Essence weaved my hair into a beautiful pattern as I sat watching. She had sprayed countess products in my hair beforehand while brushing it. I had never even seen half of the stuff she just put into my hair, but from what I could see they made my hair look shinier.

The small tugs on my scalp halted and Essence handed me a small hand mirror. I adjusted it to see the back of my head, and I was not disappointed. She had taken my hair and weaved it beautiful from the right side of my head down to my left shoulder. She left the rest of my hair down to make a half up half down style.

"Do you like it?"

I beamed up at her, "I love it. How did you learn to do that?"

Her eyes clouded over a bit and I felt bad for asking.

"I-uh," she swallowed harshly, "I didn't always live in The Town. I moved there with my father when I was thirteen. My mother had, she uh, died. She taught me all of this. She was so creative, and of course, I practiced on Rosline all of the time. She loved looking fancy." She paused before changing the subject. "Anyway, we gotta get moving it's almost seven."

"I didn't even notice," I said surprised.

Essence smiled, "time flies when you're having fun, honey."

I laughed and grabbed the pair of black ballet shoes I had seen in the closet earlier.

"Your man's going to faint when he sees you," Essence said strapping on her heels.

"He better with all that work you put into my hair."

Essence laughed, "Don't worry, if he doesn't fall head over heels, I will smack him with my high heel."

I smiled and laughed, but I was still worried. Sure, we were safe for now, but everything isn't over. I tried to push the bad thoughts away as Essence pulled me up.

"I know you are still worried about everything Eve," Essence started, "But for tonight, just be a petty teenage girl. Have fun! Instead of worrying about whether you're going to live or die, worry about whether Cade is going to like you dress or not."

Petty teenage girl, I could do that.

"Wait, are you saying you think he won't like my dress?"

Essence's eyes widened, "No, baby, that not what I was saying at all-"

I smiled brightly.

"You little-"

We appeared at the top of the stairs and I caught sight of Cade. He was wearing a dark blue button-down shirt and light brown dress pants. He also had a light blue tie that contracted with his dark hair that was styled to perfection. I was speechless, my God I had lucked out.

Essence and I walked, arms linked, down the stairs. When we reached the bottom Cade smiled, lighting up all of his features. Did he want me to melt right here?

"You look absolutely stunning, Eve."

"You look nice too," I admitted.

"Um, rude." Essence said breaking us out of our little moment, "I guess I look like trash then."

"Oh, uh, no you look great Essence." Cade stuttered.

I laughed at his nervousness and Essence joined in. Cade glared at us, making us laugh harder.

"As much as I love being laughed at," Cade said rolling his eyes, "It's six-fifty-two and we have a five-minute walk." He turned to me, "And last time I checked my beauty wanted to show her equally stunning brains off."

I felt immediately embarrassed. I was the absolute worst at taking compliments.

"Let's go lovebirds."

Essence and Cade linked arms with me and we set off. And for the first time in a long time, I could say I was happy. I felt like I had a future here. Not everything felt bleak and impossible. Things here felt like they had potential like I could have a life here.

Each step on the sidewalk each laugh, each smile seemed to bring me back to life. The depression and hopelessness I felt seemed to dissipate here. My chest felt light and it felt like I could breathe again. With every step, I was farther away from my past life and all of the traumas I had endured. Here, I felt like I could start to heal and feel whole again. I felt like the world was at my fingertips. I could do anything and not be stopped by anybody. Not my parents, not Elder Ryann, not The Town, no anybody. I felt free.

We walked into the large building. I was glad to see that I was not overdressed, that would have been super embarrassing. At least a hundred people were in the large dining room. They were all talking and laughing. I was happy this event didn't need to be totally serious.

The woman that led us to the house appeared before us, "I'm so happy you all found your way. I hope the clothes we left all fit well."

"It's a lovely house, ma'am. Everything was perfect." I said politely.

"That's great. I will give you the itinerary for tonight right now. It just occurred to me you all don't have access to the chat pod system like the rest of us. So, until seven-thirty, you will be allowed to chat with others and make yourselves comfortable. At seven -forty -five you will all be expected to be in your assigned seats for the discussion."

The woman looked at us to make sure we were following. I was for the most part. I figured if I forgot something I could just copy everybody else anyway.

"Excuse me, ma'am," said Essence, "But how will we all get a chance to talk?"

I looked around to the large crowd around us and realized that was a very valid question.

"It's very simple actually, there are small buttons in front of each place setting. The red button is pushed when you wish to speak. We will then go around in order of when you pressed. When all of your buttons light up and you hear your name announce you will know it is your turn to speak. The blue button is used when you agree with what the speaker is saying. Last but not least, the green button is used when you disagree with what the speaker is saying. So in other words, you don't always need to speak to get your point across and be heard."

"That's a cool system," Cade mused.

The woman smiled tightly, "It sure is. Also, don't worry about remembering the buttons they are all labeled."

"That's helpful, I'm sure I would have forgotten," Essence said.

I laughed thinking the same thing as Essence. There was still a question on my mind though. No better time than now to ask.

"Are kids and teens allowed to talk?" I asked.

The woman seemed to think for a moment, "Not usually, but I think we will need to make an exception for you guys tonight, huh?"

I nodded, "That would be very much appreciated."

"Evelyn and Cade are extremely smart ma'am," Essence voiced, "you will not be disappointed."

The woman chuckled, "I can see that. I even forgot how young they were! I will make sure to announce the change as soon as the dinner starts."

"Thank you, ma'am. Now, would you please tell us the rest of the itinerary?" Cade asked.

"Oh, of course! So after everybody has been seated, we will promptly serve everybody. Anything you could possibly imagine will be placed on the table so do not worry about that. At about eight we will begin the discussion and will let that run until ten at maximum. After that, you can either stay and enjoy the party afterward or return to your house. Do any of you have any questions?"

I didn't have anything to ask. Everything seemed pretty self-explanatory.

"Just one question," Cade said.

"Of course, ask away."

"Why do you have a party after the discussion? Don't you think that would distract people from thinking about that matter at hand?"

"Very good point, young man. But we have found that having a party after dissipates the tension and keeps everybody happy," the woman said.

"Wow this place is awesome," Essence declared, "you encourage parties."

The woman laughed and nodded, "Now, if you may excuse me, I must mingle with a few other people before we begin."

We bid the woman goodbye and began to talk with others as well. Everybody was outgoing and kind. They made me feel like I belonged and honestly, that was all I could ask for.

"I hope you all love it here," said a little girl not much older than ten.

Her parents smiled and nodded before making their way to their seats.

"She was adorable!" Essence gushed, "I think I have child fever now."

"She was very cute." Cade agreed, "I still can't believe everybody is so okay with us being here."

"Me either," I agreed, "But I do like it here."

Cade squeezed our intertwined hands, "That's good Eve. And I know I'm probably just being paranoid, but I can't turn the part of my brain that says this is fishy. I'm sure I'm wrong, just be careful and stay alert, okay?"

"I promise," I said, pecking him on the cheek.

Everybody started walking to their seats causing Cade and me to follow suit. Seeing Essence, we assumed or seats were near hers. I guess we were so busy talking we didn't even see her slip away. Typical us.

Luckily our name tags were right next to Essence. Cade was seated between us, with strangers on either side of Essence and I. The person next to me was an old man that looked like he wouldn't speak much. I decided it was probably best not to speak to him. On the other hand, the person next to Essence happened to be a pretty blonde-haired girl. I smiled as I saw them both periodically sneaking looks at each other.

Cade seemed to notice too, as he gave me a knowing look. I hoped after all she had been through this would work out for her. It still might be a bit too soon, but I guess that's for her to decide.

"I hope they have steak," Cade said.

I scrunched my nose up, "I hate steak. I hope they fish or macaroni and cheese."

"You don't like steak?" he asked, appalled.

"No, is that problem mister?"

He sighed, "I guess I can make an exception for you."

I laughed, "What if I told you I don't like ice cream either?"

His eyes widened, "Then I'd hand you right back to Golden Boy. He can have you with that taste."

"Hey! I was kidding," I said purposely pouting.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I was kidding too. You're stuck with me shortie."

He ruffled my hair and I swatted his hand away. But not before Essence saw.

"Are you seriously trying to mess up my perfection of a hairstyle?" she said gripping his hand.

I sat back and smirked as I watched Essence do her thing.

"No, I was just-" Cade tried to explain.

"You were just trying to what? Trying to ruin the beauty I created? I think not. You will sit here and  keep your hands to yourself, do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am," Cade said nodding.

"Good boy," Essence said smiling.

"I'm not a boy. I'm a man," Cade grumbled.

Essence whipped her head back to Cade, "You are a boy until I say otherwise."

Cade rolled his eyes and crossed his hands over his chest. I tried to hold in laughter as he brooded. He looked completely adorable.

"I still love you." He grumbled.

I smiled, "I know."

His mouth gaped open, "you were supposed to say it back."

I smiled again, "I know."

He rolled his eyes, "I guess it's a good thing I already know how you feel about then isn't it?"

I buried my head into his chest and hugged him tightly. I felt his arms wrap around me tightly as well. I felt safe and secure.

"I love you," I said into his chest.

I looked up at his smiling face, "I know."

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HEY PEEEEEPS!! (That was overly enthusiastic for no reason tbh)

Sorry, this update took so long! Just a lot going on rn.

Anyway, lemme know what you think and know I'm here to talk if you need it. Stay safe and stay happy peeps.