Just the Beginning
"You're just a four, Maxon only had a date with you because he felt sorry for you. But little does he know, you're just a dirty little scrap. Your father was wrong to marry down. Your mother is such a sad beggar. Poor you."
Heat rushed to my face and I was furious. I was mad and I was going to slap Celeste, when Tuesday calmly put her hand on my back and said to me, "she's not worth it, think of your mother. You need to be calm." I took a deep breath and faced Celeste, "well at least I've had a date before you." And I stood up and walked away. It was a lame comeback but I couldn't think of anything else to say.
I heard Tuesday's heels clicking behind me. At least I had her with me. I slowed down, and let Tuesday catch up. "What did she say?" I felt blood rushing to my face just thinking about the words she said to me. "I'd rather not repeat them," I said quietly and Tuesday nodded. "I think I'm going to go back up to my room to rest." I said not sure if Tuesday could hear me, but she nodded and started talking about how I could always talk to her if I needed to. I wasn't really listening, because I was so focused on trying not to cry. She walked me to my room, and closed the door lightly once I had reached my bed.
I let the tears fall like waterfalls. They ran down my cheeks, but I dare not make a noise. I couldn't remember who's rooms were next to mine, and I'm sure it wouldn't take long for the news to spread that one of the only girls to get a date was a crybaby. I'm sure the Prince would hear and make me leave because who wants a crybaby for a wife. My maids came into my room at about 5:00 to get me ready for dinner. I could see them wondering what was wrong, but following my lead, they pretended everything was fine. I put on a plain green dress and went downstairs. I didn't want to wear anything flashy as my eyes still had hints of red. Anything to draw attention to me was a no. I walked down the stairs to dinner, looking for Tuesday, but she was nowhere to be seen. Afraid that I was running late, I quickened my pace and along the way, saw America Singer, 5, running alongside me. We shared a small smile, knowing that we were both late. We hurried into the dining room, just as the last ladies in line were going in, not making us stand out. America went to go sit by Marlee Thames, and I looked around for a spare seat. One next to Celeste. I couldn't. Not after what happened. Then I saw a glittery blue dress go and take a seat next to her. America had given up her seat for me. I gratefully ran to my chair and sat down just before Sylvia started talking. I tried to catch America's eye, to thank her, but it was no use.
Dinner started and I started talking to Marlee. "America is really such a lovely girl," She began, "she dislikes Celeste, but really has nothing to hold over her, but when she heard what Celeste did to you, she couldn't believe it. She saw you staring at that seat and said to me, Celeste is not going to win today, not against anyone." I sat staring at America in wonder. "What exactly do you think Celeste did to me?" I asked. Marlee blushed but then quickly answered, "Well we don't know the full story of course, but I was told she said some pretty mean things to you about your family, and to America, family is the most important thing to her." I smiled, not confirming or denying anything. I could see the girls around me wanting to know more, but I just silently finished my dinner, listening to the chatter around me. I felt bad for America, the last 5 in the selection, surely Celeste had been just as mean to her as she had to me.
1
Celeste was bothering me, day and night. Not that she knew it, or maybe she did. Her words kept pounding around inside my head like a wrecking ball. I often found myself wandering around the palace, finding myself in unusual spots, and not quite remembering where I had come from. Luckily the palace staff had grown accustomed to me, and would gladly point the way for me to go. One afternoon, after one of Sylvia's long lessons, I began to wander on my way back to my room. I was thinking about nothing and everything. During lessons, I seemed to know all the answers already. My mother had been quite strict about me and my school work, making sure that every spare minute I was studying, so if i was ever caught off guard, I always had an answer.
This particular afternoon though, I'm caught in a dead end. I'm just about to turn around and walk the other way, when I hear giggling. I realise that these are rooms of some of the selection members. I walk towards the door, and slowly ease the door open, just enough for me to see who's room it is. America Singer, is sitting there on her bed, laughing with her maids. They're playing cards. I notice her pure smile and it brings me to remember how kind she had been those few nights before. Before I could think anything through, I knock on the door, and open it up, showing myself. The maids quickly put down their cards, and run to open the door. "I'm sorry to bother you," I start, but the maids immediately dismiss my apology. "I'm just here to talk to America," I explain. America puts her cards down, and quickly glances at the maids. They curtsy and then scurry out.
"You're really close with your maids no?" I ask. America frowns and puts down her cards.
"They're with me so often, I might as well get to know them, they're people too." I nod and sit down on a chair by her piano. "I just wanted to thank you for giving up your seat for me the other night." I say. America's face softens, and she sits up. "I'm not really sure what Celeste did, but she's rude enough if she hasn't said anything to you, it's worse if you have to face her again." I nod and try to blink my tears away. "She said things about my family. And said things to me that won't get out of my head." I don't know why I'm telling her this. But I do. I open up. I want her to feel sorry for me. America gently put her hand on my shoulder, "I've seen you wandering the palace. I know how you feel. This is so big and beautiful yet you feel so alone and empty without your family." I just stared at her. She understands. I thought I was the only one. I thank her and then walk out of her room. I felt as though something had been cleared. I'm not completely free of Celeste, but I know my way back, and I'm not wandering around anymore. I feel clearer now.
I wake up the next morning, feeling a slight change in the air. My maids pull me out of bed, and as they're running my bath for me I remember how America acted with her maids. "What are your names?" I ask. They look up startled and then with confusion on their faces, recite their names. The tallest one is Poppy, the one with blonde hair is Olive and the one with rosy cheeks is Esma. "Today is the Report. Will you be able to watch?" I ask them. Esma answers first, "yes ma'am. We will cheer for you, don't worry." I smiled and thanked them. I got to the ladies room 5 minutes before the allotted time, and I looked around, admiring the other girls' dresses. Mine was a beautiful yellow, fading into green at the end. I chose to wear a bracelet with a single gold star on it. It made me feel glamorous whilst not being drowned by heavy jewelry. I saw Prince Maxon on the other side of the room, reviewing some notes. I admired his hair, and the way he was so sturdy. I walk over to him, and carefully place my hand on his shoulder, trying not to startle him. "Anna!" his face breaks into a smile, warming my heart. "Prince Maxon," I say curtsying, "are you nervous for the report?" I ask. He shakes his head, "I basically grew up on the report, so there's nothing new." He paused for a moment before saying, "But I do always get butterflies, when Gavril passes the microphone to me." He blushed and my heart melted a little bit inside. "I think you do very well, but I'll still give you my best wishes." I pause, and then walk over to the stands where the selected sit. The rest of the girls slowly trickle in.
The report is only a few seconds to the air, before Celeste comes in, late. She quickly takes her seat, and acts like nothing is wrong. Tuesday starts whispering to me quietly about how rude she is. I giggle politely, but not actually listening to anything she's saying. Celeste Clermont, no one, not even you will insult my family, I think.