Chapter 7
October 4th, 2309
All week the house had been filled with talk of the selection. Michelle hadn't been at school all week because of the preparations.
Michelle had mixed feelings about that though, one part was she wanted to rub it into the quartet's faces that she was going to be in the selection. But she was also kind of glad for part of her didn't want to face Emily just yet.
A tailor came to measure her for her size. Her parents received a call from a woman named Elaine Canes saying she was the royal planner for the royal family.
An officer came to tell her the rules, though Michelle already knew. No having affairs, no fighting with the other girls and don't eat anything from outside the palace.
On the big day where Michelle was to have her send off like all the other girls in the selection.
Her clothes, black pants, a white shirt and a pin of the national of Belcourt- a Cornflower- had been delivered a couple days earlier.
Michelle packed her suitcase with some clothes, some supplies, the picture on her bedpost, her romance books and her drawing with her as a princess.
She quickly changed into her uniform. Then went downstairs, her parents and a couple officers were waiting for her.
"You ready?" asked one.
"Umm hmm" Michelle nodded feeling a bit nervous.
Her family was driven to the center of Belcourt where there was a big crowd gathered around a stage.
Mayor Morrison the mayor of Belcourt had been mayor of Belcourt for the past 18 months. She had her blond hair pulled into a high bun and wore a fluffy black coat.
Michelle could see that people where already arriving at the stage.
Mayor Morrison brought Michelle up on to the stage. "You feeling nervous?" she asked in a friendly voice.
"A little" admitted Michelle giving a small smile.
"Don't worry," said Mayor Morrison. "I'll just make the speech for you."
As she made the announcement about how Michelle would be representing Belcourt in the selection. She also reminded that their queen. Queen Dinette was the first queen who's caste was an eight. She declared how the lower castes like sevens are lucky and could also win the heart of a royal.
When she finished, there were lots of cheering and clapping.
Well almost everyone.
Michelle looked down at the crowd and could see some familiar faces.
It was the quartet. Michelle couldn't tell if they noticed that she was watching them, but she saw they had anything but friendly faces. Though Emily looked like the only one who was really frowning. Tiffany, Suzanne and Harper looked like they were just trying to copy her.
It was time to say goodbye. Her aide Jenny told her to saw goodbye and then she'd take her to the car.
Michelle hugged her parents.
"Goodbye mom, goodbye dad" she said softly.
"Goodbye princess" said Bentley.
"I'll write to you, I promise" said Michelle.
"We'll check the mailbox everyday" assured Denise.
Michelle made her way to the car. People where gathered around, like a celebrity had arrived at a premier.
Michelle saw the quartet. She tried not to listen to what they were saying, but she couldn't help it.
"It's not fair, we should be the ones going to the palace," said Tiffany trying to sound whiny and her arms folded. "Who does she think she is? Acting like she's the queen of Illea!?"
"Don't worry Tiffany," said Emily with a smirk. "She won't last long in the selection. I wouldn't be surprised if they sent her home the next day." She laughed.
Michelle so wanted to run up there and punch Emily's face. But she just tried to ignore her and kept on going. She was glad that she'd get time away from the quartet in Angeles and in the castle.
As she got in the car she gave some thought. She didn't mind if she didn't win, but at least making it to the final two would be fun. Especially since it meant if she came close to winning.
She did hope that if she did get eliminated it would be in the warmer months, for in the last couple days, the weather was getting cooler.
Michelle's family never really had a hard time in winter. But they never made much money as they did in the warmer months. They had enough food to last the winter, but with the income Michelle got for every week she was still in the selection, they'd get a little extra money.
The car started and Michelle headed off to the airport.
Author's note; Michelle is heading off to the selection. She is so gonna prove Emily wrong isn't she?
