Chapter 1
A/N: This is my first book, and please dont mind the grammar. I hope you enjoy:).
ELEANOR
Today has been a great day at the farm. My favourite berries were ripe for the picking, and I managed to fill up to three baskets instead of two. Mother will be so proud of me. I can’t wait for her to make us her special blackberry Jam.
On my way to the house, I can’t help but imagine a life away from this silly farm and out there in the world, doing something entirely daring and crazy. Everyone in this town sees me as the little innocent girl who hardly associates herself with social events and boys, if only they knew that I am probably doing things that could make a priest blush.
I am not attracted to any of the little boys in this town, I like them older. Like the butcher man by the town sqaure or Mr Grey by the backery. I always have to act like I don’t notice them because my father is the most respected farmer in our town. Reputation is everything to that old man and I respect that. That’s why I’d like to move from this town, so I can be true to myself.
As I am about to reach the pathway to the house, I see mother talking to Mrs Jacobs, who’s with her son Nicolas. ‘I wonder what the Mayor’s wife wants’. As soon as I am in their line of vision, mother signals me over. “Hurry on here Eleanor”. I groan inwardly, she knows I would’ve ditched. Thinking I’m shy but not knowing, I do not like most of the people here.
“Good afternoon Mrs Jocobs and Nick”, I bow a little as I greet them. Nicolas looks at me with a hunger as I call his name in short. “Such a fine and well mannered young lady” praises Mrs Jacobs. My mom agrees and so does Nick. “Darlin’ Anna is here with a marriage competition to marry their son Nick”, mother says and I am too stunned to speak. “Yes dear, you’re one of the five young ladies who have come of age and are within the age range my soon desires.” Mrs Jacobs says.
My face and heart flushes. All the gears in my head start turning all at once, I am bearly nineteen and they already want to ship me off, and the worst part… to Nicolas Jacobs!! I hate his corkiness and manipulative ways. I can’t even begin to fanthom how to contend to be his wife. I do not like this one bit at all. “Oh my she’s blushing!” Coos Mrs Jacobs. If only she knew that was not the actual reason. I am furious at them.
They say their goodbyes but Nick’s eyes linger on me for too long before turning away and leaving. We made it back into the house and my mother called everyone to come down, so she can share the great news she has. I wish I could disappear at this moment. My father and my two brothers Cain and Damien come strolling into the kitchen. “Jerry Beckons, we’ve definitely been blessed by the divine goddess”, she let out in one breath.
“I wonder what has happened my dear wife?” Father drawled out. He looked exhausted and ready to pass out. My brothers just stood there and listened. “Let me open the letter and read”.
Dear Beckons family…
I hope this letter finds you well and blessed. My son has finally reached the age of marriage and is looking to find a suitable wife. Your daughter Eleanor has been nominated as one of the five other girls from respectable families in our town to participate in the bridal competition for our son.
Your daughter is one the most respected young ladies of our town, so as to say, she is eligible for our son. A five day camp at the FERTILITY CLINC, will be held for all the girls, to test their eligibility to carry a very strong heir.
If your daughter is not selected, they shall be rewarded with $10,000 for participating and she shall be allowed to attend the mating ceremony in the fall, to try her luck at a suitable husband…
A car shall be sent there tomorrow at 10am, to take them to the fertility clinic. They must pack lightly and bring any material to pass time when they aren’t doing anything.
Kind regards: Mayor Jacobs.
I think I stopped breathing at that moment. All I heard, was the fertility clinic. Run by demons to help humans become more fertile and help them to be ready for marriage. I’ve heard of it but I never thought it’s real and I’ll be one of the girls to go there. OMG!! What if the demon in charge is as cruel as they say, will we come back unscattered.
My father and brothers, all started talking at once. Everything blurred out and started spinning, I can feel myself losing my focus and balance. I can hear someone calling my name, but I can’t respond and I give into to the darkness’s
