The Appointed: A Selection Fanfiction

Chapter One

I made my arms push the shovel into the dirt a little farther. This might be my last time if I scoop up enough dirt. Of course, when I brought the shovel back up, half the dirt had already fallen away. I guess I'd have to do another. Who knew planting flowers was such a difficult job?

I worked as a gardener for the Keeper's. They were pretty nice most of the time, considering they were Two's. They also had a daughter around my age who I talked to whenever I had the chance. She was pretty nice to me, since we met at a young age. I was only six when I started working for the Keeper's. Now, my hands are callused over from using a shovel and digging for eleven years.

For a seven, it's a pretty good job. I don't get to work all year round, like some of my friends, but I have a steady income from this family. Ever since my father died, I have been the only source of income. It's funny how people can affect others.

I had just finished planting my last flower as I heard a familiar voice call my name.

"Grey! Thanks for getting those flowers planted. They look very nice!" Ainsley Keeper said as she smiled brightly.

"Oh. It's just my job," I replied, glad to be done. They did look pretty nice, though. "But I'm all done now. I should probably head home before my mom get worried."

"Of course. Oh! Have you gotten your letter yet? Mine came today."

I had forgotten. The letter saying I was eligible to compete for the heart of the prince, hadn't shown up yet. I'd have to sign up, knowing it could help my family, but I really didn't want to.

"No, actually, but it probably came today while I was away."

"Well, you should definitely sign up." She said. "I think you'd make a great princess."

"Umm, I don't know about the second part, but I am going to sign up." I looked down at my watch, noticing that I was supposed to be at home twenty minutes ago. "Oh, I really have to go. I'm sure my mother's worried! See you tomorrow!"

"Bye, Grey!" I heard her yell as I ran to the street, hoping to make it home soon.

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By the time I got home, it was 6:17. That meant I was 47 minutes late. Not that bad, right?

"Grey? Is that you?" I heard my mom say as I walked through the door.

"Yeah, I got caught up at the Keeper's."

"Alright, your meal is in the kitchen. Sorry if it's cold." She apologized.

"Thanks."

I walked in and sat at the table. When she said 'meal', she really meant a slice of ham and some peas. That was better than some nights though, where we had nothing. It was cold, like she said, but still tastes great when you have eaten nothing else the whole day. Maybe I'd go to the market tomorrow to purchase some food items. I did have a little cash left to spend on some provisions.

Once I finished eating, I went back to my room.  I sat there for a while, just thinking. That was where I felt like I was alone, which was difficult because our house is so small.  My mom's bedroom was right next to mine, and my my brother's. Our table was smushed against a wall with a fridge and stove, along with a couch across the room. We actually had a TV, which is uncommon for a seven, but we hadn't bought it. My dad found it in a junk yard and fixed it up. Now, it barely works, but I know how to fix it.

I was just sitting in silence, until I heard my little brother, Jake, make a short cry. He was probably playing a game with his thumbs or doing something to pass the time. I was surprised he wasn't in here on his bed. He could be very obnoxious at times. Of course, I still loved him. Then, at that moment, I realized I had forgotten something.

"Mom? Did we get anything in the mail today?" I asked as I walked out of my room.

"I didn't check it today. That was Jake's job." She replied. "Jake! Did you get the mail?"

"Hmm?" He asked, finally coming into the room.

"Mom asked if you got the mail." I said softly.

"Man! I knew I forgot something. That must be it."

"I can get it for you, since it's dark outside."

"Ok, the dark scares me."

I put on my worn out sneakers and headed to the door. I never liked it outside at night. You never knew who might be lurking in the shadows. We live up in Likely, right on the border. About seventy-five years ago, rebels were known to set camp here. They say they've died off, but I'm never so sure. I quickly grabbed the post from the mailbox and ran inside. It didn't help that it was still cold outside.

I quickly saw the thick paper indicating my letter was here. I picked through the pile to get it. As I walked by, I set the other papers on the kitchen counter.

"Alright," I said, setting the letter on the table. "It looks like my letter came."

"Oh, that's great, dear. You should sign up. It could really help us out. You know we can't do much without your father being able to work."

"I know." I said, remembering. " I'll get it done tomorrow in the morning, and drop it off at the office on my way to work."

"That sounds great. Now, go get some sleep. You must be very tired."

I couldn't agree more.