6 6. Between The Prince and The Knight

Shawn is walking back to his seat until he passes by the main exit door. He sees someone through the glass door and stops. Is that Kiara standing by the fish pond? He walks slowly behind her. An when they are closed by, he wraps his arms on her waist. Kiara is startled. "Hi georgeous. What are you doing out here? Did you miss me?" he whispers in her ear. Kiara turns around and hug him. She burries her face on his chest. "What's wrong love? Did I go too long?" Kiara hug him tightly. "Kiara? Honey?" He is confused now. "I love you, Shawn" she says. Shawn smiles and tightens his hug. "I love you too, precious" He says. Kiara feels so safe in his arms. He strokes her hair gently and soon she calms down. Slowly she loosens up her hands. Shawn lifts up her chin and look into her eyes. "Are you feeling better?" He says. Kiara nods and smiles. "Now would you please tell me what's bothering you?" He asks. Kiara turns around and look at the pond. "Bad memories" That's all she can say. She doesn't want to lie but she doesn't want to hurt his feelings too. "Is it coming back?" he says. "Maybe.." She says. "May I know what it is?" He asks again. Kiara picks up a small rock. "It's just like these rocks. People threw them in to the pond. And then you cleaned it. But maybe you just put them aside near the edge of the pond. So oneday they can fall back in it." Shawn understands that Kiara may not be ready to share the story. He walks towards her "In that case.." he takes the rock from her hand "we just do this!" He throws away the rock as far as he can. "Now it will never be able to fall back in." Kiara is stunned. "Shawn..." she says. Shawn takes Kiara's hand and pull her slowly closer to his body. Then he embraced her tighly and says "Whatever it is, I will never let anything hurts you. Never!"

Kiara is glad that Shawn doesn't insist to know what happened to her. They just sit there near the edge of the pond watching all of the fishes. Kiara rest her head on Shawn's left shoulder while Shawn just holds her right hand and put it on his lap. He tries to make her laugh by telling funny stories about him and the boys back in high school. And it works. Kiara laughs and laughs. "So it were you guys that released the frogs in the biology lab?" she asks. "Well.... it was practically "an accident" Shawn tries to deny it. "So the frogs just came out of the box by themselves?" Kiara asks again. "Hmm... maybe they had a little help from us. We are animal lovers you know" Shawn winks and smiles. "And you guys enjoyed seeing the girls screaming on top of the tables? Shawn feels embarrased. "Well, at that time...it looks fun and funny. But then when I think about it, i think we have gone too far. I feel so sorry for them. We really made a big mess. The principal n Mrs.Roland were very angry" He says. "Is that why I see you boys jumped around like a frog surrounding the basketball field?" Kiara chuckles. "Yes it was the punishment. You saw that? But everybody were inside the classroom" Shawn asks. "I was about to go to the restroom. I saw you all from the balcony since my class was upstairs. You guys looks funny" she says and laughs. Shawn laughs too. "I guessed we deserved that" He says after the laugh subsides. "So before "Mr. Chairman", you were a "bad boy" too? Kiara asks. "I'm not proud of it, but yes i was." Shawn admits.

They were silent for a moment. " So what made you changed?" Kiara breaks the silence. "Mrs.Taylor" he says. "Our English teacher?" Kiara is curious. "Yes. At that time she was the only one who cared for me. She said to me that I can forever be a bad boy if i want to. I don't even need education for that. But the world never lacks of bad boys. What the world needs are a few good men. And if I really want to be one, I must learn to take responsibilities... So I did" Shawn says. He stands up and helps Kiara do the same. They walk side by side holding each other hand. "She died on an accident few weeks after she said those words. She never had a chance to see me changed. I hope I didn't let her down" Shawn takes a deep breath and sigh. Kiara looks at him and say "I think she'll be proud to see the man you've become." Shawn smiles and says "You're just saying that to make me feel better. Thank you so much." Kiara replies "I'm not. We might not be good friends in high school but I have seen you as the Chairman of the Student Council. You are a strict and strong leader. But you are also friendly, honest and kind. You knew the best abilities of your friends but you never underestimated anyone else. You considered every options and you appreciated people's opinions. That's why everyone likes you. Our friends respects you and listens to your words. They never had a problem working with or for you. Because they know you had good solutions for all people. You have this natural abilities to move people. I have never seen you brag about your position nor used your power to your own benefits. You didn't even care what position you will have as long as you can help people. You are a good leader and a good man, Shawn." Kiara accidentally explained her thoughts about him. Shawn pinches her nose. "And you say you didn't know me. Were you secretly spying on me?" Kiara is surprised. "No, I wasn't. I was busy with my studies. I didn't have time spying other people." She replies quickly. Shawn smiles bitterly and says "So I had all these qualities but I couldn't make the girl i loved paid attention to me..." Kiara stops walking. She whispers "maybe the girl had noticed you but her view was covered by something else." She feels somehow sad. Shawn stops. "What's that you say?" He asks. " I said maybe you didn't have the girl back then. But the woman is all yours now." Kiara says unconsciously. She immediately realized what she just said. she feels so embarrased so she turns around and closes her face with her hands. Shawn is stunned for a moment. He has big smile on his face as he walks back to her. "Can you repeat the last sentence, please?" He says. "You've heard it!" Kiara says. Her hands are still covering her face. Shawn takes off her hands and holds them on his chest. He finds her eyes is closed. Her face is turning red. "She is so cute" Shawn thinks. "Kiara... open your eyes and look at me!" he says. Kiara opens her eyes. "Now can you repeat the last sentence you've said please?" he asks. Kiara shook her head. "What if this is my wish?" Shawn says with mischievious smile. Kiara tries to reason with him. "That's not fair. You...." Shawn look at her firmly. "Your wish is my command" Kiara whispers in her heart. "I said...that.... the woman is all yours" She says it quickly and burried her face on Shawn's chest. Shawn laughs in happiness as he wraps his hand around her and embraced her thightly.

Kiara and Shawn go back inside the Beach Hall. The Shows is approaching the final performance. There are a few seats left so they choose to seat beside Felix and his wife Alexa. Alexa smiles to Kiara. She points her index fingers at her and Shawn and the creates a love sign. Kiara pinches her hands a little. Alexa giggles. "I'm happy for both of you" she whispers in Kiara's ear. Kiara puts her finger on her lips. Alexa locks her lips with the sign of tand they smile together. All eyes looks toward the stage. The final performance is Ron Richards, the most famous magician in the country. He happened to be one of the senior students who graduated from their high school. He gives an amazing performance. At the end of the show, he receives standing ovation. After that the show is closed by tonight's Host. Then the dance party begins. Up stage, the singer sings old songs from their high school years. People make circles with their class friends and dance together. Some of they shows some iconic dance moves. The others laugh and cheers. Everybody is having a good time. Kiara just realizes that she hasn't seen Adrian again. She looks around and sees him talking with Sarah at the corner in back side of the Hall. They seem to be having a very serious talk. "At least he doesn't come near" she thinks.

The dance party ends at 11pm. Everybody say goodbye to their friends and go home. The same with Kiara's friends. Some of them already went home. Shawn was called to back stage again to handle a few things. He was a little worry about leaving Kiara by herself. But Kiara said she'll be fine with Felix and Alexa. There are few persons left inside the Hall. Felix is just telling the Kiara how he and Alexa end up to be lovers when suddenly Adrian comes and says "Hi everyone. I hope i'm not interrupting." Kiara pretends she doesn't see him. "Hi Bro. Why are you still here? Come here and sit with us!" Felix says. Adrian sits in front of Kiara. "Oh, I was just about to go home and i see you all. Why are you all still here?" he says. "We are waiting for Shawn. He is supposed to take Kiara back to her hotel. But he has a few things to be done before." Alexa says. "I see. I don't mind taking you to the hotel, Ki. You must be very tired now." Adrian says. "No thank you Adrian. I'll just wait for Shawn." Kiara refuses politely. Alexa seems to sleepy. She leans on to Felix shoulder. "You wife seems to be very tired, Bro. I think you should take her home first. Let me accompany Kiara until Shawn comes." Felix looks at Adrian says "Are you sure Bro? I don't want to trouble you." Adrian tap his shoulder. "No trouble at all, Bro. I'm happy to help" he says. Before Kiara can say anything, Felix says "Kiara, I'm sorry but I have to take Alexa home. She is very tired. I'll leave you with Adrian.You are going to be okay. I'm sure Shawn will come any minutes now." Alexa look at her too and say " Or would you like us to stay, girl?" Kiara shooks her head. "No Lexa. I can see you are very sleepy now. You need to rest immediately. I'll be fine" she says. "Thank you Kiara. We'll be going now. Adrian, you take a good care of her alright? Or Lexa is going to kill me" Felix still tries to make a joke. "Don't worry Bro. Safe trip home!" Adrian says. Felix and Alexa stand up and leave the Hall.

Adrian looks at Kiara. He speaks carefully "Ki, I'm so sorry about earlier. Can we start over please?" Kiara looks at him. Adrian looks sincere. Maybe she was a little overreacted before. "I'm sorry too" she says. Adrian feels relieved. Now he tries to think about what to say to her. "The event is very successfull, isn't it?" he says. "Yes it is" Kiara answers. "I'm surprised that Ron, Jake and the host Charlie, really wanted to do the show for free" he says. "Really? How do you know that?" Kiara asks. "Charlie told me when Ron was doing his show." Adrian answers. "You know Charlie?" She asks. "Well, he hosted most of the events for my father's business promotions. Since few of them was my resposibilities, we saw each other a few times. We became friends after we know we went to the same high school." Kiara looks at the stage and says "No wonder." Adrian's father is a very successful businessman. He owns several companies, properties, banks and even malls. People said he is one of the richest person in the country. Adrian is his first child. His sister Kendra is 5 years younger than him. The girls at high school used to call him as the "Crown Prince" when they were talking about him. All of them were mesmerized by his wealth and his handsome figure. All except Kiara. And Adrian can't figure out why. He tried everything to get her attention but it never worked. Just like tonight. Now he just don't know what to say.

"Adrian!" Sarah approaches them and hold Adrian's arm. "I've been looking for you" she says. Then she looks at Kiara. "Oh hi Kiara. Why are you still here?" Kiara smiles. "I am just waiting for Shawn. He has promised to take me back to the hotel" she says. Adrian feels uncomfortable with Sarah hands holding his arm. He doesn't want Kiara to see it. He tries to release his arm but Sarah just doesn't want to let go. "Well, I guess you don't need to make Adrian accompany you. He promised to take me home too. Shawn will come out soon" Sarah says. Adrian is surprised. He never said that to Sarah. He looks Kiara and says "I never..." Sarah quickly interrupt "It's Ok Adrian. Kiara will understand. Won't you girl?" Kiara replies "It's ok. You should have told me earlier Adrian. Sarah must be very tired now. You two go ahead. I'll be fine." Sarah smiles. Adrian tries to explain "No, Ki. It's not what you think. I'm not..." Then Kiara hears Shawn voice. "Kiara!" She feels so happy now. Shawn walks towards her and stand by her side. "I'm sorry it took so long. Where are Felix and Alexa?" He asks. "Oh, Lexa seemed to be really tired so I let them go home first. Adrian is just here and now he and Sarah must go home too." Kiara says. "Well, thank you all so much for keeping Kiara accompanied. I think we all should be going home now, shouldn't we?" Shawn says. "Sure. Let's go Adrian!" Sarah says. She pulls Adrian away and starts walking. "Good bye you two!" She waves her hand and leave both or them behind. Kiara watches them disappear and lost in her own thoughts. Shawn looks at Kiara. "Are you ok Ki? Did something happen to you while i'm not around? Kiara shakes her head. "Really? I'm sorry. I should have come sooner" He says. Kiara holds Shawn hands. She looks in to his eyes and says "You arrived just in time, my knight in shining armor." Shawn smiles happily and replies "I'm glad". Then he puts her hand on her arm and says "shall we go home now, princess?