The Elite

Chapter 9

*Ember's POV*

I wake up to the sound of my alarm, I sit up smack the thing so that it shuts up, and then throw myself back down on the bed with my arms spread out to the sides.

Today is the day, today I'm officially an adult. Today everything changes.

I let out a long groan before quickly closing my eyes and re opening them again, the sooner I get into college and face physics the sooner I get out and can have fun with my remaining time.

I push myself up and go into the bathroom, taking a quick shower before returning to my room and pulling most of the clothes out of my wardrobe before finding something that I actually want to wear; a white dress with some lace detail, a cream chunky knit cardigan and a pair of brown suede boots.

I grab my bag and haul it over shoulder, I step out of my room only l be bombarded with hugs and kisses on the cheek.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Both my parents yell in my face.

My mum bouncing Zoe up and down on her hip and dad bearing an unusually large smile.

"Thanks," I mutter to them under my breath, "see you later."

And with that I disappear out the front door and begin my walk to college, I plug my ears with earphones letting the music drown out my anxiety of today and being taken from my family home, from everything I know.

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"Happy birthday Ember!" Another one of my classmates says as we come out of the physics lab.

I smile, nod and mutter a thanks under my breath. I hate having birthdays when you're in school or college, everyone yelling at you, it's so damn embarrassing.

I hitch my bag back up onto my shoulder and make a B line for the exit, I just want to be out of here. I feel a surge of anxiety course through my body as I realise the next time I come into this building I'll be a completely different person. I'll be a member of The Elite.

"Glad that's over," Lily sighs as she gathers her blonde hair up and puts it into a ponytail.

It's hot today and I've already removed my cardigan leaving me in just my dress, "is anyone else in agreement that we should get the bus?" James asks and I don't blame him for suggesting it, I don't think I can walk for five minutes in this heat.

"What do you think birthday girl?" Lily asks me with a wide smile on her face.

I nod but return the smile to her, heading towards the bus stop and trying to figure out where my purse is in my bag. This bus better go fast, I don't have a minute to spare.

*************************************
The outside of the house is covered in balloons and banners, almost like my parents were planning on gift wrapping the actual house as well as any presents.

I break my silence as I step through the front door, both of my best friends close behind me, "I'm home!"

Mum appears out of the living room with Zoe on her hip, she's wearing a floral dress that appears to have some sort of stain on it. I'll point it out to her later. Zoe on the other hand is dressed in a puffy pink dress with an eighteen coned shaped party hat on her small head. She reaches out for me and mum passes her to me, giving me a kiss on my cheek in the process.

"How are you all?" she enthusiastically smiles, "Ember I do hope that you're going to change into something different for the party."

I roll my eyes, "we're all fine mum and yes, yes I am going to change."