Chosen by the Alpha (#1 of the Denali pack)

Goodbye

Jennie was at the door, and she was clearly in a very bad mood.

“What happened?” I asked her as she walked in.

“Ugh.” She said, throwing her hands in the air, looking annoyed.

“My mom was drunk again, so far for a fun and happy goodbye for me.” She walked inside the living room and threw herself in the couch, letting her head fall back.

“Can you believe that freaking woman? Even today! She couldn’t get herself to stay sober for one day, to say goodbye to her only daughter. Who she possibly will never see again in her life.” My mom got downstairs from my room and walked over to Jennie.

“I’m so sorry honey.” She spoke as she pulled Jennie up and hugged her tightly.

“You know you are like my second daughter, right? We will miss you so much! I just hope we get to see the two of you again tonight, after all this madness is over with.” Jennie smiled at my mom as she let her go. “Thank you Miss Jackson.” Jennie leaned into my mom’s hand as my mom stroked her cheek gently. Jennie really was like the second daughter of the house. We had been in the same class since kindergarten. Jennie had spent more time here, than in her own house. My mom had always felt sorry for her, so she kind of adopted Jennie without the actual paperwork. Jennie always knew she had a home here if she needed one. She really felt like my sister. The only positive thing about all this was that tonight, we would at least have each other to hold onto.

“I’m sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but it’s time to go girls.” My dad said as he was looking at his watch, a look of terror spread over his face. I couldn’t believe it was actually time, that maybe I was looking at my parents for the last time, ever. That there was a chance that I would never be able to hug them again, to call them or text them. I tried to block all the negative thoughts out of my head. I needed to stay strong now. If I would break, so would they. I gave them the biggest hug ever and kissed them both on the cheek.

“Everything will be OK. I’ll be back in a couple of hours, right?” I spoke as I was still holding them close.

“Everything will be fine.” My dad smiled, as he stroked my cheek, he looked so intense at me, almost as if he was trying to mesmerize every inch of my face, before I left. We walked towards the door, where we hugged once again. Jennie was already heading towards the street, giving us some privacy. When my mother pulled me in for one last hug, she leaned in to my ear, whispering

“When they open the doors, don’t listen to everything you hear, try to block out the noises honey, think of me and your daddy, OK?”

I looked at her with big eyes. When my mom was 18, she too, had to participate in the ‘ritual of choice’ but she didn’t get chosen. My mom had never talked about what happened that night.

“Mom, what are you saying?” I asked her as she took my hand and walked me towards the street.

“I can’t say any more honey, I will be punished if they know I am even telling you any of this.” She spoke, as she was looking around, almost to see if someone was spying on us while we were talking.

“Please, promise me you won’t listen to everything you will be hearing tonight, just block it all out. You have your necklace to hold onto.” I nodded, as my mom and dad kissed me one last time.

“We love you Hannah bear” my dad said, letting one tear roll down his face.

“I love you too. I will see you soon. I promise.” I said as I finally let go of their hands and slowly walked away.

Jennie and I started walking towards the city hall, where all girls at the age of 18 were expected to be at 6.30h. As we almost left my street, I looked back one more time and waved at my mom and dad, who were still looking at us as they were standing at the front door. I turned around and walked in silence with Jennie next to me, turning into another street as we made our way towards the city hall. I was still trying to understand what my mom had just told me.

Why wouldn’t she want me to hear anything?

Jennie took my hand and we walked in silence, entering the street of the city hall. We saw other girls, all our age. Walking alone, with their parents or with their friends. Some looked happy, some were even smiling, some were in shock and had no facial expressions at all. Clara, a girl from our class, was crying hysterically. She was leaning into her boyfriend, begging not to let her participate in the ritual. She really had no choice, so her boyfriend Simon just tried to comfort her, knowing he would maybe have a chance that he would never see her again after tonight. Me and Jennie looked at her, while Jennie squeezed my hand in comfort and pulled me along for the last steps. We all gathered in front of the city hall, and perfectly timed at 6.30h, the doors opened as the mayor came walking out with a huge grin spread over his face.

“Good evening to our lucky girls of this year.”

Lucky? I don’t think so!?

I bit my lip, trying not to say anything, or to give that man a peace of my mind, while Jennie was still holding on to my hand.

“It is time, please enter inside the building, we will escort you to your makers now.” He spoke as he stepped aside and held his arms out, as if he was showing us the way,

in case someone missed the giant door in the middle of the building?

I let out a big sigh and entered with Jennie in front of me, still holding on to my hand firmly. When all the girls had entered, Clara was brought in as the last girl, since she didn't want to let go of her boyfriend, Simon.

I looked over and saw Simon standing there. I don't think I will ever forget the look on his face. Forced to say goodbye to his girlfriend, feeling so powerless since there was nothing he could do, but hope that she wouldn't get chosen tonight. When about 15 girls were inside the entrance hall, they closed the doors behind us. Putting a stop to our lives as we had always known it, forever.