Checkmate

The Queen

When I got back to my friends they asked me if Daniel was okay. I told them he was. We chatted and bantered while Tyson and Rebecca kept eyeing each other the entire time. I always wondered why they broke up if they were so obviously into each other. Before we knew it we had arrived at the Hamptons, the resort was spectacular. Everyone had their room which was spacious and luxurious. When we checked in I first called my grandparents to inform them of my safe arrival. Nanna was always so laid back but she worried a lot about me. Grandpa was more worried about me being alone if I woke up from a nightmare. I assured them as best as I could, at some point I had to learn how to cope with my anxiety. This was the time I guess. We spoke for over 30 minutes until I had to tell them my friends were at the door to get me. We had agreed to hang with the Faust boys at the beach before it was time for the welcome dinner. It was a formal affair that introduced all the ‘who's who of the elite kids in society. “Hey guys,” I said as I opened the door. “Hey yourself,” Liam said as he entered. “Are you ready?” Chloe asked. “Almost, just need to put on my bikini.” I said. When I was all set we all left for the beach. Locating Faust was easy. They were the babe radar so we knew. “What took you ladies so long?” Tyson asked. “That’s not meant for you Liam.” Daniel said with a firm voice. “Obviously not, brother dear,” Rebecca said rolling her eyes at Daniel. “I missed you too Daniel,” Liam said sarcastically. “What are you drinking Knight?” Maddox asked me. “I’ll have water, for now, I answered. He got me water from the cooler. “Thanks, Maddox,” I said. He gave me a warm smile and said. “If anyone tries to bully you, tell me. Got it!” I thought about the threatening text I got and then I nodded. Daniel looked at me then acted like he didn’t care. “Let’s go hit the waves,” Knox said to Maddox. Maddox considered me for a moment before asking. “You wanna come?” I looked at the surfboard Knox was holding “I’m flattered but I don’t know how to surf.” I said. “We can teach you,” Knox replied. I was a little shocked. Knox wasn’t the chatty type. “Yeah, we can teach you,” Maddox added. “Alright, why not.” Learning how to surf was fun. I got to hang with the twins and get to know Knox a little. Maddox was the macho one of the two while Knox was more down to earth. “I’m super tired guys,” I told the twins. “Let’s go back to the gang,” Maddox said. “We ordered burgers for everyone, hope you all don’t mind,” Liam said. “It’s weird you ordered that after your punishment,” Tyson commented. “Oh sh** up Tyson,” Rebecca said. “It really doesn’t matter at this point. I could eat a horse.” I said. The twins laughed. I kind of got the sense that surfing did that to people. We had our burgers, Liam had a vegetarian burger with Hailey while the rest of us had no issues with the junk. “I feel like another one,” I said. “Damn! A girl after my heart. I like a girl that can eat.” Tyson said. It was clear why Rebecca was his once, I knew for a fact that she was a foodie. “Don’t eat too much Lily, you won’t enjoy dinner if you get too stuffed,” Liam said. “Good point,” I said. After our meal, we all chilled as more people started to arrive. “I’m going to my room,” Daniel said. “Are you going to practice your speech?” Tyson asked “Yeah.” Daniel answered then left. “Speech?” I asked. “As the King of social, he has to give one,” Maddox said.

“Does that mean the Queen will also be there?” I asked, “Nah, the queen is selected every year.” Tyson answered. “It’s tradition to select the Queen of social at the welcome dinner party,” Rebecca added. “I wonder if Tyson will choose Ava again,” Hailey said. “That’s a given, Ava will always have that title,” Tyson said. “Things have changed though. Since Lily dethroned Daniel technically, she stands a chance.” Rebecca said. Tyson considered her words and then nodded. “True.” He said. “I also hear Cassie Jones also stands a chance this year since she won more gold medals for swimming.” Know said. “That’s great news, finally that vampire gets some competition,” Maddox added. It seemed as though Ava wasn’t anyone’s favorite.

Girls were starting to come over to chat with the Faust guys, so my friends and I decided to leave the beach to rest a little before the big night. I was walking to my room when I saw Daniel hugging a pretty greened eyed redhead. She seemed comfortable and familiar with him. I did my best to pass by as quickly as possible to avoid being seen by him. I was in such a rush that I couldn’t see I was about to bump into a total stranger. “I’m so sorry.” I said. When I looked at him I saw a well-built guy with an athletic body. Blonde hair with grey-blue eyes. He was fairly handsome and when he smiled he had two perfect dimpled cheeks that could make any girl weak. “It’s okay, good thing I saw you in time.” He said. Feeling shy I acknowledged him and introduced myself. “Lily” He shook my hand and said “Oliver,” he said. He has an English accent accompanied by a deep voice, which made him more appealing. “Nice to meet you.” I said. He smiled at me and said, “Let me not take any more of your time since you were in such a rush.” I nodded at him and took my leave. I got to my room and decided to take a power nap, let’s just say it was an epic fail. I couldn’t stop thinking about Daniel and the redhead, so I decided to explore a little. I changed into denim shorts and a cute top, then tied my hair into a messy bun which exposed the tattoo just below my hairline on the back of my neck. I was wearing my mother’s favorite necklace that dad gave her. I left my room without a specific place in mind. I ended up at a secluded section with a pathway that led into a maze of some sort. The maze wasn’t complicated at all. I kept walking and heard voices, two familiar voices. I followed them only to spot Knox and Liam making out. I didn’t stick around long enough to be spotted. I’d probably make Knox uncomfortable which could ruin their secret rendezvous. I quickly got away from them only to bump into a really hard chest. “You seem to have a habit of walking into strange men.” He said. I instantly recognized the English accent. “I promise it wasn’t on purpose. I’m sorry.” I said. “I thought you were Lily.” He says with a smirk of a smile. “Oh yeah, I am Lily.” I saying trying to explain when I realize he was making a joke. I paused then laughed which made Oliver laugh as well. “You are a rather cute Lily.” He says. “Well, I think it’s too early to tell.” I respond. “Well, I usually have an exceptional intuition.” He says. I nod my head at him “Then I guess it’s refreshing to know.” I add. I spot a camera in his hands “Taking pictures?” I ask. “Yeah, I do it as a hobby though.” He says. “That’s cool. My mom used to be a professional photographer.” I say. “That’s amazing. Why did she stop?” He asks. I instinctively touch the pendant on her necklace before saying “She passed away a couple of months ago.” To my relief, he doesn’t give me that sympathetic look I always get from people but instead he shows a level of empathy. “Sorry for your loss. I know it’s not easy but it does get better you know.” He said. “How do you know?” I ask. “I lost my mum when I was 7 years old, it’s a long time ago but there are days when I wish she was there for all my milestones.” He shared. “Wow, I’m sorry if I came across as insensitive.” I added. “Don’t worry about it, I know how it’s dealing with people who don’t get it.” He said. “Well, I am an orphan. I lost both parents in a car crash. Don’t know how I survived but here I am.” I said with a small smile. “That is awfully depressing, but indeed here you are! They would be happy to see you getting on with your life.” He added. I smiled at that and then asked “So you stay with your dad?” He gave me a big smile and said. “Yes, my father raised me single-handedly.” His eyes sparkled every time he mentioned his dad. “He is my stepfather by the way. My biological father is some rich jacka** that had an affair with my mother. He supports me financially though but that’s as far as it goes.” He added. “Well, your dad did a great job, your mom must be proud.” I said. “I will let him know. So what brings you here?” He asked. “I wanted to clear my head so I decided to explore a little.” I answered.

“In that case you are in luck. IF you are willing to be abducted by a total English stranger please follow me.” He said. “Well lead the way, it’s not every day that your kidnapper offers to abduct their victim,” I said. He laughed at my wit. He led out of the maze but it was a different entrance. I followed him into what seemed like a rose garden that was in fact on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It was breathtaking. “Magnificent right?” He asked. “Yet people still deny the existence of a God,” I said. I was entranced by the view. I had never seen such a beautiful view. Even more perfect now that the sun was about to set.

“The first time I discovered this view I took a dozen pictures because none of my shots could truly capture the beauty.” He said. “I can imagine,” I said in full awe. “Now I only come here to just enjoy nature, plus not many people come here.” He added. I paused and looked at him. The rays of the setting sun reflected so beautifully on his face. Something about his features made me think of Daniel, the only thing was that Daniel was taller, had a sharper jawline, and had piercing eyes even though they shared the same eye color. “Earth to Lily,” Oliver said. “Oh I’m sorry, I was just lost in thought,” I said. He smiled then looked at the ocean. “Thank you for leading me here,” I added. “It’s a pleasure.” He said.

As we appreciated the view in blissful silence my phone rang. “Hello,” I answered. “Where on earth are you? And if you see Liam kindly remind him we need to get ready for the dinner party.” Chloe said. “Yeah, sure. I will tell him.” I replied. I hung up and looked at Oliver who was now focused on me. “I have to go,” I said. “Oh, let me walk you back.” He offered. “Oh, no. It’s okay. I need to look for a friend first.” I said. “That’s alright, I’ll see you around maybe?” He asked. “Yeah, sure. I guess I will.” I added as I was walking away. I went back into the maze to look for Liam. To my relief I found him sitting alone on a bench. “Hey, Liam,” I said. Surprised he turned to look at me “How did you know I was here?” He asked. “Well, it was just coincidence. Saw you making out with Knox so I decided not to interrupt.” I answered. “Thanks.” He said. “For someone who was all busy, you seem down,” I said. “Knox is going to choose to go to Harvard to appease his dad.” He said. “And you don’t want him to?” I asked. “We had planned to go to UCT together, where being gay is great, where no one knows us and where we could be together without constantly looking over our shoulders or hiding.” He said. “I’m sorry Liam,” I said. “It is what it is, I guess I’ll just go to NYU now.” He said. “Give it time, Know is probably still thinking and hasn’t decided yet,” I say. “We’ll see, anyway let’s get going. Chloe has been blowing up my phone.” He added. “Let go,” I say. We meet up with Chloe and Rebecca. “Where’s Hailey?” Liam asks. “She went to get ready, you two took your precious time,” Chloe said. “Sorry, Let's go to Lily’s room to get ready. I’ll go get ready at my room then meet you ladies in an hour outside Lily’s room.” Liam said. “Hailey is going to meet us at the venue,” Rebecca said. “Alright, now chop, chop! Get a move on witches!” Liam says. We all head to my room as Liam goes to his. Once inside we find the make-up artist and hairstylist Rebecca hired. When we finally finish which hair and make-up we all dress up. When I finally look into the mirror I look and feel like a princess. In my bareback dress with a long slit on the side, I look elegant and sexy at the same time. I take a few snaps for my grandparents. “You look amazing Lily,” Chloe says. “Yes, you look gorgeous,” Rebecca added. Feeling thankful I complement both ladies. The stylist leaves just as Liam gets there. “Well damn, you witches know how to make me wanna go straight,” Liam says. We all laugh at that. “You clean up so well Liam,” I say as I admire his bedazzled suit. “Maybe you should put another necklace on. I feel my neck and I realize I lost my necklace. Panicked I start looking everywhere. “What’s wrong?” Rebecca asks. “I lost my necklace, it was my mother’s,” I say. “Liam, Chloe, you can go. Save us good seats. I will help Lily look for her necklace.” Rebecca says. When Liam and Chloe leave we turn the room upside-down. Defeated we both sit on the now messy bed. I quickly realize that I could have lost it anywhere. “I made us late I’m sorry,” I say. “It’s okay, are you going to be alright?” she asked. “I’ll be okay. Let’s get going.” I say. Rebecca places the please clean sign on my door as we leave. When we get to the venue classical music is playing and the setup looks like a royal ball. We make it just in time for the first speech done by the chairman of the social events board. After the long speech, we get to move around the room to acquaint ourselves with fellow socialites.

I make a beeline for the buffet with Rebecca. “Rebecca King, we meet again.” A lady's voice said. “Ava Clarke,” Rebecca said. “Long time no see. I heard you stay with your mother now.” Ava said. “I heard Cassie outshined you,” Rebecca said with a smirk. “I am still recovering from an injury. So somethings don’t truly count.” Ava said while trying to keep her composure. “She why did you die your hair? I surely know it can’t help your grade. The blonde suits you.” Rebecca said. “The last time I checked your mother was a natural blonde,” Ava said with pride. “My mother’s personality can be tolerated. Can’t say the same about you.” Rebecca clapped back. “Who is this?” Ava asked barely looking at me. “Lily Knight is my friend and your competition,” Rebecca said with a smile. Ava looked me up and down like I was trailer trash that was way out of her league. “Competition you say….” She leaned forward and whispered in my ear. “Watch your back B**ch.”