Paraden: Chosen

Chapter 5

"I think that is everything you need for Inner Paraden... minus me of course," CoCo said placing an olive green skirt into the top of the bag. The skirt was a necessity she said because it would make the prince fall to his knees in front of me.

"I agree, I do not know what I am going to do without your expertise, how am I going to dress myself?". In all honesty, I didn't know what I was going to do, I really am going to miss CoCo and her constant and sometimes overbearing comments on my fashion sense.

"I'm sure someone will be there to teach you," she nodded in thought, "just make sure to remember all that I have taught you they do not lead you astray. You need to be beautiful to win over the prince."

"I think you look beautiful right now though," my mother said stepping into my room.

I looked at my outfit, the best I owe framing my figure. The black skirt starts at my navel and cuts a couple of inches above my knees. The black and white horizontal shirt was covered with a black blazer. I feel smart, official, like a businesswoman.

"I think I look professional, I hope they feel the same."

"I'm sure they will honey," my mom agrees.

"I wish you would wear a dress," CoCo pouts, "the prince would rather you in a dress."

"CoCo," my mom said disapprovingly, "she looks just fine. She is not there to please the prince she's there to work for the Royal Sigmund Family."

CoCo muttered a rebuttal under her breath, "but I wanna be a princess".

Before mom could respond a knock was heard coming from the front of the house.

I hear the door open, most likely by my father since he is the only one night in my bedroom.

"Hello, I am looking for Claramond Barsotti," a deeper voice is heard down the hallway.

"Yes, one second," I hear my dad respond. "Clara, someones here for you!" his voice raises a couple of notches.

"Let's go meet him Clara," my mother says standing from the wooden chair at my work desk.

Cosette and I raise from my bed and follow behind her down the hall, my packed bag in hand. When we rounded the corner into the living room I saw my father's tall frame in the door frame blocking the man on the other side.

I move to stand beside my dad and a man dressed very nicely comes into my view.

His hair was a dark, curly, blonde tried to be styled into submission with no avail. His suit was a gray color making him seem very professional but the baby pink tie around his neck hinted he had a fun side.

"Hello, I'm Claramond Barsotti," I stuck my hand out to shake his.

He took my hand and after a brisk shake, he quickly pulled it back to his side, "Hello Miss Barsotti. I am Win Cato, I am your guide during your time as a Selected."

"It's Clara, nice to meet you Win."

"You better make sure she looks nice for the prince," CoCo demanded cutting into our conversation.

His focus turned towards the small twelve-year-old standing beside my mother.

"I promise she will be so dazzling he can't take his eyes off her Miss Barsotti."

My sisters face turned red at being addressed as Miss Barsotti, "It's Cosette, but everyone calls me CoCo."

"Well CoCo, I promise I will make sure your sister is well prepared for whatever is thrown at her."

"Thank you," CoCo said nodding in approval.

Win looked at the watch on his wrist and frowned, "I hate to rush you out but we are almost behind schedule, you have a little time left for your goodbyes."

I gave him a slight smile and turned towards my family.

My father standing a couple of inches taller than mother. I could see the sadness in his eyes, shocking me as I remembered that they look exactly the same as mine.

My mother clinging to my father for support, her sunken face trying hard to show her pride and excitement for me through its sickness.

My sister, little CoCo, came running towards me burying herself into a hug. Her hazel eyes had tears building up in them, "Please come back and see me, I am going to miss you."

A few tears leaked from my own eyes, "I will see you again CoCo, I promise you I will come to visit."

I let her hold me for a few moments before I tried to separate myself to give my parents a quick hug.

The attempts to remove myself proved unsuccessful.

Noticing the predicament I was in Win leaned down towards her, "I personally will make sure you see your sister again ok?"

She looked up at him, "I will hold you to that.''

He took her threat with a smile, "I expect you to."

CoCo pulled back from me and stepped to the side letting dad come up to give me one of his big bear hugs.

"Knock 'em dead kiddo," he said trying to make me laugh.

"I will dad," I looked up at him, "I promise to make you proud."

His eyes started to glisten a little, "You already do".

I moved away from him and went to mom, "Take care of yourself ok?" I told her.

She shook her head, "I got your father and sister to look out for me. You take care of yourself please."

I nodded, "I promise mom."

We released each other and I looked at Win.

A small smile came on his face, "I hate to be the bad guy but it is time for me to take Clara." He gestured at the door, "After you."

I nodded and tensed myself up for the goodbye that was about to be finalized. Five steps, that's all that is in between me and my new life.

Deep breath, step, step, step, step

I opened the door.

Step.

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And we are off,

I know it is short but what do y'all think. Do y'all like Win? What do you think will happen when she gets to Inner Paraden? Like the outfits?

Also TWO UPDATES IN A WEEK!

Feel free to comment or vote!

Have a great 4th of July week :),

Ballkn143