Constant

Chapter 12

Hannah and I got ready at her place, and she put extra effort in by putting on fake lashes and taking a long time fixing her hair. She put some fake white flowers in her braid. She looked like a goddess when she was done. She smiled at me through the mirror.

"Full moon celebrations are special," she said.

"Is the moon important?" I asked, remembering how during the last gathering they had put emphasis on the moon being in waxing gibbous.

"Yes, the moon affects us all in different ways," she explained. "Full moons more than others."

"How exactly?" I asked.

"Some people have trouble sleeping during full moons, and the Light thinks it's because sleep is even more precious then. Sleeping during a full moon enlightens us." I nodded, as if I understood, but it all sounded like gibberish to me.

The gathering took place in the banquette hall. Impossibly enough, they had managed to fit even more tables inside, making it really crowded. According to the seating chart, I was placed by a table near the middle, and the only other name I recognized was Greta's. Hannah was placed at the front and center, at the same table as Douglas.

Different from last time, the tables were almost bare, only one single tall candle on each table. No plates, no utensils, no glassware. I roamed around aimlessly, waiting for someone else to sit down before I did. Hannah only had eyes for Douglas, as they stood by their table. I didn't want to intrude.

I recognized the Elder from the last gathering—who I had been told was named Albright—and he stood by the head table. People ceased to talk when he cleared his throat.

"Welcome, please find your seats," he said, and people hurried to their given seat. I sat across from Greta, who looked bored. Elder Albright gazed over at the crowd, a pleased smile on his lips. "I'm so glad so many of you could attend this night's festivities. As you all know, it's a full moon, and it's the eleventh full moon of the year. In just two months we will have our century celebration on the thirteenth full moon, which marks a very special day for us." Excited murmurs erupted, and I glanced at Greta. She was looking down at her phone as usual. "Tonight, we will let a selected few into the Light, so they will be fully prepared and ready for the thirteenth moon." Even more excited murmurs. Elder Albright laughed lightly. "I understand your enthusiasm, and don't be disappointed if your name isn't called tonight. Remember, the Light chooses you, and if you are not chosen tonight, there will be more full moons. Also, when you're not chosen it simply means you've not done enough for the Light to carry."

I silently wondered what it meant for the Light to choose you—how did the Elders know who was chosen? Was it random? Did they get some kind of sign? Or was this connected to their prophecies?

"Please, enjoy our meal and celebrate the full moon. Be enlightened. Bring forth the light," Elder Albright said.

"Bring forth the light," everyone echoed in unison—I found myself being one of them. As Elder Albright sat down, servers appeared from the adjoining kitchen area, trays in hands. Each tray holding glasses of sparkling content. The servers put down one glass in front of each of us without a word. When everyone had been served, Douglas stood, raising his glass. Everyone followed, raising their glass—including me. One thing that I had learned thus far was to mirror everything everyone else was doing. Never be the first one to do or say anything. In silence, everyone took a sip. Again, the champagne was so dry it made my jaw clench. My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I had yet to eat anything today. I hoped dinner would come quickly. There was no clock in the room, so I couldn't tell how much time had passed. I didn't want to pick up my phone—which I had hidden in my bra—in case that was frowned upon. Instead, I did as all the others, I drank in silence.