Secret: A Selection Story

Secret: America

Maxon must be sick. 

For some reason, he had me as a maid for Celeste. She seemed different, somehow. I had heard that Celeste had hit her maids. I was afraid that she would hit me. 

But, in some weird way, Celeste had grown up. Those immature, childlike fighting scenes that often occurred behind a curtain, or anonymously. Celeste seemed to grow into a lady. 

She seemed composed. I entered with my friends, Annelynn and Julia. Julia was nervous. 

"Mer, do you think she'll hit us?" she asked me, worried. 

Annelynn hushed us, slightly trembling herself. We entered, but I stumbled a little bit, limping as I went. Julia let me lean on her shoulder. Annelynn opened the door for us, while Julia laid me on the bed. I heard Marlee's enthusiastic voice chirping. I stood up, but that was a mistake. I immediately fell to the ground, my hair falling out of my bonnet. 

Annelynn quickly rushed over, while Julia tucked my hair lazily under my bonnet. We heard the door creak open. I scrambled to stand up, ;leaning on Julia as I went. 

Usually, when I was under the weather, or stressed, the pain came back. The welts of my hands started to burn. The gloves weren't hiding them as well as I thought. Celeste entered, her 3 inch heels wobbling ever so slightly. 

Celeste steadily put her hands out. she was trying to balance. Julia and Annelynn stood by while I limped over to where Celeste was standing. I fell, again, this time only a strand of hair escaping from my head. Celeste helped me up, and tucked the strand of hair behind my ear. 

"Careful!" she chirped. 

I nearly glared at her, but Julia pushed me to the side. Annelynn and Julia graciously asked if Celeste needed anything. 

Celeste responded, "No, thank you." 

We quickly bowed. 

We were about to leave the room, but Celeste stopped us.

"Wait," she called, "what are your names?" 

I saw a hidden smile behind Annelynn's emotionless face.

"Annelynn." 

"Julia." 

I stammered, "M-Mer." 

Celeste nodded thoughtfully. We left the room, sighing and breathing heavily from the consrticting dress. 

We walked down the hallway, bumping into Gavril. 

"Mr. Fadaye!" I gasped excitedly. Annelynn turned around, sending me a glare, but stopped when she saw the popular presenter. Julia giggled. It was unlikely for Julia to do that. Usually she was composed. 

"Hello, Gavril." Julia said flirtatiously.

"Julia, madame." he tipped his hat towards Julia. She snickered. Annelynn's face was purely business-like. 

"Well, Mr. Fadaye, if you'll excuse me," Annelynn whispered, as she turned around and walked quietly down the hall. I decided I should go too. I limped as I went. 

Julia, who was obviously very comfortable with Gavril, hesitated a little before coming to help me. 

I whispered, "You didn't have to do that." 

"I did," she whispered back, after a moment of hesitation. 

I smiled as I limped through the hall.