Chapter 7 Chapter VII

The next morning, I put on the uniform of the selected candidates: black trousers, white shirt, and a lily flower representing our province in my hair.You can choose your own shoes, and I put on worn-out red flat shoes. I think it should be clear from the beginning that I am really not Faye Wong material. We're headed to the downtown square soon, and each of the inductees will get a big send-off back home, but I'm not looking forward to the send-off pageant at all.There were so many eyes on me and I just stood there and couldn't do anything.And it's only a short two-mile walk to the square, requiring a car for safety reasons.

It was such an uncomfortable start to the day.Kenna and James came to see me off, they were very kind, and it was not easy to come to see me with a big belly.Cota was there too, but his presence made the atmosphere more tense than relaxing.It was only a few steps from the door to the car prepared for us. Kota walked the slowest, and he allowed several photographers present and people who came to bless him to get a good look at him.Dad could only shake his head and sigh. Xiaomei was my only comfort, she held my hand and conveyed her enthusiasm from her palm to me.We were still holding hands when we reached the crowded square.There were so many people like the whole of the Carolinas came to see me off, maybe they were just watching.

Standing on the stage, I can clearly see the difference between the levels.Margaret Stine was third class, and she and my parents looked at me like they were going to eat me alive.Tanier Diggle was seventh class and she kept blowing me kisses.People in the upper classes look at me like I stole from them, and people in the 4th class and below applaud me because I represent the average girl who made it to the top.I now understand what I mean to these people, and to each of them, I represent something different. I held my head high and tried to look at every face. I must perform my best, because I am standing on the highest platform that the lower class people can reach, representing our most glorious side.I suddenly felt a sense of purpose. I, America Singer, was the representative of the lower classes.

The mayor began to speak beamingly. "Province of the Carolinas applauds Magda and Shroam Singh's beautiful daughter, Lady America Singh!" The crowd applauded and cheered for me, and some threw flowers. I focus on their applause for a moment, smile back, wave, and scan the crowd again, but this time for something else. If I could, I'd like to see him again.I don't know if he will come, yesterday he said I was beautiful, but the whole person exudes a defensive atmosphere, much colder than when we were in the tree house.I know we're really done.However, how can I love someone for two years, and then say I don't love him overnight?

After several groups of people passed by, I saw him, but I regretted it instantly.Aspen stood behind Breonna Butler, naturally holding her waist, smiling.That smile represents my heartbreak. Maybe some people just say that they don't love each other overnight and they don't love. Brenna was about my age, sixth grade.I think she should be considered more beautiful, but she doesn't look like me at all.It seemed that she would live with him instead of me, and use the money he had saved to marry me for their wedding.Moreover, the matter of conscription no longer bothered him.She smiled at him and walked back to her family.

Has he always liked her?Is she the girl he sees every day?And I'm just the one who feeds him once a week and bathes him in kisses?It suddenly occurred to me that every time we chatted, the life he didn't mention might not simply be boring working hours. I was so angry, I was too angry to cry. Still, there are so many fans out there who want my attention, that I turn back to the adoring crowd before Aspen realizes I've seen him.I smiled again, even bigger than before, and waved thanks to everyone passing by.Aspen couldn't enjoy breaking my heart anymore, he put me on this stage, and I had to take advantage of it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in sending off America Singh, our favorite daughter of Elia!" the mayor declared.Behind me, a small band played the national anthem. More cheers and flowers.The mayor suddenly came to my ear. "Honey, is there anything you want to tell everyone?" I don't know how to say no without being rude: "Thank you, but I'm so touched I don't think I can put it into words." He held my hands: "Dear girl, that's for sure. You don't have to worry, I will arrange everything. The people in the palace will give you this kind of training, and you will need it in the future."

The mayor and the send-off crowd praised me, implying that for a fifth degree I was already very smart and beautiful.He doesn't look like a bad guy, but these good guys in the upper class are sometimes on top. I looked around the crowd again, and I still met Espen's eyes. His expression was a bit painful, which was very different from the expression he had faced Breonna a few minutes ago.What kind of trick is this?I don't look at him anymore. After the mayor finished speaking, I was still smiling, and everyone cheered for me, as if his speech was so inspiring. It's time to say goodbye.My assistant Mitters told me to say goodbye to my family softly and briefly, and then she would follow me in the car and take me to the airport.

Kota hugged me, told me that he was proud of me, and then asked me to mention his work to Prince Maxson, and I could only break free from his embrace as gracefully as possible. Kenna was crying. "I can't see you often anymore, what can I do now that you are gone?" she cried. "Don't worry, I'll be home soon." "Oh, if only! You're the prettiest girl in Ilya, and he'll love you!" Why does everyone think that only beauty is the most important thing?Maybe that's it, Prince Maxson doesn't need a wife to talk to, just a beautiful woman.Such a future made me shiver. Fortunately, so many girls who are prettier than me were selected.

Kenna, who had a big belly, was hard to hug, but we hugged as best we could, and James, who I didn't know well, hugged me too.Then it was Gerrard's turn. "You have to be good, you know? Try playing the piano, I think you can do it. When I go home, you have to play it for me." Gerald nodded, suddenly sad, and put a small arm around me. "I love you, America." "I love you too. Don't be sad, I'll be home soon." He nodded again, still pouting in displeasure.I didn't expect him to be so unbearable for my leaving. It was the opposite of Xiaomei. She was jumping and jumping with joy, giggling all the time.

"Oh, America, you're going to be Faye Wong! I knew it!" "My God, take it easy! I'd rather be an eighth grade and be with you all day. Be good and work hard." She nodded, still bouncing excitedly.Then when it was Dad's turn, he was already in tears. "Dad! Don't cry." I got into his arms. "Listen to me, baby. Win or lose, you are my little princess." "Oh, Dad." I finally cried, and just that one sentence released all the fear, sadness, worry and anxiety in my heart.This sentence made me understand that these things are not important. Even if I was used and rejected when I came back, he would still be proud of me. I couldn't bear to be so deeply pampered.I know that when I get to the palace, there will be many guards to protect me, but it will not be safer than being in Dad's arms.Finally I went to hug Mom. "Listen to them, do what they tell you to do, don't be unhappy, be happy. Follow the rules and smile often. Remember to write to us more. Oh! I always knew you were the most special child." I know she means it well, but it's not what I want to hear.I would have liked her to say that I was a very special child to her, just like Dad thought I was special.But I also know that she will never relax her demands on me, hoping that I will get more and return her more.Maybe all mothers are like this. "Ms. America, are you ready?" Mitters asked me.With my back to the crowd, I hastily wiped away my tears. "Well, ready." My backpack is already packed in this well-polished white car.This is parting, and I walked towards the exit steps. "Ami!" I turn around, I know who the owner of this voice is, no matter where it is. "America!" I searched and saw Aspen pushing his way through the crowd, who were complaining about his aggressive behavior. Our eyes met. He stops and looks at me.I can't understand his expression, is that worried?regret?Whatever it is, it's too late.I shook my head, determined not to fall into Aspen's trap. "This way please, Ms. America." Mitters waited for me at the bottom of the steps.I paused to get used to my new address. "Goodbye, baby!" Mom called again. Then, I was taken away from here.