Chapter 25

Ashland Porter, Four, Dakota

Ash was surprised to say the least when he was chosen for the second group date. He wasn't even really here to woo Ray, he just needed a distraction from, well, everything. Especially thoughts about his ex. It still haunted him, how she'd died, and how he couldn't save her. He had nightmares sometimes, and in fact, he'd had one last night. He hadn't gone back to sleep after that.

Ash shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts before going out on this 'date'. It was supposed to be a beach volleyball tournament, and Mimi, Kenna, and Nick were going to be there. At least Nick seemed like a cool guy, but Ash had never talked to Kenna or Mimi before. Ash just knew that that Kyle guy was super protective of Mimi.

Ash walked downstairs, and found everyone already there. "Oh sorry, didn't realize I was so late."

Ray shook his head, smiling politely, "It's fine, we didn't mind."

Ash dipped his chin, and after a moment Ray announced they were going to head out to the limo that would take them to the beach. Ash followed the other Selected out of the grand front doors, and down the many, many, front steps of the castle to the limo below.

Everyone climbed in, and luckily Ash was seated next to Nick. Nick nodded to him, and Ash found himself nodding back, although he always preferred a good, old-fashioned handshake. The girls piled in next, and neither seemed to interact much with the other. Ray followed last, closing the door behind him, smiling at the group of Selected before him.

There was silence as the limo pulled away, and Ray cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. "So...unfortunately I haven't gotten to know everyone too well. However, I'd like today to fix that. So," Ray's eyes landed on Ash, and he smiled, "Ash, what's your family like? How many siblings do you have?"

Ash seemed surprised he was sharing first, "Um, well, I have my parents, and my three brothers. But I absolutely adore my younger sister Ellen. She's a little lady around my mother, but when she's around me or my brothers, she has quite the rancher personality." Ash chuckled, and Ray smiled brightly.

"So, you're close with your family?" Ray asked.

Ash nodded, "Oh yeah, very. In my family, blood is thicker than anything."

Ray smiled, softer this time, "That's very nice, reminds me of my own family." He chuckled, as did some of the other passengers in the car.

As Ray moved onto the next Selected, Ash thought about his family, and was reminded of how much he missed them. Ash had heard in etiquette class that usually during a Selection, a family day occurs. Maybe if Ash stuck around long enough he'd be able to bring his family here. He smiled, knowing his sister would love both the elegance of the castle, and the adventurous exploring she could conduct.

Eventually the limo pulled up to the beach where the volleyball match would occur. Everyone climbed out of the limo, and Ray said they'd be on different teams throughout the day. The first teams were Mimi and Kenna, and Ray and Ash, with Nick sitting out.

The teams took their respective sides, and as it turns out, Ray is very good at volleyball. Everytime the ball came near him he cleared it right over the net.

"How are you so good at this?" Ash asked, glancing over his shoulder to Ray.

Ray shrugged, "I've played a few times. If you think this is good you should see Endra play."

Ash shuddered at the thought of how much Endra would wipe the floor with everyone here. The Selected were not nearly as good at volleyball as Ray was, and Ash could tell the girls were getting frustrated with each other.

"Okay, I think it's time we switch teams," Ray said. "Mimi and Ash, Nick, you're with me."

Mina "Mimi" Jones, Six, Carolina

Mimi did not understand the point of this sport. At all. What entertainment could someone possibly find in smacking a ball over a net back and forth, falling into the ground to save the ball, only to lose a point for a stupid mistake? She didn't like it at all, she'd much rather be inside checking on her friends, and seeing what progress they've made.

So far her team has found some good gossip on fellow Selected, and even an interesting picture of Ray that Mimi would be holding onto for safekeeping until the time is right. They'd also gotten several thousand dollars richer, and they were doing very well hiding all traces.

Mimi lately though has been taking it upon herself to check out the palace's electronic and online security. It was pitiful how easy it was to hack in. Mimi could have quite a lot of fun with it, but she decided to leave the matter be for now.

She was dragged out of her thoughts when the ball slammed into her chest. Mimi hunched over, and gasped in a breath. The game stopped, and Ray rushed over.

"Oh my gosh, Mimi! Are you okay? I'm so sorry!" Ray was word vomiting, but he didn't care, he was terrified she'd hate him now for hitting her with the volleyball.

Mimi was ready to snap at him, but she smiled through it, "Of course." She gritted out, "It only hurt a little." She stood up straight, as though to prove she was fine.

Ray seemed skeptical, but nodded, "Well, it's time to switch teams anyway. Mimi, you're with me."

Mimi nodded, but groaned internally. Didn't Ray understand she wasn't interested? She didn't like him, nor did she think she could. She loved two things, her family, and her computer, and she was damn proud of it.

"Okay." She said, switching over to Ray's side. Nick went back to the other side, joining Kenna, who switched sitting out with Ash.

Ray handed Mimi the volleyball, "You can serve."

Mimi glanced down to the ball, then back to Ray. She sighed, but offered a small smile to keep up the act, and served the ball across the net.

"There you go! You got it!" Ray shouted excitedly.

Mimi glanced back at him, and snorted at the gleeful expression on his face. He was like a small child, and she found him entertaining to watch. She turned her attention back to the ball, and she actually allowed herself to try to win. In the end, she and Ray won by a landslide.

Ray picked up Mimi, and swung her around in a hug. Mimi shuddered, and struggled to get out of the hug. She succeeded, and scrunched her nose up as Ray laughed.

"Okay, guys, I don't know about you, but I'm hungry, so I say we head up to that ice cream place over there." Ray said, nodding to a little snack shack.

Everyone agreed, and as they left for the shack, Mimi realized that she actually had fun playing volleyball.

Kenna Livingston, Two, Baffin

Kenna ordered a french vanilla ice cream cone, and sat down at the table with the other Selected and Ray. Today had been fun, but Kenna had never played volleyball before. The conversation at the table was lively, as everyone was talking about their favorite things, movies, music, food, etc.

Kenna smiled as she added to the conversation with her favorite animal. Everyone added in, and people were surprised and started teasing Ray when he said his favorite animal was a peacock.

"What? They're pretty!" Ray defended.

Everyone chuckled, and Ray grinned. "So, guys, how is the Selection going for you guys? What about lessons?"

Mimi shrugged, "It's nice here, and at least there's internet access." Ray chuckled and nodded, as Ash added in.

"I like it, it's nice having something different, and meeting new people." Ash replied, smiling.

"Same here, it's nice being here and knowing everybody." Nick said, a half-smirk on his face.

Ray nodded, "That's good!" He glanced to Kenna, "What about you Kenna?"

Kenna shrugged, "Lessons are fine, not that hard to understand. I have my friends, and I'm glad I'm here, it's been quite the experience."

Ray nodded, "I'm glad to hear that. I understand you have Scottish heritage? That's really cool! Do you visit often?"

Kenna nodded, "Yes, I visit, and most of my friends are over there. Honestly, I wouldn't mind living there, but I'm here, and especially now that I'm in the Selection."

Ray smiled, "I've never been to Scotland, I might have to visit sometime."

Kenna smiled back, "I'd send word, you could stay with my family."

Ray nodded once, then checked the watch on his wrist, "Oh, I think it's time we go. We don't want to be late for dinner. Oh, uh, don't tell anyone we had ice cream, they'd be upset we 'ruined' our appetite."

The Selected chuckled, and agreed to secrecy before heading back to the limo. They all climbed back in the limo, and the driver dropped them off at the palace steps. Everyone groaned upon seeing the stairs, but made the climb up.

When they reached the inside, Ray dismissed them all, smiling brightest towards Kenna. Kenna was pleasantly surprised, and smiled back, usure if his smile really meant anything more than just friendly. Did she hope so? She didn't really ever see herself winning Ray's heart, but love was a strange thing. Maybe it could happen over time?

Kenna turned away, and headed back to the women's room.

Nick Miles-Arquette, Three, Atlin

Nick was sitting with Spencer and Akio, telling them all about the day- not the ice cream of course- until dinner was announced.

"-and then the ball hit Mimi! God, I'd never seen anyone look so panicked as Ray in that moment." Nick chuckled, prompting the others at the image of Ray's horrified face.

Everyone made their way to dinner, and Nick finished his story. As everyone took their seats, the king stood to make an announcement.

"Everyone, your attention please!" The room silenced, and the king continued. "Due to some recent media leakages, we insist that every Selected please take greater care in who they talk to, and are seen with. Thank you."

The king sat back down, and everyone began to whisper amongst themselves. The urge to check the internet was high in everyone. Nick glanced around, and wondered which of the Selected had been seen with someone they weren't supposed to be.

Nick glanced to his friends, who shrugged in return. Huh, I wonder if they were already kicked out?

Ray's POV

Ray couldn't believe his dad had actually made that announcement. It was just a small thing a blogger had posted about Kara and Brendan. Ray knew they weren't romantically involved, they just loved being moody together, and shared an attitude problem.

However, despite his father wanting to kick them out to save reputation, Ray had insisted they stay, because despite their bad attitudes, he really did like Kara and Brendan. He hadn't even really got a real date with Brendan, but he was intrigued by the singer.

He decided to go ask Brendan what really happened that day in the bowling alley. He knocked on Brendan's door, and it opened quickly, despite the bored look on Brendan's face.

"How can I help you Little Prince?" Brendan asked.

"I just want to know what the deal is with you and Kara." Ray replied.

Brendan raised a brow, "Feeling threatened Little Prince?"

Ray blinked, then scoffed, "No! It's my Selection, why would I feel threatened if you two are messing around?"

"Because you might like one of us." Brendan replied, shrugging.

Ray stared at him incredulously, then shook his head, "Listen, I just need to know if you two are, or aren't a thing. I've already saved your asses from elimination by king, but I can't help you if you two really are sneaking around."

Brendan's expression was hard to read, but he eventually dipped his chin. "No, Kara and I are just friends."

Ray didn't realize how tense he was until Brendan confirmed his thoughts. "Thank you, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

Brendan didn't say anything, so Ray turned to leave. Ray's hand was on the doorknob, when Brendan quietly spoke, "Thank you for not believing the media."

Ray stopped, and glanced over his shoulder at Brendan's softer tone. Ray nodded to Brendan, "Well, not everything you're told is true, it's always best to ask questions."

Something flickered in Brendan's eyes, and Ray left the room before either of them could say anything.

Hello everyone! I finally wrote a chapter! YAY! I hope you liked it! Another group date down! Two more to go! See you in the next chapter!