The Culling: Book 1 (The Culling Series)

by Tricia Wentworth

  Chapter 16

  The next morning, I’m tired as I plop down at my spot between Henry and Lyncoln. Henry scoots closer and Lyncoln immediately puts his hand on my knee, almost a protective reflex. They are consoling me. From what?

  “What’s wrong?” I look at Lyncoln’s crazy blue and brown eyes and can physically feel that he cares about me.

  As I look around, I figure out the answer to my own question.

  “Maybe she just isn’t here yet?” I ask in denial.

  “Her guard wasn’t at her room. Sorry, Reagan,” Elizabeth sympathetically smiles at me.

  “Vanessa is gone?” Now I turn to Henry.

  “We think so. Her along with four other girls and four boys.” He rubs a hand along my back.

  I pinch my nose trying to digest this information. I hate mornings. For more than one reason.

  “Please tell me then that Marisol and her following are gone,” I say with my temper flaring. Why did Vanessa go when the worst person is still here?

  “Well, Georgia and Jade are gone,” Attie says with a shrug and shakes her head. Both of those girls were in Marisol’s group at least. “I don’t get it either,” she adds.

  They fill me in on the other missing people. Our numbers are now at 20 total, ten girls and ten boys. There is a lengthy discussion on if that was the last cut and we made it to the ball. I should be happy if that is the case, but I’m still angry Vanessa is gone. She is gone and Marisol is still here. In what world would Marisol make a better Madam President than Vanessa? I’m tired and my temper is really starting to flare.

  As if sensing it, Lyncoln squeezes my knee and then rubs his thumb in circles on it. I have one boy with his arm around the back of me and the other with his hand on my knee under the table. I should be ashamed of myself, but at this exact moment, all I can think of is that I’m glad they’re both there. They both know me well enough to know that it would bother me when Vanessa was gone. She was my closest friend here other than Attie. I know in my review my professors told me that I seem to care about others too much, but it wouldn’t be respectful to Vanessa if I had the attitude of being glad she was gone so there were less standing in my way. What kind of a leader would I be if I did that? You might as well call me Marisol if that were the case.

  Since Bronson and Haley have somewhat started dating or hanging out or whatever, I guess I should’ve been more skeptical about it and seen it coming. Everyone remaining is part of a solid couple except for October and Lyncoln who are the oddballs. I have a feeling neither one of them will be next to go either because they are too smart and too good at what they do.

  I feel furious at this whole couple business though. What if the best girl for the job didn’t like any of the boys here? Vanessa wasn’t romantically involved so is that why she’s out? Why do we have to be coupled up? I know by law we all have to be married, but why do the Presidential Couple have to be married to one another? Vanessa would have been a darn fine Madam President as far as I’m concerned.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” Elle says walking into the cafeteria with such purpose that it interrupts all conversations and grabs all of our attention. “Two quick announcements I am happy to report. Today instead of your usual morning classes, we will be going in shifts to DIA and will begin your self-defense classes. You may also practice at the range. We will go for two hours this morning and two hours tomorrow. Unfortunately, I didn’t get you guys out of etiquette class. Dougall was adamant that you have as much time with her as possible before the ball, although you do have tomorrow afternoon off for preparations.” She stops for a moment as there are a few chuckles and groans at her comment about Professor Dougall. “Also, and more importantly, I’m pleased to announce those of you who remain have made it to the State of the Union’s Culling Masquerade Ball and have passed another round of cuts. Congratulations.”

  I hear whoops and hollers but find I can’t be very excited about this without thinking of Vanessa. I’m still here. For now. But I’m in a love triangle of sorts, and if you only get to stay if you are coupled up, my time with Henry and Lyncoln both is dwindling.

  ****

  That evening after my rather pleasant socials with Bronson and Elizabeth, Frank and Gertie are flying around my room like crazy people. I’m exhausted from a long day. My arms are sore from holding the gun too tight as I practiced my aim earlier this morning, or maybe it was from our self-defense class, I’m not sure which. On top of that, we had to practice different dances and proper greetings of people for five long hours this afternoon. I just want to crawl into my bed and sleep for a minimum of 12 hours.

  “I know you are tired, dear. But you will be the best-dressed woman at the ball, guarantee it!” Frank says excitedly.

  “I don’t doubt your abilities at all, Frank,” I respond with a laugh that turns into a yawn.

  “How about this, we will fit you for your dress tonight, to make sure it fits and no alterations are needed, get you a bath, and then you may get to bed, hopefully within the hour?” he asks.

  “Sounds perfect,” I say relieved. I love them dearly but am not in the mood for these shenanigans right now.

  I go to the bathroom where my dress is hanging and unzip the bag to find the most gorgeous gown I have ever seen. The deep blue fades to emerald with sparkles on the chest and waist also fading into one another. It’s exquisite. It is even better than I imagined it would be. I will be like a walking, sparkling jewel. I’m amazed Frank was able to concoct such a masterpiece in such a short amount of time and tell him so.

  Gertie helps me zip in and step into heels as they both make observations. I can’t help but feel more excited now. I have made it this far. I get to go to the ball tomorrow! I owe it to Vanessa to kick some butt, too. Preferably Marisol’s.

  “Now for your mask, which we are just finishing up with, do you want to have it on a stick to put on like so,” he gestures with his hand, “or do you want it attached to your hair?”

  “Well if you want me to wear it at all, it had better be attached,” I laugh.

  Gertie looks at Frank and says, “See? I told you so.”

  After more discussion on what needs to be adjusted, which is apparently just the length a half an inch, Gertie quickly ushers me to the butter bath. Before I know it, I am bathed, jammied, and alone in bed. Sleep finds me faster than it has for the past week.

  I dream of a blue eyed boy and green eyed boy accompanying me to a ball.

  ****

  The next morning, I’m surprised that my aim at the practice range is improving. Only about half of the boys are there, the rest have started some simulations. Oliver helps me practice and works with me on not being so tense when I shoot, mostly by cracking jokes since he isn’t any better at aiming than I am. I find I’m hitting the target, but not the bullseye. My precision also stinks since bullet holes are all over the target. Attie joins us later and works on her shooting too. I’m glad I’m not the only girl who seems to struggle with this. Elizabeth, in all her beautiful glory, hasn’t missed the target once. Go figure.

  On the way back to Mile High, we are told they are having lunch sent to our rooms. Other than briefly at breakfast, I haven’t even seen Henry or Lyncoln today. Many of the girls don’t even mind the lack of boys as they are giddily talking about their dresses and dates.

  As I get on the elevator at Mile High, a hand sticks in the door and October and her guard quickly come in, hitting the button for the doors to close.

  “Reagan,” she says out of breath, “she’s planning something for tonight. She wants you to come unglued in front of cabinet members. She wants me to pick a fight with you there, too.”

  “What?” I ask angrily, wondering what Marisol has up her sleeve.

  “Yeah,” October shakes her head and takes another deep breath. “Her dad told her ranks. She isn’t in the top five and you are. He’s irate. He told her to step up her game.”

  “I thought we weren’t supposed to talk to our families?” I a
sk bewildered.

  “Well, apparently that rule doesn’t apply when your dad is at DIA in a pretty powerful position and checks in frequently.” She rolls her eyes as the door dings signaling our arrival. “Just be careful.” She gives my shoulder a squeeze and goes on her way.

  Other than her being present at our table at meals, October has been distant. I know she’s being a double agent and trying to help, but I wish I could talk to her more. I feel like she has more information than I do and I wish she would share that information more often. And more than that, she’s a cool person and fun to be around.

  I reach my room and think about how lovely a quick nap would be, but upon turning the doorknob, I find Gertie and Frank already in my room and looking distraught.

  “Darling! Someone tried to tamper with your gown. Fortunately, I’m not a fool so I put a fake, and less beautiful one in its place. Your real dress was with us last night,” Frank stomps angrily, pacing in my room.

  “Funny that, October was just telling me that Marisol was up to no good at this ball.” I shake my head. “I don’t think that’s the last we have heard of her for tonight either.”

  “That girl…” Gertie begins, looking venomous. I think this is the first time I have ever seen her angry like this. She was concerned for me after the Grady incident, but not downright angry.

  “She will get what she deserves,” Frank says determinedly. “We will eat a quick lunch. Then we will make you so beautiful that she explodes mid-air.”

  I laugh but know he’s only half joking. He knows he’s good at what he does. Frank is truly an artist, he just expresses it through a different medium than most.

  “Let’s do this,” I say affectionately and decide to be helpful adding, “What do you need me to do first?”

  ****

  Hours later, I’m standing before the mirror in my room and barely recognize myself again. I have been poked, plucked, butter-bathed, and more. My gown hugs my body, drifting to the floor. This is my favorite dress so far. It’s navy at the top around the sparkles. It is cut in a v-shape around my chest, highlighting it in a tasteful way. Then the dress fades to pure vibrant emerald at the floor after it swoops to more sparkles on my waist. The colors are spot on and shimmer when I move. The sequins are in just the right spots to help the transition between the two colors which normally don’t blend into one another. Frank says it is somewhat of a double ombré, and though I don’t really know what that means, I suspect it has to do with the dark colors both fading into the sparkly sections. The back is open and to the middle of my back. The slit up my leg gives an element of sexy to the otherwise completely elegant dress. When I stand in the mirror and move side to side, it looks like the dress rains sparkles to the floor. I love it.

  The mask Frank made for me is half matte silver and half sparkly, the same sparkles and sequins as my dress. On the sparkle side, it flares out and sits in my hair adding sparkles there too. He has my hair curled and done up off my neck, except for a few tendrils that have already managed to escape. The mask attaches to my hair, but he shows me where the pins are. It settles over my smoky eyes done in silver tones. The mask is more amazing than I thought it would be. Thinking the whole mask business is a little silly anyway, I’m pleased to find I actually don’t mind wearing it. It matches the dress perfectly, and the shoes too, which are solid sparkly silver heels.

  Frank and Gertie do their finishing touches and then hurry off after gently hugging me and wishing me luck. Frank is just sure that I will be the “bell of the ball”.

  Knowing that we have to be downstairs in a half an hour and feeling nervous about arriving as one of the few uncoupled candidates, I decide there is no better time than the present. I feel elegant and beautiful, and for the first time ever, like I am able to keep up with the good looks of my counterparts.

  I open the door and find Jamie, who loses his composure and whistles at me.

  “Shut up,” I say with a smile.

  “You look great, Reagan, really.” He gives my hand a squeeze of support as he loops it around his arm.

  “Thanks, Jamie,” I smile at him affectionately.

  He gets me laughing about the masks and before I know it, the elevator opens and we walk down the hallway. We have arrived.

  The room is decorated to perfection again. Huge pieces of fabric drape down to the dance floor in an artsy and dramatic manner. Everyone is wearing masks, even the waiters. There is an odd type of music playing in the background, giving it more of a mysterious feel. Some couples are already dancing while others are standing around greeting one another and helping themselves to the drinks or hors d’oeuvres. More people are still shuffling in and it is apparent that the President and his cabinet members have not yet arrived.

  As I walk in, I see Lyncoln across the room in discussion with the only man not wearing a mask and instead in military uniform, the one named Langly from before. They are in a heated conversation, but Lyncoln stares as soon as he sees me. He is wearing a black suit with a thin, long black tie and a black vest with a square black and gray pattern adding life to the otherwise usual suit he wears. He also wears the mandatory mask, which is simple and matte black and very much the Lyncoln style. Although he is wearing a mask, I would know those eyes anywhere.

  He continues staring at me while he starts talking to the anxious-looking military man. I try not to, but I’m pretty sure I’m grinning at him. It feels oddly empowering to be able to stop a force of nature like Lyncoln in his tracks.

  “Here.” I hear a familiar voice as I am handed a glass of champagne. “You look exquisite. With your two love prospects, you’re going to need this.”

  I take the drink and turn to see Isabella and Oliver, Oliver handing me the champagne. Isabella is wearing a dark purple dress and Oliver is wearing a dark gray suit with a matching dark purple tie and vest. They both have the mask on the stick thing and are clearly matching.

  “You guys look great. Love the matching,” I compliment them.

  “Ummm…that dress. It’s a good thing I like you, or I would hate you,” Isabella says and we all laugh.

  “So you’re saying I should steer clear of Marisol then,” I joke.

  “Way clear. Don’t look, but she’s already glaring,” Oliver adds and does an impersonation making us laugh.

  “May I interrupt to ask for a dance with this ravishing woman?” I hear and feel Henry at the same time as he comes up behind me and puts a hand on my bare back.

  I turn to see him wearing a black suit with a black vest and bow tie. His mask rather than covering both eyes covers only one and looks to be made out of some sort of black metal material. The one eye thing looks really good on him and very much compliments those smooth emerald eyes. When seeing the pictures of masks, I wasn’t sure they would look good on the men, or on anyone really, but his is very masculine and it definitely works for him. Henry has a way of making everything more manly, like those dimples for example.

  “Go ahead,” Oliver says to him with a grin, “We were on our way there too.”

  After putting my drink back down, I am swept up by Henry and danced around in circles. For the first few moments as he spins me around, I don’t even have time to say anything. I’m just focusing on following his lead and not tripping in these heels. After a few minutes of his showing off, he slows us down for a bit.

  “You look amazing,” he whispers to me and I blush. “And you smell even better.” He rests his head on my head as he pulls me in closer than is probably necessary.

  “Hi. It’s nice to see you too,” I shyly laugh.

  “Mmm. Can we just do this all night long? I don’t want to talk to any cabinet members. I just want this right here,” he whispers. His breath on my ear gives me chills.

  “You look good tonight. Your mask is my favorite,” I say honestly.

  “Thank you. Just for the record, I guess both Lyncoln and my attendants tried talking to Frank to figure out what you were wearing so we could match. Not that you ha
ve to match because not everyone is, but whatever. He completely blew them off and acted like it was a big secret. I can see why. That gown is one in a million. Much like the wearer.” He shakes his head amused.

  My heart skips a beat at Henry’s compliment and I’m secretly thankful for Frank’s evasiveness. He knows I would’ve been uncomfortable matching one or both of them.

  Henry then spins me around and dips me, causing me to laugh. As I am dipped, I see Elizabeth and Maverick. Elizabeth in a red dress and mask and Maverick in a black-on-black suit and looking uncomfortable in his silver mask. Whew. At least one other couple isn’t matching.

  “You look great!” I nod at Elizabeth.

  “Likewise, girl!” She and Maverick smile at us and she whistles at my dress in approval.

  “So don’t look now. But my dad and the cabinet members are starting to arrive,” Henry groans. “Here’s the deal. We’re going to dance and I’m going to show you off. You are going to look even more amazing than you already do as I sweep you across the dance floor. Then we are going to go talk to said cabinet members and I will introduce you to who you need to know. Then we are going to be back here dancing. Close.” He moves closer in demonstration then adds, “I want to get the part of this night where I can’t be this close to you over with. In and out in with all the fancy business taken care of in, say, fifteen minutes?”

  I smile. “Do I even have a choice in the matter?”

  “Nope.” Henry drills me with those emerald greens again. I love how playful and affectionate he can be. For someone who has had a very serious childhood being raised at Mile High, he can still kick back and have fun.

  We dance across the floor until I am completely out of breath. A few people clap by the time we are done, but not Lyncoln, of course, who either wasn’t watching or was busy talking to that Langly guy. I’m certain that Henry is a much better dancer than I am. Where did he learn to dance like that, anyway? Wow.