Hey, gurls!

I think I'm going crazy... well, worse than usual.

ANYWAY, on to the next chapter!

*Michelle POV*

After school, Amy and I walked to the market, talking about what had happened in each of our classes.

"I think Instructor Williams was a bit distracted today," I commented, stopping at a particular booth.

"Of course," Amy replied, "Today is the anniversary of his daughter turning Bad."

I nodded, trying to distract myself from this conversation by examining the hair clips in the booth.

Then I noticed a particular clip that I thought looked very pretty.

It was a few brown-striped feathers hanging from a cord, decorated with a few beads.

I don't know why, but for some reason, that one stood out to me.

"How much for this clip?" I asked the vendor, and she looked at me in surprise.

"Forty-five cents," she replied, and I quickly pulled out my wallet, handing her the money.

"Thank you," I said, quickly picking up the hair clip, not even bothering to let her wrap it.

"Wait, Miss, don't you want me to..."

"No, thank you," I said, "That won't be necessary."

I walked away, the hair clip in my hand.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

When Amy and I reached my house, we parted with a polite, customary "Goodnight".

Once I was inside and in my room, I carefully examined the clip.

I gently ran my fingers along the soft feathers, surprised that something so plain could be so beautiful.

Was it waiting for me?

I looked up at the mirror, and I saw something I'd never seen before in my eyes.

True happiness.

In that moment, I realized that things were going to change.

Then, two seconds later, I heard a knock on my bedroom door.

"Yes?" I called distractedly, my eyes still locked on the mirror.

My attention was quickly diverted, however, when I heard the chilling words of the Enforcers through the door:

"Michelle Smith, open your door for inspection."

A/N: Now things are getting serious.

And the time for the meeting is drawing near...

So, what did you guys think?

Luv you all! *blows kisses*