So, what I'm going to do is I'm going to is before we have any repeat dates, there will be dates with everyone the price hasn't seen yet, so three or four more chapters. Then there may be another group date or two, and then a poll will go up for repeat dates. Once those are done, we'll have one final poll, and then the winner will be announced.
I welcome ideas for dates.
This chapter is (spins wheel) Tierney's date!
Leah:
"Leah!" I heard.
I turned around just in time to be squashed into a hug. "Hello, Sara," I replied, hugging my older sister back. She was joined by Alex, my older brother. His fiancee was standing a little ways off, looking a bit unsure as to whether she should join the huddle.
"When did you get here?" I asked.
"Just a few minutes ago," said Sarah, looking around. "I didn't realize the palace was so big! It looks smaller on TV."
"Mom, Dad, and Granny are already in our room if you want to come visit," Alex informed me.
I nodded. I hadn't seen my family in months. Truth be told, I was getting a bit homesick.
To get to the visitor rooms, we had to pass the Selected rooms. When we did, I noticed something a bit disturbing. A man, about middle age, was trying to peek under Minerva's door. I cleared my throat and the man jumped up.
"Oh! Hello!" He paused. "I know this looks bad, but I was just looking to see if she was in there. For an interview." He looked at me. "I don't suppose-"
"No," I said, cutting him off. I really wasn't in the mood. Also, this guy didn't seem that trustworthy.
He scowled. "Well, you didn't have to be rude about it!" He stomped off.
"Who was that?" asked Alex as we walked away.
"I don't know, I've never seen him before."
"You think he's a parent?"
I shivered. "I hope not."
We finally reached the door that said "Smiths" and opened it. I was immediately floored by an immense amount of fluff and tongue.
"Fir! Down Fir!" I heard a woman's voice say.
The husky gave me one last lick and hopped off. I sat up and smiled at the older woman standing before me. "Grandma!" I laughed. Grandma Maria smiled and kissed me on the cheek. It almost felt like home.
Adrias:
These parents were loud as hell. There was a lot of squealing and hugging of little girls who had made it to the Elite. There were lots of "so proud!"s and "lucky"s.
Lily was one of the recipients of the hugs, and I saw all her brothers. But there was something off. I couldn't tell what it was at first. I silently counted. One, two, three, four, five brothers, plus Lily. That was it. Her parents weren't there. Perhaps they had gone up to the room already.
Tierney was giving her younger sister an awkward, uncomfortable hug. Her mother had a hand on her shoulder. Her father didn't seem to be around, probably hunting for another story. He had a reputation, to say the least.
Leah had just left with her sister and brother, arms around each other's shoulders. They looked happy.
Minerva was talking and laughing with her parents. She was making some funny faces and gestures. I couldn't hear what they were talking about, though.
Jesslyn's parents and sister were standing with her. Jess was grinning, and her sister looked like she was trying to be happy. I wondered if she had entered as well.
Fen had brought Aella down, still in her uniform. Their mother was hugging them both. Her mascara was running. I couldn't blame her. Their father ruffled Fen's hair.
And Sariah...where was Sariah?
How odd. Her parents were here, looking around. Perhaps she had missed the announcement? That didn't seem like something she would do, but everyone made mistakes.
Tierney:
My first date with the prince. Oh shit. Breathe Tierney, breathe. And don't say anything stupid.
It looked like a nice dinner date. There was a candelabra on the table, providing the only light. It could have been a scene out of a romance movie, minus the violin. The meal was pretty simple: chicken and mashed potatoes. Not too bad.
Adrias sat down and started cutting his meat. "So, I saw you with your family. I don't think I've seen your mother or sister before."
I nodded and bit my lip. "Mom's an architect, so she usually doesn't come to the palace. And my sister's still in school. She doesn't really know what she wants to do yet."
Adrias nodded. "That makes sense. I noticed your father wasn't there."
I winced. I was hoping he wouldn't mention that. "He's probably looking for another story."
"I thought as much." There was a pause for a minute. "So, what will you do now that you're a Two?"
I hadn't thought much about it. "I'm not sure. I kind of like cooking. Maybe I can try getting on TV or something. I don't know. I haven't really gotten used to it yet."
"Well, it's only been a few days. I'm sure you'll figure something out," he said, smiling kindly.
I blushed and looked down. "T-thanks," I muttered. Goddammit!
Adrias cocked his head. "Are you alright?"
I fought back tears. My first date and I was already messing up! "Fine, I'm fine."
There was a thump from outside the room. "-am a Two and you'd better treat me like one!" came a very familiar voice. Adrias turned his voice towards the sound.
"Don't take to my sister that way, asshole!" I heard Fen shout.
"Language, young lady!" came another yell.
"Okay, okay, break it up!" a man, I assume a guard, shouted.
I was a bit grateful for the distraction. I quickly wiped my eyes with my napkin. At least only one family member would be an embarrassment.
Adrias turned back around and bit his lip. "I wonder what that was about?"
I shrugged. I decided not to tell him. It would just cause a backlash.
Where is Sariah?
Who was yelling?
Will Fen curse some more?
Next time!
Ta!
