Paraden: Chosen

Chapter 3

"May those Chosen this Choosing Day be successful in all their future endeavors," the King stated concluding the ceremony.

My mind began running into hyperdrive. Me, Claramond Barsotti, a chosen. A plain daughter of Paraden: one with no money, poise, or unique skills. Why would they choose me?

I shakily stand up turning towards Belle. How is she so excited when I'm the one chosen and I honestly feel like I am going to be sick.

Her face is glowing, a massive smile adorning it, "You are a Chosen!" She continues "I can not believe my best friend is moving to the Inner Paraden and is going to work with the Sigmund family."

The Sigmund family, the royal family, kings and queens of Paraden: chose me.

She jumps and tugs on my dress, "do you realize what a big deal this is Clara? The royal family picked you! You're a shoo-in to be the Elite."

I try to put on some semblance of a smile, this is supposed to be the greatest moment of my life after all.

"Uh huh," I responded still trying to process the events surrounding me. I'm a chosen, the Sigmund family's selected, a shoo-in for the Elite. This just does not seem to be real.

"Clara, can you promise me something?" Belle asks with an upset disposition instantly pulling me from my thoughts.

"Anything for.."

"Clara, OMG like ahhhhhh!" Cosette runs straight into my legs cutting off Belle's and my conversation.

Her brown hair flutters around her as she shoves her face into my chest.

I chuckle at her reaction, "I'm glad you're as speechless as I am".

My gaze turns towards my parents now walking up behind me. Their faces are both crinkled in a smile, but I can see through their attempts to hide their worry. I pull my twelve-year-old sister from my legs, her hazel eyes boring into me with fascination. Her gaze locked as if she stared long enough she would be privy to some secret knowledge held within them.

My parents walk up, my mother slightly limping as always.
"It is going to be ok mother," I pull her into a light hug trying to console her.
We all have to be very careful with my mother. She has been ill for the past few years and the disease causes her to require almost constant rest. With her lack of energy and mandatory nap times, she has had to quit her job. Without her income, and probably even with it, we could not afford the medicine that we have been told would make her life so much better.

She pulls her face back and looks at me, she looks worse than she did this morning. Her cheeks are slightly sunken, eyes mildly puffy, and red patches rest all over her face. Her body is bowed over slightly showing her struggle to even stand and walk.

All this is so different than the women I grew up with. Her hair has dulled from the cinnamon like tone we both shared. Her eyes have also darkened from the same hazel CoCo has to a more brown and bloodshot iris.

Though one thing was the same, her smile.

Her smile could comfort me through the toughest times and I know the one she is wearing currently is not her true smile.
"I know Claramond," her voice is slightly raspy, "this will be so beneficial for your future."

Yes, my new future that consists of a life inside Inner Paraden away from her. With me not able to watch and care for her who else will. I do not want to push that all on CoCo and dad has to work.

"Think of the amazing training you will receive and all the prospects that have now been open."

"I know mama, I just have to figure out what I want and who the Sigmund family is expecting me to be," I begin to realize how unprepared I probably am compared to the other Chosen.
"I do not think they are expecting anyone but you. You are perfect just the way you are," her smile turns a little more into the one I know. She nods to herself, "maybe you can turn your toys into a legitimate business."

"I have not considered that," as always my mother knows exactly what to say and do.

My father walks up, "You could get new supplies, not from the junkyard. Families in Inner Paraden can definitely afford a couple more dollars for you to get better materials," He took me from my mother's concerned arms to hug me also.

His arms were strong and sturdy due to years of hard work. My father has always worked in construction, which is a respectable job. Since we are in Outer Paraden it is harder to find work because but most people cannot afford to hire a private constructor and any public work the Inner Paraden typically just sends someone from there. The few jobs he does get a month from some of the wealthy citizens pays the bills well enough.
"It is not like your leaving us forever we get monthly calls," mother reminds. Yes, only one call a month to hear their voices. One call to explain everything that happens and ask for any advice I need.
"Once a month!" CoCo cries running towards me, "You have to call more than once."
Belle steps forward and puts a hand on her back, "she's gonna be busy training CoCo. They let them call when they have time." Her tone shakes slightly, "they only can call families for the first year so feel special."
At that statement, I realize I would probably not see or talk to Belle for a while. My best friend in the whole world would not be just down the road anymore.

Releasing myself from my father grasp I move towards her, "Belle I'm sure the Council might let us call more. People probably don't talk about as to not make others jealous." She does not look satisfied with my answer but thought for a moment before responding, "you're probably right. The Council are very kind and would probably grant our request once you're settled in the Inner Paraden."
"Do not ask to call Belle to early my dear," worry lines appear on my mother's face. "You would not want to annoy the Council or be seen as favored."
Yes, upsetting the wrong person would be a very bad idea. "I know mama," I direct my attention to Belle, "It might take a while, but I will call."
"I know hun, just don't forget me," she comes in for a massive hug squeezing me with all her might.

"Well Bellamy, I hate to cut your time with my daughter early but we must head home to get Clara ready for tomorrow," as Belle lets go my father wraps his arm around my shoulders directing me away from the square as soon.

"Yeah Belle, let her go home. I'll walk you to yours," Chase says finally participating in the conversation he has been observing, "You take care of yourself. Be the Clara I and Belle know ok Strong, sure, and smart."

I smile at him, "I will. You take care of Belle. My offer of castration still stands even from the Inner city."

He laughs, "I won't forget that" I turn towards Belle and takes the last few seconds to admire my best friend. Her hair sparkling like gold in the sun, her eyes crystal colored orbs, and her body tall and lithe. I know she is not family by blood but she is my sister and I will miss her, "I promise I will call you Belle". Her lips turn upward a fraction, "I do not doubt you will find a way Clara". She turns and walks away with Chance holding her flush against him, neither glances back towards my family and I. For some reason it feels as though I'm losing a part of myself and I do not know if I will ever get back.