"And why not?", I asked frustrated with my parent's decision about my selection
"It puts extra stress on you darling. We don't want you getting a selection unless certain circumstances force us to." dad replied with a sorrow look for me. Mom didn't care for being sorrow though.
"When being the heir, your only focus should be on figuring out how to rule Illéa," Mom added. I could see she was getting tired from repeating this to me almost every day.
"But it's how you and dad met!" I whined.
"How we met doesn't concern you. You can always try dating the normal way." Mom finished and she exited the room with her head high. Dad gave me a pitiful look and followed.
Dating the normal way? I thought. I didn't want to think about the milk shooting out of my nose mishap with Oliver, or the disgusting vomit incident with Milo and the like. Maybe they had good intentions? Oliver might've been just a little too funny and Milo may have not warned us about his allergy to cilantro because he didn't want to refuse the food given but at least they were nice… I guess.
As I started to exit the room I ran into Kile and Alice Woodwork's son, Colt Woodwork, who was around my age but just a couple months older than me. He was one of two. Ivy Woodwork being his twin. Colt was carrying a cup of coffee, until now. "Now, look what you've done Tu!", his coffee cup had smashed the marble floor. His shoes were definitely going to be stained.
"Sorry!" I apologized. I really was sorry because those were the shoes I'd given him for his birthday. "I'm just stressed."
"Let me guess, selection again?" How did he know? Colt seemed to read the look on my face because he answered, "It's all you talk about these days. And let's not forget the countless times you also talk about putting me in the selection to Ivy." I blushed fiercely. I didn't know Ivy told him about things like that. I did want Colt in the selection but only as a friend to talk to. And mom said when she had Uncle Kile in her selection he was a great friend.
"Only as a friend!" I promised.
"I believe you. The only time Ivy tells the truth is when the truth sounds exciting." He laughed and I followed. I looked at my watch. Midnight!
"Oh my god, it's midnight!", I said worried mom would be mad at me for not getting to bed on time. Colt looked at his watch too and smiled. "What's so funny?" I asked, clearly confused.
"Oh, nothing," he replied. "It's just, today's your birthday."
My eyes widened. I completely forgot my own birthday. That never happened. "Happy birthday Kerttu." And with that, he left the room.
I headed upstairs. With tomorrow well, today being my birthday I should get a lot of sleep. There would be a big celebration for my 18th birthday. Grandma is one of the best party planners, so mother organized her to plan it, though Grandma insists it was Queen Amberly, my great grandmother.
As I opened my bedroom door, I noticed Ivy coming down the hall to me. I hurriedly went through the door and shut it. But it did no good as Ivy reopened it. I sighed. "What do you want to hear now, Ivy. Other than me telling you I like your twin."
Ivy ignored my comment and tangled me in a long embrace. "Happy birthday Tu!" she exclaimed still holding on to me. I was so tired I was actually about to say Happy birthday back but caught myself.
"Thanks," I said sleepily.
"So what am I getting you this year?" Ivy asked mischievously.
"The best present would be sleep right now," I replied. I truly wasn't lying. I was sure I'd be getting circles under my eyes if I slept for even a minute less than what I did right now.
"Done. See you tomorrow!" she said as she skipped away.
As I finally climbed into bed, I thought of only one thing. I was so lonely. I didn't have any close friends, I wasn't comfortable talking to my family that much, and I didn't have a partner. I guess that's why I wanted a selection. I'd have a best friend, get a whole new family, and have a partner. It was the best deal yet. Mom was 18 when she got married. I was now 18 too, so why couldn't I hold a selection. I hate the quote life isn't fair. I just hate it so, so much.
While I was doing my intense thinking about unnecessary things, I drifted soundly off to sleep.
The next morning I woke up and requested to have breakfast in my bedroom, once again, lonely. I asked to be undisturbed but of course, that didn't stop mom from barging in on me eating french toast like a monster. "Happy birthday darling!" exclaimed Mom crushing me into a hug. Luckily, I put the french toast aside before she almost suffocated me otherwise I'd have syrup all over me.
"Thanks, Mo-."
"So I thought you'd like your present as soon as possible," Mom said, quickly cutting me off. I was confused. Usually, the present would be a new tiara or necklace. That could wait. What was so important now?
"Ummm… okay." I returned.
"Be down in an hour, okay? Don't be late," Mom said. And she left the room with her head high. I think she has a habit of doing that.
I let Harper and Carmel do my hair and makeup. Mostly because they were my favorite maids, and they were really good in terms of style. "What are you doing for your birthday, Your Highness?" Carmel asked as she finished up my crown braid and put on my tiara.
"There's a party downstairs Grandma Ames planned. She's invited the whole of Illéa!" I joked.
"No miss. I actually peeked downstairs. Only the whole of Angeles." Harper said as she giggled.
"Ugg! You guys are supposed to make me feel better!" I groaned.
"No again miss. We're only supposed to make you look marvelous."
"And that too," I added. "Well it's best I get going. Mom said she has some big surprise for me. Harper and Carmel shared a look and giggled once again. I think there really is something with maids and giggling. "I know you know something. I am ordering you to tell me." I said in a playful tone.
"Sorry, Your Highness. We are under strict orders not to tell you their plan." Carmel said in a sorrow, but excited voice.
"Ugg! You maids gossip everywhere but never tell me anything!" I cried. I left the room with a halterneck knee-length floral dress, black heels, and my favorite emerald green tiara.
When I came downstairs, I met my mom in another, neverending hug. But I liked it, she was so warm. "Happy birthday dear!"
"Thanks, mom!" I said returning the embrace.
"Now here's your present! Wait, but first, you must guess." I groaned. I was terrible at guessing. "It's something you've always wanted!" Mom said almost giddy.
"A new bike? Dress? Shoes?" I assumed.
"No something much bigger! Think big!" said mom. To her, it sounded obvious but surely not to me.
"My own practice province to rule? I don't know Mom, just tell me." I was out of ideas.
"A selection!" Mom said as if she'd been holding her breath the entire time. What? I thought mom never wanted me to have a selection. Mom read the look on my face and explained how I'd proven myself worthy of not complaining about the work I was required to do being the next heir of Illéa, something only Queen Amberly achieved.
"Wow, mom, I'm speechless!" I admitted. And it was true. "I just don't know what to say!"
"Thank you would be a start." Mom offered.
"Thanks, Mom," I said hugging her tight. My days of loneliness were over.
The rest of the party was amazing. Uncle Ahren had come over, Dad actually cut loose a little, and my grandparents were having the time of there life. It came to an end all too soon and the next thing I knew, Miss Neena's son Arrow, started towards me. He was two years older than me and was extremely annoying as every time I saw him, he always asked me if I would go out with him. My answer was of course, no. But that boy never gave up. "Having a good time are you?" I asked wanting to keep the conversation about anything but me.
"Yeah Tu. The food is really good." he complimented and I laughed. "Oh! Happy birthday by the way."
"Thanks," I said.
"Well, I better get going."
"Aren't you going to ask me out?" I said finding myself just the tiniest bit disappointed.
"I thought I wouldn't trouble you for a day," Arrow said apologetically. Maybe I should do something for someone else for a change, I thought. I wouldn't get to date him once the selection started.
"Well, my answer to your unasked question is yes." Arrow's eyes widened.
"That is the last thing I expected to hear out of your mouth," Arrow said still wide-eyed.
"To be honest, me too. 4 pm sharp, tomorrow, I'll be at your door." I walked away from him. Arrow seemed paralyzed, for he just stayed there and watched me go. I was only until I ran into Colt and Ivy snickering about what I just did that I came back to reality and realized what had happened.
"Okay, that truth was exciting," Colt said laughing loudly.
"Shut up," I said nudging Colt a bit.
"What are you doing for your date? Are you nervous? Oh my gosh, I don't know where to start!" Ivy blurted out. The only thing I was nervous about were the latest rumors I would be hearing tomorrow obviously spread by her.
"I don't know, no, and just don't start in the first place." I snapped. I ran upstairs and into my room before Ivy could ask me any more questions.
I asked my maids not to come and dress me for bed. I tucked myself into bed and whispered, "Happy birthday Kerttu." to myself.
Hey guys! Thanks for reading the first chapter! Check my profile for the SYOC for the selected boys if you want to participate. Deadline is May 5th, 2019!
