The Selection

Chapter Nine.

"Yes." He says. "Maxon, I'm saying this because we are friends. But it's clear you never had many friends growing up." I say and he looks annoyed. "See I'm right you looked annoyed that I said that." I say and he tries to look happier. "I like America, she's one of us but if she's not here for you, what's the point in keeping her?" I say. Unhealthy competition is good. This may seem sly but I'm in it to win it. Me and Celeste are more alike. "That's true." He says and I continue my painting. "Do you want to do something tomorrow." Maxon says suddenly. "Maxon Shreave, are you asking me out on a date?" I say laughing. "Only if you accept." He says. "Yes I'll go on a date with you."I say before wrapping up the painting. "My arm hurts, let's finish tomorrow." I say and he tries to peek at it. "No you can't see until it's done!" I say moving it away. "Until tomorrow my Dear." He says kissing my hand. "Uh no, I'm not your dear, try again." I say and he smirks. "I'll try again tomorrow." He says before leaving.

That evening I had got my letters back from home. I couldn't wait to read them. I got them while I was in the woman's room. The first to get it back.

Dear Florence,
The house has been quiet without you, there's nobody to swear when your paints drop over, god knows your mother would have a fit if Amie tries to take that role over. Amie's been sleeping in your bed, well she shoved your beds together to make a double. The boys have been missing you loads. Jamie has been calling your name for help loads and remembering your not there. Robb on the other hand barely noticed you left, I've had to tell him you were gone at least three times, poor guy can't seem to remember it. We are fine without you here, I hope you enjoy yourself in the castle.
Love
Dad x

Dear Florence.
Oh darling! The house has been craving your energy. We all miss you loads! I'm so happy your making friends in the castle! We've been watching you on the report and you look positively regal! Marlee is a lovely girl, I do hope you become fast and true friends. Celeste on the other hand I'm not too sure, she is an awful girl, we have all seen it. Please don't fall under her tricks. America is a great girl too, we all know us fives stick together! I miss you darling and hope you can return soon.

Dear florence,
Oh my god your on tv!! Mom let me stay up late to watch your makeover on the report and you looked amazing! Is the prince really as handsome as they say? Hermione said that your going to love him and something else I didn't understand, her mom swatted her for saying it. Jamie wants me to write what he says. Florence it's me Jamie! I want you to come home and play football with me! Robb can't be in goal he doesn't remember how to play properly. Now Robb wants to talk. Where are you Florence? I miss you and want you to come back now I'm bored byee
I miss you so so much Florence
Love
Amie, Jamie and Robb.

The letters almost made me cry. They were lovely. Robb is getting worse though, his memory hasn't been that bad in ages. America came up to me. "Are you okay?" She says and I rub my eyes. "Yeah, it's just my brother." I say and she hugs me. Marlee joins in. "Oh Flo!" Marlee says hugging me too. "I've gotta go, thanks guys." I say before running to my bedroom. Whenever I'm sad I paint, what better thing to paint than my room? "Can any of you paint?" I ask the maids as I enter. "I can." Nicole says. "Perfect!" I say handing her a paintbrush. "Would you like to help me paint my bedroom?" I say and she perks up. "I'd love too!" She says and we got to work.

It took us hours but we finished. I roped a guard into helping us too, he was good fun. His name was Officer Woodwork and he was a lovely lad. Marlee and America came for the ride too, they mostly just kept me company. Nicole was the best, she's an amazing painter. By the end my bedroom was a deep purple, I had made the wall details gold rimmed. I had got Poppy to fetch me new bedsheets in god to fit the theme. I had also added my own paintings to the wall. On the wall next to the door I added a mural. It was a mural of my home province of Whites. It's where i came from, I always want to be reminded of that. I had also added little hidden paintings around. In the corner of the room me and Nicole added a little drawing of her, Poppy and Grace. We wanted to see how long it would take until they noticed. I also added a painting of me Marlee and America above my dressing table, they loved it. "Oh Flo it's gorgeous!" Marlee says as I lay on the bed. "It was worth every minute!" I say happily. "This room looks amazing!" A voice says from the door. "I know right? Me and Nicole worked on it." I say thinking it's a guard again. I watch America and Marlee jump up to curtsy. "Shit." I whisper and I get a look from America. "I keep forgetting it's you, I keep thinking your a guard." I say and he looks at Carter. "Oh this is Carter, he helped us too." I say motioning to him. "My Prince." Carter says before putting his helmet on and leaving. "Oh my god is that a picture of your maids?" Maxon says pointing to it. "Cool right!" I say and he nods. "And there's you three!" He says looking at the picture of me Marlee and America. "What are you putting on that wall?" He says motioning to the empty wall in my room. "Oh she's saving that wall specifically for you." Marlee says and I kick her. "Shut up!" I say and she laughs. "Really now?" Maxon says amused. "Mhm! She's been painting you!" Marlee says and America nods. "Is it any good? She won't let me see it until it's done." He asks and I shake my head. "Don't answer him ladies, don't look him in the eye." I say and we all laugh. "God you lot are hard to crack. I guess I shall be seeing the photo tomorrow?" He says before leaving. "Goodnight girls." He says.

"Oh my god let's have a sleepover!" Marlee says and we all agree, god I've never had a sleepover before. "Bring your maids! They can have one in here too!" I say and they both run to their rooms. "Nicole do you know their maids?" I say and she nods. "Mary is my best friend, she's Lady America's maid." Nicole says as she grabs loads of pillows and blankets out of a cupboard. "That's good!" I say before the doors burst open and the girls and their maids come in. "I'll be right back!" I say before leaving and going to Celeste's room. "Celeste!" I call and one of her maids open the door. "Celeste me America and Marlee are having a sleepover if you want to join us, the maids are invited as-well!" I say as she puts on a face mask at her vanity. "I would rather die." She says and the maids face drop. "Well the offer stands if you want to, bye then." I say before thanking the maid and leaving.