I love getting dressed up for my shows. This particular show was for a small company party. They usually hire someone in my family, preferring my mom, because they are a loyal customer, which is great because their money puts food on our table. My mom told me that I should do this party to meet guys, but I don't know if that's an ideal thing to do now, with the Selection and all. I don't want to meet a wonderful boy then get shipped off to the palace to compete for another man's heart, how awkward would that be? So instead I took the job just so I can earn some extra money to go toward some new ballet shoes I need because the ones I have currently are pretty beat up. Leaving the house by myself didn't feel right. It was going to be weird performing by myself. Usually my dad would accompany me or I would open for my mom, but Levi and Quinton are both traditional actors, so they don't perform at parties. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to perform with Kara, but I get over it because I know she is better off as a Four.
Once I entered in my best solo dress that is a dark midnight blue, floor length, and has sleeves that fall off my shoulders at just the right snugness, I am amazed at how casual it is. Everyone is just in jeans and t-shirts. I felt like a fish out of water, that is if fish had to wear high heels. I am annoyed that it is super obvious that I am the entertainment for the evening, so I walked up to the stage, but turned around too quick and ran into a startled man.
"Oh my! Are you ok? I am so sorry! That was completely my fault." The handsome stranger exclaimed after catching me before I fell and most likely tore my favorite dress.
"How in the world was that your fault? I am the one who, in a way, tackled you. I should be the one apologizing." I said, out of breathe. Wow he was attractive. He looked about 20 and had wavy, shoulder-length, chocolate brown hair. His eyes were so dark, and deep set that it looked like he was staring into my soul. I was a little thrown off when he started laughing.
"Haha! You're funny, I like that. I'm Julian, it's nice to meet you." He reached out his hand to shake mine, and I awkwardly shook it still staring at him like a complete idiot.
"Oh!" I exclaimed, now realizing that it was my turn to talk, "I'm Hadley. Pennington. Uhh, Hadley Pennington. Sorry, you may or may not have caught me in my prep to go on stage. I'm still kind of shaky." Smooth one. Real charming. I can't believe that my brain thought that those words would sound intelligent.
"What? You're the singer? That is so cool! I'm just a boring Three, so I don't have the privilege to be more interesting. I mean, how interesting is designing buildings? I haven't even done anything noteworthy yet. Am I rambling? Because I am kind of known for talking too much in the presence of pretty girls. I'm sorry. I'll let you get to it." He trailed off.
"No! You are fine!" I say a little too loud. "I think that any kind of creating or designing is a beautiful thing. I usually am a dancer, but I'm singing tonight because apparently it isn't entertaining to watch my do what i love. Anyways, I love choreographing my own dances and writing my own songs, because it's pure creation. Of course no one has ever heard or seen them though, because I'm a Five." I end sheepishly.
"Oh. Yes, a Five. I don't meet many Fives." Julian muttered. "But I'm glad that I met you." He smiled, wow he has a great smile.
"Thank you. I'm glad that I met you too." I replied. I can't believe how great this guy is! Maybe he's flirting with me! Ugh, I can never tell. "So, are you here because you are a part of this company?" I continued interested.
"Well, I'm not a part of this company. My company is building a better workplace that isn't infested with rodents or mold for this company, and they were so happy to have a livable workplace that they invited me, so here I am! I guess it's a good way to let off some steam. I've been stressed about another project recently… But you don't want to hear about my silly job, do you?" He looked at me with a smile.
"You tell me. I am here, my current job, so you just tell me." I said, sarcastically swishing my dress around.
"Haha! Oh! You should get on stage! They've been waiting a long time to see you perform." He looked at me with such tender eyes that I didn't think I'd be able to walk again.
"I.. Well I guess so. It was nice to meet you, Julian… Uh, what was your last name? Unless you don't ever want to see me again. In that case, later!" I rambled embarrassingly.
"Ha, my last name is Ave. I hope I see you soon, Hadley. Pennington. Hadley Pennington." He teased with a wink as he waved me up to the stage. I curtsied and scurried up the stairs to begin the first song requested. The rest of the party went on without anything exciting. I left as soon as I finished my songs, because they hired a few other people, and I didn't want to hog the stage.
The whole way home I was thinking about Julian, and wondering when I'd see him again. I look down at my lap sadly, because I know I won't ever see him again. I'm just another Five, and he is a Three. That's two whole castes difference. I also wouldn't ever see him again because he was an architect and I'm a performer. The two professions only cross paths on rare occasions like tonight. I look out the dirty window of the bus as I continue thinking about Julian, trying to linger on the happy moments.