The Picking

Chapter Two

We walked along the sidewalk together, keeping our distance from other children and teenagers. Claire and I looked around the streets for a dress store but couldn't find any. Sometimes on the side of the street, we would see homeless children. It made me want to cry and realize how lucky Claire and I were to have each other.

"Hello, would you like to support The Picking by giving donations to our royal monarchy?" A young woman about my age walked up to Claire and I. Claire cleared her throat and secretly squeezed my hand. "No thank you, but thanks." I smiled.

As I began to walk away, the lady gasped and turned back toward me, realizing something. She looked Claire and I over and gasped once again. I was freaked out by her behavior so I began to push Claire away from the crazy lady.

"Brittany?" Her eyes lit up with happiness. Now was my turn to gasp in alarm. I turned on my heel, squinting my eyes before remembering.

"Sophia?" I whispered.

"Yes, yes! Oh my gosh, it is you!" She whispered. "Come, come on. Let's go talk in my apartment." She grinned and pulled me back toward her apartment building she lived in. Claire walked a meter behind me so we wouldn't draw attention as three famous women- people have seen Sophia and I together countless times.

Once we sat down on her couch and the door was locked, Sophia screamed.

"I'm so happy to see you! You arrived! Oh I'm so, incredibly happy!" She had an English accent just like her father.

Most people in Pipoll despised Englishmen but her father was a rich and powerful man who everyone knew.

"I missed you! How have you been?" I asked. Claire seemed to remember our talk last night because she stared at Sophia with sadness.

"I've been doing okay. After Mum and Dad died from The Virus, it's been hard to find a good paying job. They kept their money in the Bank of Funds so that makes it even harder for me. This occupation isn't even paying good!" Sophia informed me.

I felt horrible once she said that. The Bank of Funds was targeted as the main bank that the rebels attacked a few years back.

"I'm so sorry, Sophia. Is advertising your part time job?" Claire asked. "Sure is. I hate advertising The Picking though. It's absolutely horrible to make it sound like some extravagant event." Sophia angrily mumbled and set down the flyers she had been handing out.

"I know. Claire and I are not looking forward to going. It's a waste of time." I sighed. "Are you staying in Pipoll or going to West Barron for The Picking?" Sophia asked. "I'm not sure. I don't know which one will have more people so we are less likely to be picked." Claire responded.

"I overheard my boss say that West Barron has almost a thousand more people going! They think Prince David is more appealing than Prince Kingsley of Pipoll. If he says so, I believe him." Sophia informed Claire and I.

"I'm guessing you're staying in Pipoll since you live here?" I asked her. "Not sure. Probably. But Prince Kingsley is too political for me." Sophia responded. "When's The Picking?" Claire asked us. I sighed as Sophia spoke up.

"Both provinces are having The Picking this coming Monday. Since it's Thursday, my boss has been telling me to tell people to be ready and on time; no later than ten in the morning. Did you guys buy dresses or skirts?" She asked.

"Oh no, not yet. We were hoping stores would still have good clothing options but we're not sure since it's pretty close," I told Sophia.

"Yikes! Well, good luck! I have to go finish up my shift. Talk again soon?" Sophia asked. "Obviously. Love you lots!" I hugged her and ushered Claire out of her apartment with me.