"I'm going with Reese, why do you ask?"
"Oh, okay, I was just wondering if I can escort you to the party tomorrow."
"No thanks, it will be a girls' night out for us so…"
"It's okay; I mean I will be able to dance with you still since you're not coming with an escort."
"Sure, let's see." Aila tried to be as civil as possible with Ken; she wants to end this chapter of her life on a positive note with everyone.
Reese had a sleepover at Aila's house.
Aila prepared a spa day for her and Reese.
"OMG, this is the first time that I've seen this part of your house!"
"This is the first time for me too! hahaha"
They were guided by the therapists that are always on standby, they will be pampered with massages, milk bath and scrub, facial treatments and nail care.
"Uhhh… This is my favorite perk of having a princess as my best friend."
"Hahaha, crazy girl! I'm glad I have a friend."
They both enjoyed their day of pampering, after all the action that had happened they badly needed this retreat.
"Later, my stylist will bring gowns for fitting, what do you have in mind?"
"Hmm, I want a purple gown, and you?"
"I'll know when I see it."
After a few hours, the two girls were refreshed and relaxed with their spa day when Aila's personal stylist came.
"Princess, I've brought different gowns for you to choose from, please take a look."
"Kindly give my friend a purple."
"Yes Princess."
Aila was looking around the gowns that were worn on mannequins; one particular gown caught her eye.
It was a green monochromatic gown, with a corset top and a monochromatic green mermaid cut skirt. She stared at the gown and smiled.
"This is it."
Aila and Reese were chauffeured by their limousine. This was the first time for Reese to ride the family limousine.
"Where do you keep your cars? I don't get to see them all, you have way too much!"
"Hahaha… You know what? I'm not actually sure, so please don't take it against me."
The whole campus stopped when a luxurious limousine stopped in front of the ball room.
The junior students were in charge of the ball on the day itself so the graduating students get to enjoy the last party before graduation.
"Wow who would ride such a car to go here?" one of the party usherettes exclaimed seeing the limousine.
"Whoever that is, I'm going to make sure they will take me with them after the ball." Glenda was sure she will be able to seduce the one inside.
The chauffer went down the car to open the door for Aila and Reese.
Everyone was in anticipation; Reese was the first to get down the limousine. They were impressed with her beauty and the designer gown she's wearing.
When Aila stepped out, all eyes were on her; she definitely is the fairest of them all tonight. Everyone was captivated by her regal charm, it is undeniable how poised and enchanting she looked in that green gown.
"Wow, she really is the school's goddess!" Noel elbowed Ken who was still in awe upon seeing Aila.
Glenda glanced at Ken and saw his reaction; she walked out seeing that once again she lost against Aila. What frustrates her more is the fact that Aila did not even try competing with her, yet the battle is already won.
Aila and Reese walked hand in hand as they entered the venue. One of the usherettes guided them to their table. They were approached by their classmates, who confessed that they will definitely be contenders for queen of the night.
"Aila, Reese, I got you ladies some drinks."
Vince handed Aila and Reese non alcoholic punch from the buffet.
"Thanks Vince" Aila and Reese raised their cups to Vince.
The school principal arrived and delivered her speech for the graduating students, after her speech it was immediately preceded with dancing.
Aila and Reese danced together with their classmates; they were gathered in a big group. They enjoyed dancing, but Aila got tired so she decided to take a rest first.
Aila sat on their designated seats, her ankle was sore because of working the whole day yesterday to decorate the venue. As soon as she sat the music changed, to a mellow one most students without partners came back to their designated seats.
"Can I have this dance?"
Ken approached Aila without reservations, thinking Aila would easily agree to him because there are a lot of other women wanting to dance with him.
"Sorry Ken, I'm a bit tired and my feet are sore, I would like to rest a bit."
"Okay, I'll come back for you later; is there anything you need?"
"None thank you."
Aila smiled at Ken as she politely rejects Ken's offer. He was hoping to have a chance to dance with her later so he smiled back and returned to his friends.
"Will you dance with that jerk?"
Reese was curious seeing the two smiling at each other like the old times.
"Not now, the pain on my foot is quite nasty at the moment, I can't walk with my heels. I will only dance there again if I go barefoot. Hahaha"
"Silly girl, who would, dare do that?"
Reese was a bit loud Vince approached the two.
"I heard that, so you are planning to really make us suffer?"
Vince joked as he handed snacks to Aila and Reese.
"Hahaha, No, I just want to dance with those who are really up for the challenge."
"I am up for it!"
"I was kidding! My foot really hurts when I wear my shoes, look I've removed them now."
Aila candidly showed Vince her bare feet.
"Seriously, I am up for it." Vince sat down next to Aila and removed his shoes.
"You don't have to Vince."
"But I want to."
He stood up, offered his hands to Aila.
"May I have this dance Aila?"
Aila smiled at Vince who was smiling sweetly at her, she gave her hand, and he led to the center part of the ball room.
The spotlight focused on them, the crowd formed a circle surrounding them.
"Vince, you didn't have to do this, it's a bit embarrassing"
"You are my Princess Aila, I will do anything to make you feel special."
Aila was stunned at Vince's statement, does he know about her?
"Princess?"
"When we get married I'll call you my queen."
Vince laughed at his own joke.
Aila felt relieved, they danced a few more minutes when Ken approached them.
"Vince, I can take it from here; can I also dance with you Aila?"
Vince was a gentleman waiting for Aila to decide, she smiled at Ken and Vince took that as a hint.
"You really look like a goddess tonight."
Aila looked down, blushing from the very direct complement of Ken; when she noticed that he was barefoot too.
"Oh, you also took off your shoes."
"I can't let my lady be barefoot alone."
His smile is enough to conquer any girl's heart, but for Aila's heart? Not anymore.
"Ken, I know about the bet."
"I'm sorry about that, I am really a jerk."
"Yep you really were a jerk, you pretended to like me in front of everyone, even in front of me, I almost believed you."
"I am a jerk for accepting the bet, but all these time I did not pretend. I really do like you, in fact I still do."
"I guess it's already too late for that confession."
"I know; that's why I am hoping that there would come a time when you will find it in your heart to forgive me."
"I already did forgive you Ken, and I wish you the all best in the future. "