Tess's POV
Matthew can cook. Did I mention how attractive that is?
"You look like you're enjoying it," Matt says from across the balcony table, a shy yet very entertained smile on his face.
"Mmm," I say after another bite of his crêpe. "Are you sure you cooked this? Or did you just pay Aunt Marlee to cook this?"
He laughs. "First of all, I wouldn't pay her to do it. And yes, I did cook it myself. My mother used to cook most of her meals before the Selection. She taught me, as well as the rest of my siblings, and I started experimenting."
"You're very adventurous," I say. "I noticed that."
"Yeah, well, it happens when you're cooped up in a palace."
I fork a piece, complete with a strawberry, and hold it out to him. "You have to taste it," I say.
"No!" he says playfully. "It's your birthday breakfast! I can't just take your food."
"You're not taking it," I reply. "I'm sharing it with you."
"I feel like I'm stealing it."
I wave the fork in front of his face and his stubborn façade breaks down. "Fine." He takes a bite, and I smirk and wait for his reaction. "It's a little overcooked, and the chocolate is a tad bit too much."
I roll my eyes and continuing eating. "Perfectionist."
"Says you," he teases back.
I smile. "Well, I love it. I love chocolate, so this is the perfect amount."
"But everyone's definition of perfect is different," he replies with his logical voice.
"Well, this is perfect, and you are perfect, so shut up because it's my birthday."
He laughs. "May I have another bite?"
"No," I deadpan. "You're not allowed."
He fakes a pout, and I get a piece for him, this time with both a strawberry and a banana. "You're cute when you pout," I say.
He smirks. "How's the bacon?"
"I can't believe you remembered turkey bacon was my favorite!" I say. "You are literally perfect. And the glass of milk is classic."
"Well, you're a classy girl so you deserve the best," he says, putting a hand on my arm, because my hands are too occupied with utensils. I put them down, though, and take his hand.
"I wish it was my birthday everyday so I could hear you compliment me every minute," I joke.
"Love, it won't even be your birthday, and I'd still compliment you."
My cheeks warm and I look back at my food. "You make me feel so spoiled and selfish."
"I want to make you feel like you're the only girl in the world worth paying attention to," he says intently.
I giggle softly, my ears turning warm too. I'm pretty sure they're redder than the strawberries by now. "Thank you. So much. For everything."
"Hey!" Matt says, his voice returning to its light, carefree tone that I love. "It's only about nine thirty."
"Nine forty-seven, actually," I correct him.
He rolls his eyes. "My little smart-ass." Matt stands up. "Okay, well, you have to get ready for the day we all have planned for you."
"We?"
"Yes, we. Go. Put on a cute thing that makes you look like your spectacular self, and meet me in the foyer downstairs, okay?"
"Okay."
I'm even more excited now. I finish my milk in one gulp and stare at my empty plate. Goodness, that thing was so good. I really have to learn how to cook.
I rush to my room and find my three maids with their arms wide open. "Happy birthday!" they say with big smiles.
"Thank you!" I laugh.
"We have your outfit ready for you," Christina says, some wisps of her pale blond hair flying behind her as she rushes to get my clothes.
"But where you're going, you won't really need clothes," Emma says.
I frown. "Excuse me?"
"Wrong choice of words," Margaret remedies. She holds up a...bikini?
"Where exactly am I going?" I ask.
"Just dress up, Miss," Christina says, coming back with the clothes.
"Alright, alright," I reply as Emma starts to ponytail my hair.
After exactly seven minutes, I'm wearing red shorts and a cute white peasant blouse over my bikini (to be more specific, and not to worry anybody where I'm going, the halter top is black; the bottoms are cute, coral-colored, and has coverage).
"Now can you tell me where I'm going?"
"For now, to the foyer," Margaret says. Emma hands me a bag with a towel, sunscreen, aviators that I have yet to return to Matt, goggles, and underwear. I'm going swimming, that's for sure.
"Have fun!" they all say.
"Thank you!" I reply just as happily.
As I walk down the grand staircase to the foyer, the entire palace seems to shout, "Happy birthday!"
I smile and laugh. "Thank you!"
I reach the bottom and Maria gives me a hug first. "Happy birthday, Tess," she says.
I hug her back. "Thanks, kiddo. Love you, too." She pulls back with a happy smile. "Yes, Maria, I remember every year I've spent with you."
"How come?" she asks.
"I'm not sure."
"Do you remember anything else before the accident?" she asks curiously.
"No," I reply with a sigh. "You just had the most memorable impact on my life. I remembered you more quickly."
Maria smiles, and she looks like she's about to cry. "Oh!" she says. She pulls out woven pieces of string (sky blue, cerulean, crimson, coral) from her pocket. "I made this for you." The pattern is intricate and it looks complicated.
"Oh, my gosh," I say in awe as she hands it to me.
"I know it's not much, but um, you could wear it as an anklet or a bracelet."
"How long did it take you to make this?" I ask.
"Four days?"
"Dang, girl. You're good." She laughs and I quickly tie it around my ankle. "Thank you," I say.
She doesn't even have time to reply as everyone else encases me in hugs and greetings. Xander's very sweet; he gives me my own (pale red) stationery with my name on the top and everything (From the desk of Princess Teresa of Italy and Illéa). The king completes Xander's present with my very own calligraphy and fountain pen. Rilane gives me a red fan from New Asia that she says was delivered this morning. Alexandra gives me a charm bracelet with the Italian flag, the Illéan flag, a music note (eighth note), a violin, a piano, and a guitar (all in tiny charms; so cute!). Prince Alexander is surprisingly here,—in shorts no less—and gives me a necklace with a flower made of rubies. Queen America gives me the most expensive thing I've received so far: a tiara.
"It was passed down to me from Queen Amberly," America says. "It's been in the family since Gregory Illéa's wife, and it's been worn by every queen. Take good care of it, and don't worry about head lice."
"Thanks, mom," I joke, giving her a hug. "Just kidding," I say quickly, embarrassed I said anything at all.
But America laughs. "Darling, you might as well start now." I laugh.
"Okay. Mom."
She smiles back and I thank everyone individually and by name. Everyone moves aside as Matthew saunters up to me. "Love, I wish I had a present as good as all of those." He puts an arm around my waist and leads me out the door. "But I don't."
"Love, your cooking was a gift enough."
He smiles at me and turns around to face everybody else. "Meet you there, okay?" he says.
They collectively agree and split up to their own vehicles. The last time we did this was Michael's funeral. But the occasion is so different entirely.
I pull out the aviators from my bag. "Like my shades, Matty boy?" I say to him in what I try as a manly voice.
"Yes, because those are mine," he replies, backing out of the driveway.
"So where are we going?" I ask again.
"You'll see." He draws out the last word, and I smile because I know where we're headed.
Matthew's POV
So the plan is to get everyone away from the palace so the maids and butlers could prepare. We gave them every detail possible and even wrote down additional ones to make sure they don't get confused. They have to get the masks for everybody prepared, and the maids are hard at work to provide our clothes. It's going to be the party of the century.
We arrive and the ocean looks so blue and gorgeous. "Wow, a real ocean," Tess says in wonder.
"You've never been to a real beach?" I say, looking at her momentarily to observe the adorable curiosity on her face.
"Matt, Midston was in the mid-west, hence the name MIDston."
"Never been to see a real ocean, huh?" I ask, ignoring her sarcastic, smart-ass comment.
"Nope."
"Well." I go to her side of the car to open her door. "You'll have a whale of a time."
"No freaking way!" she says, practically jumping out of the car. "We're going to see whales? Wait. Was this your idea?"
I shrug. "I may have concocted this plan."
"Matthew!" she squeals, jumping on me to give me a hug. "I love you so much!"
I laugh. "I love you too."
Tess doesn't hesitate to give me a kiss on my mouth. Our sunglasses smack against each other and we both say, "Ouch. Sorry."
"Jinx. Double jinx. Triples jinx. Quadruple jinx."
"We're under a palm tree," I say absurdly.
She makes a face and laughs. "What does that have to do with anything?"
I set her down on the sand and laugh. "It means we get to go do fun stuff. Come on, let's go."
She grabs her bag and basically skips the whole way to the shore. She probably thinks this is it, her grand birthday celebration. Nope.
This is only the beginning.
I've just been realizing my chapters have been more dialogue and action more than anything. Oh, well. I'll provide philosophies later on. I'm sorry I keep pushing back the ball chapter, but I feel like if I compacted the whole day it would be way too long. Bear with me. We'll get there, I promise. And y'all keep saying how Matt's gonna pass out during the masquerade ball. You know, it might happen now that you guys keep mentioning it.
Thanks for the reviews!
LovableL101- Aww I'm glad you're still excited to read my story! And speaking the truth is always good! But thank you so much! You're so nice!
ReadLikeYouMeanIt- Haha yeah, it's tough when you have to break news to someone. I'm so glad you're still "loving" it, though! Thank you so much!
SJWrites2014- Hahaha made me laugh. Thanks so much! (BTW I love your story.)
HikariTheNormaller- Holy crapola, this review made my day! Of course I consider everyone's opinions! Don't hesitate to tell me in a PM or a review. And as for Lucy and Aspen, I wrote that chapter (and half of the story) before The One was released. I had no idea it was going to happen (though I wish it did, because I want to include that in my fanfics!). Thank you so so much for this review! (And average fangirls are average! The other ones who don't express their feelings for a book are not average. They're emo goths inside :P )
prnamber3909- Haha #DatPlotTwistDoe. Thanks for reviewing!
ilona18- Yay! I'm glad you're still here! Thank you!
Lucas- Haha he just "can't". Lol Luch. Thanks so much!
Kiren- Heehee *Despicable Me little girl's voice* IT'S SO FLUFFY! Thanks for reviewing!
PokemonLuver151- Haha oh well :) Thank you so much!
winterprincess- Teehee Matt is sweet. :P Thanks so much!
LittleMissTori- Haha I can't dance or act to save my life (which is ironic because I was the lead for a musical :P ). I'm in love with all of my reviewers! As usual. Thank you!
You guys are sweeter than cotton candy. :)
Love ya!- AcademicGirl
