Free Lovesessed by Pamela Diane King

overwhelmed with lights flashing and people
screaming. There was a red carpet like they have at awards show.
Everyone was standing behind ropes on either side of the red
carpet, like they were eager fans waiting to catch a glimpse of
their favorite celebrity.
    Chase’s toothpaste commercial smile
dazzled the crowd, and he waved at his adoring fans like a seasoned
celebrity. He held my hand tightly, and led me over to a group of
girls who were holding magazines and pens for him to autograph. He
posed for photos with them and signed their magazines. People
weren’t just screaming for Chase, they were calling my name too. A
few of the jocks at my school called me over to have photos taken
with them. Someone even called out, “You’re a star!” Amber stood in
the crowd giving me a death stare. I smiled at her like I was
Alicia Spark.
    #
    The school gym had been transformed
into a Valentine’s dream. Heart-shaped red and white balloons
covered the ceiling. White table clothes with red candles and red
rose petals adorned the tables. There was an arch by the door
decorated with red and pink roses where everyone had their photos
taken as they entered.
    As we walked in, Chase and I posed for
our picture like we were a Hollywood couple. It’s funny how
celebrity couples always become like one person. Whenever there is
a new couple, the tabloids and paparazzi combine the two
celebrity’s names to make one name. The new celebrity creatures
seem to have a life of their own. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are
called “Brangelina,” and Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are
called “Robsten.” Speaking of Robert Pattinson, people are
Robsessed with him. Get it? Anyway, Chase and I would be called
“Tybe” or “Phoeler” by the tabloids. I wouldn’t like to be known as
“Phoeler,” because that sounds like a creepy monster.
    After having our picture taken, we were
handed voting ballots with the nominees for the Valentine’s king
and queen.
    “ I’m nominated?” I asked
baffled.
    “ Of course, you are the
most beautiful girl in your school,” he said like it was a fact. He
kissed me on the cheek, and put his arm around my waist.
    It was like I was in an alternate
universe. I never in my wildest dreams thought that my wildest
dreams would come true. Chase Carson was in love with me, and
wanted to be my boyfriend, and now I was popular too!
    “ Phoebe, I’ve been trying
to get to you since you arrived, but I got pushed away by the crowd
of girls outside.” Liz came up to us flustered.
    “ Wow Liz, you look
fantastic!” She was wearing a little black dress with black
stilettos, and she looked very sophisticated. She was actually
wearing make-up, and her hair was down for once in her life. I was
surprised by how lovely she looked, because she never usually liked
to draw attention to herself.
    Nathan and Ben were with her. Nathan
was holding her hand, and smiling. Ben looked stiff and
uncomfortable. I couldn’t believe how grown-up he looked. He seemed
taller and more well-built than usual. I had never noticed how
handsome he was. He was wearing a black suit with a white collared
shit, and a black tie. His usually wild mop of dark brown hair was
gelled into a sleek style. His brown eyes were warm. He looked like
a model. I was stunned by how great he cleaned up.
    “ So, how does it feel to
be nominated for queen?” Liz asked excitedly.
    “ Weird, unexpected, and
shocking,” I summed up.
    There was an awkward silence as we all
looked around at the room and at each other, until Amber came over
with her sidekicks Kimberley and Britney. Amber looked
exceptionally skanky, with her bright red strapless dress that was
two sizes too small.
    “ Chase, you look super
hot.” She was practically drooling. The girl had no
shame.
    “ Thanks,” he said
politely, holding me tighter.
    “ Would do me a huge favor,
and sign my Teen Idol magazine, pretty please.” She purred.
    Oh please! Could she be anymore
obvious?
    “ Of