I was laying down sloppily on the couch in the lounge room. My eyes were glued to the large screen, as my hand held a large bowl of popcorn. The movie I was watching was very interesting. There was a police chase going on and the protagonist was about to be caught. I was sitting on the edge of my seat when the screen switched from my movie to the report.

I stared dumbfounded at the screen. It was just getting the good part! My head turned slowly to the left where my mom had just sat down, with the remote in hand.

"What was that for? I was just getting to the good part! Couldn't you have waited?!" I exclaimed. I desperately wanted to know how the movie ended.

My mom glanced at me briefly before her gaze went back to the screen. "The main character dies. Get over it. They're picking the selected tonight!" Her voice was giddy and filled with so much excitement. Sometimes I think she acts younger than I do.

I held my tongue from saying anything else, as it was impolite and I did not want to get scolded. I may be 20 years old, but in my mother's eyes I am still I child. It did not make sense though. How could she just ruin the movie? I doubt she would like it if I ruined them for her. I pushed my negative thoughts away as I focused on the screen. It was nearing the end of the hour, which meant the report would be starting shortly.

Just then, my dad and Damien entered the lounge room.

"Did we miss it?" My dad asked. Mom shook her head no. Without even looking in their direction. She was way too invested in the idea of the selection. Dad walked around the large sofa and kissed my mom before sitting down beside her. After being together for 25 years they were still going strong. That's what I wanted.

I felt another hand grab some popcorn. Popcorn that I know I did not give permission for anyone else to take. Damien gave me his little boy smile and he shoved it in his mouth. He jumped over the couch to sit beside me and grabbed another handful of popcorn. I slapped his hand away, causing the handful of popcorn to go everywhere.

"Kids. Food belongs in your mouth and on a plate. No where else." My dad was always strict about not wasting food. As children he always reminded Damien and I that we were lucky to have opportunities, materialistic items and food. Whereas 7s and 8s struggled.

Damien and I looked at one another with looks of sympathy. Dad always played the emotional card with us. Our frowns did not stay long as we ended up bursting into a fit of laughter. Damien had popcorn in his hair, and I am pretty sure I did too.

Our fun was interrupted when my mom hushed the three of us and pointed to the TV. On screen was the King and the Prince sitting side by side. Meanwhile, Perri and Johnny were standing on another side of the room with an envelope in hand containing the selected.

The four of us watched as the selected was shown on the screen. The King made comments to the Prince as the pictures were shown. Sometimes we saw a smile, but you could see his nervousness.

I had just stuffed my mouth with a handful of popcorn when I heard Perri speak. "Miss Lydia Lockwood of Lakedon, Two." 

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped, causing the popcorn to fallout. I was used to seeing my picture on TV, but never have I ever thought I would of been picked. I heard my mom squeal in joy and clapping her hands. All the noise around seemed to fade out. All I could do was look at myself on the TV and believe I was being pranked, like that old show I found online called Punk'd. My brown hair was curled to perfection and my makeup was light. Yet my hazel eyes showed mixed emotions. This was what all of Illèa was seeing.

My frozen state was broken when I heard the house phone start to ring, followed by all of our cellphones. That night the ringing never stopped.

~~~~

The next morning and the rest of the week was full of officials taking over our house. They were trying to prepare me for everything that was yet to come.

I would not like I think too highly of myself, but I don't think they realized that I was used to being in TV, I knew how to act in public, and I knew how to dress properly.

The palace has sent guards to help protect my family while I was gone, which made things more complicated as we already had a lot of security. Things were becoming very hectic.

There were people running in and out of the house. I had also been measured and sized by a seamstress. I guess this was goodbye to my usual clothes.

The last official that came buy was an older woman. Her light blonde hair was styled in a low bun and she has professionalism written all over her. She was to read over the rules and regulations I had to follow as a Selected.

We went into my study on the first floor, as she just started reading and placing papers in front of me. Everything was starting to become overwhelming.

I was not allowed to leave the palace without permission from his majesty. I was to only dress with clothes provided by the palace. There should be no participation in any other romantic relationships (understandable), and much more.

"Remember that there will be many other girls. You may not get along with them, but if you sabotage or fight with any of them there will be consequences." Her voice was stern and filled with authority. Would girls actually go to that extent to win the the Prince?

"Lastly, it is mandatory that I ask. Are you a virgin?" My eyes widened even more.

"Of course I am!" I exclaimed. I was thankful my mother was not in the room, or anyone else for that matter.

The woman looked at me skeptically and nodded slowly. "If you are found lying there will be punishments." I nodded quickly, showing her that I understood.

She slid a packet of papers towards me that was basically everything she just told me. I skimmed the sheet, making sure I did not miss anything before I signed the bottom of the page.

The woman took the packet and everything else and packed it neatly into her brief case and left the house.

That night, I packed my bag although I did not need much. My phone and laptop were necessary, along with a few pictures to make me feel at home in the palace. I packed my charm bracelet and camera before I closed the bag.

After I packed my bag, I went downstairs for a short meeting with Alice and my parents. They were trying to figure out a way for me to be able to work while at the palace. We discussed possible solutions, but we still needed clearance from the officials.

A couple hours later I laid in bed not being able to sleep. A knock was heard from my door and Damien peeked in.

"Can't sleep?" He asked. He walked into my room with a plate of cookies and two  glasses of milk. "This always makes me feel better."

Although Damien and I fought a lot, we had our moments and this was going to be a big one.

"My stomach is jumping around and it's just too hard to fall asleep" I confessed, while twirling my thumbs. "I'm nervous but I know I shouldn't be. I've never been nervous! I didn't even want to participate in the selection and it's just making me so antsy."

Damien sat on my bed beside me with a cookie in hand. "It's okay to be nervous. Truth be told, I get nervous at every game I have and there's a lot." I looked at him. Damien gets nervous?

"Look, Lydia. I don't want my baby sister to go away, I won't have anyone to bug." He smiled a little. "But this is a huge opportunity for you. Things won't always be smooth. But you have to be like Agent Miranda, and take risks."

I sat there silently, before a triumph smile flashed across my face. "Does this mean you watch my show?" I said smiling.

"Sometimes. We never speak of this again." I laughed. Damien always made fun of me for choosing acting, but this was the icing on the cake.

We sat there talking for awhile when we noticed the time. He kissed my on my forehead as we said our goodbyes. There was no way he would wake up in time to say goodbye tomorrow as he had training. "Night big bro." I mumbled.

"Goodnight Lydia." He whispered, closing the door. And then I fell into a milk coma.

~~~

I woke up early the next day. Today was the day I would be leaving for the palace, going to the farewell party and make my first appearance as a Selected.
I was dressed in my fitted black slacks and a white fitted button down shirt. My hair was styled in loose curls, curtesy of my stylist. My makeup was light and I looked good. I paired the uniformed outfit with my red Louis Vuitton heels.

When I made it down stairs, I found my mother and father waiting in the foyer. They both were dressed to perfection, like usual.

The three of us were then escorted to the farewell party that the province was holding.

Many people came out to say goodbye, people I did not even know and others who just wanted to show support. Our mayor gave a grand speech. He spoke on how this could be a change for our country and what great honour it is to be able to witness another selection.

"Miss Lydia Lockwood, if you may..." He said. I guess I was expected to say a few words.

I took a deep breath and stood behind the podium. I did not have anything written planned but I knew exactly what I would say.

"Hello Lakedon, and thank you to everyone who has come out to show their support." I looked around and met the gaze of many people. I gave a small smile before continuing. "It is such a great honour to be picked to represent our province in this important event. This is not going to be an easy ride, but I promise to do Lakedon proud. I will not guarantee anything but I do promise to represent our province with pride and respect. Once again, I would like to thank you all for supporting me in this journey and for coming out. With that being said, let's get back to the party!" I gave a big smile and waved to the crowd.

The party continued even after I left as it was actually time to say farewell.

The goodbye conversation with parents took longer than expected. I am pretty sure we were all a little sad and may have even shed some tears. Reluctantly, I let go of the embrace with my parents.

I was then escorted to the car awaiting for me outside that would take me to the airport. My small duffel bag was already in the trunk. I waved at my parents and continued to gaze out of the window. The drive was long and filled with silence.

I pulled out my sunglasses and put them before I made my way out of the car to enter the airport. The sun was hot and I could feel myself burning, but a tan was the least of my worries. My life was about to take a huge turn.