Hello everyone! Here's part one of the birthday ball. It's actually my birthday today, so it's kind of funny how that worked out. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

"Oh America...you look beautiful honey." my mother praises. May sighs. "I wish I looked like you. You could be the Princess!" she exclaims. I laugh. "That's what I want, May. And thank you mother." I say, wrapping her in a hug. "Now, we don't want you to smudge your makeup, now do we?" she asks, only half jokingly. "No, I don't." I reply, and pull away.

That's when I see myself in the full length mirror. I gasp. "I did not expect to look this...this regal." is all I can muster. A pale blue gown, almost white, clings tightly to my curves and puffs out into a full skirt with three quarter length sleeves. Lace covers the bodice and trims the edges, giving me an almost angelic look. The sweetheart neckline dips low enough to show a teaser of my breasts, but thankfully not all.

A beautiful silver locket is hanging from my neck, simple yet elegant. My auburn hair, in stark contrast to my pale dress, is elegantly half up. Soft curls tumble down my shoulders, and a silver headband in the shape of vines is placed on my head, looking almost like a tiara. My makeup is silvery eyeshadow with jet black mascara and eyeliner, along with bronzer, and soft pink lipstick. Glass slippers peek out from under my dress. I feel like a princess.

As we head downstairs arm in arm, I spot Aspen standing guard. "Go on ahead. I need to take care of some business." I tell my mother and sister. They walk away without question, leaving me to talk with my former boyfriend. "Mer." he smiles that crooked smile I've come to love. "Happy Birthday."

I laugh. "Thank you Aspen. Though I don't feel eighteen." He smiles. "You'll get used to it. Have a fun time at your ball, by the way. I heard it will be 'the party of the century'." I laugh once again. "Far from it. I wish you could come."

"Me too." he replies. "Now, go get out there and woo your Prince." I can tell he's still wounded by my choice, but is hiding it well. "Thank you." I whisper, and hug him. "You still smell like strawberries." He jokes as I pull away. I swat him lightly. "And you still smell like fresh air and sweat." I kid. "Is that a bad thing?" He wiggles his eyebrows.

"Not with you Aspen. Never with you. Now, I have to go." I reply, and turn to walk away. "Mer!" he calls. "Yes?" I look at him expectantly. "Remember to have fun. It's your birthday!" I smile. "I will!"

As I approach the ballroom doors, music seeps out from under the door. The orchestra is playing one of my favorites, Beethoven's 9th symphony. I sway along as a guard opens the door and gestures for me to walk through. I oblige him, and step out onto the stairs to be greeted with a sight that gives me butterflies. Only a few people wait for me at the bottom, but it is still a frightening sight. The room is decorated with pale blue and white streamers, along with balloons and lights. A table laden with delicacies awaits me, and an orchestra plays n the corner of the room.

"Lady America, of the Elite." the guard announces. I try to glide down the steps, but end up tripping on my dress. I have to clutch the railing for support. WELL, THATS EMBARASSING. Thankfully, no one seems to notice.

When I reach the bottom, the first person to approach me is Kriss. "Happy Birthday, America. Even though we're in a competition and one of us might end up engaged tonight, I want you to know I'll always be your friend. And I hope the same goes for you." She hands me a small package, wrapped carefully with lilac colored paper. "Thank you, Kriss. I'll always be your friend." I reply. She smiles, and confides, "I think we'd both make a good Queen, don't you?" I nod. I open the package to find a delicate silver broach. "It's a songbird. Like your name." she says. I smile. "It's lovely Kriss! Thank you so much." I say. She smiles. "Your welcome. Enjoy your party!" she says, and walks away.

My father next approaches me. "May I have the honor of dancing with the birthday girl?" He asks. I laugh. "Of course." He bows, and I curtsy. We dance to the next song, a spirited gavotte. "How's your party so far?" my dad wonders. "It's going well, and hopefully will continue to." I reply. "That's good to hear." We spend the rest of the dance in silence, just enjoying each other's company. When it ends, he excuses himself to find my mother and Gerad. That's when I spot my friend, Princess Nicoletta.

"Darling!" she cries, and rushes to embrace me. "Nicoletta, I'm so glad you could come!" I exclaim. "I wouldn't miss it for the world!" she says, like its obvious."Eighteen is an important age. So, who's getting married soon?" she asks teasingly. I smile. "Hopefully me." I reply slyly. "Oh, getting a bit anxious, aren't we? Ready for the Prince to take you on a honeymoon?" she asks with a twinkle in her eyes. "If we're being honest here, then yes."

"Did America just say she was being honest?" a deep male voice from behind me asks. "That would be a first." I turn, and gasp in surprise. "Maxon!" I exclaim. He smiles. "Mind if I steal her for a moment, Princess?" he addresses Nicoletta. She fake pouts. "I'm sure it won't be a minute, but go right ahead. Have a lovely time."

Maxon sweeps me onto the dance floor. "Ready to dance?" he asks. "As I'll ever be." I reply.

Part two is coming soon! Love y'all.