Lexi Brooks is a Two living in a mansion with her younger brother Jeff, older brother Tyler, and her drunk and always depressed dad. When she gets picked for the selection, all the other girls look down to her. They tease and bully her for her caste...
"Good evening Illea!" The man on the T.V., I think his name was Gaverlik or something, said out in a happy voice. "Today is the day many of us have been waiting for," he said, pausing afterwards for a dramatic effect. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at this. "We will find out the 35 lucky girls who get to meet our beloved Prince James! But before we do so, King Maxon would like to say a few words."
On stage, the man passed the microphone to King Maxon who was wearing a dark blue suit that looked like it was made just for him. "It probably was," I thought to myself. Queen America and Prince James were seated to his left and a handful of advisers sat to his right.
I studied Prince James carefully, he had his father's blond hair and his mother's blue eyes. "Like me," I thought, then quickly pushed that thought out of my head. Did i just compare Mr. Royal Spoiled Brat with myself? I must be getting sleepy.
As King Maxon droned on about our new alliance with New Asia and politics, my thoughts wondered to my best friend Katie. It has been a while since I last saw her and I wish for more than anything to have her come over and spend the night with a friend. Katie is- no was a three before the castes were taken away. Even though Katie's family's caste was a three, they were practically twos, so she understands how my family feels right now.
I snap back to reality when my brothers come in. I'm sitting on a white leather coach in our fourth living room in front of our 150 inch T.V. screen.
"How your back?" I ask Jeff.
"Almost new," he replied with a little smile.
I stated to say something else but Tyler shushed me and pointed to the T.V. screen. The Garlic guy had come back with a way-too-cheerful smile. "Hello once again Illea! Missed me?" he says with a laugh. No one in the living room laughed along with him. "Well, before I reveal the names of the 35 lucky girls, Your Majesties, Queen America, do you have any advice to the lucky winners?"
The man passes the microphone to Queen America. I studyed her, she has fierce red hair and lovely blue eyes. She wore a blue dress and had a kind smile. "She looks born to be a queen," I thought.
"Thank you Gavril," Queen America said. "And to the girls, 'Enjoy your last night as an average girl. Tomorrow, no matter what, your life will be different forever.'"
"That's what Queen Amberly said," Gavril exclaimed.
"Yes that is," Queen America said, with a sad smile on her face.
"Okay and now the moment everyone has been waiting for," Gavril announced.
He cleared his throat.
"Adelle Young of Kent, Five." An Asian girl with dark brown hair and pale skin appeared on the screen.
Questions erupted from the crowd.
Gavril quickly shushed the crowd. "Yes we will be announcing their previous castes for the competition's sake," he explained.
"Audrey Johnson of Carolina, Five." A girl with caramel skin and big brown eyes popped up.
"Iris Wright of Lakedon, Four." This time it was a girl with beautiful brownish red hair.
"Jessica Nelson of Dakota, Three." A girl with blond wavy hair came up. She had on way too much makeup and her hair looked fake. I saw Prince James frowning in the background.
"Sarah Green of Midston, Five." A girls with chocolate colored skin and curly black hair appeared.
"Ugg this is so boring," I thought. I turned to my brothers.
"Hey, do you guys want to watch something-"
"Alexa Brooks of Clermont, Two." I gasped and whipped my head around. There I was, smiling at the camera looking beautiful and carefree. I wrinkled my nose at the picture, I looked like another one of those lovesick girls who are always talking about how handsome Prince James is.
There was a moment of silence in the house like the calm before the storm. Then, all the phone started to ring. And we have a lot of phones.
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Sorry for not posting this earlier
Colin Ford as Tyler Brooks
***
The week after passed in a blur. There were many people coming in and out of the house. Some were there to make sure I was actually Lexi Brooks (which I thought was ridiculous), to inspect the house, or to send soldiers here. Apparently, even though the rebel attacks had died down, there was still a huge chance the rebels might attack the selected's homes.
Just what I needed.
Others were there to take my measurements for my new wardrobe at the palace or make sure I didn't need anything. One guy even had the nerve to make sure I was a virgin. Jeff had to go to his room for that part.
Before I knew it, it was time to go. I wore a plain white shirt, black pants, and had our province flower in my hair.
Jeff and Tyler were both dresses in black suits and had their hair slicked back. They even managed to get father into a suit, which I thought was pretty impressive.
We all walked down the lane with what looked like the entire Clermont on either side. There were many photographers but, to my disappointment, not many supporters. I guess people are still uncomfortable with my caste.
The mayor was standing on a raised area at the end of the walkway. "Clermont will be cheering on the beautiful daughter of Tom and Emma Brooks, the new Lady Lexi Brooks!"
There were several cameras going off and even a few cheers. I caught Katie's eye in the crowd and raised my head even higher. I also saw some death stares but I chose to ignore them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in sending off Lexi Brooks, our favorite Daughter of Illea!" The national anthem started to play.
I turned to Tyler. "I'll miss you," I said as I wrapped him into a hug.
"Same here," he said. "But don't worry, you'll always be a princess in my heart."
I smiled at him. "Thank you."
Next was dad.
"Take care of Jeff and Tyler for me will you?" I asked as I hugged him.
"Ya, sure sure," he replied. "Just go there and get us some money and fame back okay?"
Same old dad. I smiled weakly and walked to Jeff.
"Hey bud," I said as I hugged him. "Be good okay? I'll be back before you know it."
He nodded looking at me with those big blue eyes.
"I love you all," I say as I was escorted to a fancy white car.
They smile back at me and then I'm taken away from the place I call home.
Second chapter done! What do you think? Remember to COTE!
