I couldn't sleep at all that night. I tossed and turned and stared at my ceiling. I saw the light peep through my window, at which point, I jumped out of bed and began a bath. I took the time to feel the hot water on my skin and in my hair. I soaked in the relaxing heat and breathed in the steam. I told myself that today was just like any other day. Today I would simply go out, complete a task, and come home.
I finished cleansing myself, unplugged the tub, got out and dried, staring at the water swirling down the drain. I pulled on my robe and walked to the box sitting on my window-seat. Pulling out the dress, I held it up to the light and twisted it, gazing at the colors as light reflected off it. I pulled the dress over my head and turned to look in the mirror.
Just then, a gentle knock came at my door. "Jaia," came the voice of my father from the other side. "I know you are awake. Please talk to Papa."
I can't remember the last time he spoke to me like that. I walked to the door and opened it. There in the hall, stood my Papa. There was a softness in his eyes as he looked at me in my habit. He moved his hand from behind his back, beginning to show me something.
"I didn't want to take away from your mother's excitement at giving you a gift. It isn't much. But I hope you will take it with you to the Abbey."
I looked down, and there in his hand, was a book. A real one, not an electric copy. It was bound in leather with gilt-edge pages. "On The Origin of Species," I said, reading the title. "Papa, what is this?"
He took my hand and looked me in the eye. "This, child. Is one of the most important discoveries of the ancient world. The book itself is 10 generations old. It has been passed through the family. I want you to have it."
"But Papa, why didn't you give this to Gora?"
"Because Gora is smart. But he has no use for trinkets. He has always been one to seek out objects that are useful, not emotional. He would not have understood why I gave him paper bound in leather, rather than just a file of it."
I could feel my eyes welling up as I took the book from his hand. "Thank you, Papa. I will keep it close. Always."
He embraced me, then held me away from him. "Now, girl, let's finish getting you into your habit."
"I am in my habit, Papa."
"No, you found the dress, but there was more at the bottom," he walked over to the box and pulled out the paper at what I thought was the bottom. He pulled out another piece of fabric, this one much smaller than the other. At the edge, there was a half circle of white. He then pulled out a pair of simple black shoes that laced up the front. Walking over, he placed the other piece of fabric on my head, the white over the crown of my head, then pushed my hair into the black fabric. "Now, look in the mirror."
I audibly gasped when I saw myself. Instead of a girl, there was a woman, clothed all in shimmering black from head to toe. My hair was fully covered.
"Papa, why do we wear these?" I asked, running my hand down the length of the veil.
"It is to ensure that no bias is passed on a given initiate. You will be judged solely on the merit of your work. You will wear this from this day forward, until you have earned your profession."
I looked at him in his reflection in the mirror and smiled. "Thank you Papa. For everything."
He approached me and put his hands on my shoulders. "My darling Jaia, this is your last week in our home. What will we do without you here to fill it with happiness?"
I turned and gave him a tight hug around his waist.
"Now child, it is time to leave. We don't want to be late for your exam."
He held out his large hand and I took it, as we walked through the house.
