Novel Palace
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Emeralds POV
I exited the washroom, only to come face to face with the one and only.
"Emerald, hi."
"Hey, Jared," I answered, fighting the sudden compulsion to throw myself into his arms and cry. A
couple that was so in love seemed to drift so far away, as if strangers to each other. "Look, I'm sorry
about what Friday, I—I didn't know that was gonna happen," he rushed out, placing his hands on my
shoulders.
"I know," I said, instead," and I forgive you."
"No you don't. Emerald, come on. Why are we talking like we don't know each other?" I remained
silent, letting him speak.
"I've known you for thirteen years! We know each other like we know ourselves! Probably more! Don't
let this tear us apart!"
I looked at him for a moment," How do you expect me to act?" I asked.
"Emer—" he began, but I cut him off.
"You told me if your mate wasn't me, you would reject her! But what did you do?" "Do you," he
muttered, swallowing," do you hate me?"
I felt my eyes watering again and let out a humorless chuckle,I hate how much I still love you, does that
count."
We heard a sudden bang and turned around.
The locker a few meters away was smashed in badly.
And Blade Russell was there, looking angry enough to kill somebody.
He stared at us for a moment before spinning around and walking out of the school. Jared and I turned
back to each other," what does this mean for us, Emmy?"
"Don't call me that, not anymore," I pushed him aside and turned to leave.
My chest was a practical drum set as I walked into third period after the talk Jared and I had. The bell
hasn't rung yet but a few people sat at their desks, reading their projects due for today. I remembered
with sudden panic that Jared was my partner and sigh.
My heart began to beat even faster.
"Good Afternoon class!" said a slightly accented female voice.
Today, it was a dress from the eighteenth century and a long green pendant that glowed between her
breasts.
Her curly, orange hair was tied at the top of her head in a tight knot that looked like it hurt. "Good
afternoon Mrs. Spencer," we all replied, less enthusiastically. Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.
I let my eyes casually drift to the front where Jasmine and Jared sat side by side, holding hands
beneath the table.
"Alright class, today you will be acting out the scenes that you wrote with your partners," she said.
Some booed, others cheered.
Me? I felt as if I was ready to shoot myself.
"But," continued the teacher," you'll be acting out someone else's project and not your own. That way I
will be able to mark you on acting in a scene you aren't familiar."
I looked around the classroom in fear.
Who would Jared and I get? Stacy? She seemed like the type to write about things like romance. Or
maybe Evan, he loved drama class.
And with a sudden horror—filled thought, my eyes fell on Romania.
All she did was gush about love. She dreamed about finding her soul—mate and becoming an author.
She was clearly the best student in this class.
I shut my eyes tight and prayed that her assignment wouldn't be assigned to us. After the first group
finished the performance, I became more nervous.
Mrs. Spencer shuffled around with some papers," Jared, Emerald, your next." I felt my heart dropping
to my knees and I wasn't sure I was quite capable of standing up. "Emerald, everything alright?" asked
the teacher, after a couple of minutes.
I nodded," yeah, everything is fine." I forced my legs to work and walked to the stage. Everybody's
eyes were glued to us, waiting for me to suddenly blow up or something. "Alright, since you guys are
just so in love, I'm giving you Romania's scene," exclaimed the teacher in all happiness, clearly
unaware of what's happened.
I looked up at Jared as he gave me a reassuring smile. My eyes drifted to Jasmine who was now
watching Jared with a smile on her face.
Then she turned her eyes to me and smirked.
She said words to me with silent lips.
"I told you he deserves better."
Mrs. Spencer clearly hadn't noticed the sudden change of atmosphere and handed us a paper," alright,
you guys can begin."
I fought back my anger. Jared and I got on the stage and started the show.
Jared gazed into my eyes, reminding me of just how much I'd missed him.
"It's an obligation," he began, his voice hardening," it's expected of me."
I glanced down at the paper and then back into his eyes and replied," An obligation shouldn't include
heartbreak and separation between two lovers."
"I am a prince, Hanna, I was doomed to marry Princess Lela since the day I was born." "Do you put
your duty above your heart?" I asked, wanting so badly to look away. I wanted to lean in and kiss those
soft lips I've grown so familiar with.
"No, I do not, but I put my country above my heart—"
=
"W—...What about me?" I stuttered, my eyes tearing. Although it wasn't in the script, it made the scene
better and I just couldn't seem to hold back my feelings.
This story was way too familiar. Too much like our reality, I made a mental note to ask Romania where
she had gotten the idea.
I caught sight of the teacher practically gushing with happiness at our acting.
"I apologize for giving you hope for our future together," said Jared," I truly hoped you're the one I'd be
destined to be with, but I guess deep inside I've always known."
I looked down, just as the script had said.
Jared grasped my chin and lifted my face to his.
I caught sight of the final sentence.
A kiss.
I closed my eyes and welcomed his lips.
My arms circled around his neck and I felt fresh tears slide down my face and into his. He pulled back,
his eyes soft and sad.
The lights were back on and Mrs. Spencer was wiping her tears," so much emotion!" she managed to
choke out," it was like you two were really Hanna and Leonardo! Perfect! Perfect job!" "Excuse me?"
said a voice.
I looked to the center of the classroom where Jasmine sat, her hands raised.
"Yes Jasmine?"
"Can I give a little advice?"
Mrs. Spencer, stunned, muttered," sure, why not."
"I could barely hear Emerald. And…the kiss was not real enough to make them feel like a real couple in
love."