The Luna Choosing Game

Chapter 0616

Elva and I dressed in our frumpiest clothes. Elva wore a hat with covers that went down over the ears. I tied my hair up and wore one of Anna's wigs. It was darker than my own hair color, with bangs that hid most of my face.

I barely recognized myself in the mirror. I doubted anyone else would be able to.

Dressed in our disguises, Anna led us toward a familiar restaurant - the one I used to work at. I side-eyed her as we walked.

"I really don't know about this," I said.

I knew this event wasn't being broadcast live. They had yet to even air the idea about the homecoming, so as to garner the biggest surprise, and the biggest reaction, of the unsuspecting being visited.

Even now, after Anna had revealed her plan, the camera crew asked for time to get to the restaurant first and develop a type of cover story for their presence. That way, the spotlight would not be shone on our mysterious arrival and identities.

The cover story? The camera crews were just trying to interview people about Piper at the restaurant where she used to work.

When we entered the restaurant, people were in a long line to talk to the camera crews. They didn't notice our entrance at all, nor the second camera that was trained on us the moment we entered. The cover story and distraction appeared to be working.

Most of the tables were full, but we found a free booth nearer the kitchen.

"I've never seen the place this full," I said. "Well, except during the lunch and dinner rushes." It was late now, just after dinner. There shouldn't be so many people.

"It's always like this now," Anna said. "Especially on nights were the competition is on TV,"

I didn't understand. "Why?"

Anna smiled slyly. "Listen to some of those interviews, and you'll get it."

I was confused, but did as she said, tuming my attention to where the producer was interviewing some restaurant patrons.

saying, "Sometimes more, if I can scrounge the money together, Anything to be here, where Piper worked and lived. She's going to be

support Piper, then?"

like she was insulted by the idea that she could be supporting anyone else. "Everyone who comes here does. She's our

cheers went up around

said and I still struggled to believe. Everyone was here in support

has become something of a fan club home base for you," Anna

was. She must have started after I left, because I

Elva busied herself with her crayons, not seeming to pay

now. "The only argument you'll

spoke Julian's. This, it seemed, was a point of contention among

Nicholas has my bet," she said

mind around. On one hand, I already knew through Charlotte and others that I was popular in the competition. But it was very different to be told you were popular and

surreal. Like I was living someone else's

producer slowly regained control of the room again. To the man, he asked, "What would you do if Piper dropped out

out?" the man said with disbelief. "Why in

she doesn't have the proper

as well. "Piper would be the best queen. She's the only one over there who knows anything

of us!" someone

what it's like to struggle. She can actually advocate

warm filled me, listening to his words.

They all put so much stock

up to it?

else would be a

Someone other than Bridget.

Gods, there was no good answer

left us for the night. Elva fell asleep. And

abridged version of what happened, leaving out none of it, not even about Jane, or the oracle, or Bridget's terribleness. An hour or two later, I wrapped up by telling her about the King's demand that I back away from the competition and throw my support behind

the kingdom, he