Arista's POV: The Merging Process

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"Hold still," Natasha mumbled, biting on the comb. Her fingers tightly laced through my hair, braiding it till she reached the end. "You'll make it all messy."

"Need more bobby pins?" Lyla offered, rummaging through Natasha's bag of beauty products. Unlike me, Natasha had kept Lyla's style simple: Two thin braids that ran down her two temples.

"Get me my ribbon. The glittery blue one." She ordered, winding my hair around to form a bun. I winced slightly when she pulled it sideways. "We have to at least look decent for the Merging Process." She reasoned.

Unlike me and Lyla, who had rejected most of Natasha's antics, Natasha went full-on with her outfit. Her slim fitted mint green gown was embroidered with swirling stars, and glittering gems outlined the sweetheart neckline. The dress flared to her knees, layered with hues of pink and purple satin. Silver trinkets adorned her neck and wrists, topped with sparkling pins that elegantly kept her braided hair in place.

"I still don't understand why you wouldn't wear that lovely fairy gown I picked out for you. Truth be told, the dress you insisted on wearing looks more like a second-hand Republican outfit." She carefully snipped the ribbon, sparing a quick glance in Lyla's direction. "Hang on a second Lyla! I'll be right back!"

Lyla uncomfortably fidgeted with the dark blue sequined tank top and knee-length turquoise dress. Then, she adjusted the white belt that was fastened around her waist. "To be honest, we all should really try to look decent since we are this year's Merge members. Even if it means putting on really itchy or uncomfortable dresses."

"Nonsense!" Natasha flounced towards Lyla, delicately threading a silver ribbon through her braids. "Now you look marvellous! And actually decent for once."

My head itched. I needed to get that letter done before we left this room. Otherwise, my mum would never know what I would look like, much less recognize me.

"Arista, stop fidgeting with your hair! You're going to ruin it!" Natasha grabbed her comb and carefully brushed away the wisps of hair that had escaped through my fumbling fingers. "Now, are you sure you don't want to change?"

I stared at the mirror and at the strappy dark blue dress that stopped right above my knees. A hazel leather belt was strapped around my waist, keeping the dress up. At the start, I was tempted to wear sneakers, but Natasha threatened to throw them out of the window if I ever touched them again. As a result, I was now stuck with black leather combat boots that I could at least walk in without tripping on the floor.

"No," I smiled, smoothing out a few wrinkles on my dress. "I like it the way it is."

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Be neat and orderly. That was the Republic's request. We slowly filed out, backs straight, hands by our sides, moving in absolute synchronization. Slowly, the buzz and chatter of anxious parents infiltrated the room. They were all here. My heart thrummed as a long lost warmth spread through my veins. I was home.

My dad awkwardly leaned against the counter, arms crossed, almost scowling. I instantly rushed towards him, pulling him into a tight hug.

"It's good to see you," I chuckled, biting down the tears that threatened to well up.

"It's good to see you too," He muttered back, his voice gruff and strained.

It was unsurprising that my mum didn't show up, seeing as she was an ex-member of the Republic. Still, the thought left a lingering ache in my chest, but this wasn't a time to cry. It was a time to appreciate and cherish this moment before it was gone forever.

"How's mum holding up?" I asked lightly. Out of the corner of my eye, Natasha threw her head back in laughter, lightly slapping the blonde woman's back.

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