The Choosing

Chapter 1

"Nessa! Hurry up we're going to be late!" My eyes slowly pried open, glancing at my surroundings. My bedroom. I groaned while sitting up, trying to tame my insane hair. After my lazy attempt at stretching my feeble arms, I jolted out of bed; my feet clomping over the tattered hardwood. Wordlessly, I approached the bathroom, not hesitant to scratch the itchy places nagging my body.

"Nessa hurry! The Pauls are impatient!" My sister bellowed from below the stairs. I mumbled nothingness under my breath while quickly slipping on a sweatshirt and jeans. Distinctly irritated, I made my way down the stairs while tying my hair into a messy bun; oblivious to how childish I was probably acting. My mother and sister both flashed a bright smile towards me, which of course I lazily returned.

"Morning sweetie! Now we can finally leave!" My mother chirped while delving for her bag of tools. I tiredly yawned, snatching my bag from the couch and stepping out of the single home. The warm summer air hit me immediately. I breathed in and smiled, admiring the charismatic weather. I absolutely loved Summer. It was my all time favorite season. My sister Koey heedlessly skipped out of the house beside me and opened the car door excitedly.

"Oh I just can't wait to plant these new Lilies!" Koey squealed. I rolled my eyes and giggled, clearly amused by my sister's incorrigible behavior. I quickly joined her in the car, slamming the door shut; keeping us insulated from the hot summer air.

This was our daily routine. Wake up, go to work, come back, eat, then sleep. It was the same every day.....every year. An infinite lifestyle. Only on occasions will I head to school or sleepovers, or work at a local restaurant.

In order to "keep the peace" in our country, the United States was broken down into five individual states; each with specific careers. It was the new caste system for America. Separating the rich from the poor. Because our family was married into Angeles, we immediately had to choose the career of a gardener or a teacher. Which in my opinion, are monotonous careers.

My mother started the car and backed out of the driveway. "Alright girls, remember lilies and roses only. Don't get experimental like last time," She demanded as she took a right turn. Koey and I nodded in agreement, giggles emitting from our mouths as memories from our last appointment consumed our minds. "Oh and Vanessa you need to  start waking up earlier. I know you need your beauty sleep, but this could cause us our job one day," She scolded as she quickly peeked back at me.

"Sorry mom. It won't happen again, I promise!" I apologized. Koey began to happily toy with the flowers beside me, clearly enraptured by their appearances. I smiled. I was quite fond of seeing my little sister happy. Her smile was as bright as day, her teeth pearly white. Her hair was a beautiful red color and her eyes were a warm chocolate brown. Although I hate to admit it, I was jealous. How can my fourteen year old sister be prettier than I was? I shook the dreadful thought out of my head as we drove up into the Paul's driveway. Koey squealed in delight.

"We've finally arrived!" She sprung out of the car and jogged to the front door, immediately knocking on it. "Hello!! Your gardeners are here!" She yelled. My mother smiled, clutching her and Koey's tool bag in her grasp. I strolled up behind Koey at the front door, still drowsy from the lack of sleeping in. The door soon swung open and we came face to face with Mrs. Paul.

"Oh hello Vanessa and Koey," she nodded towards our mother. "And hello Sharon!" She said with a smile. My mother joined Koey and I at the front door. "I'm going to have you replace my roses and lilies today. Apparently my little Anne still doesn't understand that she cannot play in the flower garden." She shook her head in grief while Koey and I snickered.

"Don't worry Mrs. Paul, we'll take care of it." Koey saluted as she advanced towards the fence that lead to the backyard. I followed her while waving at Mrs. Paul. Of course, my mother stayed behind to chat for a while longer. So, Koey and I got right business. "You deal with the lilies while I distribute with the roses," She said as she pried her gardening gloves on. I nodded. My mother, after her mother to mother talk, assisted me with the roses.