Mom thought that everything looked good and offered to cut class short today so that we could walk to the Service Office together. I eagerly agreed so I could get out of doing my presentation today. I ran up to my room and touched up my makeup that Aunt Natalie got me for my birthday last year, and changed out of my pajamas (sometimes I just wear them to class, perks of being home schooled). I put on a gray V-neck shirt and some light wash jeans that were hand me downs from Evie. Knowing that we would be walking a long ways I put on some comfy tennis shoes and combed through my hair. I tried not to make it super frizzy, but my ringlets didn't like to cooperate with me, so I almost had to drench it with some hairspray. Taking one last look in the mirror I was ready to go, so I grabbed my form and my mom and headed out the door.
I could tell I was in the right place because the line to the Service Office was already almost around the block. It looked like every girl in the province was entering the lottery. There were Twos and even some Sevens, and you could tell who was from what caste.
Mom and I waited in line for about an hour before I could even see building, another half hour and we made it to the desk and were able to hand the service worker my form. She directed me to another line to get my picture taken. Apparently being completely anonymous was a sort of phobia for royalty. Once I was in front of the camera I smiled my best performers smile and was pushed out of the room like manners were going out of style. I understand that they are in a hurry, but I would appreciate a little curtesy. I walk to my mom, who waited outside so that I could have some independence.
"So? How was it?" She asked on the edge of a bench where all the moms were waiting.
"If I didn't know better, I'd think that it wasn't worth the wait." I replied irritated. She jumped up and followed me down the stairs of the building.
"But you do know better. I'm sure that they are going to see your words and know that they have to select you." She stated in a confident tone.
"Yeah, then they see my face and change their mind." I remarked with sarcasm dripping from each word.
"They took your picture? That is so unfair! I mean you are beautiful, but did you see that girl in front of us? Men are never going to see past her…." She motioned toward her chest. "These." She continued.
"Mom, it's ok. She still has the same chance as everyone else. I heard her talking to the service worker, she was requesting special treatment, but they refused to treat her any differently." I reassured her.
Once we got home I went to the phone to call Kara. I wanted to know if she had turned her entry in yet. I punched in the number from memory and waited until I heard a man's voice answer.
"Hey Uncle Todd, this is Hadley. I was wondering if I could talk to Kara." I asked disappointed.
"Kara is out turning in her Selection entry. Do you want me to have her call you back?" was his reply.
"No, that's fine. I was just wondering if she had turned in her entry yet. Tell her I say hi though." I urge.
"Ok, it was nice to hear from you. Goodbye." He responded.
I said goodbye and hung up the phone. I don't usually talk to Uncle Todd, I spend most of my time talking to Kara or Aunt Natalie, so the phone call was a little awkward. I went to the living room to play a song I'd recently written, but I wasn't feeling inspired. I keep playing the same 3 notes over and over again, hoping that I will hear something that would spark some creativity, but I have no such luck. This was going to be a long week.