day 16 31296

Sara took her key, picked up her bags, and went to the stairs, not waiting for the others. She went up the tired floor and then checked the map and made her way to the room. She opened the door and stopped. The room was like nothing she had seen. The walls were a pale cream, the carpet, trim and wood work was a warm tan, and thick. There were two large beds in the room, two closets and chairs. There was another door on the wall between the beds. Sara moved on into the room and set her bags on the nearest bed, figuring it would be best to take the one near the door. She then went to the other door and opened it to find a big bathroom. The wall behind the sink was just a big mirror, and was a bit startling. The shower was a large thing, far bigger than anyone could possibly need.  Moving into it she saw there were towels hung by the shower and an assortment of soaps on the counter by them. More types and bottles then she had seen in the store. Why would anyone need so much? Well at least that meant she and Lena would be able to use different ones. That should ease Lena’s mind. They even had laid out hair brushes, and tooth brushes! Her father really meant they needed nothing but their clothes. She shook her head at the excesses. Then left the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

She went back to her bags on the bed and set about unpacking. This room would easily make tree bed rooms the size of hers at home. And the bath room, such a waste of space! She opened the closet and found a lot of hangers waiting. Room for more clothes then she owned, and to think she had felt bad at bring five dresses with her. She was just hanging up the last one when Lena came in and marched past her to the bed. Sara then put away her under things and extra head covering. Closed the bag, and set it in the bottom of the closet.

She opened her backpack, intend to take a book with her to the dining hall and saw the envelope she had been given before getting on the bus. Deciding this was as good a time as any, she sat on the bed, finding out it was soft, and opened the envelope. She gasped in surprise. There was indeed a note, but there was a lot of cash as well. “What in the world would I eve need all this for?” She took her purse off and started to sort the money in with what her Grandfather had given her.

Lena said. “It is shameful that they gave us so much. I cam only hope they didn’t short the men to see to us. And to tell us to enjoy our selves. As if! Do they really think we will go running around? Where did you get that bag? All those sections could be handy if you market a lot, I suppose.”

Sara said. “Abiram bought it for me I am not sure where he came up to it. He gave it to me as we were going to the market one day. It blends into my dress, so thieves don’t see it and the divisions make it easy for me to find the right bills without looking. I hope this is all right, I thought it would be easer for you if I took the one by the door, so not to have to walk by you. Did you see the bathroom?”

Lena said. “Yes I saw it. I am stumped as to why they waste so much. Do people really use such fripperies? I can’t believe I am stuck in this den. Your note telling you to enjoy yourself? Or did they not bother?”

Sara looked at the note and blinked. “Yes it tells me to have fun, and buy some fancy things, not just books, and then there is a list of history books that they want me to look for, for the library. Guess that explains why all the cash.” She did not say that the letter went on to say that she should make them proud and pass the tests. Like they knew she could.  That they were telling everyone that none of the girls had asked to come; it had been time to send some. Every few years it was necessary to keep the government happy. But that she should make the most of thins chance, and hang on to the unspent cash as he might not be able to get her what she was owed when she left. That he and a few others knew what her Grandfather had told her, and were in full agreement. She shook her head. Why was everyone so sure she was leaving the church? What did they know? If only she could ask some one.

She put the note into the purse. “I wonder how they will mange the testing. They said in the prep class that we would be given numbers and assigned seats. But did not say how those numbers were given. Do they separate the rooms or are we mixed together? I never thought until just now. Now that we are hear and it is happening I can think of many things I should have asked.”

Lena said. “I had not even thought of that. I wonder what the others are planning to do about tomorrow. What a mess you have dragged us into. I can’t believe this. Being forced here and no chaperone to vouch for us even! How are we going to live it down? How embarrassed our intendeds will be when it is announced. I just hope I can make up for this stain somehow. I wonder if the others have thought? Perhaps they know something more about how it will be handled.”

Sara said. “I will leave so you can find out. You have a better chance without me around. I know why they blame me, wrongly, but why you?”

Lena said. “My cousin. She is among the Hammer kids, lives with a family there as she could not adjust to the lights path. But as your younger sibs are with us she comes often to see them, and so I am contaminated by association. Even though I do not seek to know things unfit or seek unnecessary schooling.”

Sara said. “I just wanted the chance to do a gradation project. I just wanted to not stand out more in my year. But I failed. I never thought, did not know girls were ever sent. I am going to go see what the dining room is like, and leave you to see what you can learn. May the light guide and protect you.” She left the room and headed down stairs, not sure what she was intending to do. It was going to be a long week. She thought about showing Abiram the note, then realized she couldn’t. Not tell she knew what she was going to do. She didn’t need any more pulling at her.

Down in the lobby she walked around taking a look at the paintings on the wall, trying to remember which door it was that had the dinging room. She had expected them to have signs, but saw none. Opening a random door in hopes it was the right one seemed dangerous. Surly someone else would be down soon. A hot meal had been high on the list of reasons they wanted to get here after all. A man in a uninformed came over to her. “Can I help you Miss?” Sara blushed. “Not that there is a thing wrong in looking at the paintings, you just seem to be looking for something, and one of my duties is to see lovely guests are not long lost.”

Sara said. “I am unsure which of these doors lead to the dining room. I know Mr. Ritter said, but on come back here I am un sure which it was.”

“That is a common problem guest face. Nothing to worry about. It is the ones by the paint of the lovely field of red poppies.”

Sara said. “Thank you sir.”

“Think nothing of it. Enjoy you meal.”

Sara headed to the door wondering if anyone truly enjoyed Holly day meals. Once though the door she realized that yes in fact they did. There was nothing simple about the dinning room, or the food she saw on the tables. She looked around wondering where to go and might have turned around and left, but another person in a uniform appeared. “Just follow me, Ma’m. There is a open table right over here.” He led her to a table and pulled out a chair for her. She blushed to be so treated, but sat down, and he handed her a small book like thing. “Your server will be along shortly to take your order.” With that he was off to show another couple to a table.  She looked at the book and found it was a list of foods. She guessed that she was to pick what she wanted from it. There was also a section that had drinks. So many choices! Half of which was stuff she had never heard of.

A young woman came over to her. “So have you decided what you want or need more time?”

Sara said. “Um this backed chicken sounds good.”

The waiter said. “Good choice, kid. What vegetable, and bread and dink?” Sara must have looked confused. “First time eating in a place like this?” Sara nodded. “Tell you what, who don’t I just put down my favorites.”

Sara said. “Thank you that will be fine.”

She smiled and took the menu. “I will be back with your drink and salad in a bit.”

Sara looked around her in wonder, felling way out of place. None of the others seemed to be down here yet. Well there were other kids, but she was sure they were from other towns. A bunch of people came in the door but before she could see who they were the server was back with a bowl of salad and a tall glass of some red liquid, it didn’t look like any fruit juice she had seen.  “Thank you.”

The server smiled. “You’re welcome, and relax you are the only feeling a bit lost. There are a lot of kids who haven’t been this far away from home before. That is normal around testing time.” She moved on to another table.

Sara looked at the salad, and shook her head. “Am I supposed to eat this or frame it? If they put this much into a diner salad what is the rest of the meal going to be like?” She shook her head again and picked up her fork.

“That is a good question.” Sara jumped, she hadn’t realized that Abiram was in the room, little own behind her. “What do you have there?”

Sara said. “I don’t really know. I picked the baked chicken but missed that there were other things and so the server said she would just bring me her favorites.”

He said. “Just why did you come down alone? Is every thing all right? You know you can come to Zac and I right? There is no harm in hang out with your family, even if it is two boys.”

Sara smiled. “It is nothing, and you shouldn’t feel it necessary to watch me. I feel bad enough about being here. This should be your time.”

He looked at her. “It is not your fault. I didn’t stay in school because of you. I needed the extra year to get the better schools. It is a common thing for boys to do as you well know. That is why they have it. You and the other girls are not here because you choice to compete school. Don’t let them get you blaming your self, when you know better.”

Sara smiled. “I know, but I don’t want you worrying about me when you should be enjoying this week. Making the most of it.” She hoped he didn’t notice the cringe she felt saying those words. “I don’t see any of their others hovering over their sisters.”

Zac said. “How do you know any of the others have a brother here? There is only one you even knew. But I see your point and will try to keep him from hovering to much. After all it is your week as well. You have the right not to be escorted this week, just as he does not to play escort. However should you want one for some reason we would both be willing.”

Sara turned back to her salad as the waiter came to take the boys orders, which they placed with more confidence than she had, but still got thrown of by the choices of bread types. Once the server left Abiram laughed. “I see what you meant now. Wow that is complicated. But I bet before long you will have it mastered.”

Sara said. “You did a lot better than me. When she asked for vegetable, bread, and drink, I just stared at her. Hopefully I will do better next time.”