Prologue:
I looked down at my beautiful newborn son. I couldn't believe I was holding something so perfect. It was so amazing to see both Maxon's and my features in this tiny little face.
"My dear, you are so beautiful." I turn around and look at Maxon who is beaming brighter than I had ever seen him. He turned to our little boy and I noticed that there were tears in his eyes.
"America, I am so proud of you. You are going to be an amazing mother, and I can't wait to share this beautiful boy with you."
"We still haven't decided on a name," I whispered softly.
"I like the name Caleb. It means faith and devotion, and I have faith in the future, with the elimination of the castes, and devotion to you, my beautiful queen."
Caleb. I love it.
18 years and 7 months later:
"Good Morning Caleb... oh Caleb!" I look over and see my mother sitting on my bed.
"Mom, it is only 8:30 in the morning, why did you wake me?" I ask. I had just graduated from high school the day before and was hoping for at least one day that I could sleep in.
"I know Caleb, but your father and I need to have a serious talk with you. Meet us in the family room at 9:00 please." She had a no nonsense voice so I knew that I should listen to her. I lay in bed until I heard the soft voice of her shoes leaving the room. I didn't understand why my parents wanted to talk to me so early, and in the family room instead of the kitchen. Was Amberely my sister going to be there? My curiosity got me out of bed and into the family room ten minutes early.
"Good morning Son, thank you for being early," my father welcomed me into the room. "As you notice, your sister is not with us. This is a private conversation that your mother and I need to have with you. As you know, you will be turning nineteen in five months. You remember learning about the Selection right?"
I remembered learning about the selection, how the last many generations of my family had met from the Selection, including my parents. I gazed over at my mother who was gleaming at my dad. My parents were not that mushy when they were around my sister and I but whenever they talked about the Selection there was this special feeling that they both had that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
"As you know, earlier on in your life, the castes were eliminated." This is true. My past teacher at school told my class that she was originally a Six when she was born. "When your mother and I were married, they were still in place. So was the Selection."
"We have discussed all through your life about a different kind of Selection for you," my mother explained softly. "Since you were placed in school we didn't know if it was necessary to have a Selection since you were allowed to date in school. However, since you still have not been able to meet many girls, we have decided to give you the option of having one if you like. What would happen is your father would narrow down some girls to come meet you, and you can spend some time with them, but you must know that it will be a very public event, no matter what attempts we try to make to make it less public."
At that moment my favorite guard, Lusen leaned in and said "Your Royal Highnessess, your breakfast is ready. Princess Amberely is arriving shortly."
"Lusen, if we ever told your parents Aspen and Lucy that you were calling us that instead of Maxon and America, you would lose your summer job and be grounded for a long time," My mom teased.
"Thank you Lusen," my father said, "We will be arriving shortly as well." He turned to me. "Caleb, it is entirely your choice. Your mother and I will support you either way, but if you do decide to go through with The Selection we will need to know soon so we can prepare."
I had a big decision to make.