Chapter Number One

"And so the our founders decided to remake the world into something better. Something safer. Something... worth it."

I was listening to Mr. Castel drone on about the founders of the society of today. But I wasn't listening. Not really. I knew all of it. It's the first thing we learn in School, and the teachers here? Well, they never let you forget it.

I'm on my 9th School Year. Next year will finally be my last. Then I can move on with my life assignment. I'll be given a job, a house, the choice of a suitor, and the opportunity to contribute to the future generations.

"And so our five founders each choose their own suitor, similar to the way we do now. As I'm sure you all know as next year shall be your last here. You fill out a form and return it to the Assignment Office. It will include all your preferences and should include zero faults as it is the office's guide to find what's perfect for you. Any females who enter will be given a choice out of 5 suitors if she so wishes. But I'm sure there's no need to explain further as-"

The intercom begins to shout out things from the School Office Center, interrupting Mr. Castel.

"Jamie Masten, please report to the Assignment Office immediately. Failure to do as such will mean a broken rule and punishment."

Nobody said anything, dispite my extreme confusion. Nobody was called to the Assignment Office before the end of the 10th School Year. This was a first time occurrence for all of us. Especially myself.

I stood and calmly walked out of the room. I knew exactly where to go. By the 4th School Year, all students we're expected to a have memorized the entire map of their section.

I ran my fingers through my long hair. One of the liberties that we are allowed it that at the end of our 6th School Year we are allowed to choose one hair color from the Selection Center. This option would be appiled to everyday of the rest of our lives. I had chosen a red color. Most disagreed with my choice, saying I'd regret it. But I was prone to oppse that. Today, I was wearing my hair in a loose French Braid.

The closer I got to the Assignment Office, the more curiosity struck me. Why was I going there? Had I broken a rule? Was I going to be punished?

We'd learned in only our 1st School Year that is was normal to expect either the worst or best possible outcome of a situation. So according to that, I was having perfectly fine thoughts about what might happen to me when I arrive. Of course the wait wasn't long. School was only two miles south of the Assignment Office. It was simple to walk there quickly. We we're all trained to be athletic in case of bad situations and the chilly weather challenged me to walk quicker to the warmth of the building that is my destination.

As I got closer, I recited the rules in my head to be sure I hadn't broken any.

1) Only touch what's yours. Never anyone else's. Not with your hands or with an object.

No, I've been studying all week. I haven't even left the house for anything except School.

2) Human Interaction is only allow in designated areas.

The means homes, playing fields, and on suitor nights. And since I've only been in the house and I don't have my suitor yet, I don't think I've broken this rule. Of course the only exception to this rule is when spoken to by an officer. You can always tell by their silver and gold camouflage uniforms. But I've only been talking to Mr. Castel. All the teachers at School are officers.

3) Always do as an officer tells you.

This is the biggest rule of all. It even includes if a teacher tells you to do your studies. If you don't study, it's seen as breaking a rule. In fact, I'm following this rule right now by walking to the Assignment Office.

Speaking of which, I looked up to the the looming white pillars. It was indeed beautiful. I just hoped that when I first came here, it wasn't under these reasons, whatever they are.

I take a deep breath, and put a smile on my face. I didn't break any rules, I shouldn't be worried. But as much as I told myself that, I just couldn't get worry out of my eyes.

I walk through the automatic doors to be greeted by a sitting room and a desk with an female official waiting. There was one other person in the sitting room. As I walked up to the official, I caught a glimpse of his blue hair and black glasses.

Blue was a very uncommon hair color, though I shouldn't be the one to speak considering my red hair. Although, the glass we're even more rare. Most would choose to have their eyes fixed to perfection. I didn't have that choice. My eyes already worked properly. I wondered why he chose to keep his eyes the way they were.

All of this I thought about before I reached the desk with the officer. She was looking downwards, writing on some paper. She looked up at me as I approached.

"Ah, you must be Jamie Matsen. Is that correct?" I nodded. "Wonderful!" She seemed so ecstatic that I was here. "Please, wait here for one moment." She bent down under the desk and pulled up a pile of papers. She handed me one from the top. "Please fill this out to the best of your abilities."

I looked down at the paper. It was titled: Life Assignment Preferences

"Why I'm I filling this out so early?" I asked the woman. She smiled at me brightly.

"You know, curiosity killed the cat," she paused dramiticly, "But if you must know..." she paused again, studying my face. "Do you remember the test you you asked to fill out at the beginning of your 9th School Year?" I nodded. "Well, you scored 100%. One of the only six people to ever score that high. And, because of this, you're moving on with life a little early. You'll still be given a choice of a proper suitor, but don't waste your time filling out for preferences for that section. I'm sorry to say you'll only be given a choice out of two suitors, considering your age. 19 years, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

She smiled the same cheerful smile again, "OK, then! You can sit anywhere. Oh and-" she pointed to sign on the wall. It read: Interactions permitted during times of wait.

I looked back and smiled at her. "Thank you," I told her. I then turned to find a spot to sit. Really, I could sit anyway I'd like, but for some reason my eyes rested on the seat next to the blue haired boy. He looked up from the paper he was writing on and smiled at me. I smiled back before going to sit next to him.

I sat on the seat to the right and crossed my legs.

I was wear my favorite black winter jacket and boots. Alongs with black skinny jeans. I'm glad that the founders decided they didn't have time to make all new chothes, and to just keep what there already was. I really love the Before People's styles. Well, most anyway.

Mr. Blue Hair was wearing practically the same as me, except his jacket was um, blue. And he was wearing black running shoes instead of winter boots.

"Hi," he whispered to me.

"Hey...why are we whispering? Interaction is allowed."

"Because they're listening. Don't look, but the officer behind the desk, she's watching right now."

I made an effort not to look up from my paper. "So I assume you're here for the same reason I am?"

"Depends. Are you here because you scored a 100%?"

"That's correct."

"Then we are here for the same reason."

"Wonderful."

"What do you mean?" He looked at me questionally.

"Oh, no- nothing." I stamered back. We we're still whispering, but I could here the laugh in his voice as he spoke.

"Don't let her think we're talking about something other than the weather."

I smiled as I continued to fill out my paper. This boy had already made me smile so much, and I don't even know his name. I was unsure of this feeling.

"What's your name?" I asked in our continued hush tone.

"Zachariah Asher. What's yours?"

"Jamie Matsen. Although, I believe my last name will be changed soon due to my upcoming marriage."

Again I could imagine him laughing if we weren't being careful of prying ears, "Seems legit."

"That particular word hasn't been used since the downfall of the Before People. Why use it now?"

"I like to be unique."

"Oh. So is that the reason you chose glasses?"

"Almost. I chose glasses because I like the feeling of imperfection."

Once again I said something intelligent, "Oh." I didn't understand why I couldn't think of anything better to say. I usually always have the perfect answer.

"What about you?"

"What are you implying?"

I could once again hear a smile as he spoke, "Why did you chose red?"

"Oh, um," I took a moment to think. Why did I choose red? "I like to stand out. All those blondes and brunettes, you can't pick them out of a crowd. Not even a natural red. No, I wanted a bright red. That way, I could be seen. And let's face it, people with brightly colored hair tended to be taken a bit more seriously. Even though I think everyone should be given the benefit of doubt."

"Oh," was all he said. I almost laughed, but instead I smiled again.

After that, neither of us tried at conversation again. I had to focus my attention to my form. I realized I had only filled out my name, age, and gender. I sighed and started writing answers.

Q: Do people take you for granted?
A: No, not normally.

Q: Do you care about other's well being, or is your own more important?
A: Others always come first.

Q: Would you ever consider holding a weapon?
A: Only for self-defense.

Q: Would you ever like to care for an animal?
A: If a having a let is being implied, then yes, of course. If what is meant that I would care for other's pets, such as healing but for animals, then honestly, no.

Q: Do you have much upper body strength?
A: No.

Q: Are you fast?
A: Yes, extremely. I was ranked first in our section's annual race for those in the 8th School Year last year.

Q: Do you want a choice of a suitor? (If yes, then continue with the following 10 questions. If no, then skip the next 10)
A: Yes, but I was told by an officer not to fill out the rest of the suitor questions due to the fact I'm only 19.

Q: Do you have a suggestion for your final job assignment?
A: No, I hadn't thought about it.

~Once completed return to the officer who gave this form to you. Thank you for your time, we will be sure to give you the best possible life.~

I was finally done with the form. Honestly, I thought I'd have more time before having to fill it out. I guess things don't always happen the way you expect.

I stood to take my form to the officer behind the counter when I realized Zachariah was doing the same. I smiled at him and he smiled back.

We reached the desk at the same time and both set our forms on the desk. The officer smiled and thanked us. Both for our time. "Oh and I've notified your families. You should have your new house, job, and suitor in two days at the most. You're both free to go to your homes. Oh and you no longer have to attend School for the time being."

"Thank you. I'm sincerely grateful," I told her.

Zachariah simply said "Thanks," I forced myself to keep my laughter inside, dispite the blunt humor in his voice.

It was even funnier when the officer didn't see it. Only smiled and told us you're welcome. We walked out of the Assignment Office with huge smiles on our faces, trying not to laugh.

When were past the automatic doors and a good half a mile from the Office, we burst out in laughter. My stomach hurt and I held on to it, the entire time willing my knees not to give out.

"I don't think I've ever laughed this much at once," I said when it died down to a few giggles. "I think I like it though."

"I do, too. Thanks for the laugh."

"Me? No it was you who made the joke."

"It was better since you sounded so truly thankful."

I folded my arms over my chest, "That's because I was."

"Oh. Sorry, did I offend you?" He seemed so genuinely concerned that I sighed.

"It's alright."

"It's not. I shouldn't have said that." He turned away, arms folded as mine we're earlier.

"Really, I'm fine."

"We have to go. We're breaking the rules and I don't want you to get in trouble." He started walking away and I felt my heart sink. Thats when I though of something wonderful.

I caught up with him quickly, "Will you meet me at the Playing Field tomorrow when School starts? Please?"

His normally bright blue eyes we're covered by his hair as he was trying to hide his face. I heard him mutter OK before all bit running away.

I felt myself smile even brighter than I had while having our conversation of whispers in the Assignment Office. As I walked home I realized there was only one thing left to decide for tomorrow.

Expect the worst or the best?