The Selection: One of the Selected

16: Celeste's Opinion

'I'm guessing I go back to the Women's room now?' I asked him.

He nodded and waved his arm towards the entrance, as if I needed directions to get there. With a final nod goodbye, I speed-walked into the room and set myself down again beside Marlee.

'It went well, I assume?' she whispered to me.

'Yes, it was quick though.' I was going to mention if she noticed how long America took, but I cut off mid-sentence. Marlee frowned briefly at my last unfinished statement, but quickly regained her signature supportive-friend smile.

Other girls were called out the room, although it seemed more didn't come back than returned. 

A hum of low whispers spread round the room, although others sat silently, hands in laps, friends sent away. 

I did feel for them, but it was part of the competition, and some you could tell were bound to leave soon anyway. 

I could see America doing a headcount of the remaining girls, so I counted too: 15. 12 gone. Why did they kick so many people out at once? 

I suddenly realised that was 12 bespoke outfits gone unworn, after the maids had probably worked so hard on them. 

My thoughts wandered to Bessie, my quietest maid. I wondered where she was now, hopefully being treated well. 

We just sat and waited.

And waited

...and waited.

Nothing was happening, but no-one was bold enough to ask about anything...until America just got up abruptly and left. Seriously. Does she always have to try to be the "main character" in this palace? 

Marlee and I exchanged a glance, and it appeared everyone else looked our way too. Awaiting our next move. Marlee looked torn; this was essentially her worst fear, having to pick which friend. 
But of course, America won. Once Marlee had hurried out the room, all focus was on me. I stared around the room at everyone as slowly as I could, before I just leant back on the sofa and flicked open a magazine lying there, crossing my legs. 

I had no intention of leaving before, why now? Where would I even go? 

Let's just say the silence was loud. 

A brunette girl, Kriss I think her name was, muttered an "oh my god," under her breath, before shaking her head and also picking up a book.

This seemed to be a ticking point for Celeste, who was, surprisingly, still here.

"Oh, f*** it," she started, instantly getting everyone's attention and causing eyes to dart to the door as if the queen would have materialised there in the last two seconds. "Can we all agree that we hate that America? Always trying to be centre of attention? First she physically assaulted the Prince-" this, being news to most in the room, sent a ripple of gasps through the girls. I didn't question how she knew; what gossip didn't Celeste know at this point? Well, other than my friends getting with guards.

"- then she takes her maids into our safe room with her. Next she invites Prince Maxon into her room with her to do goodness knows what in, and soon after she plans a 'party' for all of us? And just now, she took so damn long  talking to him, only to get up and leave of her own accord soon after?

"Can anyone in this room, please feel free to speak up, tell me one good thing America has done for you?" she finished. The ever growing stunned-silence was all the answer she needed.

"See? I don't know what Maxon-"

"Okay, but what have you done for us?" Kriss's sharp, cold tone cut through Celeste's rant. 

Celeste frowned, searching for consolidation but getting none. 

"Fine. Be like that. I've done plenty for you," she said, flicking her eyes up and down over Kriss.

"Such as?" a voice asked from across the room.

Celeste glared at the girl, whose name I didn't know, but I saw Celeste swallow uncomfortably. 

"Oh, whatever," she sighed, and got up, muttering how both America and Marlee were an unspeakable word. 

I dropped my magazine from my face upon hearing her. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

She turned to me and repeated it louder. Everyone's mouth dropped open, and it would be quite comedic if it weren't for the situation.

It was a spur of the moment thing. I threw the magazine at her head, but she ducked just in time for it to go spinning into the wall. She lurched at me and grabbed my hair, pulling it down. I cried out, despite my best efforts to hold it back, and other girls backed away. 

I felt her pointed nails dig into my arm as I struggled to throw her off, accidentally pushing her too hard causing her head to hit against a table. 

Of course this was the moment the Queen decided to walk in.

A/n: I'm back! I'm sorry for not writing in ages, but I've been overridden with schoolwork, homework etc!

It's been too long, but thank you for 200 reads, it's crazy!

I would appreciate it if you were to vote as well :)

Thanks again! (: