In My Possession

Chapter 4- Take Jean!

Edited version as of 2/16/13

"Ms. Ward, is something wrong?" The principle asked, fidgeting nervously in front of the class. The sons were no longer staring or smiling but whispering in angry tones to each other, their backs to the class. All three boys looked a bit distressed though the blonde at least looked excited.  Meanwhile the rest of the class repressed scowls and gasps of amazement. The only exception was Jean, who was beaming at me with amazement, surprise and a little jealousy.

"I'm just feeling extremely uncomfortable and confused." I stated, eyeing up the blond who look like he might jump me at any moment.

"How about you, the sons, and I all have a little chat in my office?” He suggested, pulling out a handkerchief and mopping his sweaty forehead. Who had handkerchiefs anymore anyway? I shifted in my chair, but didn’t get up.

"I'm not going unless I can bring Jean." I declared, earning another blinding smile from her. The principal grimaced in frustration but I was too overwhelmed to stand.

"Very well then, but I don't see what she has to do with this." I seemed glued to my chair and Jean had to sort of yank me up, I grabbed my bag and Jean followed suit and we trailed after the four men into the hallway under the intense stare of our classmates. I could almost hear their cell phones flashing out as they let the whole school know what happened in fourth period biology. 

 The walk was very awkward, the principal led us with me and Jean following and the three brothers bringing up the rear. I could feel them staring at me and I shuffled so my bag fell over my butt, blocking their amazing view. I felt like any moment someone would laugh and tell me it was all a joke. Like any other person I had thought about what would happen if I was picked but I hadn’texactly expected or guessed it would actually happen in a million years. Not that I have low self esteem- on the contrary I’m a very confident person- it just seemed unlikely.

"Could this be any more uncomfortable?" I breathed into Jeans ear. She giggled, earning us a curious look from the principle.  We trudged into the office; he had to send for two more chairs so we could all sit down, though it was a squeeze. I couldn’t help staring at the boys again, it seemed unreal to even have them in this office, be in the same room. I mean, they were basically celebrities, they’re pictures were in magazines and on T.V.

"So this was obviously, not expected." The principal finally remarked, when we all settled in. It was a very uncomfortable atmosphere, increasing when three men in black suits came ine.

"The girl should come with us for testing immediately." The blond said. Whoa, direct much? I automatically raised my hand, still in school mode and Jean snickered, making me drop it quickly and glaring at her.

The principal sighed. "Yes, Ms. Ward?"

"I'd just like to know who wants to take me testing and what my rights are or whatever.”

"Miss Ward you’re not under arrest and I am very disappointed that you have obviously slept through past week’s classes." He said, looking weary and stealing glances at the imposing men.. "You were all supposed to learn them all in class. Or were you too busy collecting bets and causing trouble to pick them up?" He asked.

"Oh my gosh Jean! I get to keep all the money since everybody was wrong!" I said, forgetting where I was. The principal cleared his throat.

"Actually I will be confiscating that money as the school policy forbids gambling on campus." My mouth dropped into a pout and I crossed my arms rather sheepishly/

"But back to the names." He said, gesturing to the confused brothers. As I expected, the blond introduced himself first.

“I’m Caleb and I'm also the oldest." He said with a wink. “And these are my brothers Nathan" He pointed to the dark haired boy. "And Ethan." The smaller, shyer boy gave me a little wave."

"Okay." Caleb said, clapping his hands together causing me to jump in my seat. "What’s your name?"

I waited a couple seconds before answering. "Angelina." He immediately extended his hand.

"It's nice to meet you." I gave his hand a short shake, surprised at the softness of his hand. How could a boy’s hand be so smooth?

"Ms. Ward!" Huffed the principal. "Will you please stop playing with these poor boys! I apologize your highness, this is Cambrea Ward." Caleb frowned and Jean started laughing. I swear I
 wasn’t trying to be a smart aleck- I just didn’t want to give them my name, I felt like then they’d own it for some reason. Nathan suddenly glared at me with surprising hatred.

"This isn't a game Cambrea." He said quietly,cutting off our laughter. "This is what we’ve been preparing for our whole lives, this is what will affect the entire country for the next generatoion.."

We all sat in silence, stunned by his outburst. He looked over at a painting, looking a little pink but not ashamed..

"Take Jean instead." I blurted out without thinking. I i closed my eyes, unable to believe my stupidity.

"Hey!" She said, looking confused but flattered and slightly hopeful as she smoothed her skirt down.

"Well I don't want that kind of pressure!" I said, waving my hands toward Nathan, who tried to slump into invisibility.

"Neither do I!" She said idigant, with a little doubt in her tone.

"You've always wanted to be a princess, you dressed up like one for Halloween!"

"Yeah. When I was five!"

"Ladies, please." The principle begged but was cut off.

"We don't want Jean, we want you!" Caleb insisted, trying to meet my gaze as I ran my finger through my hair.

"Offensive!" Jean protested, leaning out of her chair.

"Everybody quiet!" The principle shouted. I raised my hand again.

"Yes, Miss Ward?" He said in a strained voice.

"Question: What if I’d rather not be picked?" I said in a small voice. “Not that I’m not honored and flattered and stuff but I’d really rather not.

"You don't have a choice.” Nathan muttered, fiddling with a phone in his hands.

"Technically we can't force her." Mumbled Ethan, shifting uncomfortably and staring at the desk.

"Thank you!" I said, leaning back into my seat. While, truthfully, I felt flattered, special and all around feeling good about myself, I really wasn’t into politics, arranged marriages or a change in lifestyle.

"How about we take her in for testing and afterwards if she still doesn't want to be queen then she can go home." Caleb suggested and Ethan shot him an accusing glare for whatever reason.

"That sounds reasonable, Miss Ward what do you think?"

I shrugged uncertain but not really wanting to argue, "Fine, but I'm not going unless I can take Jean."

"Perfect! We'll pick you up tomorrow at 8:00." Caleb said, jumping up to leave and signaling to some official looking men who stood outside the door; I thought I saw a gleam of gunmetal behind one man’s jacket.

"Caleb we need her address if we're going to pick her up." Nathan said, crossing his arms in annoyance his eyes full of distrust as he stared at me. One of the men started whispering to the principal and handing him some forms while another took a picture of me and started taking out a laptop, typing furiously.

"Right."

I wrote down my address and phone number and they gave me a number to call if anything happened. I was given a ‘confidence form’, something about discretion, secrecy and protection, I wasn’t really paying attention. The official men said they were going to come by my house tonight to talk with Nancy and go over some details-the son’s couldn’t come for security reason, which caused Caleb to start protesting but he was cut off from the man who had talked to the principal who put his hand on his shoulder in an intimate gesture. We all shook hands, with Caleb going in for a hug but I shrugged him off, and left. The principle said that I should call Nancy and that I would be excused from the rest of my classes today. And for the next couple weeks.