How the Blueberry Princess Got Her Crown

Once upon a time there was a beautiful young girl named Sheba (name has been changed to protect gorgeous royalty). Sheba had always dreamed of becoming a princess, but when she reached the age of 20, she realized she may never become one. Sheba was very sad. Although Sheba tried not to show it, her mother knew how much this dream meant to her and sought out ways that she could make her daughter smile again.

Sheba's mother had been in a Blueberry Queen pageant when she was about 20 years old. She mentioned the annual pageant to Sheba, who hesitantly entered as a contestant. Although Sheba was very beautiful, she didn't know if being in a pageant for the entire state was such a good idea.

Sheba practiced her speeches, memorized many different facts about wild blueberries, and found the perfect blue gown to wear for the pageant. Months passed, and soon the weekend of the pageant came. Sheba and her mother traveled many hours to reach the site of the pageant. With every mile that passed, Sheba wondered if she had made a big mistake, but she couldn't go back. Her dream was mere days away!

When Sheba arrived, she noticed that her cousin was there. Her cousin was also a contestant for the crown of the Blueberry Queen! The two girls stayed close as the events of the pageant unfolded. They gave their speeches and interviews, they learned how to walk on the stage, and they spent an hour complaining together about how the pageant magazine they had been given included babies with makeup on.

Then it came time for the final judging and crowning of the Blueberry Queen and Blueberry Princess. All of the contestants walked up on the stage to smile and wave at the crowd. The Blueberry Queen gave a speech about all of the things she had done during her reign. There were many festivals, parades and conventions that she had attended. Sheba started to get nervous. She couldn't be the Blueberry Queen! She was taking 20+ credits in college! If Sheba was crowned, she would have to abdicate the thrown! At that moment, Sheba wanted to sink through the floor of the stage and disappear. She knew that she had a good shot at the crown and it made her very anxious.

The audience clapped as the Blueberry Queen concluded the last speech of her reign. The announcer signaled for the crowd to be silent, and the judges handed him a card with their final decisions. Miss Congeniality stepped forward to receive her reward. "Please don't let me be queen, please don't let me be queen," thought Sheba.

The announcer began, "Ladies and Gentlemen, your Crown Princess for 2003 is....." Sheba closed her eyes and held her breath. "Sheba!"

Sheba's eyes flew open, and a huge grin overtook her face as she accepted her crown, trophy, embroidered sash, roses and cash prize. She could see her mother standing up in the audience and clapping. She was finally a real princess!

The audience settled down to hear the name of the new Blueberry Queen. It was none other than Sheba's cousin! Sheba and her cousin embraced as the crown was placed on her head. Cameras flashed as the two beautiful ladies waved to the crowd.

That is the story of how the Blueberry Princess got her crown. It may be a simple tale, but it's all I could think of to write about today.