My watch rang and signaled the end of another day. I was the last person in the tailor shop besides the manager. I put away my sewing kit and unplugged all of the sewing machines. The boss was a real money pincher and insisted everything be unplugged after closing time. I grabbed my bag and headed home. I was lucky to get a job so close to home. My last job was on the other side of town and it was only part time. At Taylor's Tailors I worked full time and I sometimes had to cover other people's shifts. I needed all the extra money I could get to help support my family.

Living as a six sucked. But living as the oldest child in a six family sucked even more. I had to drop out of school just to support my brother. Then I didn't eat as much so I could make sure my parents had some kind of food in their system. They insisted I have their rations but I knew coffee could only take someone so far. There was probably some mental attitude that all first born had that revolved around keeping the family together. But no matter what happened I was sure that it would be all okay someday. I mean it could be worse. I could be a seven or an eight.

All I knew was that I wanted to marry my prince someday. I wasn't allowed to marry anyone below a six because of my parents. But I was glad that I wasn't a caste climber like some sixes. I think I would like to be a five if I ever married up . I would become an artist and run my own studio. Or maybe I would teach art to children. But that future was a long ways to go.

I opened the front door and my little brother tackled me. I was at the shop a little longer than usual and he was always worried about me. I gave him a tight hug and he laughed so hard. It was good to hear him laugh.

"Hey Mom and is working the night shift for her friend again so it looks like it's just you and me eating dinner tonight. Is dad sleeping still?" I opened the pantry and noted we needed to go grocery shopping soon. I grabbed a can of soup and prepped for dinner. Adrian sat on the stool watching me cook dinner again.

"Yeah, he told me last night that his time got switched again so he gets to sleep in more."

"Did you finish your homework?"

"Yeah, I finished it on the bus and some in class. Hey I checked the mail and you got a letter. It's real fancy and seems very snobbish. Did you get a rich client again. I think they might have sent you a tip again like Mr. Lewis." I looked at my brother and shook my head. Business had been slow and all I was doing was repairs this week not working the front.

"Can I see the letter?" Adrian nodded and rushed out the kitchen. Then he came back with a thick creamy envelope. I opened it up and pulled out the letter. I read it twice to make sure I was reading it correctly.

"Oh my gosh this is an invitation for the selection. I get to participate in a competition for the heart of Prince Dimitri and I get to become a princess." I squealed so hard Adrian pretended to be annoyed.

"Geez I'm gonna go deaf with all your girliness. Besides don't you like it here. I'll quit school so you don't work so hard if that'll make it better." Then it hit me I've never left my brother before. Not even over night. Let alone living on the opposite side of the country. I walked over to where my brother was and gave him a quick hug and whispered into his ear.

"I have to try. They even offer compensation. Besides their is a huge possibility that I won't even be picked, okay?" He nodded and left the room while I filled out the form. I couldn't believe I had the chance to break free of being a six and I was definitely going to take it.

Okay you guys that was Jess. I still have plenty of spots opened and would appreciate more submissions. I hoped you guys liked this chapter and remember I will update every Monday around this time. Have a nice afternoon.