was just worried about you. If there's anything I can do to help-"

"There's nothing you can do," I snapped back. I chuckled. "And even if it was Voodoo, or say, magic." I rolled my eyes when saying the word. "What would you do, huh? None of these things exist anyway." I balled my fist and hit the railing. "I'm just really tired of this whole Selection. I'm tired of being the center of attention at all times. I'm tired to have twenty pairs of eyes – plus everyone else in the Palace and around Illéa – watch every move I do, and I'm tired of this stupid bullshit." Magic, swapping, pretending being Lou. I was tired of all of it.

Nash simply put his hands on both my shoulders and made me face him; then, he wrapped me in his arms and we stayed like this for a few moments. Wow. That was the most awkward thing ever. But at least I knew Nash liked Lou enough to handle her outbursts and snappy comebacks.

"Okay," I said awkwardly, "that's enough. Thanks." I couldn't look at him in the eye, so I just walked past him, back to my room. I ordered some food – breakfast? Lunch? Brunch? – and ate alone.

Now that I knew Nash really cared enough for Lou to observe her and understand it wasn't her in her body, I also needed to focus on some other guys. The first one that came to mind was Xavier. Lou had said it was one of her favorite dates, right?

When my stomach was full, I headed to the second floor and looked for Xavier's room. I knocked and waited, putting on my best Lou smile on.

"Oh, hello, Lou," Xavier said, a small flirtatious smile on his lips. "What can I do for you?"

"Well, um, I was wondering if you'd like to get something from the kitchens? Maybe not ice cream, you know, since it's kind of freezing outside?"

"Absolutely. What about some coffee or something?"

Ugh, not Latte. "Hot chocolate?"

"Even better." He closed the door and offered me his arm. I noticed he was carrying a black notebook.

"What's that for?"

"Oh, that." He chuckled shyly. "I thought I already showed it to you?"

"Uh, yeah." Oops. "But why bring it along on a hot chocolate date?"

He shrugged. "I like to always keep it close if anything new comes to mind, and I can quickly write it down or draw it, so I won't forget it."

"Have you drawn anything during the Selection?"

"Yeah, tons. I can show you, if you want."

"I'd like that." Let's see what this guy can do with a pencil. No doubt it was going to be better than my stick figure men. We walked in silence all the way down to the kitchens, and during that small trip there, I noticed how perfectly my hand fit in the crook of his arm. Like both things had been molded around each other. And that was not what I had felt with Nash holding me. Well, maybe because it was a little too much for me. The hug, and all.

I pushed the kitchen doors and everyone working stopped and looked at us.

"Your Royal Highness," the cook said, a smile on his pink face, "And Sir Xavier. The ice cream thieves." We all chuckled. "What can I get you today? Ice cream?"

"Thanks, sir," Xavier said, "but we were actually hoping for some hot chocolate, actually."

"Oh, that's even better. Come with me." He led us to a little alcove on the side, and took a notepad out. "How would you like your hot chocolate, Your Royal Highness?"

Damn it. How did Lou take her hot chocolate? Did she even take hot chocolate? Screw this. "Caramel flavored with lots of whipped cream on the top."

"With caramel sprinkles on the top, too?" the cook asked, a childish grin on his face.

"Yes, and chocolate chips, too."

"Okay. Sir Xavier?"

"Wow, um, the same."

"Right. Coming up. You two go make yourselves comfortable in one of the fancy parlors upstairs, and I'll have a maid bring it up as soon as it's ready."

"Thank you," we both said in unison, and walked away.

"Since when do you top your hot drinks with loads of whipped cream, Lou?" Xavier said, laughing.

"Since always, if you must know. I haven't eaten anything this morning, yet." Lie. "So I'm starving."

"This explains that."

We settled in a small parlor, on a love seat – and for some reason, I didn't feel uncomfortable being close to him.

"Okay, show me what you've done so far."

"Sure." He placed the large notebook on my lap and flipped through the pages until he came to a page where he had written in large letters Selection. "From here." I turned the pages slowly, observing each sketch and drawing. There were parts of the Palace I recognized, others I didn't, buildings, and sometimes just vague ideas jotted down in hurried words.

"What's this house?"

Just then, a maid came in with two cups with a pile of whipped cream on a tray.

He smiled, and I noticed pink coming up his cheeks, but the color quickly faded. "That is a house I imagined a couple days ago. Just before you announced the Elite. I was thinking of a building that would be like you, and this one came to my mind."

"Like me?"

"Yeah. Beautiful, full of potential, on the top of the world."

"Why? Where is it?"

"I can only see it on a cliff, near the Ocean or something."

"To live in? Or for some vacation?

"To live in, of course. You're not you if you're half of yourself. No, this house would need to be fully lived in." He paused. "Just like you need to be fully embraced. Not just some part of you. You're a Princess, of course, but you're also Lou, and Lou is a beautiful, amazing, fun woman to be with."

"You really think so?"

"Yes." His light gray – or was that blue? – eyes searched for mine. "I can have people working on that house with just a snap of the fingers."

"I'd love to live in a house like that. But I also belong here, you know?"

He sighed. "Yeah, I know." He came closer, and before I knew it, his lips were on mine and oh my god, I was kissing a boy. And that was weird and awkward, and I had no idea what to do, and please help me.

He broke the kiss. "I'm sorry, maybe I shouldn't have done that."

"No, it's okay, I was just surprised." Before he could try to kiss me again – God forbid – I took my mug and ate the whipped cream with caramel and chocolate chips with a spoon and tried not to make eye contact with him. I really liked him, and I was sure Lou did, too. And I was pretty sure he liked Lou, two. I mean, did you see that house? It was perfect. But as much as I liked him and all, I couldn't have him kiss me a second time.

His gaze was heavy on me, and I focused on drinking my hot chocolate. Out of the blue, he took it from my hands and put it back on the tray. Then he came closer and kissed me again. I couldn't push him away, or he would really think something was wrong with me, so I kissed him back.

And again, I was surprised at how well his lips and mine – no, Lou's lips – fit perfectly together. It was really intense. One of his hands found my hair, and the other my waist. I had no idea what to do with my hands. I gently pushed him away, nonetheless.

"Xavier, I-"

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I did that. I mean, yeah I do, but-" he sighed. "I've waited so long for this, actually. But why does it feel odd?"

"Maybe because I'm not really myself, these days. I tend to push people away, when I shouldn't, and please be patient. I- I don't really know what's gotten into me." Lie. "But please be patient with me? I promise I'll let you know when I feel better." I placed my hand on his arm. "I like you very much, Xavier. I just need you to wait until I'm ready for this, okay?"

He let out a dry chuckle. "How can you not be ready for this? You kissed a guy on your first date. And then I also know about Iggy. It was pretty intense between you two. Why not me?"

I sighed and fiddled with my hands in my lap. "I feel like I'm a bad luck charm, you know? It's like when I kiss one of you guys, you're eliminated soon after. I don't want you to go."

"You're the one to make the decision."

"No. Leonardo and Iggy both did a mistake and were let go because of this. One was made an eight, and the other got a life-sentence to prison. Don't do a mistake, either."

He sighed, and his gaze met mine. "I won't, I promise. And I'll be patient."

"Thanks." I took the cup of hot cocoa and finished it before walking away. Thank goodness Lou had told me about those two guys she had kissed and how they were both gone. I don't know how I would have gotten out of this misery without that information.

I didn't know how long we still had to do this, but I hoped we would both find each other's love before I went mad.

The faster I would date those guys, the faster I would find Lou's true love. And the faster I would get my body back. But for today I thought that one date was enough. I was not planning on being kissed by another guy. Like ever again.

On my way to my room, though, I found Calder sitting on a window sill. I tiptoed so as not to be seen or heard, but heels are truly treacherous, and Calder lifted his gaze from his notebook. Another one drawing and building houses for Lou?

"Hey Lou," he said, "come 'ere." His sly smile couldn't mean anything good.

"Hey Calder. What are you up to?" I asked sitting down on the sill next to him, but not too close, either.

"Remember that book I told you about?"

"M-hm?" What?

"Well, I'm almost done. Your character is my favorite I've ever created so far. She feels so real and I know I'm going to hit the jackpot with this story."

"Really? What's it about?"

He grinned. "Well, there's this woman, named Mehreen, gearing up for war and world control. And there's this guy, Caleb, who's madly in love with Mehreen, and he's helping her in her world conquest. Only he and the reader do not know if she's a good guy or a bad guy, until the end. And I still have to figure the end out." He chuckled.

"You know, this actually sounds awesome. But do you know yourself if she's bad or good?"

"Of course I do. We already discussed this, remember?"

"Oh, yeah, right!" I let out a nervous chuckle. "I'm sorry, I talk and spend time with so many people, it's kind of hard to keep track of everything."

"Yeah, I totally get that, no problem." The dimple in his chin made me want to laugh, but I held myself in check

"Can I read it?"

"But it's not finished."

"I know. Maybe I can help you figure out the end?"

"Oh, um, okay." He handed me his notebook.

"Thanks. As soon as I finish it, I'll get it back to you, don't worry."

He nodded and I briskly walked away, an excuse in my arms to actually stay in my room all day and all night until tomorrow. To make sure I wouldn't encounter anyone, I took a secret passage and ended up in the hall in front of my room. I locked myself in there and made myself comfortable on the bed.

I read, and I read, and I read, immersing myself in the story. It was really good. I hadn't binge-read a book for such a long time, and I was happy to actually loose myself in it. I didn't go to dinner or anything, and ordered food in my room. I was careful not to smudge anything on Calder's precious notebook. I read until three in the morning, and fell fast asleep as soon as I read the last couple lines.

A couple maids – Sheila still hadn't been properly replaced – woke me up and helped me get dressed for breakfast.

"It's going to get real cold, Your Highness."

"Oh? How cold?"

The maid shrugged. "They're forecasting a blizzard on the West Coast of Illéa in a few days."

"A snow storm? On the West Coast?" I laughed. "It's not possible."

The maid shrugged again. "We did have snow, didn't we? And that was impossible, too. At least it hadn't happened in the past hundred years. But it still happened, Your Highness."

"Well, I'll be damned if it actually happens." I chuckled and walked out of the room, Calder's notebook under my arm. I was a bit early, and headed for his room. I knocked and his valet opened. Calder was buttoning his shirt, but it didn't occur to me that Lou would have become red in an instant. I mean, he did have some pretty impressive abs, but I wasn't impressed by a shirtless guy, so I totally ignore the whole thing and stepped into his room.

"Okay, I read the whole thing, until three in the morning. It's absolutely awesome, and I may have an idea for the end."

"You do?" He sounded suspicious.

"Yeah. So the woman is supposed to be based on me, right? And Caleb is you?"

He turned red. "Yeah."

I smirked. "Well, you did a pretty nice job. So, here's my idea. At the point where you stopped, the reader still doesn't know if Mehreen is a good guy or a bad guy. Well, I think you could let the reader know that she is not entirely human, but that she is a host to a female demon who had to prove herself to her big boss by taking over the world. And if she could do that, then her Boss would give her a piece of Hell to rule. The only problem, is that the demon fell in love with Caleb, and she doesn't know what to do, except to go forward with her plan and Bring Caleb to Hell with her."

Calder was glaring at me.

"What? You don't like my idea?"

He blinked a few times before answering. "Uh, wow. It's brilliant. I would need to change a few things in the story for this to fit, but this is actually a great idea. Yeah. Thanks." He chuckled. And then he looked at me like I was a new person he was seeing only now.

"Shall be go down to breakfast?" I said, giving him his notebook back.

"Yeah." He put the book away and offered me his arm.

After breakfast, Lou and I headed to the Conference Room, while our Elite had some political lessons. The whole conversation with mom, dad and the advisors was about the coming snowstorm. So it was true. But I didn't believe one word of it. What about global warming? I tuned everyone out and made mental note on what I knew about the Selected and who would be the best suitor for Lou. So far, I had no idea. I still needed some time with them, but that was the last thing I wanted. I guess in a situation like this, you had to overlook your wants and go with your needs, right?

A French menu was served for lunch. Once in a while, dad would ask for some French food, and it was okay by me: roast beef, beans, mashed potatoes, French cheese, and crème brûlée. One of my favorites.

After lunch, I wandered the halls looking for something to do, or someone to spend some time with. I passed a window and noticed a guy with a small beagle outside. I squinted my eyes and recognized William. Yeah, I needed some fresh air, too. I called a maid and asked for my coat and a pair of boots. A few minutes later, I was ready and headed outside through the garden doors.

"Hey," I called out to him.

He turned his head and smiled. "Oh, Good afternoon, Princess."

I joined him. "It feels good to be outside, in the fresh air."

"Yeah. And Nimpha needed to go out. She's used to living outside, back in Columbia. She doesn't like to be kept inside."

"Which I can totally understand." I crouched down to pet the dog and she licked my hands. I laughed and William joined me.

"She likes you."

"Yeah, it seems so." I paused. "So, how are you faring, away from Columbia? Do you miss it there?"

"Yeah. Sometimes." He paused and chuckled. "I miss my two other dogs, Rhum and Coke."

I chuckled. "Rhum and Coke? Seriously? Are they beagles, too?"

"Nope. They're Polish Tatra Sheepdogs. Brother and sister, actually."

"You have sheep?"

"Yeah, my uncle does."

"Wow. Any other animals?"

William chuckled. "I own a farm, actually. I inherited it when my parents died. I was five. My uncle takes care of the whole farm, and I take care of the paperwork."

"I'm sorry to hear about your parents."

"I don't really remember them, but thanks."

"And do you have other animals, besides sheep and dogs?"

"Horses." He chuckled. "I started out with three horses, when my parents died. I wanted to breed them, and sell them. I have fifteen now, and haven't sold a single one."

"Why? People don't like the breed?"

"No, it's just that I couldn't part with them. One of them is really mine, like I'd never part with him. His name is Thunder – cliché, I know, but I named him when I was like twelve – and he's a true black beauty."

"I can only imagine." I paused, following Nimpha with my gaze. She was the cutest puppy in the world, and she had grown pretty much since the beginning of the Selection. "Have you seen our horses, yet?"

"No."

"Okay, come on." I have no idea why I did this, but I took his hand and pulled him towards the barn. Thank goodness, we were both wearing gloves. This was getting more and more awkward, to be honest.

I pushed the big doors open and a chorus of whinnying welcomed us. I went directly to the five horses at the far end of the barn, the ones with the bigger stalls. "This one is my mom's, Stella; this one is my dad's, Scotch; the brown one over there is Tony's, Melchior. And these two," I said walking to two other big stalls, "are Ben's and mine." Haha, I almost said Lou's and mine.

"Wow, they're beautiful. What are their names?" He rubbed their noses.

"Ben's is Hamilton, and mine is Gypsy."

He chuckled.

"What?"

"Nothing," he said smiling. Damn, I wished I had a smile like him. No wonder Lou wanted to keep him around. "It's just that I didn't think a Princess would name her horse Gipsy. More like Diamond or Tiara, you know?"

I laughed. "You'd be surprised at how unconventional I can be. Like did you know I did Taekwondo and kicked my brother's butt?" Oh, God, why did I say that?

"Really?" He sounded suspicious.

"Yeah. I might be a Princess on the outside, but on the inside, I'm just a regular girl."

He smiled and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. "I'm glad to hear that, Lou. I wouldn't have expected less of you." He stepped closer to me, his gloved hand cupped around my cheek.

A thunderclap made us both jump, saving me from the inevitable kiss. I stepped away and headed for the door. The earlier blue sky was now covered with dark clouds.

"We should get back inside," he said. He called for his dog and we both walked back to the Palace. Another giant thunderclap exploded just above us, and I started to believe the weather forecast people. There was a storm coming in. A snowstorm. In Angeles.

Hi everyone! Yay, I managed to send in the chapter for Friday! Thank goodness I have a week's vacation, now! ;)

Thanks for you reviews, I'm glad you liked the Elite! I'm terribly sorry for the ones who didn't make it, but the vote was cast, and I followed it.

I hope you liked this chapter, too! Don't worry, Lou and Ben will find a way to get back to their own bodies... Just not yet.

I'll see you on Tuesday for the next chapter! And don't forget to review ;) -Bye!