Emily In The Selection (book 1)

Chapter 23

We walked around the gardens for a while and talked casually. I was trying to figure out the right moment to sneak in an "I love you", but now wasn't the time.

I was twirling the hem of my dress around my finger, until he brought something up.

"Emily? What are you doing for your presentation?" He sounded worried.

"No, no. I'm not telling you," I smirked, "I want it to be a surprise."

His voice shook but he continued, "Please... just don't do anything that has to do with the rebels."

What? Why not? I thought he'd like the idea. What was he thinking?

"Why?" I said after a while with the same shaken voice he had.

No mater the reason, I would still be presenting this. Besides, this presentation has to do with me and a position to become queen and I'm being myself by choosing something that interests me.

"Because," he started, "it would trigger the rebels. I know you, Emily. I know your interest for the rebels, but this is for a public event."

I fidgeted.

What was he saying? Triggering the rebels?

"What do you mean?" I asked out loud.

"I bet all the rebels, especially the northern rebels, will be watching The Report. If you say anything to mention them they'll immediately see you as a target. Emily, don't put yourself in that position," he was whispering now like someone was going to hear us.

I understood what he meant, but I wasn't giving up. I have this set up. I'm a big girl, I can handle it.

• • •

After our talk I walked back to my room. I spent that night thinking about the presentation. I almost forgot my parents were coming in the morning.

However, today was "the morning" and they were arriving in about an hour. My maids made sure I looked good for them by giving me a dark green lacy dress with short sleeves. The dress stopped about mid-thigh and I had some dark green heels to match it. My hair was pinned up in a big, loose messy bun.

I waited by the main entrance with the three other selected girls and sat at a small table with Kathleen.

"They should be coming soon, right?" Kathleen asked.

"I'm sure," I responded but I really didn't know. I had no idea what time it was.

Just then, an official announced that Tammy's family had arrived.

I watched as Tammy's mom, dad, and I'm assuming her little sister who looked about seven years old, trotted in.

"Tammy!" Her family laughed and hugged her.

Some guards took their stuff and went to put it in a separate room where they'd be staying. I watched as they continued to greet her and embrace each other. They were so happy that it put a smile on my face.

About 10 minutes later, Kathleen's family came. She had an older sister who I was introduced to with the name Megan and a younger brother who was named Dustin. Her parents seemed lovely too. They smiled at me and gave me hugs as well.

I waited patiently for my family and watched as Tammy and Kathleen's family's were bonding.

From the corner of my eye I saw the door open and a little boy walk in. Robbie.

"Emily!" I heard my mom shout.

There they were. Standing here. I hadn't seen them in over a month and all of a sudden I had the urge to jump on them. Energy bounced inside of me.

"Oh!" I ran over to them and gave them big bear hugs.

I picked Robbie up off the ground and he squealed.

"I missed you so much!" I said. Tears wanted to flood my eyes but I choked them back.

"Oh, pumpkin, we missed you too," my dad said hugging me.

I missed the cute nicknames he gave me. He made me so happy that the tears finally fell out.

A guard turned toward us and said, "Excuse me, I can take your bags up to the room you will staying at," he reached over to pick a suitcase up.

"That would be nice," my mom spoke to him.

He was the guard who drove Kathleen, Amelia, and I to see Hannah. He was like "our guard." Except I know who "my guard" is. But he's out of the picture now so I forced myself to forget about him in the moment.

My family and I caught up on some stuff and talked for a really long time. Somehow everybody found their way to the lounge room and we talked there.

Amelia's family had shown up a little after mine and I tried to go meet them, but she insisted I stay with my family and I could meet them at the party tomorrow.

For now, Robbie was sitting on my lap and my parents were in front of me.

"Could you show us your room?" My mom suggested.

I led them upstairs to my room and they looked around the area. There wasn't much to it but they were curious anyways.

My dad stopped in front of my vanity and looked at the cork board.

"Who are these girls?" He asked.

I walked over to stand next to him and explained that a few pictures were of Hannah and I and there was one of Amity.

"Hey, Robbie, come look," my dad showed him the goofy pictures we took together that were hanging on the work board.

As they were talking, my mom walked over to me.

"So, you're liking it here?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

"What about Prince Ryan?" She hinted.

"What about him?"

"Do you like him?"

"Of course, I have to."

"But do you really," she pried.

"Yes," I knew I liked him. In fact, I loved him.

"Do you think you have a chance of winning this?"

"Well, I've always had a chance. Every since I filled out the selection form. The chances are just getting better and better now."

"Honey, I just want you to think. This will be your happiness and I want you to make the right decision. If you win, don't say yes if you know there is no chemistry between you too."

"Mom, I love him," I almost cut her off.

But now there was silence.

My mom was always supportive about a lot of stuff, but I was still uncomfortable about talking about stuff like this with her. Love is not a topic that we'd just bring up randomly.

"Um... I think you guys should go to your room and rest," I rubbed my forehead, "you must have had a long flight."

My dad and little brother got the hint that I wanted to be alone, but my mom lingered for a bit.

"Mom."

"Emily, there is no doubt you'll win this."

She turned away and walked out; I flopped on my bed.