Upon emerging from the fated lab and returning to safe territory, the tightness in Sid's chest did not subside, nor did the memory of Lux's words. The new information still made him nauseous, refusing to fade into the recesses of his brain. It replayed again and again, and with each reminder came a renewal of his stress.
It was a comfort, however, to be returning to something familiar and warm and not full of intrusive scanners.
Sid tried not to think about the future. He tried to concentrate on the past instead, a time far simpler than the unknown. Sid wove between passing servants with their heaping trays, pulling up the mental map he knew was stored somewhere from years of living in the same vicinity. He remembered as he passed the intersection in the east wing that there had once been a beautiful piece of pottery tucked into a nook, marking the path. He had broken it when he'd tried to march just like the guards did and knocked the sculpture off-balance. Tidbits of the past were surfaced as he passed significant landmarks - most of them unpleasant. But it did seem to help in a way as he brushed aside the cobwebs and really allowed himself to think about what it was like way back when.
Sid was dismayed, as he thought about the gritty details, because he realized much of it was missing or simply misplaced. It felt as though his entire twelfth year was blurred and faded, only leaving a few tattered scraps behind. He couldn't remember his first day of training or his official coronation - he knew what had happened, but there was nothing of his own attached to it, just facts. He decided the most logical conclusion was that he'd blocked the ones related to the queen, save a few monumental aspects that couldn't be forgotten - his sixteenth birthday when Kai had bee away on Earth and he was left with only Levana for company, the time he'd mistaken salt for sugar and gifted his mother with an extra-delightful Eclipse Day Cake... treasures like those just wouldn't go away.
Which reminded him of the other thing that wouldn't go away: his Selection. That, and the door standing right in front of him. Well, that's what you get for trying to forget about your worries, it seemed to chide. You should've known.
He definitely should've. But on the bright side, a few of the Selected had actually been nice, so maybe his luck would hold.
Sid pulled the door open and saw Andrina standing on the far side with arms crossed.
"That took you forever! Do you know how hard it is to entertain Lunars?" She blinked, seeming to remember that he, himself was a Lunar. "No offence. But what took you so long?!"
Sid laughed like that was the best joke he'd ever heard. "Sorry. Do I look better?"
"No."
If his last laugh had been uncomfortable, this one was downright forced. "Ah. Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I've made everyone wait enough. You can send in the next Selected now."
"Aye aye, Cap- Your Highness! But... I'm pretty sure you have the list."
"Right!" He pulled the node from his pocket and searched for his place on the list. "Fia Gillian is the next one."
"Sounds good!" She paused, and in the silence Sid thought he heard a kind of whirring, wooshing sound. Some type of machine? But that didn't make any sense...
"Are you alright, Your Highness? My censors- sorry, my senses tell me that you're stressed."
Sid shook his head quickly, a default setting. "I'm perfectly fine, but thank you for asking."
She eyed him. "I don't believe you."
Sid bit his lip. He barely knew this woman - he'd only met her an hour ago - and here she was reading him like a tarot card. He added 'hide your emotions better' to his long list of things to improve upon.
"No, really. I'm refreshed and excited for the meetings." He straightened and tried to look ready to roll. Andrina didn't seem to buy it, still trying to puzzle him out, but turned to the door and hurried through it.
Sid was only given a few minutes to compose himself, take his seat and ponder on what Miss Gillian might be like before the Selected herself tiptoed in. Though he'd thought Adalyn to be a little bashful, he still felt that she was open and at least willing to hold a conversation. But Fia... she seemed terrified, stepping carefully with eyes downcast, shrinking tight as if she was trying to fold into her dress. He understood the basis of her fear, and the knowledge of it made him guilty.
Of course, he was not directly responsible for the prejudice bestowed upon the 'puny earthlings' but it still embarrassed him to witness it. He knew there was something he should be doing to fix it, some way to erase the barriers that were no doubt dividing his Selected. But thinking about it made his pulse quicken and the walls close in and invisible chains ensnare him because, when it really came down to it, there was absolutely nothing he could change, at least in that area. That thought was the most chilling of all.
He needed to stop. This was not a time for a full-blown crisis. He wondered how much time had passed, glancing up at Fia who was still in the same position, eyes widened.
"Hi," he said quickly, flashing the most welcoming smile he could manage. "Good to meet you."
She nodded, her eyes never meeting his. He remembered her from her picture, now that he thought about it. She had been so decrepit and unassuming before, but now the difference was striking - she really did look nice with strands of caramel hair peaking out from beneath her scarf, her dress shining with glitter and sequins, her own complexion smooth and clear. She seemed to be much nicer-looking, and so, well...
Bright. That's how he would describe her. She practically radiated luminescence now that she was cleaned up, even with her fragile shoulders and slim stature.
"Oh, sorry!" said Fia, although Sid didn't know what for. "G-good to meet you too."
Sid nodded, tracing a finger along the arm of the chair. "So, how has everything been going? I hope you're enjoying the palace."
"Yes, thank you," she replied. "Actually, do you mind if - could I ask you something?"
"Of course," he said, though he was already tensing as if preparing for a blow.
"Um... when Andrina was leading us in games and discussions for so long, were you... was there something wrong? Sorry!" she added quickly, her pale skin blossoming a rosy pink. "I was just worried since usually when something like that happens... Well, I just hope you didn't get hurt."
"Ah - no, I didn't get hurt, it's just..." He hadn't had time to prepare for this question, and he would prefer it if he could avoid lying to his entire group. But what choice did he have?
"Oh, that's good! Well, I was just making sure you were alright, you don't have to answer, i shouldn't have pried, I know you deserve your privacy and you are the prince-" She caught a breath.
"No, no, I just... I had something to attend to." He was now largely aware of the cameras watching him, of Levana watching him, and he wondered if she would even believe his fabrication. Probably not. Now that was another thing he had to take care of that he hadn't planned in advance.
He ducked his head, wishing he could just curl in on himself or run off to Earth. For once, he envied those that had the luxury to escape Luna's sparkling domes and fly away to Earth, where they wouldn't have to worry about kingdoms or war or... well, he supposed they had much more to worry about down on the blue planet.
"It's just a little embarrassing, that's all. Nothing illegal or anything," he added quickly, thinking back to Lux's sarcasm earlier. "I know it sounds silly."
"No, no! I shouldn't have asked, sorry!" She cleared her throat. "We can talk about something else. Sorry."
"Don't apologize, the whole thing was my own fault."
Sid squeezed his fingernails into his palms, trying not to blush. He wished he didn't have to make the conversation awkward, that his mistake didn't affect anyone else but him. He could already tell that Fia felt bad about it, and that hadn't been his intention at all. What would help lighten the mood?
"What do you like to do in your free time?" asked Sid, feeling desperate. The question was a broad one and usually easy to answer, though he didn't know what girls usually talked about.
"I..." She tilted her head. "I don't have a lot of hobbies, really. The ones I do have are pretty silly."
Sid laughed. "I think if you knew about my hobbies you'd have to revise that statement. Actually, come to think of it, I don't have any."
"That's alright!" she said, smiling warmly. "I guess we all..." She faltered. "Never mind."
"We all have our skills?" Sid prompted gently.
Fia laughed softly. "Yeah. Thanks." The timer chimed.
"I guess it's been three minutes," said Sid. "Thanks for talking with me."
"Oh, of course," she said, her hands stuffed tight in her pockets. "T-thank you, sorry that I brought up that-" Her eyes darted to the far wall.
"Oh, no, it's fine." said Sid, feeling more awkward by the second. It was no fault of hers; Fia was a kind person and usually someone he would easily be able talk to - or, as easily as he ever could talk to someone. But this subject was like a knot in a string that got tighter and more complicated as the day progressed. He just didn't know how to tackle it without getting further tangled.
"It's not your fault at all," he said. "I hope we can talk again with a better start."
Fia finally looked back at him, and for the first time he was able to clearly see her rich, brown eyes. "Thanks. S-see you soon."
"Sounds like a plan," he replied, and Fia seemed to relax just slightly. Her discomfort dissipated as she curtsied deeply and turned to the door. As she left, Sid felt that the temporary awkwardness had been conquered and their conversation had ended on a pleasant topic, which filled him with relief. He just hoped he wouldn't have to make the same barely-believable excuse for each Selected.
A realization struck him. Maybe he wouldn't have to...
"Andrina?" he called.
"Yeah!" Andrina bounced in. "How are your meetings going? Have you found your true love yet?"
She looked so hopeful that it physically pained him to disappoint her, but he just shook his head. "I hate to say it, but it'll probably be a while."
"Oh, don't be so dramatic. With my help, you'll have found someone by tomorrow!"
Sid didn't like the way she used the word 'help.' It seemed like her assistance wouldn't be the kind he was going for.
"Uh... that's very kind of you, I might take you up on that. In fact, I could use your help right now. Could you tell the Selected that I didn't get hurt, and that I'm sorry about leaving on such short notice?"
She grinned. "At your service! Good luck, holler if you need me! Oh, and don't call anyone for a few minutes."
He nodded, at least comforted to know that no one would inquire - he hoped.
Even with the extra problem of Levana and the cameras, Sid still reflected on Fia's company in a positive light as he relaxed for a fleeting few minutes. She'd been so considerate, though the circumstances might've seemed a little odd to her. But she hadn't asked questions, which he really appreciated.
The next girl on the list was an Artemisian, regrettably. How many were there in all? Nine? Well, he'd already met two too many. He just hoped this next Selected would at least have some manners.
"Aaina Geoul?" Sid called through the open door. There was a rustling sound and tapping feet as Aaina grew nearer. Even though this was his seventh meeting, Sid could still feel himself on-edge, a rush of butterflies unsettling him. It was his responsibility to find a future wife among these women, and the very thought made him want to jump out of his skin and claim that all this Selection business was just too much.
But he could never do that. He did some dignity, however miniscule it might appear.
"Your Highness? You look super stressed! Anything I can do?"
Sid flinched, glancing up quickly. How long had he been spacing out for? This was the second time today. It wasn't fair at all for him to be slacking at his meetings, even if he'd had a hard day. He'd been taught better.
Sid straightened, resisting the urge to bite his lip, a nervous habit he couldn't seem to quell. "I'm so sorry," he said, meeting the deep brown eyes of Aaina.
"Oh no, that's perfectly alright, I was just worried since you had to be looking stressed for a reason! Is it hard meeting thirty-five people on the same day and knowing you're going to marry one of them? It must be!"
Sid was shocked at her flood of words, lightly tossed from her lips in a way that suggested she was saying them with certainty and eagerness, not a bit of hesitance in her. Aaina stood in front of him in her block heels, her hair a long blue-black, her build petite and her smile seeming to consume her face with its excitement. She was Korean with a pale complexion and slightly-blushed cheeks, wearing dangling earrings, a pearl choker and a long, tulle dress with flowers running down the bodice and across the skirt in a diagonal chain.
For a moment, Sid struggled for words, surprised by the onslaught from Aaina, but he recovered quickly. "It is a little stressful, yes. It's good to meet you. I don't think I've seen you around - which family are you from?"
She laughed merrily. "Not from any you'd know of! I'm actually a seamstress. Your mother knows me, but we haven't yet crossed paths. It's so wonderful to finally meet you!"
Sid smiled uncomfortably. She was so nice. Crazy nice. Surreally nice. But she wasn't a noble... Stars, he hadn't even foreseen that a servant would enter. He'd wished it just before seeing the pictures, but he didn't think there'd actually be one. Would she be just as eligible as any other Artemisian?
But he shouldn't be making assumptions yet. She was probably just another cookie-cutter Lunar.
"Sweet stars, Your Highness, are you sure you're alright? You're looking awful unsettled. I hope it's not me. Am I being too much?"
"No, no, it's not you, I've just... I've had a lot going on these past weeks. It's no excuse, I know, I should be wholely present. But enough about me, tell me about yourself."
Aaina shook her head, the warm smile still spanning her face. "Hold on one second there, Your Highness-"
"Oh, you can call me Sid if you want," he said quickly. "It's completely fine."
"Well dress me up and call me a princess, that's very kind of you. But it's perfectly normal to be distracted and stressed and all that when you're overwhelmed. I can't imagine how tricky it must be, balancing all that responsibility when you're a royal. I mean, it's got to be a lot of pressure. I think, given your situation, you're handling it fine. I'd probably collapse in your shoes. I love your shoes, by the way! But really, you're absolutely justified and should be allowed to be stressed whenever you need to."
Sid was speechless. First there were the cold nobles that made his skin crawl and the Earthen noble that seemed half decent, if not a little mysterious. Then there was the girl with the dark past, who had been through so much yet kept such an upbeat, unruffled attitude. Then there was the sweet Earthen who wanted to show him ice cream... Not to mention the girl that seemed so bashful and afraid yet still showed him such kindness and was able to withstand his awkwardness. And now there was Aaina, who was giving him a pep talk - with actual words of wisdom - after speaking with him for about two minutes.
Stars, what else would he encounter today?
"That's... thanks," he muttered, trying not to blush. He shouldn't be so off-guard, he shouldn't be questioning her motives, and he definitely shouldn't be feeling embarrassed for having to need a pep talk in the first place. But on Luna - and probably on Earth, too - no one ever did this kind of thing. No one was ever that empathetic to someone else without hiding something behind it. At least, that was what had happened in his life. But could Aaina, and every other Selected who had exhibited such unabashed warmth, be exceptions to the normal way of life?
Or had he just never known these kind of people? Were they all around the world but unseen to him, never crossing his path until today?
He'd been surprised so many times that week, this shouldn't even jar him, but... What did it mean?
Aaina waved Sid's words aside, finally plopping down in her chair with a sigh. "Don't thank me! I hope that helped?"
Before Sid could make a failed attempt at providing a sufficient answer, the timer rang.
"Well, that's my cue! Again, such a pleasure. I hope to see you soon! You are alright, I hope?"
Sid nodded quickly. "I'm fine. Thank you again. Nice to meet you. I'm sorry for not being present at first-"
"Don't be silly! It was so good to meet you." She swept into a charming little curtsey before skipping away, flashing him one last smile before she was out the door.
Sid had assured Aaina that he was fine, and for the first time probably ever, he'd actually been telling the truth. He felt... strangely lighter after meeting Fia and Aaina, and even before the whole fiasco with the cameras, his Selected had been making him smile without him even realizing it. His worry was starting to fray around the edges, giving way to a sort of awestruck wonder. Almost every woman he'd met had been unexpected. If his recent revelation was true, if these girls were being kind just to be kind... Well, it filled him with a light, almost euphoric relief.
The tiny voice inside him, the one he wasn't very fond of, reminded him that it could all be an illusion. These girls could be spies, working for the queen or seeking his title, or perhaps just scheming nobles who would take advantage of him just for the fun of it. But he wanted the more optimistic and unrealistic option to be true so badly that he just ignored it. He would take a chance. And if his heart was broken in the process, if this whole thing really was just a hopeless situation, as so many seemed to be... well, maybe he'd find a happy medium somehow between total optimism and complete misery.
There had to be one.
Sid pulled out his node and glanced down at the next name. He recognized the woman's last name immediately. The Helianthas family had been close to the queen for years. Sid matched Ilyzaelle with her picture in his mind immediately, remembering with a sudden starkness that she was familiar. He'd crossed paths with her, or perhaps a lookalike, on a previous occasion. He didn't remember any particular conversation or event in which they met face to face, but he'd already discovered that his memory wasn't the best.
The door swept open to reveal Ilyzaelle herself, with her white blonde hair spilling around her shoulders, definitely on the shorter side (she couldn't have been more than five feet), but still beautiful with her blue eyes, flowing blue dress embellished with snowflakes and matching necklace that depicted a snowflake composed of diamonds on a pendant. Upon seeing her face - the gentle yet slightly inquisitive look in her eyes - a tiny shard of the past seemed to dislodge itself from his hidden memory and resurface. He recalled pinching a delicate lily between two fingers, holding it out proudly before a much smaller version of the person before him.
But that was strange. The name Ilyzaelle didn't seem to click in his brain. It almost felt like there was a different name that belonged to her memory. Maybe this girl and the one he may have met just looked very similar. But still, she seemed so clearly familiar...
The confusion must have registered on Sid's face, because Ilyzaelle tilted her head, but did not inquire - though he could tell she wanted to.
"Your Highness?" she said with a reserved smile, curtseying daintily. "How is your day?"
"It's been pleasant, thank you," said Sid. "Ilyzaelle, correct?"
She nodded. "But please, call me Lyza."
Lyza. That name. It sent a jolt through him, and something else snapped into place. A tiny fragment of an exchange. The miniature version of Lyza - no, her name was Ilyzaelle - standing in the garden with her same snowflake necklace and crystal eyes, admiring the flowers. And Sid, in his young mind, realizing that Lyza sounded like lily, and proudly offering her that very flower.
"I know you," he said softly.
"You do?" Ilyzaelle asked, a hopeful gleam in her eyes.
Sid blushed. "I think so. You came to the gardens, a long time ago. Or maybe it was someone different, I can't remember very clearly, but-"
"No, you're right. My parents had a meeting, and we were in the garden at the same time. I had no idea it was you in the moment... I just thought you were a servant's child." She laughed, reminiscing.
Oh, how simpler things would be if Sid was a servant's child. But that didn't matter. His memories were starting to seem less smudged. He recalled the little girl with the bright, excited smile who would come to the palace frequently. He'd forgotten about her because... well, he didn't know why. It must've been right before his training had fully set in and his mother became a lot more present in his day-to-day life.
He laughed. "Well, it's nice to see you again."
She nodded silently, almost seeming hesitant to display her emotions. Sid knew exactly her predicament.
Sid decided it would be best not to ask how she ended up on Earth, and to completely ignore the fact that she was a shell. Her whole background was just confusing. Instead, he decided to choose safer ground. "How is the European Federation? I've heard it's quite nice, though I guess that depends on which area you live in."
"Iceland," Lyza supplied. "It is very nice. I'm sure you guessed from the name, but it's very cold."
"Do they have snow?" asked Sid, feeling foolish for how excited he must have looked.
She smiled softly. "They do. Lots of it. There are a lot of fun ways to play in the snow, actually."
Just as Lyza was starting to warm up to Sid, the timer cut off their conversation. Sid was still amazed by the prospect of snow, but he didn't question. That would have to wait, along with ice cream and all the other things these Selected had told him about. Stars, he was turning out to be a lot more sheltered than he'd once believed.
"Well, it was so nice catching up with you. Thank you for your time." He smiled warmly, and she returned the gesture.
"You as well. Have a good rest of your day."
"You, too."
Sid leaned into his chair, collecting his breath. It had been great seeing Lyza again, but he felt terrible that he hadn't remembered her before today. What was wrong with him?
But there was no time to think about that. He needed to keep going, no matter how endless this day seemed. One moment at a time. One girl after the other.
"Snezhana Sokolova," he called, her picture immediately springing to mind. Her innumerable tattoos, black clothing and childish face couldn't easily be overlooked. He knew two fundamental things about Snezhana: Levana found her amusing and she seemed to be incredibly interesting. Those could either be two upsides or two very unfortunate downsides. But she was bound to be easy to talk to, and that was what he needed just now - for someone else to be leading the conversation.
Snezhana hurried through the door, immediately catching his attention, firstly because of her black dress with the scrunchy overskirt and tulle underskirt, as well as her lack of tattoos. It confused him, since that feature had been most memorable and distinct. Perhaps her dress was just hiding it? But that didn't quite make sense...
Oh. She'd probably just hidden them with her glamour; he'd nearly forgotten she was a Lunar from Earth. But if she'd gone to all the painful trouble of getting the tattoos, why hide it?
As he took in Snezhana with her warm eyes, gentle features and petite build, he realized that she hadn't applied her glamour at all, except to conceal her tattoos. That was extraordinary for a Lunar, but she did live on Earth. Maybe she was only a Lunar by name and an Earthen at her core.
"Good afternoon," she said with a big smile. "I'm Snezhana, you can call me Zhana if you want. My friend calls me Sneezy, so that would work too if you're feeling adventurous."
Sid let out a surprised laugh. "I see your friend takes you very seriously. I think I might stick with Zhana."
"I don't mind that she doesn't take me seriously," said Zhana. "In fact, I'm fond of the nickname, I think it fits."
"Are you prone to sneezing?" asked Sid, intrigued.
"No, though that would be exciting. I just think it fits because I'm as strange as the nickname, if not more."
He raised an eyebrow, and Zhana continued.
"Let's see..." She began counting on her fingers as she listed. "I'm a fortuneteller who brews potions and reads the future, I enjoy the company of the elderly, my jokes are never quite ordinary, and I live with some chickens and a snake in a remote cabin." She grinned like it was she was displaying her trophies. "But enough about me, tell me about yourself. I've always wondered what it was like on Luna."
Sid was stunned into silence, mystified by so many of her factors. She was proving to be quite interesting, indeed.
"It's... quite an experience, though nothing near as exciting as your life seems to be. But that's not even important. You tell the future?"
Her eyes glinted. "I do. In fact, I'd like to read your palm sometime, your future's bound to be interesting."
Sid laughed. "Well, I'm afraid our time today is limited, but I'd love to have you... what was it called again?" He wasn't familiar with this art Zhana seemed to love, but it sounded very... well, he wasn't sure what it sounded like.
"Palm reading. I could also do it through cards or tea or crystals, all sorts of things. But I'll warn you, it's an interesting business. I've scared off many customers."
"Well, that's-"
The timer rang, and Sid was forced to reign in his curiosity. Maybe this conversation was better off being cut short, but he still wanted to know about this intriguing Lunar-turned-Earthen who apparently lived in a cabin and enjoyed hanging out with senior citizens and snakes.
Zhana eyed the timer. "I really will have to tell your fortune, and you'll need to meet Yumie and Ivan, of course." Her smile was warmer than ever as she stood.
Sid had no idea as Yumie and Ivan were, but he nodded anyway. "It was great meeting you, Zhana. I'm looking forward to learning more about you."
"Likewise." As Sid met her eyes for the last time in their conversation, he saw a glimpse of something beneath her oddities, something wiser and warmer. This girl, no doubt, had layers. But what did he expect? It was starting to become the regular in his Selected.
Sid listened to the door click closed, inhaling deep through his nose. He'd have to take a break after this next meeting. There just wasn't any way he could keep constantly talking without a drink of water. The impending break was the only thought that fueled him, as well as the knowledge that his last four Selected had been very encouraging. With luck, it would continue to be this way.
Then again, when had luck ever favored him? It'd been against him since he was born, what with his weak gift and all his responsibilities and his unfortunate ancestry. The only good thing in his life was his dad, and he didn't even see him much these days, which gave him an overwhelming sense of guilt. He'd need to clear his schedule tomorrow and tell him the story - knowing Kai, he'd probably love it.
Sid lifted his node and found the next name on the list. He was almost surprised by how many meetings he'd gotten behind him, though they didn't seem to make a dent when he looked at how many names were ahead.
The next girl, Pangea Probert, came immediately after his call, striding through the door with head high and a smirk on her lips. The young woman was tall (she couldn't have been less than six feet.) She had her red hair pulled up in a bun at her neck, built like she hadn't spent a day lounging in her life and wearing a deep green dress that was definitely not conservative. It actually gave Sid a start to notice her eyes, which were a deep purple. They must've been glamoured.
Now that he thought about it, Sid remembered her picture. She was from the sectors, and her eyes had definitely been brown on her ID, but he somehow liked this new color on her. It seemed to match perfectly with her forward attitude.
Pangea swept into an elaborate bow. "Your Highness, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name's Gea Probert." She had a mischievous gleam in her eyes, a certain nonchalance and confidence that almost seemed to imply she'd never been serious in her life.
It made Sid smile, thinking about his love for a good joke and realizing that Gea would most likely be able to supply.
"Nice to meet you," said Sid. "You can sit if you like."
"How very generous," she said. "Unfortunately, I can't sit still for fear of turning into stone. You have heard the legend, yes?"
Sid raised a brow. "I don't think so."
"It tells that if a royal sits for too long and talks to too many girls in one day, they'll turn to stone. Of course, it's only a legend, but all tales do come from somewhere."
Sid laughed, surprised. "Are you implying that you're a royal?" he teased.
She tapped her chin. "What can I say? I just think a crown would fit nicely on my head."
"Well, thank you for the sage advice. In fact, I think I'm feeling a little restless myself." He stood from his stair, chuckling, and began to mimic Gea, who was pacing back and forth. "Will this protect me from the legend?"
She examined him carefully. "I'm almost positive. Although, if you did turn to stone, it would perfectly fit your name."
"Oh no," he groaned. "I knew someone was going to comment on that."
"Well, my name is Pangea, so I guess I can't be a critic."
Sid laughed as the timer went off. "It was nice meeting you, Gea. Thank you for telling me about that legend, I'll be sure not to sit for extended periods of time."
"My pleasure." She grinned and began to turn, but before she'd left his sight, he caught a glimpse of her vivid eyes fading to their original brown.
A slip?
Sid sank into his chair, forgetting all about her warning. So he'd made it through another five. There were only twenty-five more, but suddenly the number didn't seem so intimidating. If things kept on going the way they were... well, maybe it wouldn't be so arduous.
Maybe he really could find someone that everyone would accept. Maybe he could do it.
...
Heyyy! Long time no see! I hope everyone is doing well. And I'm SO sorry about the slow updates. I know it sucks, and I can't help but think back to the days when I could pump out two a week, but alas, those are in the past. Now I have stuff like homework and rehearsal and school. But, of course, real life comes first, I'm sad to say. These updates will be sporadic, for sure, but they will come! That's a promise from your very reliable writer who updates very consistently and - why are you looking at me like that?
Anyway, I do hope you enjoyed and that this chapter didn't utterly suck because it was written over so many sessions. But I enjoyed writing it and spending time with these AWESOME girls. Thank you so much to the creators. Sometimes I tend to miss details so PLEASE let me know if I totally glossed over something. But thank you so much for reading to the end, you guys are the reason I write this story and you're AWESOME and I'm so thankful to have so many consistent reviewers and readers. See you sometime! Woo!
P.S. If you're still reading and have a reserved spot, I need your forms by September 25. I know I've extended the due date so many times but this is the FINAL one. Get them in please! Thank you much!
