The next morning at breakfast, the candidates were gossiping as per usual. Topics were sparse, especially since we weren’t allowed to watch any television. But the girls amused themselves with who was feeling under the weather, and who was wearing what to the ball.
I tried to participate more than I had before. My heart still ached some, but talking with Veronica and Julian had helped more than I realized. Though Susie had previously known, it was difficult to speak freely with her, as we were always around others when together.
It was nice to have so many friends around me, ready to support me.
Beside me, Elva was digging into her waffles. She had two cheeks full when Nicholas walked through the door.
She tried shouting his name, but I quickly reminded her, “Finish chewing. Then you
