The Selection

Only One Way To Say Goodbye

       Ingrid was thinking horrible and negative thoughts as she was folding most of her clothes and packed them in her brown rundown suitcase.

      Based on the requirements, Ingrid knew she probably wouldn't be allowed to wear clothes from home. But she wanted them around away. Just to remind her of home.

      "Can I help you pack?"

      It was Isabel. Isabel had her wavy chestnut brown hair down her back and her warm brown eyes looked eager.

     "Why not? I would like to spend time with my little sis before going to a miserable castle," Ingrid answered.

     "The castle isn't miserable. It's beautiful and grand and glorious!" Isabel exclaimed.

     "On the outside, maybe. I'm not going to fit in at all. I know I'm going to be the first one kicked out," Ingrid complained.

     "No. I'm sure that Prince Kane is gonna fall for your hidden charm," Isabel said.

     "Haha. No need for the sarcasm," Ingridc replied.

     "I'm serious. You're not all that bad, moody pants. You're pretty. You know you see the way people look at you. You're a sight, Ingrid. Use it to your advantage," Isabel said in a serious tone.

     "That's the thing! I don't want to win," Ingrid whined.

     "You know you do. You secretly want to win this just as badly as the other nineteen girls in your shoes," Isabel said.

     "Why would I? Even if I win, which I won't, where would happiness for me begin? All I would do is sit on a dusty golden throne with a prince who probably wouldn't care for the sight of me. Why would I ever want to win that?" Ingrid replied thoughtfully.

     Isabel looked back down at the pink shirt she was folding before looking back at Ingrid.

     "I never thought about it that way. I always imagined it Cinderella style with a handsome Prince with a shiny glass slipper and happily ever after. But your version is so much more...real. The reality," Isabel said sadly.

      "Oh, Isabel," Ingrid replied, reaching to hug her, "There's only one way to say goodbye and I'm already spoiling it."

      "Don't be so hard on yourself, big sis. Just...try your best to have fun. For me. And Mom and Dad," Isabel said.

      "I promise. But don't get too comfortable with me gone. I just might come home days from now," Ingrid replied.

      "Just shut up and let's finish packing," Isabel said jokingly.

     Ingrid smiled at her young sister before continuing to pack. Tomorrow was going to be a game changer for Ingrid Snow.

     A big game changer.