Sorry for the short chapter, guys. I promise the next one will be longer (I've already written it so I know it's pretty long) and have some juice.
Apollo -
Today is the Report. Today is the day the people of Illéa will meet the selected girls, one of which will be their princess and queen. Normally, on a day like this, I would be stressed about not seeming distant to the public, but today the focus will be purely on the selected girls. Mom and Dad wanted all of them to have a chance on the Report before the first round of eliminations. Then Austin can send girls home as he wishes.
I knock on his door and wait, surprised when he opens it quickly, ushering me in before slamming it shut.
"Woah, what happened?" I ask him.
He gives me a haunted look. "It's these girls. They're everywhere."
He puts a hand to his head and pretends to faint. I laugh at his theatrics. It's rare to see Austin in a mood where he's genuinely happy. I take on a more serious tone.
"How's it going with Dusk?" I ask.
His grin fades.
"She's... interesting." He says evasively.
I glare at him.
"Okay, fine. I don't know what to think about her. One moment she's acting all distant and far away, the next she's rude but at least it's some kind of personality. If Amber's life wasn't in danger she'd be gone already." he admits.
"Maybe you should try asking someone to find out more about her. Maybe she's acting that way on purpose, though I don't know why she would." I suggest.
Austin just shrugs.
"I don't think this is how love is supposed to happen." He grumbles.
I snicker. "Mom and Dad did just fine."
"No way, really? I never would've guessed with the fact that they have four children!" He replies.
I crack a grin, and we both laugh, trying to forget our problems. It doesn't work, at least not for me.
Austin -
These dates are killing me. It's Friday, so at least I get some down time because Nadia's debriefing the girls on how to act on the Report. I feel kind of bad knowing some of those girls will be sitting there learning how to act like a princess, only to be sent home tomorrow. But they knew the risk when they signed up, and they'll have a whole new life to get back to once they reach back home.
I've made a draft of a list of girls I want to send home, but based on people's reactions to the Report, I might change a few. After all, most of this is to appease them. I never wanted the selection to be a thing. Thank god the focus will be on them and not me, for once. I decide to take the time to visit Amber.
-o-
I knock on the door.
"Come in." Ambersays.
She's talking. That's a good sign, right? I open the door, but she's alone. I thought June or Mom would be with her, but she's the only one in the room. She's not in bed when I walk in.
"Why aren't you resting?" I ask, confused.
She shrugs.
"If I'm going to die in three months, there's no point in not living while I can." She reasons.
I guess she's right, but I feel like I should check with the doctor to make sure Amber can still make public appearances. She is the media darling of the family.
"I talked to Dr. Greene. I need to sleep with an IV, but I can be normal for most of the day." Amber explains.
I smile, just for her.
"You're not going to die, Berry." I say.
She smiles at the nickname.
"I know, Ace." It's a reminder that for her, I always win. And I won't fail her now.