It was a sad day for everyone when Lila left.
Lila Meridian was a young girl, about sixteen when this all started, with the warmest smile. The sun couldn't compare to the light she brought to the world. Her hair is mixed between auburn and sun-kissed blonde. It reflected the deep red of the earth beneath her feet, and the light yellow embrace of the sun. Her eyes are a piercing emerald green and seem to hold tales of wonder and awe behind them. Her skin is like a canvas speckled with freckles like stars on a clear night sky. She is of average height, but she stands up straight with pride, yet she is humble. She has a look that says she doesn't know where she's going, but she doesn't care.
She doesn't worry.
If only she had worried.
If only she hadn't gone with the strange man.
Maybe I wouldn't have to be looking for her.
Maybe she would still be here.
My name is Janette, and I lost Lila Meridian.
Let's start at the beginning, ten years ago.
Lila was sixteen. I was sixteen, turning seventeen.
As is the occasion in our country, when you turn seventeen you get the most extravagant party, no kids allowed. It is the age when you are considered old enough. Our country was to me, a wonderful country.
When I was sixteen, I was assigned my future job. I will get to have one of the top decision making jobs in our government. Rarely is anyone chosen for a government job because of their records, or their families records. Luckily for me, my family had worked in government for generations. I will get to be in a senatorial position, making decisions on regional matters. It also means I will get to vote on top tier decisions such as laws, rights, and other things that will effect my region.
Lila, on the other hand, will have gotten a simple civilian job. She has neglected to tell me I think out of jealousy. She knows what I can become will be far better than what she could.
The day of the party.
I looked in the mirror.
My dress looks as if its pure gold flowing down my body. I have a golden leaf wreath upon my head. I have inherited this dress from my mother and grandmother.
I finish applying my makeup as Lila walks in.
She walks in wearing a simple blue dress, which she probably inherited from her mother.
I give her a sad face. Her financial situation is sad, but there was nothing I could have done about it. She wasn't quite poor, but she was not going into a governmental position for sure. Our country is an oligarchy, which might not suit her. I know her best kept secret, and other than her, I may be the only one who knows. Lila's brother, claimed to have died in a work-related accident was actually killed. She doesn't know this for sure, but she knows the type of stuff her brother had. Her brother had black-market items and weapons obtained by those wanting to destroy our government, claiming it unfair. Calling it a monarchy.
author's note-still writing this, if you like this excerpt please let me know and share this so I can finish it!