Chapter 7

And I was so young when I behaved 25

Yet now, I find I've grown into a tall child

And I don't want to go home

Angeles, Ilea

Wednesday, October 15th; 9:00 am

Believe it or not, whether Maddox had or had not kissed Ina did not matter to the paparazzi stationed just off the beach that night. Pictures of the two soaking wet lovers wrestling and holding each other in the water were in every Illean magazine by 7:00 the next morning. Maddox certainly hadn't cared whether or not people saw them - in fact, he expected it and would have been surprised if no pictures had arisen at all. Ina, however, was not as comfortable seeing her face plastered across every news outlet, and she was certainly not as comfortable with everyone talking about it.

"It's not ideal, but it's definitely not the worst thing that could have happened. You could have been naked," Sakura reasoned. She had run to Ina's room late the previous night to discuss the date. Both girls were insomniacs and were not likely to sleep anyway. Sakura stayed the night in Ina's room, much to the dismay of her maids, and saw the article first thing when she woke up. The two were now walking to breakfast having almost exhausted the subject within the hour.

"I know it could have been worse, but that doesn't exactly make me feel better," Ina said softly, "I knew there were photographers! I had seen them when we walked in. I just didn't think that they would watch us for that long… I probably should have been more careful."

"Stop that," Sakura chided, "There was no way you could have known. You were a bit preoccupied." The blonde nudged her friend playfully. Ina grinned, her cheeks reddening.

"Yea, just a bit."

"And it's not like you were doing something you weren't supposed to! We're all dating him. It would be wrong if you didn't get all touchy-feely in the ocean."

Ina laughed. "And I can't say I regret it," she said, giving Sakura a sidelong glance, "even if he didn't kiss me."

"Which still confuses me!" Sakura's volume had slowly been increasing and Inanna finally had to shush her friend as they passed a couple of maids in the hall. The girls both giggled. "He just gave me the impression that he would jump on that shit the first chance he got," Sakura said, her voice a bit lower, "the fact that he didn't is more telling than if he did."

"I don't want to read into it," Ina said for what was probably the 5th time that morning, "I think that it was the perfect date with or without a kiss, and if I spend the rest of this process analyzing whatever doesn't happen, then it'll probably be longer and harder than it has to be."

Sakura nodded, thoughtfully. "I think you're right. Either way, you both had a great time and now there's photographic evidence of it!" Inanna groaned and the two girls turned the corner into the dining room.

All eyes were on them. Evidently, they weren't the only two who checked the Illean Daily Mail every morning.

Sakura didn't miss a beat. Without blinking, she wrapped Inanna's arm around her own and the two walked calmly through the dining hall to where a few of their friends were sitting. Ina was slightly phased, but she took her cues from Sakura and simply commented on how hungry she was and how good the food smelled. They found two chairs next to Isra and Dorothea and sat down. Isra was grinning her cat-like grin while Dorothea simply eyed Ina with interest.

"Good morning," Isra purred, sipping her tea, "Inanna I love your dress. You look so charming."

"Thank you, Isra. " Ina said sweetly, smoothing down her white babydoll dress. Sakura had picked it out. Apparently, the puffed sleeves and virginal color said, "I know you've seen my bra through my shirt, but I really am a classy gal."

Again, the room quieted slightly as Maddox entered, trailed by his usual posse consisting of Brennan, Eden, Vivian, Sebastian and Apollo. Eden was conversing quietly with Sebastian, while Brennan let her eyes scan the room before meeting Sakura and Ina's. The Princess was dressed impeccably in a black tulle skirt and Dior graphic t-shirt. She looked ready to attend Paris fashion week. All five of them went to sit down at the end of the table where Sully was seated next to the King. Ina and Maddox made eye contact from across the room, and they both smiled. This did not go unnoticed.

"Keep it in your pants, you filthy animal," Sakura murmured as she fixed her coffee. Ina kicked her under the table and both of them began laughing.

"So are we just going to ignore the pictures of you and Maddox in the water last night? Or are we free to talk about that?" Dorothea looked back and forth between the two, her eyes wide with curiosity. Isra laughed, much to the surprise of everyone at the table.

"You don't beat around the bush do you, Dolly," Isra said.

"Was I supposed to?"

"I guess not," Ina said, amused.

Dorothea nodded excitedly. "Ok, so what happened? It looked like y'all were about to-"

"Nope," Sakura interrupted, "No, they were not. No, they did not. No, we don't know why not." Dorothea looked incredulously at Sakura, and then at Ina who just shrugged. Before the dark haired girl could explain further, Sully stood up at the other end of the table and tapped on his glass. The rest of the girls turned to look and Ina mouthed an apology to Dorothea.

"If I could have everyone's attention please," Sully announced authoritatively. Everyone in the room silenced and turned to face Mr. Marlowe.

"I'll let you all get back to your breakfast in just a moment, but I first wanted to discuss the agenda for today. We gave you all a much needed break yesterday - and I hope you made the most of it - because today we're switching gears."

Part of what makes being Selected an honor is the job that you are all interviewing for. I touched on this a bit during the first breakfast, and I'll probably continue to say it until you're all sick of me -"

There was soft laughter.

"But I'll say it again: you are all here to become Queen."

He gestured to Donatella, who was sitting with her husband at a round table by the windows. Backlit by the morning sun, she transcended the room. Her eyes were locked on Sully, who paused for a moment; not for effect, but to take a much needed deep breath. The Queen straightened her back, eyes hardly visible but for those closest to her as if to say, "Don't even try to fill these shoes. You can't."

"I know that you are all here to get to know Prince Maddox, and get to know him you shall. But never lose sight of what's at stake here. You might be fit to love Prince Maddox, but what we're talking about is greater than love. It's personal responsibility. It's leadership. It's the choice to love someone, on principle, for the sake of your partner and for the sake of this country. To be Queen is no small thing and I'm here to make sure whoever Maddox here falls in love, and who falls in love with him, is up to the task."

He took no pause, barely letting the message sink in. It would have the time to do that in the coming weeks.

"For whoever is chosen, this will be a lifelong journey and you will continue to learn something new every day, but in an effort to teach you the basics of royal etiquette and lifestyle," Sully made a flippant, mocking hand gesture, "You'll be given private lessons with myself with a few chosen members of the royal family."

Unwatched by anyone, Brennan and Vivien squirmed a bit in their seats.

"These lessons are not meant to scare you, or intimidate you, or weed you out by any means. I know how you girls think, and no this aspect is not a part of the 'competition' so to speak. We are trying to help you. And if you take the initiative to listen, heed our words, and make use of the tools we provide you with… well one of you just might make a decent Queen."

With that, he took his seat to a room-full of applause. Each girl was highly impressed with the Selection Coordinator, and felt simultaneously more pressure and comfort than they had felt in days. It wasn't as easy to conceptualize or grasp - being Queen - but it was nice to know they had at least one person on their side. A person whose entire attitude seemed to say, "It's not the end of the world if you're not perfect."

Ina certainly appreciated it.

Maddox felt more weighed down by Sully's speech than he did by the media storm surrounding his date with Inanna. Now, more than ever, he felt alone in his hatred of the man and it's not easy to be alone in your hatred. In fact, it starts to feel like everyone hates you.

As a result, Maddox left the room just minutes after Sully's opening statements, barely touching his food. He'd wanted to stay and chat with a few of the girls, maybe check in with Inanna to see how she was holding up, but he needed a chance to cool off first. Day Three, and already he wanted to murder the man.

His steps were heavy and he muttered to himself curse words that weren't directed at anyone in particular. They just seemed to manifest his anger the best. Servants passed with their eyes down. No one had seen the Prince in a few years, and it was still strange to see him stalking about like this.

Why does he get to stand up there all self-righteous and fucking wise, he raged, how dare he talk about my mother with that goddamn condescending tone and fucking compliment her and act like he isn't fucking her goddamn husband like FUCK!

"Goodamn fuckiung piece of -"

After walking down about three different corridors, the Prince stopped in his tracks. He stood, arms limp by his sides as he looked around the hall, eyes catching his reflection in a glass-covered picture frame. He was wearing slacks and a pressed blue polo that his valet had picked for him that morning. His chestnut curls were perfectly arranged atop his head, and his wrist shone with the brand new watch he'd gotten from Belgium. He looked alone.

"I'm a fucking child."

This was muttered to himself more for effect. He didn't really believe his anger was unwarranted, but the storming off, he could admit, reeked of immaturity. The expletive was uttered to make the phrase sound adult.

Breathing calmly, the Prince turned around and began walking back to the dining room where he assumed his friends and sister still were. He didn't know where the Selected would be having these "lessons" but figured that one of them probably knew.

It wouldn't do any good to wallow. He had girls to date.

The girls, meanwhile, were being led to a private sitting room on the Queen's wing of the palace. They walked in small groups, chatting happily with one another about their outfits, Sully's speech, funny things that they read online, and other miscellaneous topics.

As of yet, there hadn't been enough time for anyone to start drama or find things to dislike about each other. Certainly, most girls hoped they would be the one to win, but winning felt so far away at the moment. Like it wasn't a real thing that would happen eventually.

It was euphoric, the feeling of new friends in a situation unique to their group. Everyone felt a strange sense of camaraderie. Their anxiety about the upcoming weeks and the circumstances surrounding their acquaintance fueled their desire to form connections with each other. It was like that dream they all had as children about being stranded on a deserted island with a bunch of strangers - only their deserted island was a palace and the strangers were all beautiful women.

Yes, some women were more competitive than others, and some were stuck up in their manner. Those women still needed to make friends, lest they spend their time in this unknown place truly alone.

Evolet Allgood, James Carmichael, and Marguerite Xinue had formed something of a trio. It was clear from their first meeting on the plane that all three girls were well suited to being friends.

Marguerite, cradling her camera in her lap, made a comment about how Evolet looked "expensive" in her slouchy trousers and sneakers. Evolet laughed and said thank you very much, flipping her dark hair over her shoulder in mock arrogance. James, who had been typing away on her computer, remarked that it was only because Evie was conventionally beautiful and light skinned, and Illean society tended to value aesthetically appealing visages more. Marguerite scoffed and said, "Well yea, the beauty industry is a historic byproduct of systemic racism. She still looks hot."

"Well yea, that's obvious," said James, making the other two laugh incredulously.

Of course, James was one to talk. With her high cheekbones, umber skin, and perpetually blown out hair, she didn't look too cheap herself. But they weren't about to start a compliment battle.

The heated debate that ensued ended with Evolet admitting that yes, her trousers and sneakers were both extremely expensive, and their slouchy exterior was intentional. Needless to say, the three girls were inseparable by the end of the trip.

"What do you reckon," James piped up as they picked a spot in the plush sitting room, "think they kissed?" Her long, lithe body draped itself over the couch.

"Hard to say," Evolet mused, tilting her head, "I think if they did, there would be a picture of it. I also think that Inanna's too classy to let on even if she did."

"I wouldn't be. I'd tell literally everyone. Whenever it does happen, you're getting all the schmexy little details" James deadpanned. Evolet and Marguerite chuckled.

"How do you think it would even happen," she continued, unaware of the curious ears she was attracting around them, "Like is there some etiquette we need to know about the physical stuff, or is that sort of up to us."

"You should make the first move Jamie," Marguerite quipped, her mouth tilting in an amused smile, "just jump him the first chance you get. Don't even give him time to question it."

"I mean yea, how else are you supposed to kiss someone?" James asked this with faux seriousness, earning a snort from her friend.

"I don't know, babe, that's a great question."

"I guess I could ask?"

"Who? Maddox?"

"Naturally, who else?"

"I don't know, literally any other person." Evolet was now playing with the ends of Marguerite's silky black bob, her fingers mindlessly twirling the strands. They were both thoroughly entertained by this ongoing bit.

"Nah, I'll just send one of those, like, origami notes up to his door with a lipstick print on the front, like, 'Hello, I need some advice on how to kiss you. Check the left box for tongue, and the right box for no tongue. Thank you, kindly. Signed, your loyal constituent."

All three girls were shocked into restrained laughter at this, and Marguerite said, "No I think you're just gonna have to wing it, Jamie. Do it first, apologize later."

"I agree. Consent is more of a suggestion than a requirement. Just kiss him," said Evolet, still grinning. Their conversations often went like this- light and gossipy with some sort of bit that ended in political undertones.

Luckily, the room began to quiet down after Evolet said this particular line. Sully entered to begin with the lesson. He spoke for a few minutes about what their lessons were going to look like because he detested lecture-based curriculums. His lesson plan and teaching style would be focused on discussion, projects, and experience.

"What we're going to do today is I'm going to have you separate into groups of," he paused to count how many girls were in the room. Apparently, he had already forgotten that 11 of them had been eliminated. "Five. We'll do five groups of five."

Each group will research an assigned area of the Illean government and present it to the rest of the group around lunch time. You're all adults, so get into groups of five, and we'll reconvene from there. Easy enough? Good. Get going." He flicked his hands and walked to the door, where Brennan, Vivien, and Maddox had just entered.

"You're good at this," Brennan complimented. The Selected Coordinator scoffed, shaking his head and smiling modestly.

"It's hard to mess things up in the first 30 minutes. Let's see how the rest of this goes."

"I'm sure it will be fine," Vivien said, touching his arm, "And we're here to help if you need us."

"Funny you should say that," said Sully. He looked pointedly at Brennan, who shrunk under his gaze. "You're here to help too, I assume?"

The princess tapped her fingers against her leg. Smiling sweetly, she nodded.

"Good." Sully turned to Maddox. "Is there anything I can help you with? A girl you're looking for?"

"Yup," said Maddox, popping the "P" sound, "I'm thinking Celia Calhoun? Is she free?"

"They're all free if you'd like them to be," Sully said goodnaturedly. He turned back to the room, eyes searching for Celia's blonde curls and freckled face. Finally, his eyes landed on a girl in a white, lace and crochet midi dress. She was sitting in a group with Evolet, James, Marguerite, and Zbiere, laughing along with the rest of the girls, although she sat a bit straighter.

Sully told Maddox to wait a moment as he went to fetch Celia. Some of the girls' eyes tracked him across the room, Celia's blue ones included. When Sully finally reached her, her smile seemed to widen exponentially.

"She's cute," Vivien whispered to Maddox, "very southern belle chic."

"Isn't her dad the governor of Carolina?" Brennan loved the city of Charleston. It epitomized everything glamorous about southern culture with none of the food deserts, racial disparities, or religious frenzy. Or at least, it didn't wear those things on its sleeve.

Maddox nodded. "I met him a couple times too. Comes from a lot of money. I;m not sure what she does though."

"Probably nothing," Brennan scoffed. Vivien turned to the princess and raised her eyebrows. Maddox mirrored this. "What? I said probably! As someone who does nothing, I'm allowed to say that."

Celia walked back to the trio a step or two ahead of Sully, who watched with amusement as she planted herself right in front of Maddox. Maddox took note of the way her hands were almost shockingly still, clasped together as if ready for her portrait to be taken. Her smile was bright, if a little too wide, and she spoke effortlessly in that sweet, southern twang. "So i hear you might want to be takin' me out?"

Maddox grinned, shifting off his back foot so he stood up straight. "That was the plan, Lady Calhoun. Would you do me the honor?"

Celia flushed at this, but didn't miss a beat when she said, "Absolutely I would. Lead the way, your Highness." She took Maddox's proffered arm and the two walked out together, Celia giggling as they went.

Sully turned to the remaining two girls, who were side eyeing each other in an unusual show of shared thoughts. The last remaining man clapped his hands and said, "Alright. I think it's time we start teaching, don't you?"

Vivien was assigned to sit with a group of girls who were researching International Relations. This was particularly appropriate for Vivien given her mother's work in diplomatic affairs overseas. She felt relieved when she sat down and knew that she actually had something she could confidently contribute to the discussion if need be.

Maybe I'll just sit this one out, though, she thought to herself, They need to learn this on their own.

Vivian was never one to flaunt her mother's position, or her own for that matter. It wasn't that it embarrassed her; or rather, it did, but not because she wasn't proud of her mother's work. She just didn't like to be the one mentioning it. Maybe it was a side effect of her upbringing and frequently having to associate with name droppers. Maybe it was wealth-driven guilt, although she had learned a long time ago that it didn't do any good to regret privilege.

Whatever it was, Vivien simply didn't talk about her mom unless someone else brought it up. After all, no one likes a bragger.

Isra was taking charge of their small group when Vivien sat down. She recognized the girl sitting next to Isra as Dorothea, or "Dolly" as some of the girls called her. The other two - Spencer and Odette - were seated beside each other on the loveseat. Odette greeted her warmly, while Spencer merely granted a small smile.

Vivien hadn't taken much notice of the two girls before now. As she took in Spencer's shoulder-length blonde hair and aura of nonchalance, Vivien felt sort of impressed by the girl. She emanated "cool" - although Vivien was known to mistake coldness for coolness - in her tailored blue dress shirt and sharp white slingbacks.

Odette looked like the polar opposite. Her rosey dress, fair skin, and wide eyes gave Vivien the distinct impression of a deer who'd magically been transformed into a human. She was pleasantly smiling through the conversation, hands folded demurely in her lap, and head tilted to the side. It was evident she was listening, but didn't have much to contribute.

In the nearest chair was Valentina, primly styled in a nude chiffon minidress that just brushed the tops of her thighs. Her hair was pulled back in a signature, slicked back bun, like she just walked out of ballet class. Vivien gave a short nod when Valentina mouthed hello.

"Should we begin with our involvement in the Western Union and East Asia?" Clearly, Isra didn't want to waste too much time with chit chat.

"I'm good with that," said Spencer, "I know a bit about the Western Union from my global politics course. Actually, they're doing a lot of work with European oil refineries to reduce carbon emissions, so maybe we start with environmental work and go from there?."

"You're so freaking smart," Dorothea said as she rolled her eyes playfully, "y'all are gonna have to help me out a bit. I'm literally a high school dropout. I know none of this."

"You dropped out of high school?" Odette's eyes widened. "You're allowed to do that?"

Dorothea clicked her tongue and nodded. "Yup. Just another crazy child actor with no education and daddy issues. The only thing I'm missing is a drug problem." Odette looked both bewildered and enthralled.

"Jesus Christ, Dolly, you'll scare the poor lamb," Isra chided, grinning at her friend, "Anyway, I'm thinking we present in pairs on one aspect of International Relations each. Spencer, since you're our resident tree hugger, how about you and Odette take that one?"

Spencer gave a thumbs up. "Yes ma'am"

She and Isra moved on, brainstorming a few other facets of International Relations. Finally, after about 15 minutes of discussion, Isra turned to Vivien and Valentina. Neither girl had uttered a word.

"Do you ladies have anything to add?" Isra pulled her mass of ebony curls over her shoulder as her eyes pierced Viv and Val. The former was taken aback and gave a short laugh.

"So sorry," she said, "You were all doing so well on your own. I didn't want to interrupt."

"It's ok, you can join in the discussion." Dorothea smiled at her and asked, "Any thoughts on International Relations?"

Valentina coughed, but it sounded more like she was covering up a laugh. All the girls turned to look at her. Vivien pursed her lips.

"Bless you," said Isra, serenely.

Vivien stared at Valentina for a second longer than was strictly necessary, before turning back to answer Dolly's question. "Yes, actually, I do."

Dorothea nodded and asked, "Do you have any, like, personal experience with it? I know you're a part of the Royal Family and everything, so you've probably seen some diplomatic stuff up close and in person, right?"

Another snort from Valentina. Vivien's heart began beating erratically.

"Is something funny?" Isra directed the question at Valentina with something like honey in her voice, but coming from Isra, it might also be steel.

Valentina's eyes became saucers, but she smiled like she was withholding a joke that was about to crack them all up. She glanced at Vivien, who was looking determinedly at the ground.

"Yea, um, it's just that her mother leads Illea's Council for International Relations," Vivien said, eyes moving back to Isra, "She works with all our Ambassadors."

The other girls made sounds of understanding, sitting back in their chairs with satiated curiosity. No one thought ill of Valentina. In fact, everyone in the Selection seemed to like her. It seemed odd that she might be making snide jokes in polite company. Now that she had explained herself, everyone was willing to admit that yes, it was funny that Dorothea and Isra had asked Vivien about International Relations.

Vivien, however, did not think so. She cleared her throat and stood, a blush creeping its way up her neck.

"Yes, sorry I didn't explain. I have, actually, crossed paths with several foreign diplomats, and I'd be more than willing to share those experiences with you. If you'll just excuse me for a moment, though, I'm going to get a drink." She smiled genially and walked away, being sure to nod politely at the girls she'd been acquainted with, and breathing deeply to soften the hues of her reddened cheeks.

Isra watched her leave with a contemplative sort of expression. Nonplussed by Vivien's quick departure, Dorothea merely nodded and resumed conversing with Spencer and Odette.

Valentina, who had noticed the Duchess' discomfort from the moment she sat down, stood up and said, "Actually, I think I need a drink too. Be back in just a second."

She hurried after the Duchess' retreating form, doing her best not to make a scene as she softened her steps on the persian rugs. Footman swung the doors to the sitting room open for Vivien and kept them open when Valentina waved to them politely. Valentina didn't even look over her shoulder to see who had followed her when the doors finally closed behind them.

In the coolness of the hallway, Vivien suddenly got the sense that she was in danger, and immediately craved the comfort that only a room full of people could provide: witnesses. The chatter of the Selected was muted behind stone walls, and although it had suffocated her just moments before, she wished she could become enveloped in that noise again. It felt like she had just stepped out from behind her bulletproof glass, only to realize that she was now vulnerable and exposed.

Now, she was alone in a quiet hallway with Valentina Vitali.

"Are you alright," asked Valentina, tentatively. Vivien turned around to face her company, accidentally meeting her cornflower blue eyes.

"Of course," she answered, trying to sound incredulous but coming off defensive. Her hands brushed the ruffles of her black dress. She suddenly didn't know what to do with them. Valentina looked unconvinced.

"Ok," she said.

"Thanks for checking," said Vivien, smiling tightly,

"Yea, don't mention it," murmured Valentina, "Are you sure you're ok? Because you just seemed very off when you got up and I didn't know if I said something…"

Now it was Vivien's turn to snort. Valentina's eyebrows pinched together at this blatant and highly unusual display of derision. She held up her hands in surrender and said, "Ok, what was it? What did I do?"

"What did you do?" Vivien scoffed before remembering herself and sighing. Try as she might, she couldn't seem to calm her nerves. They were almost as persistent as the brunette before her.

"Yes, Your Highness, I'd like to know what I did to upset you because obviously, you are very very upset!"

Vivien huffed, her eyes darting around the room before she whispered sharply, "I'm not upset, ok, I'm just… I'm frustrated."

"Isn't that another word for upset?"

"No, they mean two different things," growled Vivien, eyes locked on Valentina. The dancing doll was baffled by the entire exchange, but couldn't keep herself from engaging.

"Look, I know we've never been the closest friends. Actually, I've sometimes gotten the impression that you don't like me very much, and that's ok. I don't mind." Vivien noticed how Valentina's gaze dropped to the floor when she said this, like she was embarrassed at not being liked. She continued, "But I do want you to know that if anything I did in there… frustrated you… it was never my intention and I sincerely apologize."

Her blue orbs spoke volumes and Vivien couldn't seem to look away. Her arms, which she had crossed protectively across her chest, loosened and she sucked her bottom lip anxiously. This wasn't how she thought this interaction would play out.

Valentina appeared equally as uncomfortable with how the conversation had progressed - maybe even vulnerable to whatever fire Vivien wanted to spit at her. Vivien was almost thrilled by how the girl seemed laid bare and remorseful. The righteous sense of satisfaction Vivien had expected following Valentina's apology never came, and instead she felt incredibly sheepish.

Vivien dropped her shoulders and fiddled with the fabric of her dress again. She lifted her gaze to the vaulted ceilings and tried to grasp whatever she was feeling; to pin it down and offer it as evidence of her sanity. "See, look," she would say, "Look at what I'm feeling! Isn't that normal? Wouldn't you feel the same if you were me?"

Ideally, she could mold it into words, but that was sometimes difficult for Vivien.

"I thought," Vivien started, her tongue feeling somewhat heavy in her mouth, "I thought that maybe you were making fun of me. For my mother's job, or like… my connections or something." The words sounded strange to her own ears. She hadn't done a good job of putting them together. Evidently, Valentina thought so too.

Cinching her eyebrows, Valentina asked, "Why would I make fun of you for that? Do you feel ashamed of it?"

Vivien shook her head, exasperated at her own lack of articulance. "No! Jesus, of course not, I don't… I just… it felt like you were laughing at me. Like you held me in contempt or something and… I guess I felt embarrassed by that."

"You thought I felt contempt for you?" Valentina's voice softened as she watched Vivien fidget. It was a rare sight, indeed. The Duchess wasn't known for her lack of composure - quite the opposite. She never dropped her regal airs and Valentina assumed she had no other kind.

"You did snort when they brought up my mother's work," Valentina said defensively, "And it sounded like you thought it was, I don't know, pompous."

"I didn't think that at all," Valentina exclaimed, looking mortified, "I was laughing because it seemed so obvious! I couldn't stop thinking the whole time about how modest you appeared, just sitting there listening to them discussing what your mom does all day. I kept wondering what you were thinking, and then when Dorothea asked that… I mean she looked so earnest and you were so surprised I just…" She took a breath and Vivien watched her with bated breath. She seemed to be stuck on another thought suddenly.

"Do I strike you as condescending," Valentina asked. She looked both wounded and curious. Valentina parted her lips.

"No," she said, shaking her head, "You don't."

"Then why would you think I thought that of you? That I would… judge you for the amazing work your family does? I mean, I'm a goddamn reality tv star! What high horse do you think I'm on?" She flung her arms out as she said this, laughing in a self-deprecating sort of way at the reality of her own fame.

Gazing at Vivien without restraint, Valentina was struck by how little they knew about each other. They were friends with all the same people, they moved in the same circles; still, all Valentina knew was that whenever she walked into a room, Vivien seemed to find an excuse to leave. Valentina never questioned it. After all, Vivien was a very busy young woman with lots of important responsibilities. Although, now that she was really thinking about it, Valentina realized she knew something else about Vivien. Something that she thought was a rumor, but might just be true…

Valentina cleared her throat nervously., "Is it… is it because of that gossip about me and Sebstian?"

Vivien looked surprised. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the expression morphed into understanding, and then confirmation,

"Yes," she said, smiling softly, "I've always felt a bit awkward about the situation."

Valentina nodded. "And you and Sebastian are…"

"Yes, yes, we are," Vivien said, laughing uncomfortably. Valentina smiled, glad that the tension had been broken.

"Ok, then let me reassure you: Sebastian and I are very much not together. And let me further reassure you that we never will be."

Valentina gave Vivien what she hoped was a reassuring smile, and said, "If he hasn't told you that already, then he's every bit the idiot I've always said he is." Vivien blushed, but couldn't restrain the grin that crossed her lips at the girl's clear disregard for Sebastian Donovan. Not many young women would refuse him that staunchly.

"I'm glad," Vivien said, "It's been bothering me."

"Well don't let it," Valentina said warmly, "You two look so elegant together. And glamorous." She hesitated for a moment, and then said, "So are we good?"

Vivien felt dazed as she nodded. Somehow, she had never pictured having this conversion with Valentina because she assumed it would never come. Now that it had, she felt giddy with nervous excitement. The wall she had constructed between herself and this lovely human had been torn down and she felt infinitely lighter in the wake.

"We're very good," she said, smiling broadly now. They both laughed awkwardly at the reconciliation.

"I did actually want to get some water, if you want to come with me," Vivien said, gesturing over her shoulder to where the nearest maid station was located. They always kept cold bottles of water in the fridge there.

Valentina smiled affirmatively. "Sure," she said.

They walked off down the hall together, testing out the bounds of this new friendship. Vivien spoke with an unexpected candidness, and Valentina responded in kind. When they returned to their small group, Isra noticed the apparent friendliness between the two girls, and narrowed her eyes infinitesimally.

What a fascinating turn of events, she thought.

Well hello there :)

If you're reading this, you probably read this story back in 2019 when it was last updated. Actually, it was last updated in March of 2019. At that time, I was a senior in high school. I had just gotten into college and was super busy with all my senior year activities.

Now, it's 2022 and I'm a senior in college. Funny how time passes, right?

I don't really know why I decided to write this chapter. I mean, it follows my old storyline, but I don't know why I decided to sit down and actually WRITE IT. In truth, I was reminiscing over my old Pinterest boards and I fell down a rabbit hole - revisiting all my old characters and their stories and identities and issues and strengths and beautiful aesthetics.

I was honestly so lucky (I didn't even realize HOW lucky at the time) to receive the characters I did. Every girl submitted was crafted and developed with such beautiful depth and compassion. They are soulful and flawed and are all seeking love in their own ways. Maybe not with Maddox, but someway, somehow, people just want to be loved.

Anyway, that's melodramatic.

What I mean is, I wrote this story because I wanted to explore all the ways in which we could love each other. Friends, lovers, family, acquaintances, and even those we despise. We all show our love in different ways and sometimes it's healthy and sometimes it's really not. I think the idea that "we all have a story to tell" is rooted in the people we love and those who loved us.

I also thought that Selection SYOC's were fun. And they are.

So, will I be starting this again? Probably not, knowing me. Will I go through a phase where I randomly update because I need a creative outlet? Probably.

Who knows, maybe I'll update in a day or 2 because I'm bored at my internship. Either way, if you read this chapter, I really hope you liked it. I didn't mean to display as many girls as I did, but in a way, I'm glad. They're all amazing and so unique and gorgeous and I'm grateful to be able to write in their voices.

If you feel like it, throw me a review.