#extra fic

Since Nya and Wu announced that only they and Lloyd could be in Kai’s room for the time being.

Zane absentmindedly wrapped his hands around his sides. “I suppose…”

The black ninja slid into one of the kitchen chairs. “What’s wrong?”

Zane quietly followed suit. “I am worried.” He admitted.

“I mean, they just want to make sure no one gets a repeat of what happened with Jay. It’ll be alright – we’ll figure it out.” Cole reassured.

The nindroid shook his head. “No, no – I am confident in Kai’s recovery.” He fumbled his hands on the kitchen table. “I am…worried about myself.”

Cole tilted his head in confusion.

Zane scrambled to clarify. “My powers.” He elaborated. “I,” he huffed out a breath. “Did you see his back?”

Cole winced at the memory. “That was awful.”

“It was frostbite.”

His eyebrows shot up. “What? Wait – Zane, you don’t actually – you can’t be blaming yourself for that, are you?”

“I – no, I know that was the bizarros, I just,” Zane shook his head. “I could do the same thing to – to anyone, Cole!” He shrank in on himself. “I do not feel cold…” he murmured. “What if I go too far one day?”

Since my actual family had just 2 members, including me, I had always dreamt of a big family in my future.

Every now and then I looked around the place, noticing that some ladies were tense, trying to remember the lessons we had received only a few hours before from Lady Colette, others seemed to care more about finishing their celestial dishes, and I couldn’t blame them.

Heading back to my room, the sound of a deep sigh made me snap my head towards a lady with an awesome hairstyle; short, curly and black as charcoal. I touched my hair as an impulse.

I miss my curls…

She muttered something, but I couldn’t understand her words. Her attitude and movements made me smile unconsciously because it even when it seemed like she had been struggling with something, yet good vibes surrounded her.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, not being able to contain my curiosity.

She looked up at me surprised “Huh? Wha-me? Yeah! Perfect!” She gave me thumbs up and a big smile, but suddenly cleared her throat and changed her face for a more serious one. “I mean, yeah, I'm cool. Stephanie, was it?”

I get  closer to her as we continue walking towards the rooms “Yes, and your name is...“ I closed my eyes since a bunch of faces and names passed through my mind “Mm Maya? ... please be Maya.” I pleaded to her, scared to ruin the conversation with an awkward mistake.

She chuckled but forced a serious face. “No, I am Elizabeth”

I looked at her with disbelief even when her chuckled had exposed her before “ ... my memory can’t be that bad!”

She answered, chuckling “No, it's Maya, but there are like three Elizabeth's so I thought…” she paused and bit her lip. I wondered why she kept doing that, maybe she hadn’t realized her laugh was so nice and contagious, not a crime. “Sorry…”

Contagious indeed. I laughed, looking around to avoid a problem with any Elizabeth “I know, right?? When I was reading the list I almost felt bad for not having that name too”

No, no, hey! What are you doing? She can do the joke thing, but you…

I had never been good at it.

She smiled, again. “Maybe Prince Nathaniel has a thing for Elizabeth's?” I nodded mockingly and she continued “He seems okay right?

It was until that moment when I remembered my mother’s words, this was a competition, girls were here to win something: a crown, a prince, love…

“You can’t trust any of them, they are hypocrites, the only thing they want is to win”

But I was there not only because I wanted to find romantic love, I had hope to find a real friend, someone who I could trust in and be me without being judged or criticized and give the same in return. A sincere friendship for once, not smiles, kind words and fake talks, looking for a job or a good position inside the fashion world, and the only way to get that was to take the risk and talk openly with the ones I sensed to be, and Maya seemed to be the most genuine lady, so far.

“Yes, He’s a very nice guy, … between you and me, I thought it would be easy to meet him, because we have seen him on tv so many times and stuff, but I couldn’t help to feel nervous at that moment…”

Instantly, her mood exploded in excitement “Thank goodness!” and corrected again, as if she had instantly pushed her own “keep calm” button  “Wait! I mean as in if even you are nervous then, you know, I was, eh, a little nervous too”

“Sure, just a little bit, right?” I chuckled “I bet you did good. Now that the stress is over I will finally get some sleep!”

“Thank you, but uh, one question” She lowered her voice and I leaned my head to listen better “Are normal beds always that big? That thing is huge! I'm afraid to get lost in it” She chuckled nervously.

Her comment hit my heart. I constantly forget about castes in this country, and when someone make me remember them I feel so guilty for ignoring them!

How can I be so selfish!? I hate myself.

I felt really uncomfortable, but it was a nice lady standing in front of me, excited and waiting for an answer I couldn’t just stand there hating myself “I know right! My bed back home is definitely smaller, but fortunately I’m sure I won’t be lost in it, I just have to reach for my feet hanging out of it, try that, it saves a lot of time at mornings” I winked

Trying to make jokes, again. Great!

At least she chuckled this time. “Okay, good idea.” She started to fidget with her dress and I realized she wanted to tell me something. I opened my mouth to ask but before I could say something, she continued “Sorry if I ... well I don't want to seem rude but... I, eh, kind of, expected you to be… d-different?”

I knew I could get this kind of comments from the ladies, honestly, I was hoping for those, considering that most of the media had the habit to publish negative things about me; but somehow it hurt still. I tensed “Well, thanks, I guess …”

“S-sorry! I didn't... I mean! You're just...sorta famous? And- A model, pretty and all and uh-I-I am sorry”

There was no way she could knew about my inner trauma, so I couldn’t blame her for them. “No, no, don’t worry, it’s okay. I understand why you had that impression... sometimes media is .. well, you know. I shrugged.

She scratched her head “I don't know..yet. But I will believe your word for it” She closed her eyes, embarrassed “Did I say I was sorry?”

I chuckled “You did, but it’s fine, really.” I said, faking an unconcerned tone. “Ohm... have you met any of the royals? Beside Nate, of course” I desperately changed the subject

“I ran..eh I met Prince Maximus, he...was apparently 'the man of my dreams', so I suppose I am don't even have to date Nathaniel if I was into younger men” She smirked, jokingly

“I have heard he’s intense but I thought they were exaggerating”

“I'm sure he's mostly joking, but if not, I could be running 'towards the sunset' right now, with him of course”

“Well, at least it would be romantic”

“I admit, with the right person it would…” She smiled with a special bright in her eyes “But uh... this one is mine” she pointed to a wooden door similar to the rest of the rooms in that floor “... so I should probably assure my maids I didn't embarrass myself too much, I will see you again?”

“Oh, Sure, mine is that one” I pointed to my door, which was one room away from hers “so, we will see each other a lot around here.”

“You got it! She said, giving me finger guns, which seemed to regret instantly. I tried not to laugh “Eh, bye!” she smiled awkwardly

“Bye”

I quickened my step to my room.

“My lady, how did it go?!” Tracey asked excited. I found her just a few inches from me as soon as I closed the door behind me and she made me jump. The rest of my maids stopped their jobs waiting for the answer.

“Well... “ I started as I checked my phone

40 MESSAGES

I scrolled through them

WHY AREN’T YOU ANSWERING ME?

I TOLD YOU I WANTED YOU TO CALL ME, EVERYDAY, ESTEFANÍA!

Duh. Of course I am. I came here to find a relationship I would be happy in, not one that was forced.

To be fair, I don’t think that relationship was ever given a chance. But, I’m used to it. I’m used to always being overlooked because I’m either too nice, or too boring, or too much, or sometimes it’s because of my caste.

Either way, whether it’s fair or not, this experience is over for me. I’m surprised because I’m more upset that I’m going to have to leave Emma and all of my friends behind. When I’m gone, will they make new friends? Will they forget about me?

I can see it now, someday far in the future when we have a selection reunion and I’ll show up and people will tilt their heads, trying to remember my name. And when they finally do they’ll say, “Oh, yeah, I remember her. She got eliminated early.”

And that’s how I’ll be remembered.

I’ll join my sweet fire girls in a circle as they talk about all of their fun at the palace, but I won’t understand most of it because so much will have happened after I’m gone.

It’s depressing.

It’s depressing because I wanted so much more. I wanted to say I left completely changed….for the better.

I did change, and it was for the better, but I didn’t have time to really really accept it. For the most part, I just tried to put myself out there more. And because of that, I made some of the best friends I’ll ever have in my entire lifetime. So, it wasn’t all bad. 

I guess I’m confused. And rambling. I’ll sum it up for you.

I’m happy this opportunity came my way and I’ll the benefits I received from it, but I’m disappointed in its short life span.

It was time to stop dwelling on it, and move on. Of course, I had to talk to Emma. I left my room and went just across the hall to Emma’s room and knocked softly on the door. She answered it.

I looked at her solemnly, “Did you hear the news?”

She furrowed her brow and ushered me through the door. “No, what happened?”

“I got eliminated,” I spoke softly while looking down.

Her jaw immediately dropped. “What?”

Suddenly she was hugging me, and I hugged back. “No!” She exclaimed.

All I could do was tell her yes. I was trying so hard not to cry.

“Yep, but after how the ball went, I’m not that surprised.”

She looked concerned for me. Or maybe just concerned in general. What was going through her mind? Perhaps she was thinking that if Dom didn’t give me a second chance, then if she messed up, he wouldn’t give her one either.

Or maybe, she was concerned because her closest friend was leaving her.

“I thought for sure he would give you a second chance. I'm so sorry, Maddie,” She spoke.

“Well, I guess not. It's okay. I'm just not sure what to do now.”

That was the truth. I had no idea what I was going to do now. I wasn’t ready to go back to Kent. Not yet.

Suddenly, a determined looked crossed Emma’s face and she grabbed me by the shoulders.

“You know what? Don't let this stop you. Keep doing everything to the fullest! You've already come out of your shell so much, and I don't want this to stop you. Stay in Angeles, travel, whatever you want.” She said confidently.

I looked bewildered probably. But, I couldn’t help but think about the possibilities.

We got pensions for being in the Selection. Just one check can allow you to live a comfortable life as a caste Three. And I had received three pensions since the time I got selected. The money wouldn’t be a problem.

My dad wouldn’t be upset, he’d be the opposite, happy for me. My older siblings wouldn’t care, except maybe Karina for not bringing her along. 

It was possible…

All I had to do was….do it.

“Well, I would love to travel... and with the pension from the selection....” I said optimistically.

“Exactly! But promise me one thing: keep in touch. You've been such a good friend, I definitely want to keep it that way,” She said with a smile.

I grinned back, “Of course Emma. I'll send you a postcard from everywhere I go.”

It was silent for a moment and then the butterflies built up in my stomach. “But where should I start?!”

Emma was calm, she was much better at this. “Angeles, for starters. Then wherever else you want to.”

She thought for a moment and then added, “You know, my older brother Declan is heading out here for a piano competition. Maybe you can meet up with him.”

That was an intriguing thought. I nodded, “That would be interesting. I'll have to do that.”

“He's pretty reserved but I think he'd appreciate the company,” Emma said.

“Yeah definitely give me the details. I'd love to meet him!” I smiled and then added, “Wow I can't believe I'm going to do this. I should probably call my dad.”

Emma frowned, “I'm still sad you're leaving though.”

“Yeah, me too. But we are definitely going to see each other again. Don't worry. So this is...goodbye then? For now?” It was so hard to say.

“Maybe a see you soon,” She said with a small smile.

“Totally. Tell Alec and the rest of Sweet Fire goodbye for me. I just don't feel like going through a million goodbyes when this one is hard enough.”

I wish I could go tell everyone goodbye, sweet fire, my breakfast club, Alec, heck even the royals, but I knew I couldn’t do it. It would be way too emotionally exhausting.

She nodded, “Of course. Alec will really miss you too.”

I smiled and nodded, “Yeah, I’ll miss him too.”

Finally, I gave her one more hug. “See you soon, Emma.”

“See you, Maddie.”

And with that, I walked out of my room and back into mine and let the tears fall.

When I finally calmed down, I wrote a note to my maids, thanking them for everything. I dismissed them earlier kindly, saying I wanted to be alone.

Then I went downstairs where a car was waiting to take me where I wanted to go.

“To the airport miss?” The driver asked.

“Actually, take me to a hotel. I think I’ll be staying for a few more days.”

------------------------

The next day.

------------------------

Emma had given me the details as to where her brother was playing before I left.

It was a small gig, but still a pretty big deal. It’s a big deal when you are from anywhere other than Angeles and you are asked to play in Angeles.

I walked into the small theater. It was big enough to hold about 200 or so people. However, there were only about a hundred there. Just a small, cozy gig. I liked it.

A few acts came on, performing their piano, each one just as good as the one before. And then suddenly they announced his name, “Declan Atwood.”

It was kind of weird for me. I felt like a stalker. Did he even know who I was?

The next thing I knew he was performing. And he was good.

Not “good” like the last few contestants were, but a very unique kind of good. It was hard to explain except that the music he was creating was incredible, some of the best piano music I’ve ever heard.

When all the contestants were done performing they announced the winners. Declan didn’t win, but he did get third place which is so amazing with how many contestants there were.

They invited everyone to an after cocktail like party in the restaurant right next to the theater.

I followed the crowd of people into the restaurant that was fully reserved for tonight.

My heart was pounding and I had no idea why. I was just introducing myself to Emma’s brother. It’s not that big of a deal.

I saw him in the corner, he was talking to an older lady, who was undoubtedly complimenting his performance.

As she was walking away I nervously approached him.

“Hi!” I smiled a little awkwardly.

He turned to me and gave a small smile, “Hello, Madelyn, right?”

Okay. So he did know me.

“Um, yeah, Delcan right?”

He nodded. Luckily, he was about just as awkward as I was.

“Emma has told me a lot about you,” He said.

“Yeah? She’s told me a lot about you too.”

After that, he offered to buy me a drink which I kindly accepted. We continued talking about why I was there and my time at the palace and my friendship with Emma.

Emma had made him seem so reserved that I was so nervous. Nervous that he would be difficult to talk to, but that wasn’t the case at all. Actually, he was as easy to talk to as it was to Emma. Once we were done with the awkward initial introductions, it went so smoothly. I was thoroughly enjoying myself and I couldn’t seem to stop smiling.

He laughed, “Wait so you made up a rumor about what?”

I laughed back, “Basically I tried to convince everyone that Baffin wasn’t a real place, but I’m the only one that thought it was funny.”

“I think it’s funny.” He responded with a grin.

We were out of breath from laughing so hard and my cheeks hurt from smiling. Our conversation was perfect. So perfect.

The rest of the night just got better. We went to an ice cream shop and to a park and just continued to get to know each other better. But, when the sunset, the conversation turned deep.

“So, tell me about the elimination.”

It was the topic I had avoided. I didn’t want him to be scared away by my emotions before I had even gotten to know him, just like with Dominic.

“What do you want to know?” I asked.

He thought for a moment. “How do you feel about it?”

I’m not sure why his question caught me off guard. I think it’s because I was expecting something more direct like, “What did you do?”

But, no. He wanted to know how I felt about it.

“Um, well, when I first found out, I was upset. But, when I realized what my goals were for coming and really just took a step back, I decided that it was for the better.”

He nodded and it grew to a comfortable silence.

“Well, what are you going to do now?”

I sighed and thought about how to answer.

“I don’t know. I’m just going to wander. Maybe get lost for awhile.”

He stared at me in curiosity. “You are just going to travel? No plans...just go?”

I nodded, “Yeah, that sounds about right.”

We looked out over the Angeles lights in the park.

“I never even realized someone could do that. Life has always been so focused, so planned out. To just do something spur of the moment seems like a foreign concept.” He spoke softly.

“I totally understand what you mean,” I said with a smile. “What if... what if you came with me?”

I know I know, it sounds crazy to ask a boy that you only met that morning to travel the world with you. But, I didn’t mean to ask him or rush our friendship. It just felt right.

“Come with you? Like travel with you?” He asked curiously.

“Yeah, why not. It might get boring if I’m by myself.” I tried to play it casually.

It grew silent again, and I was sure he was going to say no. He was going to have some reason or excuse or uncertainty and he would say no. Simple as that.

“Okay.”

I froze and then turned to look at him in the eyes.

“Okay?” I asked incredulously.

He laughed at my shocked expression. “You know my whole life I’ve complained about myself not making bold choices and really just trying to live without worries. I almost said no, that’s the easy answer. But, yes, well, that’s a surprise.”

I smiled. I smiled so big that he probably thought I was crazy or making fun of him. I was smiling, because for once, someone understood exactly as I felt. I didn’t even have to explain because they felt it too. It sounds cheesy, but it was magical.

We stood up and I held my hand out to him.