Through the front door peephole, I watch two Officials walk along the pavement. The same two Officials who walk past at the same time every day. You'd think The State would have informed their Officials that the worst way to catch criminals and Unmarkeds like me is to always walk the same route, at the same time. Routine does not catch people off guard. I'm not going to complain though, their stupidity benefits me.

"Have they gone?" Dorothea asks as she tries to put Pru's coat on. Pru, however, has other ideas, and she tries to run away as Dorothea clings to her arm.

"They just walked by," I say, turning towards Dorothea. Bending down, I hold my hand out for Pru. "Should we walk together Pru? We can pretend we're trains all the way to the park."

Pru squeals with delight as I put on her coat. Holding her hand, I start to choo like a train and guide her through the front door and down the front path, Dorothea following behind us.

Pru quickly tires and climbs into her buggy. I walk beside Dorothea silently as she greets her neighbours with a constant repetition of hello, how are you? which is accompanied by the rhythmic reply of good and yourself? We never stop, no one deviates from the script of life which suggests life is delightful.

My old self would have felt jealous of the life these people live. My new self is starting to think it's all a lie.

How can they be feeling good after hearing the horrific screams of a mother and daughter being dragged away from their family last night? The scenes keep replaying but I'm none the wiser about what happened. It wasn't mentioned at breakfast this morning, Dorothea hasn't discussed it further and I'm unsure if this is what normal people do. Is it normal to continue on, ignoring the scary reality of what is happening around them? Or are they simply pleased they are not currently on The State's hit list?

"Get your smile ready," Dorothea mumbles under her breath and swiftly follows her own instruction.

I look up to see the hint of a smirk across a middle-aged man. The same man who commented I seemed to be harbouring negative thoughts towards The State and I needed to address them immediately simply because I said I wasn't keen on attending the Reflection Centre he works at.

"Dorothea. Cady. How are you both?" Aidan says, raking his leafless lawn.

I don't know why he keeps up the pretence, everyone knows he's only out here to contribute and spread the newest rumours. His revealing garments show off his impressive selection of markings on a skin full of goosebumps and I'm thankful it's getting colder. My long-sleeved clothes no longer bring as much unwanted attention.

"Hello, Aidan," I force my lips to move into a smile.

"You'll be pleased to know Cady will be attending the Reflection Centre her fiancé goes to. They thought that would be best as it will be the nearest one when they move in together," Dorothea's voice always takes on a different tone when she speaks to Aidan, slightly high pitch and musical as though she's speaking to a child. It's the tone she uses when she's lying. She uses this tone whenever she talks about me, including to her husband and son. Most of what she says in reference to me is a lie.

"I'm glad to hear it, but isn't it quite far for you to go. I thought the fiancé lives a few hours from here?" Aidan smiles as his gaze drifts to me.

From the corner of my eye, I see Dorothea falter slightly.

"It is but my fiancé wants to ensure I settle quickly within the area once I move in so we thought this would be the best option; he's willing to make the drive."

"Brilliant idea," Aidan responds. "Sounds like a very considerate man. Have you organised the wedding date yet?"

"Not yet. Due to the terrible circumstances, we felt it would be suitable to wait until Cady was feeling better," Dorothea practically sings.

"A wedding would surely make everyone feel better. You shouldn't dwell on the negative, now is the time to focus on the future," Aidan says cheerily.

I look at him in disbelief. The negative he refers to is the death of my mother which is our cover story to explain the sudden appearance of me, Dorothea's distant family member, even though I've never visited before.

Everyone has been told my mum died in a tragic car accident. One I survived which explains my injuries. The story is that we were hit by a driver who was going over the speed limit and was sentenced to death by The State for his crime. The story links to a real-life execution so if anyone checks, it will support my account as long as no one digs too deep. Only me, Dorothea, Charlie and Jas are aware it's a fake.

"There's no rush. It would be nice if her cast was off so she can get her marriage seal applied on the day," Dorothea says in her singsong lying voice.

"How are your injuries?" Aidan gestures towards my cast as a reminder in case I'd somehow managed to forget.

Looking at the cast, I'm reminded again of Grey, of him looking after me before his bloody lifeless body was dragged away by Officials because Charlie and Jas decided to betray him for some unforgivable excuse I have yet to hear.

"Slowly healing," I croak.

"Remember the physical wounds will mend quicker than the mental ones but time is a great healer," Aidan says. "And at least you can sleep well knowing the despicable criminal has been punished accordingly."

And this is what The State encourages, a society who demands the agony of losing a loved one must be equalled by the end of another life, as though spreading the suffering will somehow lessen the pain felt. It doesn't. I've tried attacking Charlie and Jas, verbally and physically; nothing will heal the ache of losing Grey.

"We should go, Pru is desperate to get to the park." Dorothea smiles.

"Before you go. I guess you heard about Amelia and her daughter, Shaylan," Aidan's voice lowers.

"No. Are they ok?" Dorothea can't hide the tightness of her voice, messing up the quality of her singsong lying voice.

"They were taken last night. It turns out the baby we had all thought was Amelia's was in actual fact Shaylan's. Amelia's pregnancy was all a ruse to hide the fact her daughter, Shaylan, was in fact with child." Aidan leans back assessing Dorothea's reaction.

"Really?" Dorothea says looking blank.

"You were good friends with Amelia. Did you never suspect anything? You were always spending time with her. I'm surprised you didn't notice something odd."

"I watched, like you did, her growing bump. Why would I suspect anything else than her being pregnant?" Dorothea snaps. "If you are insinuating-"

"Of course not. I know you would have informed me as your neighbourhood Reflection Overseer if you had observed anything untoward." Aidan places his hand on Dorothea's arm.

Dorothea nods forcing a small smile, "What's happened to the baby?"

"Left in the care of his father or should I say, grandfather. Apparently he didn't know anything about it." Aidan arches an eyebrow. "That Shaylan was always a bit wild. I knew no good would come of her. She obviously seduced some young boy and now he's tainted too. This is why you must enforce strict rules which must be followed." Aidan tuts. "On that note, I wanted to mention I saw Cady talking to Isiah yesterday evening, and I feel it is my duty to tell you he was seen cavorting with a girl only the other week who is not his fiancé." Aidan turns towards me. "You're a lovely girl so I'll give you a quick word of advice, stay away. You wouldn't want him to corrupt you or taint the beginning of your married life."

Aidan's gaze drifts down the street, searching for the next victim who will feature on his gossip hitlist.

Dorothea nods, her mouth in a thin tight smile which looks even more forced than my 'trying to look like I give a shit' facial expression.

Living here for the last five days, I've learnt State Society is all about keeping up appearances.

"Thanks for the warning, Aidan," I say. I want to tell him Isiah is ten times the man Aidan will ever be and that I'd rather be seen cavorting with Isiah than spend another second in the presence of him. I don't. I'm keeping a low profile, being well-behaved for Dorothea and Pru's sake. "We really should go. We promised Pru we'd take her to the park."

"Of course. Does the State not teach us to do as we say and be good role models to our children?"

I have no idea and I'd like to think if The State were teaching us those messages they would at least phrase it more eloquently but who am I to say anything? I can't even read. Yet, even with my lack of State education, I would have thought envy, slander and pride would be condemned, but these are Aidan's most prominent traits and he's a Reflection Overseer. His role is about guiding people towards leading a moral and pure life. This neighbourhood has no hope.

Dorothea doesn't say anything as we walk away. She doesn't say anything for the rest of the walk until we reach the Park and she turns to me. "Shaylan was raped."

"Oh," I say unsure how else to respond.

"I wanted you to know. She told her mother Amelia. She had been walking home alone and there were no other witnesses. Amelia knew there was a risk The State wouldn't believe Shaylan and may blame her because she'd been walking unaccompanied or that people would simply accuse her of having sex outside marriage." Dorothea sighs. "I helped at the birth. They had to do it at home. They couldn't let anyone know. I guessed early on. I saw the signs."

"How old is the baby?" I ask.

"He was born just over a week ago. He was the reason I said yes to having you." Dorothea clears her throat. "After the park, I have to run a few errands but I can meet you back here in two hours to walk you home before I head out for the rest of the day?"

"Don't worry about me. I'll meet you back at the house."

"I don't think you should be walking alone."

"I'll get a lift. Orla is normally picked up by car so I'll get them to drop me off. It will also mean I won't have to worry about encountering any Officials."

"If your sure," Dorothea says uncertainly.

"Yes, I'll be fine. See you later." I bend down and ruffle Pru's hair. "See you later, Pru."

"Be safe," Dorothea says.

"Bye, Cawy." Pru waves.

Every part of me wants to run, to disappear, I don't and I would like to say it's because I want to help The Organisation overthrow The State and fight for a new society. The truth is I simply haven't got the energy.

Author's Note:
First few chapters are giving you in insight into how 'normal' people live.

I hope you find it interesting. Things will get more 'action packed' soon xx