My Selection

Why Do I Feel Blindsided?

I spill everything to Prince Rhode. About Cordelia insulting me at the ice cream place back in Waverly. About her being mean to Brighton and I here at the palace. About her digging her heel into our feet.
All throughout my explanation, Brighton nods along and Prince Rhode's face barely changes, though at some points he has a small look of shock on his face.
When I'm finished, I look to Brighton, in case I left anything out. She just nods.
Those clears his throat and says, "Cordelia? Are you sure? She seems... Nice."
Brighton lets out a little snort and then, realizing what she did, quickly covers her mouth.
"I see you two aren't fans of her." Rhode says, only half joking.
"Pamala isn't too great either." Brighton chimes in.
Prince Rhode's face hasn't changed much the whole time we were talking. He kept the same stony look on his face.
"I'll have to talk to Cordelia about this. I don't appreciate ladies spreading rumors about other ladies."
"Prince Rhode-" I start, but he cuts me off.
"I'll be going." He swiftly gets up, turns, and walks off.
When he's gone, I turn to Brighton. "What have we done?" I ask, putting my head in my hands.
"First, he didn't like us not telling him what happened, then he says he doesn't appreciate us 'spreading rumors'? What's wrong with that guy?"
"He doesn't get out much." I joke, holding out my hand to Brighton. "How about we go to the movie theater? We can watch a Romantic Comedy."
She takes my hand, getting up. "Prince Caspian, are you asking me on a date?" She jokes, with a fake-high voice and giggles.
I set my voice extremely low, trying to imitate a guy. "Would you please accompany me?"
Brighton goes back to her normal voice. "I'll ask the nurses if I can go. I'll meet you down there in thirty minutes. You can pick out the movie."
I nod, say goodbye, and head towards the movie theater. Luckily, I know where it is after asking every single guard on the first floor on the day of my date with Prince Rhode.
As I'm walking to the movie theater, I remember the soft blanket in my room. If I'm going to watch a movie, I want to be comfortable.
I hobble up the stairs in my boot, which takes what seems like forever. On my way to my room, I happily get to pass Cordelia's room. Great.
I try to pass her room without even looking at that disco ball's door. Even the thought of her annoys me. Seeing her kissing Rhode would through me over the edge.
And... Oh, great. Lucky me. That appears to be happening right now. My brain processes what is happening before I even realize it.
Rhode. Kissing. Cordelia.
And finally the emotions come rushing in. Hurt, anger, rejection. I can't stand it. I run to my room, or try that is. This stupid boot isn't helping me.
It figures, I can't run away from the girl Rhode is kissing because the girl he is kissing broke my foot.
I finally get to my room, quickly locking my door and flopping onto my bed. I... Can't leave my room. The must've heard me. I wasn't even trying to be quiet.
Why do I feel blindsided? He must date the other girls. But this feels different. Like he purposely kissed he to make me mad.
I pick up the phone in my room to call the hospital wing at the palace. I ask for Brighton and they forward the call to her.
"Sorry Miss, but I-I can't make it to-to our date." I try to joke, but I can't even make it halfway without choking out a sob.
"I'll be right up as soon as possible."
She hangs up and I sigh. Who needs a Prince when I have a best friend?
I try to convince myself: Rhode means nothing to me.