I spend the rest of the day following Ma around, completing various tasks as a part of my practice exam. When I finally get home, she makes me clean the entire house. That is a part of my exam, so I cannot blame her, though I still don’t enjoy it.

I don’t even remember dragging myself up to bed until I wake up in the morning.

I look at my clock to see that it is an hour earlier than I usually wake up. I groan as I roll out of bed. I have to get ready for my exams. I dread the exam, but if I can manage to pass, I will officially be allowed to marry whomever I choose and do whatever I please. Well, as long as I follow the law. Not that my track record is so great with law-abiding.

If I fail, though, I will have to spend another year in my parents’ house retraining before I can take my exams again next year. What’s worse, though, is that Jem will forever have bragging rights because she passed on the first try. Everyone knows Jem is better at this than I am, but I don’t want her to have proof.

“Maria?” Ma knocks on my door before entering, “Are you up and ready for your exam?”

“I’m awake, Ma,” I put on my best hostess voice, preparing for the day, “But I’m not up yet. I was just about to get ready and tidy up.”

“Excellent,” she walks over to my window to check that the blinds are closed, “Make sure you open these once you are presentable.”

“I know, Ma.” I smile at her, “And aren’t you supposed to be letting me handle this? Isn’t telling me what to do cheating?”

She acts shocked at the accusation, but winks at me before she leaves the room. I guess she probably just wants me to be successful.

I pull myself out of bed and tidy my room, make my bed, and clean the floors. When I am sure everything is proper, I take the time to have a long shower to steady myself. Something about the warm water relaxes me.

When the water starts to run cold, I get out and get ready for my day. I am careful to ensure my make up is unnoticeable and my hair is perfectly in place. That’s one of Ma’s tricks, actually. If I do my hair while it is wet, a little hairspray goes a long way and I don’t have to turn my hair into a helmet to keep rogue pieces from flying every which way.

When I have completed the delicate braids, I struggle to get the knot just right. I am fighting with a pin on the back of my head when Jem knocks on my already open door.

“I know I’m not allowed to help you,” she smiles kindly, “but if you’ll let me, I’d like to anyway. Can I take the laundry downstairs for you? I know you know how to do that.”

Ma breaking the rules wasn’t so surprising, but Jem breaking the rules was unheard of.

“Yes, please. And Jem? Thanks,” I am practically shaking as she comes over, kisses my forehead, and takes the laundry out of the hallway towards the basement.

She stops at the top of the stairs and turns around, “Maria, you can do this. I know it’s hard and a lot to remember, but it isn’t so bad. You know this stuff.”

I don’t answer her, so she waits for a moment or two before turning on her heel and taking the laundry down the stairs to the washing machine. I am grateful for her, but I am also annoyed. Of course she thinks it’s easy, but the problem is I’m not her.