Lovesessed by Pamela Diane King

popularity.
    “ Our nominees are: Amber
West, Britney Davis, Kimberley Morgan, and Phoebe Parker.” Everyone
chanted my name like I was superstar.
    The lights dimmed, and suddenly Ben was
by side. We smiled at each other. Calmness washed over
me.
    “ The king and queen of the
Valentine’s dance are…”
    There was a collective
inhale.
    “ Phoebe Parke and Chase
Carson,” he shouted. The spotlight fell on me. Everyone
cheered.
    Ben’s hand held mine. We made our way
through the crowd to the stage.
    Suddenly a sparkly tiara was on my
head. Through the bright lights, I saw Amber and her sidekicks
glaring at me. Liz beamed with pride and gave me the thumbs up. Ben
stood by my side as I took the microphone.
    Public speaking was my biggest fear. I
felt wobbly on my feet, and just when the world started spinning,
Ben put his arm around my waist. “Hi everyone,” I
squeaked.
    I cleared my throat, and spoke louder.
“Chase had to leave because he had a rehearsal,” I lied, but it was
the first thing that came to mind. “Besides, doesn’t our king have
to go to our school?” I joked. Everyone laughed. “But, there is
someone who does go to our school, and who is 100% deserving of
being the Valentine’s king. He is the kindest, most loving person I
know. Valentine’s Day is all about love. Thank you for choosing me
to be your Valentine’s queen, and I’d like to choose Ben Walker to
my Valentine’s king.”
    Everyone cheered loudly. Ben’s smile
was dazzling. He looked like a teen idol. He was my teen
idol.
    Ben was given a sash that said
“Valentine’s king.” He had never looked so handsome.
    “ Please will everyone
clear the dance floor for our king and queen,” Mr. Shaw
announced.
    “ Would you like to
dance?”
    “ More than anything,” I
smiled, and took his hand.
    The sweet smell of love lingered in the
air. It was just like those movies I’d watched, with the happy
endings. Now I had my own movie ending, and it was perfect. I
sighed contentedly, and put my arms around Ben’s neck. I could have
danced with him all night. Then, he kissed me. I felt weightless,
like I was floating on a cloud. I looked around at all the couples
who had started dancing. Liz and Nathan were locked in an embrace,
and they made such a cute couple. Cupid must have struck Amber with
a love potion dipped arrow. She was slow dancing with Eugene
Sherman, who was smiling like he had just won the lottery. Chase
and Alicia were probably slow dancing at some celebrity party.
Those two were definitely made for each other. I had had a taste of
the celebrity life, and it showed me that real life was so much
better.
    I rested my head against Ben’s chest. I
had never felt happier. It felt so real, so right. Sometimes it’s
not about the journey, it’s about the destination. I realized that
what I had been searching for all along had been right in front of
me. I had wanted someone to love me for me, and I had gotten my
wish. Love worked in mysterious ways. Instead of a love potion
making Chase fall in love with me, I had fallen in love with Ben.
My true love had found me. I was no longer obsessed with Chase, but
I was still obsessed with love, real love, the love that filled my
heart with happiness. Love was everywhere and I was officially
lovesessed.
     
    *****