"It is uncanny." Adamanthe said in the privacy of the secret parlor. "How much you look like her."
I turn to face him. "Who?"
"The Founder."
At that I laugh. No one had ever seen the Founder.
"How would you know?" Skepticism was evident on my face, I am sure.
"She was my great-great grandmother."
"That explains your Elite status." I jest, though it appears he is not amused. "I mean no disrespect, but I find it hard to believe."
"The truth often is hard to believe." He smiled shyly. "Where shall we begin?"
"We should start with your father knowing of my attendance." I say because the list of questions has grown to an excessive amount.
Adam's face contorts into a look I have seen before. "I am honest with my father and my interest in you has been the highlight of his existence."
I blush. "Your interest in me?"
"My intentions are to marry you once you have become an Elite."
My jaw drops open. "That seems a bit presumptuous, does it not?"
"I can tell your body at least has a chemical reaction to my interest. Your face heats when I express admiration. You lick your lip when I have expressed my feelings toward you. And my favorite, you clasp your hands and your thighs when I insinuate the idea of an us."
My mouth stays open slightly. I can feel my breath hitch in my throat. Am I that obvious? Does my body react out of fear or adoration? Could it be a mixture of both?
"Tell me more about how you felt when you entered the lavish Elitist gala?"
"Overwhelmed, and honestly, a little disgusted."
"Do elaborate."
"You throw these extravagant masquerades while the lower classes barely survive. As a Minor, we live in multi-generational homes. We cannot afford more working Minor jobs. As a Major, I live a little more comfortably. I would never buy a dress as nice as this one when that money could be used to help support my family. I think priorities of the Elites are something to be re-evaluated and discussed." I realize I have been babbling. "I apologize for my candor."
"Calypso, your candor is one of the many qualities I admire." He smiles. "My father and I think very similarly to you."
"You do?"
"As you know, the society is run by five Elitists, the Overseers." I nod in agreement. "Three of the five are okay with things staying the way they are. Two think we need to evolve to grow our species."
I nod.
"One of the three has fallen ill. They are barely surviving. Which is why we would like to speed up the process of making you an Elite."
"How are the two intertwined?"
"She has requested to be replaced by someone young who can pass her trials."
"What are the trials?"
"We have only uncovered one of the three. It entails a thorough knowledge of horticulture and botany."
My head is swimming, me as an Elite and an Overseer?
"I am feeling overwhelmed." I admit.
Adam takes my hand in his. He gently touches his lips to my knuckles. "Think it over. We would like to announce your new status in three days time."
That would mean I would be the first person to ever have advanced two steps in ten months.
"Thank you for your consideration." I take my hand from his and stand up. "This is a lot to think about. I would like to have time and space to do so."
His face clouds and I can tell he is feeling upset. "Of course."
The ride home is silent. As he walks my to my door, I feel the weight of responsibility slowly bearing down on me.
"Be well, Calypso."
"Stay safe, Adam."