Chapter 20:

End of Training Arc

I can only Sew Fancy Dresses, but I'm forced to become a Queen in Another World!


The three of us were at a coffee shop as I tried to tell them that I was changing courses. The wallpaper was brown with stripes, and there was a chocolate fountain in the center. The fridge case for the cakes was pink. We were sitting at a round, wrought iron table.

Hazel and Violet stared at me and then at each other as I wiped a teardrop away from my face.

“Janessa,” said Hazel.

“Yes.”

Violet punched her own palm.

“That good-for-nothing Prince! He’s forcing you to move courses, and he made you cry!” said Violet.

I stopped crying, straightened my back, and faced my friends.

My espresso and brownie with ice cream arrived, and I dug my spoon into it.

“I actually want to switch to the short course myself,” I said, swirling the ice cream with my spoon.

“Why?” asked Violet.

The waiter brought their cappuccinos and cake slices.

“You have a great knack for this stuff,” commented Hazel.

Hazel stuffed half of the cake slice in her mouth.

She squinted and reached for her coffee, drinking it, and said, “Too hot!”

I smiled and placed my hand on Hazel’s head, patting her a few times.

“Be careful, Hazel.”

“I’m trying,” said Hazel, reaching for a tissue.

I pressed my lips together and looked at the table.

“You see, I feel like this isn’t the path I want to pursue,” I said.

“Huh?” said Violet.

I retracted my hand, and the two of them stared at me blankly.

“What a waste of money,” said Violet.

She placed her hands on her waist, continuing to stare at me.

Hazel felt her own face, smiled, closed her eyes, and said, “Is this what true privilege is?”

I crossed my arms and pouted, staring down.

“I never said I won’t finish the short course! Besides, the tuition deadline hasn’t passed yet, and my fees haven’t been processed yet.”

The two of them sighed in relief.

They really need to mind their own business.

We finished our snacks and spent an hour talking about how Cathy was no longer showing up to classes, and that her friends had stopped talking to us as well.

“Maybe she got expelled,” said Hazel.

Comet woke up at that moment and yelled, “Janessa, do not get expelled!”

I shrugged and said, “You’re sleep-talking again, Comet.”

The whole coffee shop looked at us, from the waiters to the other customers.

“Oh… Silly old me,” said Comet, settling down onto my plate.

“Aww, poor Comet,” said Hazel.

After we were done eating and split the bill, we exchanged goodbyes.

The next day, I introduced myself to the new course, and everyone was silent. I sat down in the corner and began taking notes.

"Alright, class. Today, we will learn about the types of polyester," said the lecturer.

As the days passed by, I learned the theories during the first month. This was followed by sketching, learning history, draping and sewing, and computer aided design.

Whenever I said, "Hello, this is a really cool design!" or "Nice to meet you.". I was always met with one-word replies, and they continued with their own group. After all, there were only eight of us.

I would always let out a soft breath and continue swatching the fabrics or start sketching.

Only a month had passed, and it was time to call Prince Cassius on the phone. I dialled his number quickly. 

"Hello, Prince Cassius!" I said.

"Ah, Janessa. I must apologize. I am afraid there is a meeting regarding the annual charity. I will call later," he said.

"Goodbye..."

"Bye."

I slammed my phone on my desk, held the portrait of Cassius in my hands, and set it aside. I buried my face in my arms while sitting at the desk, and didn't let tears flow out of my eyes. However, they rolled down anyway, down my cheeks, and on my folded arms. Soon, I wailed and cried.

I can't deal with this anymore! It's so lonely here.

After crying for an hour, I rubbed my eyes dry with a tissue.

I heard a teary voice say, "Oh, Janessa, you must miss him so much."

Comet's eyes glistened, and she flew up, patting my head.

"Yes. Not much I can do," I said.

"Tell you what, concentrate on your studies. Give it your all. Then, you will see that six months have passed," said Comet.

She flew and made a heart with both her hands.

"I really doubt it, Comet. But I'll try," I said with a teary voice.

"You will see the end soon."

The next time, Cassius called me after midnight.

"Ah, Cassius, why did you call me now of all times?" I exclaimed in my sleep.

"It was you who told me to call you late at night!" he said.

"Ah, right. I'm sorry, I was sleeping," I said, yawning.

"Well, no worries. We will talk later."

"Bye, Cassius."

"Hmm."

He cut the phone off. Once again, I ran to my desk, portrait in my hand, and said, "Why do you keep misunderstanding me? I didn't mean to yell."

I fell asleep at my desk.

"Oh, Janessa and Cassius," I heard Comet.

She groaned while a heavy blanket folded over me. I woke up at once.

"Oww, my shoulder."

I took the painting and the blanket to bed.

"Thanks for everything, Comet," I whispered. "You're all I've got."

"I know."

"I'll apologize to him tomorrow via text. Good night."

We slept, and soon, the sun and the moon fought against each other to place themselves in our sight. Days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months.

My phone beeped with the notification UNOFFICIAL GRADE REPORT. My hands quivered as I opened the email.

“Comet, I got 91%!"

"Hip, hip, hurray," she said, sprinkling confetti.

"That settles it. We’ll be taking the train tomorrow.”

"So soon?!"

I packed all my belongings, including my sketchbook, which was now filled to the brim. Flipping through it, I saw the green robe of a witch. The very last page contained the wedding dress of a princess.

Is this going to be the dress if the Prince ever proposes to me? I might have to refine it.

I shut the sketchbook and continued packing. The final piece was the prince’s picture.

“Janessa, I have checked everything. We should be good to go tomorrow morning,” said Comet.

“Great, let’s get some rest then!”

I texted Violet and Hazel before I went to bed to ask if they’d meet me one last time.

"Hazel: Sorry, dear, I’m afraid we’re busy."

Traitors!

I charged my phone and went to bed at once.

“Will you return to fetch the diploma?” asked Comet.

“They’ll send it by mail,” I said, yawning. “Good night.”

The next morning, I got up quickly and we checked one last time. I got ready in a sweater, skirt, stockings, jacket, and earmuffs.

“Are we good to go?” asked Comet.

“I think so! I still can’t believe Violet and Hazel bailed on me like that.”

As soon as I closed the door, two voices said “Bye, Janessa!” in unison.

I faced them and saw Violet holding a sign that read "GOODBYE JANESSA, DON’T FORGET US!"

Hazel blew a party horn and wore a conical hat.

“Surprise!” said Violet.

They were dressed in heavy jackets, jeans, and beanies.

I nearly teared up, but giggled as I hugged them at the same time.

“Seriously, you guys!” I said.

“Yep, we got you something,” said Violet.

“No way!”

I grinned and jumped up, punching my fists in the air. The pair looked at each other and nodded. Hazel handed me a brown paper bag.

I peered inside and saw a teddy bear wearing a pink ribbon necktie and an envelope with a card.

“Thanks, guys, how can I ever repay you?” I asked.

Comet began pulling me by my jacket.

“Janessa, we need to get to the train station soon,” said Comet.

“Right! Goodbye,” I said, waving.

“Stop right there, little pixie,” said Violet, pointing at Comet with one finger.

Her other hand was on her waist.

“We have something for you, too,” said Hazel.

“For me?” said Comet, returning.

“I tried sewing a dress for you. Of course, I used a doll as a base, so I don’t know if it will fit,” said Hazel.

Hazel held a small pouch in her hands. Soon, Comet grabbed the pouch and flew off.

“Thanks a million! Janessa, let us get to the train station as soon as possible,” said Comet.

I sighed and said, “Forgive Comet, she’s quite anxious.”

“No problem,” said Violet, giving a thumbs up.

“Safe travels, Janessa,” said Hazel.

“Bye! Keep in touch,” I said.

“Bye bye!” said Violet.

I can’t believe I’m returning to the castle after so long. 6 months have gone by in the blink of an eye. Please tell me that nothing about you has changed, Prince Cassius.
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