Chapter One: Cee
Two weeks. That's how long the last one survived. Two weeks of torture, of pain. Two weeks of the spirit. Now, Cee realized, they would have to have another grouping. Cee hated the groupings. They made her afraid. "She's a very brave girl," Her Grandy used to say. "Nothing can scare my Cee." But that was before he was picked, before his life transplant. That was before he was consumed by the spirit.
"Cecilia!" Her mother called. "Come inside, you'll catch a cold. And your father's home, so come say hello." Cecilia. She hated that name. It was too old-fashioned, too 21st century. It sounded like a name an old granny would have. But when she was 18 she could change it. Maybe Reagan or… Quinn. But that was 5 years away. Felt like a lifetime away for Cee. So she did what she was told and went in.
Waiting inside was her mum, her dad, her twin sisters Jamie and Jo, and her Grammy ,who, by law, had to live with them since she was over 80 years of age. She practically begged them for any information about the grouping, and if she had to go, which of course the answer was yes since she was over 10 years of age. When you were 10 you had to start attending the groupings since you were technically old enough for the spirit to sense you and, if chosen, possess you.
"The grouping will be held tomorrow night, after sundown, and yes, you have to go!"
Her Father always got annoyed when he asked that, since she knew the answer. "And get to bed, it's almost 10:00, and you know tomorrow you must get up early for the preparations."
So Cee did what she was told and went to bed. She wanted to get to sleep fast so she could have a dream. She loved dreams. Even the bad ones she enjoyed some. Cee was busy most of the day so dreaming was her only real chance to explore her imagination. And boy, did she have an active imagination. She dreamed of knights and witches. And sometimes even little people that live in the forests. Yes. That is the best part of the day.
. . . .
Cee woke up to a long gonging sound. It was loud and obnoxious, and rang nine times. 9:00! She was supposed to be up hours ago! Then she remembered that there was no school today. Everything had been closed, except for the shops, these were their busiest days. Everyone was buzzing around trying to get ready for the stressful day ahead. Cee slowly sat up and got in the dress her mother had sat out for her to wear. A bit fancy but it would do, she decided. Then it dawned on her. Today was the day of the grouping.