Another Selection Story

Chapter 24: Louise

Louise POV

This morning 10 girls would be sent home. I got ready for breakfast and on my way out, I noticed a box by the door. I picked it up and opened it. Seven pairs of jeans were in it. A note was on top.

Just please don't wear these to a ball
-Taigen

Raquel's POV

Last night, I had stayed up with Josi giggling and telling secrets about ourselves and trying on dresses and laughing and laughing and laughing.

So this morning, I was groggy but still in a good mood.

I tried to remain positive this morning, even though my nerves were killing me. I didn't want to be one of the ten who left today.

And I didn't want any of my friends to be either.

Graces POV

I breathed deeply . I also completely avoided eye contact with Prince Max. Ok can I just say: I have done very well hating Max. Do you know how attractive he is?

Anyway, for breakfast we had crepes. My favorite. But I couldn't eat. All the nervous had filled my stomach up and left no room for joy.

Louise, however kept smiling to herself. She ate normally, and was somewhat chatty. Raquel was also chatty. I stared at them incredulously. I'll admit that I was jealous that they both had no doubt they wouldn't be cut.

What if Lee was just being nice? What if Max just really hates me and doesn't care about the people of Illea? What if those chocolate chips were secretly poisonous?

Ok now I'm getting out of hand. Just take a deep breath.

It didn't work.

The Princes stood up, and my stomach lurched. I must've looked nervous because Lee met my eyes and winked. I felt a tiny bit better. But then I saw Max look angrily at Lee, and then at me, and the at me and Lee, and I was nervous again.

"Ladies, we will now be telling you who's staying. We're very sorry for those of you who are being sent home. But we also congratulate the 25 staying with us. Now, let us begin.

Kendra, Louise, Raquel, Faith..." The list kept going. I was starting to get nervous, when finally,

"And number 25, Grace McKnight."
I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Several girls started crying.

I felt a gaze on my face and looked around for the culprit. It was Max. His eyes looked like he was expecting something. I mouth "thank you". He nodded.