*****
Chapter Twelve
Stepping into the Spotlight
“I feel a bit ridiculous with this collar. I mean… the dress is eye catching enough with this huge red skirt. Isn’t the collar a bit much?” I asked.
“Not at all,” Aspen scoffed. “This is a one of a kind creation. It is the perfect gown. All eyes will be drawn to you. The color red commands attention. This is exactly the kind of dress that a girl in your position needs,” she insisted.
“A girl in my position,” I mumbled under my breath.
“Bluebell, you are a reflection of the auspicious 1.15 family, a descendant of the original twenty, and you are being groomed to live in the public eye. Any other young Citizen would trade places with you in a moment’s notice. But they can’t, they aren’t Lush. But you are, so act like it!”
I stood up a little straighter and put a smile on my face so she would think that her little speech had worked. Hoping that if she saw it, she would let me be.
I stared at myself in the tall mirror. The red and white gown had an exaggerated full skirt and a high tulle collar. I had to admit that the collar framed my face in the most amazing way, but I knew it would draw attention. When Aspen had been going through her tablet, looking at all of the pictures of gowns, I hadn’t spied one that looked anything like this.
This new Style Consultant was determined to make me the center of all attention, though at Petunia and Petal’s Gala, it just didn’t seem right. But Cimarron, Aspen, Father, and Grandfather had explained that since Concord was sponsoring the Gala, then Concord was entitled to highlight its new Lush Ambassador – and that meant I was to be paraded around. They kept telling me that it was a shared event, but it still felt wrong.
The make-up and hair people had just left. The gown was on (and it was wearing me as much as I was wearing it). I slipped my feet into the shoes that had been delivered with the gown: they were quite high, but had a thick enough heel that I’d be able to wear them for the whole evening. The little bag that would hold my mini tablet (I was up to three of those things) was waiting for me by the door. I was ready to be presented to Concord.
Aspen’s tablet vibrated in her hand and she looked at the screen. “Jackson, Bluebell, the car is waiting outside. Is everyone ready?”
“Oh, wait just a minute. I forgot something in my room,” I said over my shoulder as I rushed from the room.
I ascended the stairs as quickly as was possible in the enormous dress and high heels, and entered my room. The little box that Thorn had given me the night before was sitting on the table by my bed. I opened it up, slipped the ring on my finger, and then turned to go back down to where my parents waited for me by the door. I grabbed my little bag and we all walked toward the waiting car.
“It is such a lovely evening,” Aspen remarked as we started moving.
“Yes, dear, it is,” my father agreed.
“The moon looks lovely.”
“Umm-hmm.”
“I do hope they have the little canapés that I requested. They are the perfect little bite. Everybody loves them. Don’t you agree?”
My father smiled at her. “They are always enjoyed by all.”
After paying attention to that particular exchange, I tuned them out. Aspen said something meaningless and my father agreed. It was their common form of communication and it drove me mad. I couldn’t imagine such a boring existence. When I was with my friends we had discussions, laughed, teased, agreed, disagreed. My parents always spoke as if a high-ranking official were there, observing them to measure their compatibility. It was all so sterile. A public conversation was to be conducted that way; a private one should be full of life… at least that was what I believed.
I decided to pull my mini tablet out of my bag so I could read from it until we reached the Gala. Thorn had sent over another story and it was pretty good. I wasn’t sure how much time had passed, because when I start reading, time seems to have no meaning anymore. I could read all night if the story was good enough, and gladly suffer the consequences the next day. I would brave a tired day when the story whispered, just one more page…
Aspen tugged at my skirt, pulling my attention away from my tablet.
“Where did you get that?” she asked, pointing to my hand.
“Cimarron gave it to me. She said that I needed a smaller one for the times when I was only carrying a small bag.”
“No, not that, you silly girl. That,” she frowned, pointing at my ring.
“Oh, sorry. I thought you meant the mini tablet. Because, really, who needs three of these things?” I asked, pointing to the mini tablet.
“The ring, Bluebell!”
“Right. The ring came from Thorn,” I answered.
“And where did Thorn get it?”
“He found it,” I said, giving her the truth but not much more.
“Where did he find it?” she pressed for more answers.
“Outside.”
Her mouth drew into a hard line. “Bluebell, a full sentence with more details would be nice.”
“Aspen, why all the questions? It is just a ring,” my father said. He leaned closer to get a better look at it.
“Yes, Mother. Why all the questions?”
Aspen rolled her eyes at the word mother and said, “I just want to know where it came from, and why you have it.”
“Should I not have it? It is mine, isn’t it?”
“Well the boy gave it to you, so it is obviously yours,” my father replied.
“Forget it, it is not important,” Aspen waved her hands in the air, washing away the current discussion. “We are here.”
From the way the conversation went it became obvious to me that Aspen remembered the ring, but my father did not. The ring held no significance to him, while the sight of it seemed to bother her. I was intrigued by the fact that a little flower ring visibly disturbed Aspen. It may have been wicked of me, but I’d made up my mind to continue to be as vague as possible.
We stepped out of the car and were ushered over to a side entrance. Petunia and Petals were inside, ready and waiting. Introductions were to be made soon and until then we were all to be kept away from the guests. The Pets and I squealed when we saw each other and rushed together to give air kisses and little hugs. We were each too worried about messing up ourselves, or each other, to do any more.
“Bluebell, you look divine!” they said in unison.
And I once again wondered how identical twins were able to do it. It was like they were in each other’s brain. It always amazed me.
“Thank you! The collar worries me, but it is pretty, isn’t it?” I twirled around and let the red skirt poof out. “I love your dresses, the flowers, your shoes. Did you ever think we would all look so nice in gowns?”
Petals laughed. “I think any girl would look lovely with a pretty new dress, her hair done in a flattering way, and the right make-up on her face.”
“I think you are correct in that assessment,” I smiled. “I can tell the two of you will excel in your given career.”
Petunia twirled around, making her dress flare out. “Fashion and Style will be perfect for us. I never knew that it was so interesting, until that first day at the CEC when we were told we had shown an aptitude for it.”
“Plus,” Petals grinned. “Who wouldn’t love to have gorgeous identical twins show up to be their Dressmaker or Style Consultant? We will be quite the desired pair, I predict.”
“Girls,” Cimarron whistled. “You two,” she pointed at The Pets. “You’re up. Walk through the curtain and stop about three feet behind the microphone. The announcer will take it from there.”
“Got to go,” they chimed together and then disappeared through the heavy curtains.
I could hear the announcer talking enthusiastically in a booming voice.
“Concord One has the most beautiful set of identical twins and I’d like to introduce them to you…” he began speaking, but I was forced to stop listening.
/>
Cimarron grabbed my attention.
“Aspen, Jackson, and Bluebell, you will walk out together with Aspen on Bluebell’s left and Jackson on the right. The parents will be introduced first, then you two must walk toward the tables and have a seat at the one reserved for you. Just look for me. I will be out there to guide you,” Cimarron explained. “Bluebell, you will be introduced after that and will have a few moments of question and answer. You will need to draw on all those practice questions we rehearsed at the CEC. Keep calm, keep your voice strong and steady, and answer them the way a true Ambassador for Concord would. I have faith in your abilities. You’ll do great!”
I nodded, to show her that I understood and then tried to focus on the announcer’s voice again. I wanted to know what was going on out there with my friends.
“Girls, we have a treat for you,” he said and his words were followed by applause. “On your right side are Leaf and Blade; they come from Concord Three. Leaf is nineteen and Blade is twenty-three years old. Leaf is in the beginning stages of his apprenticeship in Peace Keeping, while Blade is an excellent chef.
“On your left side are Reed and Hunter; they come from Concord Four. Reed is just eighteen and Hunter is twenty years old, their parents moved quickly with these two! Reed is at the Career Education Center, learning to become a talented butcher, while Hunter is about to finish his apprenticeship in Landscape Design.
“They are mighty fine choices, girls. What will you do?” the announcer finished with the question.
“Gracious,” one of them sighed into the microphone. I was pretty sure it was Petals.
“We have no idea,” they said in unison.
“Aren’t they adorable? Give them a round of applause, Citizens. We will bring them back up as the Gala starts to wind down and talk with them some more. There will be a little surprise at that time and I’m sure you will all want to be a part of it,” he continued. “Off you go, young ones.”
“Now I would like to introduce somebody that is truly unique, a girl who honors Concord in all that she does, and honors her parents, as all children should. But before we speak to her alone, we’ll meet the whole family. Please welcome Aspen, Jackson, and Bluebell, of Family 1.15.”
As the Citizens clapped their hands, Cimarron guided the three of us to the edge of the curtain. “Go now,” she yelled, in an effort to be heard over the applause, and we walked out from behind the curtain.
When we reached the microphone, the announcer introduced Aspen and Jackson. He remarked that they were “fine Citizens” and “wouldn’t any girl be proud to have them for their parents” before Cimarron appeared again, quickly ushering them to their seats.
Then it was my turn.
The announcer stepped closer to me and reached out to hold my left hand. “Citizens of Concord, it is with great pleasure that I am able to personally introduce Bluebell to you all.” He took my arm and raised it high in the air, exposing my Lush Citizen Brand.
I glanced at the wall screen to the right of me and saw that the video camera operator had zoomed in on my wrist. The applause that began with the raising of my hand died down almost immediately. Everyone focused on the wall screen, trying to get a good look at the flowery brand. The room fell to a whispered hush.
“Isn’t it a wonder?” the announcer boomed. “An extraordinary thing indeed. Lovely, young Bluebell is Lush with life and has been marked with a rare Brand. She is the kind of Citizen that you should all aspire to be, the kind that parents aspire to create: helpful, dutiful, loyal, and kind. She spent the beginning stages of her life following the guidelines set out for her. She and her parents have never wavered from Concord’s plan. And look at the results, Citizens. Bluebell has been rewarded!” he almost shouted into the microphone.
Cimarron was motioning for me to curtsy, so while the announcer still held my left hand I grabbed the side of my skirt with my right hand and bent my knees. I dipped my body into a curtsy and lowered my head.
“Bluebell, are you excited to visit all four of our beautiful Concords? It is not something every Citizen will be able to do in their lifetime. How do you feel about it?” he asked.
I quickly analyzed the question the way Cimarron and I had practiced. Giving an appropriate response was not as easy as it seemed. I must entice the crowd and please The Council with every answer.
“I am very excited. I understand what a privilege it is for someone my age to be able to move about so freely. Although each Concord is its own special community, the same loving Council governs us all. It will be so interesting to interact with the Citizens of Two, Three, and Four,” I answered.
“Some people say the underwater tunnels that connect us all together are dark and feel very closed in. Does that prospect trouble you?”
“Why would that trouble me?” I smiled widely showing no hint of worry. “Our great Architects and Engineers designed the tunnels, our hard working ancestors built them, and our current dedicated Citizens maintain them. I will enjoy the ride.”
“I have heard that the darkness – not being able to see the sun – is daunting to some?” he prepped me for my next response.
This one Cimarron had expressly wished for me to convey…
“Concord is my light in the darkness, it shines as bright as any sun. Concord Reigns,” I answered.
“Concord Reigns!” he shouted.
Everyone at the Gala burst into applause and I curtsied once again.
“Isn’t she lovely, everybody? Enjoy the night, Bluebell. Concur with Concord!”
“Concur with Concord!” was repeated by all.
I entered the crowd and was immediately surrounded by Citizens. My father and Aspen flanked me as we made our way around the room. I shook hands, held out my wrist for up-close inspections, and gracefully accepted the various forms of congratulations for nearly an hour. When I was finally released to find my friends and enjoy the evening on my own, I knew I would always be under the ever-watchful eye of Aspen and Cimarron. It was Lily and Fisher who found me first.
“You look lovely, Blue. You answered his questions so well. You’ll be the perfect ambassador,” she said while squeezing me tightly in a hug. “And is it wrong of me to say out loud that I’m glad you were introduced that way tonight and not at our Gala?” She whispered the question.
“Not wrong at all. I feel bad for squashing in on Petunia and Petals, but I guess they are going to do something special with them at the end of the evening too, so the focus will be drawn away from me. I wouldn’t want anyone to feel overshadowed. Were you two able to talk with either of the sets of brothers? I wonder what The Pets think of them.”
Fisher looked back to the corner of the room where a long couch had been placed. Sitting in the center of it were Petals and Petunia. To the left of them sat one set of brothers. To the right of them sat the other.
“Lily and I went over there a little while ago. Right now I think they are playing the - I’m more interesting than you are - game. I don’t think I’d want to be competing for the chance to live a fairly public life. I mean The Pets are great, but a videoed wedding, videoed birth, videoed family outings, that’s just not for me,” Fisher frowned at the thought.
“Welcome to my life,” I laughed.
“Sorry, Blue. I know. I just don’t think I could do it. I mean, if Concord wanted me to, then I guess I’d have to,” he explained.
“Believe me, I understand. I accept this because I must…”
“And you are just amazing at it,” Lily interrupted. “Seriously, Blue. I know I’m repeating myself, but you really are going to make the perfect ambassador. I’m not just saying that. I really mean it,” Lily smiled at me.
“Thanks, Lily,” I said and squeezed her hand. “Where’s Stone?”
“Believe it or not, he has set his sights on Rosebud. She showed up in a strapless dress, exposing a fair amount of pale freckled skin. He noticed her about an hour ago and told me he was off to connect the dots,” Fisher grinned.
/> I looked around the room, curious to see if he had been successful. “Are they together somewhere? Where are they?”
Lily giggled. “Yes. Look over there.” She pointed them out to me.
Stone and Rosebud were sitting alone at a table for two. Their chairs were very close together and their heads tilted toward each other. I bent down, pretending to adjust the strap on my shoe and looked under the table. Their feet were touching and their hands were clasped. Stone had found his freckled redhead. Rosebud needed a happy guy like Stone in her life. I hoped that it was the start of something promising. I hoped that they were well suited for each other. I hoped for them what I knew better than to hope for myself.
I pulled at Lily’s hand. “Look at that! Do you see the blush in her cheeks?”
“I know. She is glowing,” Lily smiled.
“Stone is done for, now,” Fisher said.
“What is that supposed to mean,” Lily frowned.
“Once you find that girl that grabs your attention, it is impossible to get her out of your head.”
“I’m in your head, am I?” Lily teased.
Fisher nodded. “All the time.”
Lily threw her arms around Fisher’s neck and he pulled her tight to his body. Their foreheads were pressed against each other, their lips only centimeters apart.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Fisher whispered.
“That’s my cue to leave,” I said and spun around.
My eyes locked on Thorn. He was on the opposite side of the room, waving at me. I waved back and started toward him. As I was attempting to maneuver my way through the tables, I heard my name. I turned my head to see Aspen and some other man with their heads close in conversation. They were turned away, with their backs to me, but I’d always had pretty sharp hearing. Plus, Aspen seemed to say my name with a particular sort of disdain. That sound had stood out in a sea of voices and it caused me to pause.
“We just need to keep Bluebell busy and always in the public eye,” the man said.
“I want her face unmistakable. Everyone in Concord should be able to point her out in a crowd. I want her whereabouts tracked at all times. My father should have known this was a possibility,” Aspen hissed. Her angry whisper was filled with regret and worry. “She can’t… she just can’t… it would ruin me.”
“This isn’t the place, Aspen. We’ll converse tomorrow,” he responded.
I slowly backed away from them, being careful to remain out of their line of sight, and motioned for Thorn to follow me.
I kept what I had overheard to myself. I wanted time to process it before I tried to reason it out with another person. Plus, I wasn’t sure if Thorn was the person that I wanted to be having that kind of conversation with anyway; I didn’t know that much about it. Why was it so important to shine a spotlight on me and track my every move? What purpose could it serve Aspen? I just didn’t know.
Thorn walked an entire circle around me when he neared, and whistled when he finally stopped. “What did they do to you?”
I laughed loudly. “Let’s see… skin glow treatment, manicure, pedicure, hair, make-up, new shoes, gown, and bag. But it is the jewelry that sets it off. Don’t you agree?” I said, holding out my hand for inspection.
“You wore it,” he smiled.
“Thank you for giving it to me. I have to tell you, Aspen seemed a bit shaken by it. She was asking me all sorts of questions about where it came from. My answers were very unspecific.”
“That’s probably best. My father says that, for some reason, those closest to The Council don’t like to hear about childhood memories. Actually, they don’t want Citizens to hold on to too many personal memories in general. He says that for the kids, it just makes the transition into Training Tech harder, so they are encouraged to forget about their life before schooling… and for adults, dwelling on the past doesn’t let one look to the future. Concord always wants everyone to look ahead and never behind. But my father doesn’t want to relinquish his memories. He doesn’t think anyone should be encouraged to forget anything that happened in the past. That’s why he won’t let me forget about my mother and he talks about her so much. He keeps her memory alive.”
“I can actually see the good in both sides of that argument,” I stated. “While recalling the past is sometimes quite nice, some memories are too painful to relive, especially for a child. There is something to be said for moving on and looking toward the future.”
“I guess in certain cases that could be true. But how is a person, or especially a government, ever supposed to move forward without examining the past, analyzing the good moments and the bad and then proceeding forward? You can’t learn from a mistake unless you acknowledge it. Bad moves will just be repeated if they are not recognized and internalized.”
“There is a lot of truth in that. But we are talking about childhood memories; I doubt anything happened when I was three, four, five, or six that I need to learn from,” I countered.
“We’ll never know, because most people have no real memories of that time.”
I grabbed his hand. “I’ve been trying, you know, to remember more. I can almost picture the whole area we used to play in. The grassy area, the trees, the flowers, and the stream, I can see it all. If I close my eyes it almost feels as if I am standing there too. But the headaches always follow, Thorn.”
“It’s just a headache, I get them too. They’ll lessen in time. The more I press my brain to remember details, the less they bother me. My father says he thinks that over the years our brains have been trained to only retain things that happen when Concord is making a larger impression in our lives. When we are very young, the concept of Concord holds no real meaning. By Year Three though, we fully understand the impact that Concord, The Council, our Guardians, and the trainers have on our lives.”
“Thorn, you do realize that this sounds very suspicious. Almost like you are suspecting someone of something. Couldn’t it just be that little children do not have the capacity to remember specific things? I’m not sure I like the way these conversations about memories are going.”
“It’s just a theory. Anything’s possible,” Thorn shrugged. “For the rest of the evening, there will be no more conversations that require deep thought, I promise. Would you like to meet The Pets’ potential mates? I said my hellos a little while ago.”
“Yes. That would be lovely!”
Thorn walked a half a step behind me with his hand at the small of my back. I wouldn’t admit to myself that I liked the way it felt. It was a doomed thought. Thorn was the son of a selectively single man, who worked in Media Distribution. Somehow I doubted that the Lush Ambassador for Concord would be allowed to entertain the thought of a possible match with someone like him. Aspen was holding out for the son of someone with influence, power, and money. Someone she approved of to occupy the spotlight with me … of that I was well aware.