Which One

Rowan

I guess the only reason I entered is because I can't resist such a challenge as the Selection.  Only the prettiest, most popular girls can get in and don't get kicked out in the first round. To me,  getting to the Elite will be success.  Screw being Queen, I don't need that sort of stress in my life.

***

When Mom says goodbye to me, she sobs into my shoulder and I roll my eyes at my twin brother, who grins.

"You are so lucky, Ro," Mom manages to choke out, "Getting into the selection. I'm so p-proud of you!"

I tug myself out of her grasp gently and give my dad a hug next.  He squeezes me back and I gracefully step onto the plane, waving to my family.

"Sit down, please, Lady Rowan.  We must be going," snaps a sharp, commanding voice behind me.

I turn to four girls my age, and a short, skinny woman of about forty, who had spoken.  I give her a polite curtsy and take my seat beside a willowy girl with curly black hair.

"Hey, Rowan, is it? I'm Gracie. A Five." The girl announces in a straightforward manner.

"Nice to meet you. I'm a Six," I say, hoping that she doesn't judge people by their caste.

Gracie grins, "I honestly wouldn't have guessed. You look like you could be a Two or Three."

"Thaaaannk you...?"

"It's a complement," Gracie says.

Well, I think to myself, she certainly has personality.

I smile, choosing in that moment to like her, "Do you know who the other girls are?  I didn't really pay attention."

"Yeah," she exclaims, nodding towards a girl with reddish brown hair, "That's April Chester, a Four. The girl she's sitting by with the brown hair is also a Four. Sophie McConnel. And, uuuuumm..." Gracie looks around, "The girl that's sleeping over there is Verity Searfas. She's a Three."

I feel the plane rumble beneath me and I know we're taking off. I glance around, taking in the sleeping Verity and the woman in the corner who looks as if we do anything disruptive, she'll give us a severe scolding. I've never been on a plane before, being a Six. Feeling exhilarated, and slightly frightened, I lean back and resume my conversation with Gracie.