Life Between Us

Chapter 1

I'm waiting for the train. This train will bring the participants to the Kingdom, and I didn't expect 10 people to sign up from Slithe. At the very least, knowing that I won't be the only one from this town makes me feel better. After more than thirty minutes of waiting, the train finally arrived. I have to say my goodbyes to Mom and Joanne; I won't see them again for at least 5 months. I'm saddened by the thought of not seeing them. I'm not sure what my life would be like if they were not around. Will I be able to make it? or will I consider giving up? But, needless to say, I need to sacrifice myself to help them. I will try to survive on my own. Though, I am hoping to have a friend, at least.

"Honey, the train's already here", mom said. "Do your best, okay? But remember that it is okay to give up if you can't take it anymore. We won't be disappointed if you consider giving up. We're always here to support you".

My mother is always trying to cheer me up, especially if she notices that I am nervous. She is the best mother on earth. She knows how to care for her children and when to show up when we most need her. I will miss my Mother so much. I'll make sure to write them letters to keep them informed about my application for a role as a servant in the Kingdom. I pray to God that they will do well without me.

"Yes, Mom. Please take care always, okay? Write me a letter if there'll be a problem, I won't ever hesitate to go home", I said, hugging her tightly. "Joanne, please take good care of Mom and yourself, okay? From now on, you'll be responsible. Be a good man. I love you."

"Are there no participants left? The train is about to leave!", the Conductor shouted. "Miss, are you one of the participants?"

"Mom, Joanne, I'll go now. Goodbye.." I let go of their embrace. 

As I walk toward the train, my Mom shouted, "Take care, El! Write us letters!"

I smiled and waved. "Yes, Mom. I will".

I sat after placing my things above my seat. I also brought a book with me so that I would have something to read while on the trip. Nicholas Sparks' Message in a Bottle is the title of this book. This is the nth time I've read this piece, and I still can't get enough of it. I'm extremely fascinated with the plot and the characters!

Halfway reading, a woman approached me and say hi.

"My name's Ashley, and you are?" she said while asking for a handshake. She's clothed in an old-looking white dress. Her skin is pale, with a rosy cheek and pink lips. His lashes are curved, and her eyes are hazel. She's a goddess, a woman of exquisite beauty.

I give a handshake to her. "Hi, Ashley! I am Eleanor from Slithe. You can call me Ellie if you want". I smiled uncomfortably. I am always shy around people. I don't know how to properly communicate and I am extremely conscious about my actions.

"I am also from Slithe! It's my first time seeing you! So, I see you're reading a novel by Nicholas Sparks? Ugh! I love him so much! I've read all of his stories! That guy knows how to write very well", she said excitingly. Well, she's clearly a fan, as seen by her acts. She's outgoing and extroverted, which is the polar opposite of who I am. "So what's your favorite novel from him?"

"I've read this one, Message in a Bottle, a hundred of times, so definitely this one. Though, I also read all of his stories, too. But this one here, hits different", I said as I closed the book. We continued chatting for how many minutes, about books, art, music, and life. It's so fun being around her. Though fast, I already considered her as my friend. Most of my interests are her interests, too. We have so much in common.

"So, Ellie, what's the reason why you're participating in this said selection?" she curiously asked. 

"I always wanted to help my Family. My Dad passed away five years ago, and because I am the eldest child, I have to be strong and do the work for my family. Aside from that, I wanted to be independent. I don't also want to give all of the work to my Mother since she has gone terribly sick when my Father passed away. So, I think this selection might be the one to help our family to survive since people in Slithe are very poor and we really need to work for our family, for survival, too."

"So sorry for what happened to your Dad. I see, you're working hard for your family, that's a lot of sacrifices. Well, my reason, however, is very opposite of yours. I want to be a servant to meet Prince Joeffrey. I heard a lot of rumors about him and I am so curious of his face and personality so I joined! Ugh! I am hoping to be selected!" she said, making a sad face. We both laughed at her answer. I kind of expected her answer since I can't see any hidden problem based on her behavior. I am happy for her. SShe stated that both of her parents are alive and that she is the only child, indicating that their lives are not as difficult as mine. Her father is a farmer, while her mother is a vegetable and garment vendor. Her parents' income is good enough to keep them going.

"Yes, you can do it, for sure! I hope that both of us will be selected. I am looking forward to work with you, Ash..."

Well, that was a long hell of ride from my hometown to the Kingdom. I am now in front of the Kingdom Yglithe with Ashley. I can't believe that I am participating in the selection of servants and I'm a bundle of nerves! This is it, El...This is it.

"Let's go?", Ash said.

"Let's go".

We entered the Kingdom and were immediately overwhelmed by the hubbub. Some people are selling veggies and fruits on the side of the road, while others are selling home equipment or simply chatting with their friends. This location is lively and raucous. I noticed groups of friends, both teenagers and adults, everywhere in the town. This town appears to be a lot of fun, and the locals seem kind, as they welcomed us with smiles when we arrived. There are banners supporting us servants all over the place.

"Welcome, future servants! Do your best in your trainings!", Some people shouted. "Good luck to all of you!"

I smiled at the individuals who wished us good luck. I'm grateful for them because they help to ease my nervousness. I looked at Ashley and she do the same. She greets everyone with a beautiful smile. Ashley is a very accommodating woman who knows how to win people's hearts with her positive attitude.

"You're so beautiful", a teenage boy greeted me with a grin on his face. Seems playful to me. He gave me a rose and said, "Here, your lucky charm. May I know your name?".

"Uh, thanks. I'm El---".

"Ellie! Come here!", Ashley shouted. I ran towards her. "What caused you to take a paused? Is there someone your type? Oh, how fortunate! Eleanor, you are truly stunning! I've recently observed that a lot of men are looking at you! How lucky, I'm envious!". There she goes again, making a sad face. I've also noticed that some men are staring at her. She has such a humble attitude.

"You too, Dear Ashley. A lot of men are looking at you! Give me a reason why you're so envious?" We giggled. 

As we entered the Palace's gate, I saw a lot of Queen's Guards holding a 5.56mm L85A2 rifle. The guards wear a full-dress uniform of red tunics and bearskins, they look really presentable and serious. They positioned themselves to the side of the red carpet in anticipation of the Queen's appearance. 

The Palace appears to be enormous and sophisticated, with a Spanish-style construction. The area is at least as huge as Slithe's or bigger. Spanish marble and golden stucco were most likely used in the creation of the Palace's walls and stairs, while mahogany was used for the doors and windows.  The facades have a lot of columns and pilasters, therefore they're highly rhythmical. I was captivated by the Palace's interior design as soon as we stepped in. The interiors of the Royal Palace were finished and decorated with a range of noble materials and artwork. Frescoes, sculptures, mirrors, tapestry, and furniture are among the decorative elements. Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Michelangelo's painting are mostly seen in the Palace. I love art as much as I adore music, which is why I am familiar with these masterpieces. 

The Queen, along with the King, Princess, and Prince, came at last. I don't know how to express how I'm feeling right now! Anxiety, dread, and excitement are all present at the same time. The Royal Family sat on their respective thrones. The Queen's personal assistant explains what we're about to do. Some of the women here aren't even paying attention to what the Queen's assistant is saying; instead, they're looking at the Prince, giggling.

"Ladies, you are all gathered here to be the next servant of the Royal Family. Some of you may be hired as a chambermaid, housemaid, kitchen maid, laundry maid, parlor maid, and a scullery maid. Making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming are all responsibilities of chambermaids. Housemaids are most likely in charge of keeping all places clean and neat, as well as maintaining equipment. All bread, sauces, and vegetable dishes for the Family's Luncheon and all of the Servants' Dinner are prepared by Kitchen maids. Laundry maids are in charge of cleaning and storing the family's linen. Parlor maids cleaned and tidied reception rooms and living areas in the mornings, and frequently served refreshments during afternoon tea and dinner, as well as tidying studies and libraries. Scullery maids are also responsible for washing and scrubbing the floor, stoves, sinks, pots, and dishes."

The Assistant indicated that they will select 20 women for each position. I would prefer to work as a kitchen maid because I enjoy cooking for my family and am also capable of assisting in the kitchen. But, wherever I end up, as long as I get a job, I'll be grateful.

"It would take 5 months to complete the training. Each of you will train in each position, and I will be the one to select the position that is best for you. We'll remove you right away if one of you can't accomplish the jobs properly or at least meet my standards", the Queen's Assistant strictly said. "We'll start training tomorrow, so everyone should get some rest tonight and prepare for tomorrow's training. The Queen has something to say, so that concludes the instruction. Let us all stand and applaud for Her Majesty the Queen."

The Queen stood from her seat and walked over to the microphone. The crowd immediately went quite as soon as she spoke. 

"Ladies, good morning. Thousands of you are coming from various towns to participate in this competition and have traveled such a long distance. I'd like to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending this event, The Selection of My Servants.". The crowd applauded. "This year, I would choose 20 people for each position to serve our family. Each of you must know how to do the jobs given by us and how to respect us, the Royal Family. If anyone of you disrespects and do something unusual in the palace, I will be the one to punish you. You must limit your actions here in the Palace and be dignified. All of you are not required to go home unless you will go to the Secretary's office room and explain your valid reasons. There are uniforms that will be distributed to all of you by our other servants a minute from now, and tomorrow, all of you should wear it. That would be all. Good luck, Ladies!". The Queen finishes her speech, and the crowd begins to applaud. The rumors are true; the Queen is strict, and she has no hesitation about expressing her personality in public. It would be terrifying to let her down.

The Royal Servants distributed the uniforms. It's a black dress with a white apron in front that falls below the knee. There's also a white headband and black shoes on it. The uniform of a regular maid.

We all headed to the housemaid's room simultaneously. There will be 20 rooms available for us, requiring 50 housemaids per room. Luckily, Ashley and I are roommates and both of us are glad. It's 8 p.m., and we all need to get some rest in order to prepare for tomorrow's training.

God, this is it.