QUEEN
Our trip in Stoa ended in a blink of an eye, like what we promised to King said it Friday morning when we get back in Ravendale.
"So, how's Stoa?" King asked, his tone casual but curious.
"It was good, I like the scenery there." I replied, smiling warmly as memories of the peaceful views came to mind.
"Did you enjoy it?" I look at King and smile.
"Yes, It was so relaxing there even though it was just two days."
"Glad you like it." King reached over, pulling me into a hug and patting my head affectionately. His gestures always carried a certain warmth.
"Queen, any souvenir?" Ace asked and I started to get the keychains and pastries.
"Oh, yes." Then I immediately get the keychains. Their laughter filled the room as I handed them over. Ace then said his thanks as he hugged and kissed my cheeks. Seriously why did those two hug me today, did they do something wrong?
"After class, we need to go to the mall in Maplewood, Junno and Carlene will be there and they told us to be with them until the mall tour was done."
"Just why do we need to be with them when we are not their movie?" I shot back, crossing my arms. King chuckled awkwardly.
"Actually… we kind of are."
"Looks like we forgot to tell you we are also in the movie." I look at them with a shocked face and scratch my head.
"It happened when you two were gone?"
"Yes, it just happened they called us asking if we could go to the table reading. Mom said yes." I muttered, shaking my head.
"I don't know what to say."
"Neither did we. We read a three-page script and act it the next day." Ace laughed and I shake my head.
Before I could respond, we arrived at the university. I rushed to my class, which had already started. The day passed in a blur until my free period, when I decided to head to the library. I texted Vermont to let him know I was there, and he replied that he’d meet me soon.
"Hey." he greeted as he arrived, and I kissed his cheek before he sat beside me.
"Hello." I said, smiling.
"Ver, I will go to the Maplewood later, so I don't think we can't eat dinner together."
"What's with the Maplewood later?" he asked, tilting his head.
"I’m attending a mall tour. If you’re a fan of Julene, you can come with me. If not, don’t bother."
"Julene?" he laughed and I smiled at his amusement. "It's been ages since I heard that couple."
"Honestly I don't like those two, anyways they're going to promote their new movie, Love, Yuri."
"Ahh, can I go with you then? Let's watch a movie after the mall tour."
"You sure?" he nodded and I said okay. We spent the next thirty minutes going over topics for our next class before heading to the cafeteria.
"I'll just go straight there, gonna ask my friends if they want to see Julene." Vermont said, laughing again when he mentioned the name.
"Just why do you keep laughing everytime you say Julene?"
"Nothing just reminds me of the past." he replied with a grin.
"Okay then, see you later." I said, waving him off.
"Hmm."
After class, we stopped by a store to pick up the outfit we will be wearing to the premiere.
"This is the one you're wearing on the premiere night, and this is for the tour today." I nod and get dressed. When we arrive at Maplewood, Junno and Carlene are already there.
"Hey." It was Junno. "Good to see you again Queen." He greeted warmly.
"Yeah." I didn't bother to look at him again. The staff told them that they should be ready in a minute.
"Please do welcome the couple, Junno Lades and Carlene Enzo!" I heard the crowd went wild as they cheer for the couple. The next thing is I heard the emcee called the other casts.
"The Imperials were already here." someone announced. The chaos began soon after.
When the tour was done I was called in front so we could take pictures.
"Please can you stand beside the couple?" Someone asked and I nodded at him.
"Yes."
"Please look here!" the endless camera flashing almost blind me, wow I must be not used to it. I remained smiling even though I want to puke because of the couple beside mw.
"Can you take a picture of us, just me and Queen?" I look at Carlene and she smiled.
"That would be great." I go beside her and we put our hands on each other's back and smiled at the camera.
"You have some guts," I whispered still smiling.
"Why? I just missed you."
"Disgusting." I said and he just chuckled.
"I know. We do feel the same, Queen." We've been talking shit as the crowd continue to take photos of us. We are now ignoring each other again after the tour. I just stayed in the backstage while they were already entertaining the people. There are many people who go here just to see them. Haa.
"Here water." I look at Vermont who was standing in front of me. I smile widely and he held my hand.
"Hi!"
"Here, water." I looked up and see Vermont standing in front of me, holding out a bottle of water. His familiar presence instantly lightened my mood. I smiled widely as he stepped closer and gently took my hand.  
"Hello, beautiful." He greeted. "You must be tired." He then wipe my forehead. I told him to sit beside me and he cutely followed me.
"What should we eat later?"
"Let's just eat in the fast food." I nod at him. "And about the movie what do you think of Crying for Rain? I saw it online and it had good reviews. I want to watch it too, what do you think?"
"Sure, Let's go with that." I nodded in agreement.
Minutes later, the door swung open, and Junno and Carlene entered the room, their laughter filling the space. I instinctively turned away, not in the mood to deal with them, especially Carlene. However, she made her way over our side, her bright smile directed at us as if we were old friends.  
"Hey, Queen," Carlene said with fake cheerfulness. Her eyes flicked to Vermont. "Who’s this?"
Before I could respond, Carlene introduced herself with a wide smile. "I'm sure you already know us but I would like to still i torduce ourselves. I'm Carlene and that is Junno and we are good friends of Queen."
"Hello, I’m Vermont, Queen’s suitor."
"Oh." Carlene raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, and before she could get another word in, I cut in sharply. "We should get going now," I said, standing up and tugging Vermont’s arm gently to signal it was time to leave.  
Junno, who had been silent until now, suddenly asked me, "Queen, are you going to attend the premiere night?" I glanced at him, briefly and give him a quick nod before bidding them goodbye.  
As we walked out, I turned to Vermont, sighing in frustration.
"Ignore whatever Carlene said about us being friends," I muttered. Vermont chuckled softly, his tone light and teasing. 
"Bad blood, huh?"
"I really do hate her," I replied, shaking my head.  
We decided to grab dinner at a nearby fast-food chain. We talked about random and silly things. We laughed over dinner and that moment was precious.
After dinner, we headed to the cinema. While Vermont stood in line to buy popcorn and drinks, I went ahead to purchase the tickets. Once everything was set, we settled into our seats, the dim lights of the theater creating a cozy ambiance. It was an action movie that has a lil' bit of romance in it.
The movie, Crying for Rain, lived up to its name. By the time the credits rolled, I felt emotionally drained, my eyes damp from the heartfelt story. Vermont glanced at me, his expression soft.  
'It was such a good movie," I said, and he agree to me.  
As we exited the mall, Vermont looked up at the night sky. "Do you want to go stargazing?" he asked suddenly. I hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Sure."
We get intp his car and drove to a quiet spot on the outskirts of town, where you can see the city lights and the stars clearly. The view was breathtaking, the dark sky littered with twinkling lights that seemed close enough to touch.  
I leaned back at my seat, and sighed. I broke the silence. "I’ll be gone for a week," I said, turning to him. He looked at me, his expression shifting slightly.
"Why?”"
"Junno and Carlene’s new movie," I explained. "I have to be in their premiere night."
He raised an eyebrow, his tone half-teasing. "You? I thought you two have bad blood?"
"Life works in mysterious ways," I replied with a wry smile. "Just kidding. Our family was in the invitation list. And that is how showbiz works, being friends with your enemy." He chuckled, shaking his head.
"I’ll miss you," he said softly. 
"I’ll miss you too," I said and gave him a small smile. "I'll call and text you. You better answer it.
"Yes, boss." The night stretched on as we talked about things. "Text me from time to time so, I won't be missing you too much." He gently plant a kiss on my lips.
"Mm." I kissed him back and the stars above are our silent witnesses.
—IAmRoseee