The Joker

Chapter 2: The Placement

The next day was miserably long. The harvest was nearly done, so I had no work to do in the fields. I sat on the sofa for most of the day, anticipating the news I would be receiving that night. Like most of the summer days in Pokerton, the weather was humid and stiflingly hot. Tiny sweat droplets rolled down my neck as I waited, in only a tank top and shorts. The sky was just starting to turn a soft pink when the authorities finally knocked on our door.

"Hazel Castellan?" An unfamiliar Spade woman asked. She wore a black Spade uniform, with a patch reading "Brockton". She was accompanied by a Diamond man I didn't recognize and the woman who tested me yesterday.

"That is me," I replied calmly. I heard Mother's footsteps approach behind me, and eventually Father's as well.

"Nice to meet you Hazel, I am Elizabeth Brockton."

"Please, come in," Mother beckoned the three officials in. They made their way into the living room, sitting in each of the four seats. I sat on the couch, next to Father.

"Miss Castellan, you're results from the aptitude test are very rare."

I nodded my head.

"You have the same loyal and hardworking qualities of a Club, like your mother and father."

I smiled.

"However, you also have the intellect of a Diamond, the bravery of a Spade, and the compassion of a Heart."

"What does that mean?" I asked quietly. Father wrapped his arm around me in a hug.

"Hazel, you are a joker," Elizabeth whispered, as if people were listening.

Mother gasped.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Castellan. Jokers are very rare, and very special indeed. In fact, I am a Joker myself."

"Aren't you a Spade?" I asked quietly, my eyes gesturing to her black attire.

"Jokers have no place in this town," Elizabeth said quietly, as if people were listening.

"Unfortunately, you must choose a suit to pursue your career in."

I gulped and looked down. I didn't like the idea of having to make such a big decision by myself.

"I realize it is a hard decision," Elizabeth whispered sympathetically. "And you don't have to make it right now. However, you have until tomorrow, when the sorting ceremony takes place."

I nodded.

"That is all. I will see you tomorrow night with your decision." Mother walked Elizabeth and her associates to the door, leaving Father and I in the room.

"What are you thinking right now, Hazel?" He asked, rubbing my back.

"I have to choose Clubs."

"You don't have to. There is no shame in taking a career in a suit that differs from your roots."

Father grew up in Hearts, so it was easy for him to think that. However, Mother, who has been in Clubs her whole life had a different opinion.

"Don't worry about Mother and I. We will support you in any of the Suits," Father whispered, right before Mother walked back in.

"I think I'm gonna take a walk," I smiled weakly, and got up to leave.

The crisp evening air felt refreshing on my hot and sticky skin. I looked around the neighborhood, eyeing the identical gray houses that lined the street.

I have to choose Clubs. It is only right.

I imagined myself wearing a wine colored Diamond dress, or the Black spades uniform, or a scarlet Hearts outfit. It seemed weird not to be in the gray shirt and slacks that every Club wore, but it also seemed exciting.

What if instead of working in the fields for the rest my life, I was a researcher in a fancy Diamond facility? Or what if I became a member of the honorable Spade military? Or a caregiver amongst the Hearts?

I had to decide, and I had to decide soon.