Checkmate

Pinned

I knew it couldn’t be a coincidence, Ava was definitely the one behind the threatening text. Was this all for some stupid title? Or did this title actually mean something within the elite circle? I needed to find Daniel. “Hey Becca, I think I should find Daniel,” I said. “Is everything okay?” she asked. “I just need to talk to Daniel about Ava,” I answered. Daniel was surrounded by a string of women. As I was about to approach Ava swooped in, marking her territory. Daniel didn’t seem to mind her actions, in fact, he seemed to be grateful to her. Judging by the situation he was just glad to be saved from all the thirsty girls. I guess I had truly underestimated the relationship between the two. I had to get Daniel alone so I could tell him about the text. Ava didn’t deserve to be Queen, she wasn’t the person she pretended to be with Daniel. A part of me wanted to tell Daniel because I couldn’t stand her being around him. I decided to find the courage I needed to go to Daniel even if it meant telling him in front of Ava. I walked to them as they stood to the side talking. “Daniel,” I said. He looked at me and said “Lily” He seemed surprised that I was even standing there. “Can we talk?” I said. “In private” I added. Daniel was about to say something but Ava beat him to it. “Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of me. Right, Dani?” She said as she put her hand on his chest. “Is it important Lily?” He asked, “Actually she can hear this too.” I said. Ava smirked with pride. “We don’t have all night you know, so make it snappy.” She said. “Daniel… Ava sent me a threatening text, and she reiterated those exact words to me just after she had it out with your sister.” I said. He looked at me and then looked at Ava. “Is this true Ava?” He asked her. Ava laughed it off as dignified as she could. She then became serious and looked at me, and oh man if looks could kill. I’m six feet under. “You are a nobody, and I am going to say this once. Just because I said something means to you does not mean I sent the text. Where the hell would I even get your number?” She said with venom. “You are friends with Daniel, you have easily stolen it.” I retorted. “Daniel, have we managed to hang out in the past month or two?” She asked him “She’s right Lily, there is no way she could have. She was busy with other things.” He said. Ava smirked victoriously. “I don’t know how you did it but I know in my gut it was you, Ava,” I said. “Lily, please. Don’t do accuse people without evidence. Ava and I have been friends for years and at that, she has been a good friend. So refrain from attacking her in my presence. I ask you this as my friend.” He said. I looked at him and repeated his last word “Friend.” He nodded and then added, “That’s what you wanted.” I sighed before agreeing. “Right.”

The odd thing about this was that Daniel switched completely. He went from calling me Knight to Lily. His formal way of addressing me somehow hurt my feelings, what hurt more was him defending Ava when I know deep in my being that it was her.

I concealed my emotions and then admitted defeat. “I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions but I maintain what I suspect. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” I said as I maintained eye contact with Daniel. “Lily…” He called out, but as I turned to hear him out an announcement came through. “And now for the moment, we all have been waiting for. Let us welcome our King of social Daniel King,” Said the MC. Daniel had to hold back and give his attention to everyone who now had their eyes on him. He walked over to the stage as he was handed the mic. “Good evening fellow-subjects. When we began this tradition we didn’t have a clue what it would mean to many of us. Every year I get to pick a Queen, the role of the Queen of social is far beyond popularity, gaining a following and sponsors. It is about showing up for a cause that I happen to cherish. Last year we managed to raise 8 million dollars that helped Fur-ever endangered species animal reserve, subsidized 26 children cleft lips surgeries in partnership with S.M.I.L.E. We renovated the homeless girls home who had run away from abusive homes and offered tutoring classes for underprivileged prep school kids who didn’t have anyone at home who could help them with homework. With the support from our former reigning Queen of social we were able to do so much more with an additional 3.8 million dollars that were donated by her family. It gives me the honor to acknowledge Ava Clarke for all her hard work and dedication towards our projects.” He shared as everyone gave applause. “This year we were given two new candidates to run for Queen of social, I am pleased to say that both these ladies are worthy of the title in their own right, however the board and I would like for history to repeat itself as we crown Ava Clarke to keep her reign as Queen of social. Help me welcome your Queen of social, Ava Clarke!” He said. The applause grew louder. I watched the King and Queen take pictures while speaking to the press. Ava was beaming with pride. I was feeling so sad, but at the same time, I had to acknowledge the fact that Ava has their support and the power to keep it. Nothing about this dinner party felt fun anymore. I wanted to leave as soon as possible. As I dashed for an escape, my path was blocked. “We meet again.” The guy said. “I really have to go,” I said trying to sidestep him. But he managed to block it again, I was ready to snap at him so I met his gaze only to find a familiar face staring at me. “Oliver,” I said. He gave me a friendly smile then said “Why are we in a bad mood?” He asked. “I was just getting some air,” I said. “Let me walk you.” He said. “I really want to be alone right now,” I said softly. He nodded his head and then said “I found something you might be searching for.” I recalled my mother’s necklace. “Did you find my necklace,” I asked? “If you want to find out then allow me to walk you.” He said with a smirk on his face. I couldn’t help but smile at that. “Fine,” I said. He offered me his arm and then escorted me out.

We went out to the balcony, the fresh air was rather chilly because of the ocean but it felt good. We were in perfect silence when he reached for my hand, held my palm, and then gave me my necklace back. “Thank you, Oliver,” I said. “No need dear, should I help you put it back on?” I gave him a grateful smile “Yes please.” I said. As he stood behind me I noticed someone looking at me.

It was Daniel. “Lily,” He said. Oliver had finished putting my necklace on. His hands were now on my shoulders. “Daniel,” I said. “Get your hands off her,” Daniel said with aggression. Oliver smirked ignoring him. The tension between the two was so thick you could cut through it. “Hello Daniel,” Oliver said. Daniel only ignored him then he took hold of my wrist, pulling me to him. “Come with me,” Daniel said. I was shocked, I had a delayed response. I looked at Oliver and said, “It’s okay Oliver, I will talk to him.” He wanted to dispute but he said. “Call me if you need me, I’ll be inside the hall.” I nodded in agreement. Daniel and I were standing out on the balcony, I looked at his tight grip on my wrist. “Why are you with him?” He asked, “Why not?” I asked. “He is bad news that’s why.” He answered. “I could say the same about Ava.” I retorted. “That’s different, you don’t know Ava as I do.” He said. My laugh came out almost like a sigh. “As if you know Oliver like I do.” I clapped back. He seemed hurt at those words “And how exactly do you know him? What does he have that I don’t?” He said with bitterness in his voice. “I don’t get why you are acting like some jealous boyfriend when you clearly put me in my place in front of your Queen,” I said. “She is the Queen of social not my Queen.” I huffed and puffed “That’s not how everyone sees it.” I added. “You said you wanted to be friends.” He said. “And you agreed,” I said. “So Oliver comes by and he's touching you like you’re his, what the hell Knight!” Taken aback I add “You were the one who had Ava’s hand all over your chest as she owned you. What gives huh? Do you want me or not?” We both paused before laughing at each other. It was clear we both were jealous but most importantly we both shared mutual feelings for each other. “I’m sorry,” He said, “I acted like a jerk because my pride got hurt.” He added. “Apology accepted, I’m sorry too,” I said. “You seem cold, lets get back inside.” I shook my head. “My head hurts a little, I want to stay here a bit longer,” I said. He took off his jacket and covered my shoulders with it. He placed his hands on my shoulders as if trying to erase the memory of seeing Oliver’s hands there. “I didn’t choose you as Queen of social because I didn’t want to take that away from Ava. Ava and I became friends since 6, but we got close because we both have mommy issues. Her mom is an addict, she would only contact Ava just to manipulate her for money to get her next fix. Being Queen of Social gives Ava a sense of acceptance and it also keeps her busy from her destructive self.” He said. “Why are you telling me this?” I asked. He sighed and then said “I get her and her pain. But I want you in my life as more than just a friend. So I need you to understand me and my intention.”

I was silent for a moment before I could ask “Does that mean you believe me?” He leaned in close and whispered in my ear “Yes, I believe you. But it doesn’t make your approach right.” I took a breath “you deserved to know.” I said. He laughed then said “You only said it because you were jealous. Now that you had an excuse to discredit her you used that with that motive. But I feel happy that you are jealous. Now I know I stand a chance.” I met his gaze “You are partially right. I will try to see things from your perspective. But you can’t excuse Ava’s bad behavior.” I said. He nodded his head “Alright, I agree and I’ll do better if it means I’m no longer friend-zoned.” I smiled and said, “Get me some water while I think about it.” He bowed to me and then left to get me water. The night took an unexpected turn. I was happy about it until the villain in my fairytale appeared.