The Fruits of Earth - Part 10
Sunday, January 20, 2019
We are eating our breakfast when the supervisor in charge for today tells us that there will be an announcement in the parlor in ten minutes. We finish our meals and get to the parlor where Madam is already waiting for us. She looks even more ceremonious than ever, with an ample violet dress and a matching corset that compliments her body.
“Girls, today is a very important day,” she says. “We have a very special event in the evening, called the Seasonal Ball. We will meet some very important people, and I want you looking your best. You have an entire day at your disposal to get ready for this event. More fruit-servants will come to help you prepare for tonight.”
From my left, Oleya winks at me.
“We’re going to meet boys,” she whispers under her breath.
I feel excited at the very thought. We have never met any representant of the opposite gender, though we know of their existence. We heard stories, romantic tales of love and splendor. To be honest, in the past I dismissed these stories as mere fantasies, as I did with the story about princess Belle. But seeing all these wonders around me, I started believing in fairy tales.
*
It is evening and the Seasonal Ball has started. We are in the vault of the Villa, in a place I’ve never been before. It is a grandiose ballroom, illuminated by massive chandeliers with sparkling crystals. In the center, there is a dance ring surrounded by sculpted columns. On the sides, there are sofas and armchairs where people can sit and rest and chat. An unseen orchestra enchants the atmosphere by playing soft music in the background of the grand hall.
Everybody is dressed for the occasion. Black frocks and bow ties for men, while women are wearing their best dresses and accessories. I wear a marvelous turquoise dress of chiffon and silk veil and high heeled shoes. My hair is tucked in a bum, leaving my shoulders bare. A fabulous necklace, borrowed from Madame, is adorning my neck and I have also chosen a feathers fascinator to complete the attire.
The event has started only a few minutes ago and it went as planned. Every girl has made an entrance in the hall. While we were descending from the top stairs, Madame - gorgeous in an ivory dress - said a few words about us, presenting us to the audience. We have met a lot of new people, women and men alike, older and younger. We’ve been told these couples are potential parents looking into adopting us. I am thrilled at the idea of encountering my future family and I pray I’ll make a good impression.
Madame presented me to an older couple, mister and missis Rands, and they invited me to sit by their side. Right now, they are chatting with other people and pay little attention to me. Listening to their conversation isn’t as interesting as I have thought. They are discussing mostly business - crops, fertilization, weather and harvesting - things that I don’t understand and, to be honest, I have no interest for. Soon I become quite bored and start looking around the hall. I see Oleya in a corner, chatting with somebody, and I decide to go and talk to her.
“Excuse me,” I say and I sit up. “I’ll be right back.”
The Rands smile at me as I leave but they don’t break their conversation.
I approach Oleya and her new acquaintance, a man she calls Caleb. She introduces me to him and we chat a while until I get the feeling that I’m not welcomed. I sense that Oleya wants to be alone with this man so, again, I make an excuse and let them to their business. I wander around the hall aimlessly, listening to music and eavesdropping on different group’s conversations. 
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