Dream

Chapter 7

As soon as the sun had rise, I raced downstairs to look for any mail. The letters from the Royal Family regarding the Selection will be sent today. I didn't want Ma to look in the mail box first, only to find two envelopes, not one.

I peeked into the mailbox, flap lifted up. I found two letters, just as I predicted. To match Ma's prediction, I took the envelope with my name printed and left one letter untouched. I went back into the house, choosing to stay near the door, in a corner.

I am scared to rip open the envelop, finding the answer printed onto the thick paper. At the same time, the letter seemed reassuring. It confirmed that everything that happened the last few days, were real; the magical, yet mysterious makeover, for the Selection picture; Gabriella's outbreak of her manly sneeze.

With the debate still going on in my head, the door swung open. Thunderous foot steps followed behind, he had loud feet.

I quickly hid the envelope under my shirt.

"Gabriella." he announced, waving an envelop in the air. Not only did he have loud feet, but a booming voice.

Dad.

No, my step-dad.

He has come home. I didn't mind him, not much to hate about him. He is nicer to me than my mother. I still could not figure out the mystery of his niceness and mother's coldness. It could be of their own nature causing their actions. However, I doubt that that's all, below the surface there must be more.

The envelope he held in the air seemed recognizable, as if I have just seen it. It is the letter from the royal family.

Gabriella raced down the stairs, excitement clearly seen. Her dad just came home from a business trip. Not merely was the excitement for her dad, but the envelope.

She jumped a little, trying to snatch it from her father's hand, while her dad was dodging every launch of hers.

"Gabriella, this letter will determine if you get in or not." he stated. Gabriella rolled her eyes, her father just stated the obvious. "Each state has one representative, fighting to win the prince's heart. The Selection is a chance to become royalty. You're either fighting for the prince's heart or the crown, they say." He continued. "Best of luck, I'm positive that you are one of the contestants who got in." He beamed with pride, handing the envelope to her.

"Thank you father for your kind words." She replied.

I laughed to myself, why were they being so formal?

Just as I had that thought, Ma joined the group.

"No need to be so formal." she laughed lightly. Coincidences of having similar thoughts always happened between us.

Gabriella and her father joined the laughter, while I stood silently in the corner. No one has noticed me yet. I didn't want to interrupt the joyous gathering. So, I quietly went upstairs, into my room.

A second later, I heard a scream from downstairs. Nothing was wrong, only a scream of happiness. Later, a desperate cry broke out. Whatever was supposed to be happy, did not sound like it.

I rushed downstairs, where the noise came from. To find Gabriella sobbing, with a rejected letter lying on the floor, next to her.