The Selection

Chapter 21

it was only a matter of time until someone had a birthday. Kriss's was on Thursday. I guessed she'd mentioned it to Maxon-who seemed to never pass up an opportunity to give someone something-and the outcome was a mandatory party for all the Selected. As a result, Thursday was a mad rush of girls in and out of one another's rooms, asking what they were wearing or guessing at how grand it would be. It didn't appear that gifts were required, but I figured I'd do something nice for her all the same. I spent all week painting a portrait for her, I always liked Kriss, she was never one of the girls who resented me, I was more of a friend than competition. The painting was perfect, it was her in the woman's room, going down the stairs, I drew her in her favourite dress, the blue dress, she was looking regal, I'm sure she would love it. The Great Room was decorated beautifully. Special vases hung on the wall, displaying huge arrangements of yellow and white flowers, and similar bouquets sat in bowls around the room. Windows, stretches of wall, and pretty much anything that didn't move was draped in garlands. A few small tables had been set out, and they were covered with bright linens. Little bits of glittering confetti sparkled on the table-tops. Ornate bows adorned the backs of chairs. In one corner, a massive cake that matched the colors of the room waited to be cut. Next to it, a small table held a few gifts for the birthday girl. I hadn't wrapped mine, I put it in view of everyone, it deserved to be seen.

The mood in the room was playful. Tiny-who had so far only managed to get close to Marlee-was talking to Emmica and Jenna and looking more animated than I'd ever seen her. Marlee hovered near a window, looking like one of the many guards dotting the wall. She made no effort to leave her chosen spot but stopped anyone who passed by to chat. A group of Threes-Kayleigh, Elizabeth, and Emily-all turned and waved and smiled. I returned the gesture. Everyone seemed so friendly and happy today. Celeste was alone, clutching a crystal glass of deep red liquid. I'd obviously missed something between yesterday's dinner and this afternoon. I decided to go over to her. "What the fuck is that?" I say as I got a closer look, it was blood. "Nothing." She says quickly. "You actually got Kriss a present?" Celeste says motioning to my painting. "Don't be jealous, I'll paint you one at your birthday." I say winking at her. We gossiped about the girls for a few minutes until we heard a general clamor at the front end of the room.  As we turned I was shocked. Kriss's dress choice had been incredibly strategic. Here we all were in day dresses-short, girlish things-and she was in a floor-length gown. But the length meant little. It was that her dress was a creamy, almost white color. Her hair was done up with a row of yellow jewels pinned into a line across the front in a very subtle resemblance to a crown. She looked mature, regal, bridal. Even though I wasn't entirely sure where my heart was, I felt a pang of jealousy. None of us would ever get a similar moment. My birthday was in two weeks, I wish I was the first. No matter how many parties or dinners came and went, it would be rather pathetic to try to copy Kriss's look. I saw Celeste's hand-the one that wasn't clutching her drink-ball into a fist.

Celeste stayed close to her after that, she usually hated her. She was planning something. Kriss made rounds around the room, personally thanking everyone. I was at the drinks table when she approached me. "Florence! Your painting is amazing!" She says hugging me tightly. "Oh please! Happy birthday!" I say hugging her back. "So you're nineteen today, right?" I asked. "Yes. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate. I'm so glad they're taking pictures. My mother will love this! Even though we do pretty well, we've never had money to have something like this. It's so beautiful!" she gushed. Kriss was a Three. There weren't nearly as many limits to her life as mine, but I'd imagine anything close to this scale would be hard to justify.
"It is impressive," Celeste commented . "For my birthday last year, I had a black and white party. Any trace of color, and you weren't even allowed in the door." "Wow," I  whispered, obvious envy in the tiny word."It was fantastic. Gourmet food, dramatic lighting, and the music! Well, we flew in Tessa Tamble. You've heard of her?" It was impossible not to know Tessa Tamble. She had at least a dozen hit songs. Sometimes we saw videos of hers on TV, though that was frowned on by Mom. She thought we were infinitely more talented than anyone like Tessa, and it irked her to no end that she had fame and money when we didn't for doing essentially the same thing. "She's my favorite!" Kriss exclaimed.
"Well, Tessa's a dear friend of the family, so she came in and did a concert for my party. I mean, we couldn't have a bunch of dreary Fives sucking all the life out of the room." Kriss gave me a quick sideways glance. I could tell she was feeling embarrassed for me. "Oops," Celeste added, looking at me. "I forgot. I meant no offense." She was trying to embarrass me, what a bitch. "None taken." I say putting on a huge smile. "Well bye now Florence!" Kriss says before heading over to Marlee and America.

Before I knew it, we were all clamouring over America's violin. I stood in the corner, Amie is much better than her. I turned to find Kriss, hoping she'd enjoyed her gift, just because it's America's gift, doesn't mean she shouldn't enjoy it. but I didn't even see her face. Behind the crowd of girls, Maxon had walked in. He was in a gray suit with a box under his arm for Kriss. The girls were kindly applauding, but I couldn't register the sound. All I saw was that Maxon wore a handsome, awestruck expression, which slowly turned into a smile, a smile for no one but me. "Your Majesty," I said with a curtsy. The other girls all clambered to their feet to greet Maxon. In the midst of this, I heard a shocked squeal. "Oh, no! Kriss, I'm so sorry." A few girls had gasped in the same direction, and as Kriss turned my way I saw why. Her beautiful dress was stained down the front from Celeste's punch. It looked like Kriss had been stabbed. "I'm sorry, I just turned too fast. I didn't mean to, Kriss. Let me help you." To the average person, Celeste's tone probably sounded sincere, but I could see through it. Kriss covered her mouth as she started to cry, then ran from the room, which ended the party. To his credit, Maxon went after her, though I really wished he had stayed. Celeste was pleading her case to anyone who would listen, saying it was a complete accident. Tuesday was nodding, saying she saw the whole thing, but there were so many rolling eyes and sagging shoulders from the rest that her support was pointless. I grabbed Celeste  and moved her to a quieter place in the room "Celeste!" I whisper and she smirks. "What!" She says "you ruined her birthday! That's not on!" I whisper and she rolls her eyes. "She's fine." She says back. "Fuck sake Celeste. You better not pull something like this on my birthday I'll fucking kill you." I whisper before going back to the group.