The Speculate

Chapter 5

I wake up to Mum yelling, "Girls! Time to come downstairs! And hurry, the names are being called any minute now!" I hear Remi and Effie May's pitter patter of feet down the brown carpet covered stairs. I quickly rush down the stairs, almost tripping.
That Caesar Flickerman character is on there and so is Prince Grayson. President Lav, or President Lavender. She glides across the lifted stage, in a blush pink, fitted dress, complimenting her every curve. Her hair in a neat bun on the top of her head like a donut. Her makeup looks almost like it's barely there and she beams a pearl white smile as she sits down next to Prince Grayson. Caesar begins to speak,
"And now starting from the highest division, we will announce the names of who will be the tributes participating in this years Speculate. President Lavender, if you would do the honors", Caesar says, nodding his head slightly.
President Lav gets up from her seat and walks over to a sleek, matte black podium, smiling. We will start with the top division, Regal. There will be 2 people chosen from each division.
If your name is called, a letter will be sent to your home, providing everything you need in a box for the Speculate. Let's begin", she says clearing her throat.
"Regal : Marie Newman and Analia Quinn.", I think about what are going through their families heads, and also them. It must be devastating. My hands shake with anxiety and mother places her tan, smooth hand over mine, smiling.
"Affluent : Britta Paloma and Oriana Royce. Oh, I forgot to add, Meager will not be participating in this year's Speculate."
The Meager are the poorest, almost homeless. Mum and Dad gasp, I don't know why.
"Moving onto Medial", President Lav says, my heart beating faster because Medial is our division. Effie and Remi stare at me and look back at the TV.
"Medial : Suri Tinley and Ayla Water."
Dad fumbles for the remote and grasps it, almost turning it off until he decides to wait until the end for any additional information. We sit for about 2 minutes, Mum has tears in her eyes, and Effie and Remi oblivious to the situation I'm being put through.
President Lav starts up again,
"Guards will be at your door, 6:00 sharp in your timezone to take you to the Palace for Speculate training and prep."
Dad presses the off button on the smooth black remote and sighs heavily, twice. Mum races to her room, sobbing, and now I just sit in silence as Effie, Remi and Dad leave the main room.
In so much shock, I sit and just cry, I cry so hard that I collapse on the ground, weakened. I have no idea how I'm going to survive out of 10 people when only 3 survive. I wipe my tears and stand up firmly.
"Mum!", I scream, my voice shaking,
"I'm going to Kasen's house!"
She walks through the door and nods, hugging me tighter than ever.
"Ok sweetie, take all the time you need, sleep over if you want.", she says, trying her best to smile a little bit.
I walk up the stairs, and pack some shorts, sweatpants, and I throw on my burgundy sweatshirt, wearing just a bra underneath. I put on some eyeliner and waterproof mascara. Hopping on my bike, I speed as fast as I can, tears streaming down my face. I burst into their house and rush up to Kasen's room, sobbing already.
"Kasen!", I cry out, jumping on his bed nestling into him.
"Ayla? What are you doing here?", he says. I stand up and stare at him so he knows what I'm talking about.
"Th- the Speculate?", he says, his bottom lip shaking for a brief moment.
I nod quickly as he stands up, wrapping his hands below my waist, pressing his head against mine.
"It'll be ok, you're the strongest girl I know in Angeles. You'll make it, don't worry, remember what I said, I'll love you forever." He kisses me, slowly, how I like it, passionately for a few minutes. I put my hands around his neck as I pull away, both of us have tears running down our face.
"Mum said I could sleep over", I say as I bite my lip, and he gives me a romantic stare as he smiles.
"Sounds good, my love.", he says as he sets me down on the left side of his bed and he climbs in the middle, setting me on his lap, facing him. He pulls my sweatshirt off, and I cover up my stomach.
"You're beautiful, Ayla, don't forget that. And you're strong and independent and I love you."
I kiss him on the nose and I pull off his dark green t-shirt. I place my small hands above his collarbone and smash my lips on his, kissing him slowly. He moves his hands down my ribs, down my waist and below. My spine shivers and he puts his hands on my chest.
He moves me next to him, so that we're spooning under his tan blanket. He wraps his hands around me waist and I turn around facing him, and I kiss him passionately until we fall asleep.