Sitting at the breakfast table patiently, I'm getting serious Deja vu as I'm subjected to another monologue on the importance of following the rules to ensure we develop into pure and wholesome individuals. Faryl lectured me last night after Isiah left. This morning, I'm getting an exact repeat from Aidan.

I stare at him as he talks about The State's desire to build a society where children grow into functioning, helpful and productive members of society who are moral and virtuous. He talks of people who may seem charming and normal but are using it to hide their depravity whilst leading us into temptation for their own pleasure. He's thinking of Isiah when he says this last part; really he should be thinking of me.

From the seat next to me, Faryl enthusiastically adds a supportive comment and they both take turns to nod vigorously in agreement with what the other has said. I'm battling between trying not to laugh and not pull my hair out in despair as I'm treated to a frenzied State spouting double act which is beyond excessive. This is my consequence for having Isiah over; a speech to remind me to not go against the grain.

I lower my eyes to the ground disgusted with myself that I wanted to be part of this society. I wanted a Birth Brand which would have meant I had to abide by these rules, agree with their flawed ideals and support them.

Aidan continues speaking, "...we must be vigilant for there are still agitators, provocateurs, trouble makers who continue to undermine all your hard work at improvements. These immoral individuals want you to fail, they want to drag you down into their zest pits of depravity. They may be few in numbers but the destruction they can do is great if we allow them. Therefore, it is our responsibility to highlight the depraved and vile people to The State and inform on those who need to be sent to the labour camps where The State will try to rehabilitate them."

Dorothea stands behind me and grips my shoulder. I'm shaking slightly, not from embarrassment and fear but due to the raging anger and hatred which has ignited inside me. Every word coming from Aidan and Faryl's mouth fuels the internal inferno which is about to make me combust.

Dorothea peers down at me smiling tentatively. "Are you ok, Cady? You look a little ill. Maybe you should stay home today."

I nod. Dorothea knows I don't want to go to Neighbourhood Day and that I shouldn't.

Aidan glances at me. "You do look a little pale. Non-attendance to Neighborhood Day will need to be verified. I'll send Dr Yanik over."

"No. It's ok. I'm fine," I say breathlessly. "Please continue, Aidan."

Aidan nods. "Moral degradation of our society meant there was a time when we lived in fear of being taken attacked or not being able to keep our loved ones safe from corrupt and violent individuals. Robberies, muggings and other horrific crimes were commonplace, the world was not a safe place to live."

They still are. It's just hidden and covered up and The State are aware.

"Unfairness, deceitfulness and a disregard for fellow citizens meant not all people had access to healthcare, a proper education, decent housing, even food but The State healed us and cleansed our society. However, the comfort, safety and security we now experience can only continue if we work together and abide by the rules." Aidan says.

Faryl's head continues to nod uncontrollably. He's going to give himself an injury if he continues. I glance at the clock; twenty-six minutes of my life which I will never be able to get back. This is my consequence for letting Isiah help me bake a cake. Maybe, I should have tried to hump him because knowing how much that would upset Aidan would make this more bearable.

Aidan places the book he's holding in front of me. "Even though I'm sure Faryl and Dorothea have one, I am assigning you your own personal copy of 'The State's Purpose Statement'. You will reread it and every night, we will meet to discuss a chapter. Max, you will join us. We'll start tomorrow with Chapter One which covers the most important 'Fundamentals'."

Fundamentals?

"Thank you, Aidan," Dorothea almost snaps. Her jaw throbs with tension which makes the smile she's trying to force near impossible. "Both me and Faryl are doing our upmost to teach our family the correct path in life however your additional input will be gratefully received."

"Of course. I am here for the neighbourhood to ensure they follow a righteous path and are not tempted by corrupt immoral individuals who want to lead us astray," Aidan says softly.

"Of course and you do a fantastic job. However, I do not feel any of us have been led astray thus far. If this is about Isiah, I assumed he was innocent until deemed guilty and as far as I was aware, the rumour about Isiah acting inappropriately with a girl is still just that, a rumour. Until some truth in the accusations has been proven and The State set the necessary punishment, Isiah does not deserve to be shunned. He was being neighbourly yesterday by helping Cady which is what we encourage. Unless there has been some evidence of the rumour being true?" Dorothea's voice is firm but soft with no hint of anger or aggression.

"No, there's no progress yet on the accusations," Aidan falters. He obviously doesn't know I was in here with Isiah and no chaperone.

"Well, we should all be getting going. I'm very much looking forward to Neighbourhood day." Dorothea says, flashing us all a wide smile.

Aidan nods and bids us a good day before leaving.

Faryl frowns and Dorothea leans on the table looking exhausted as she says quietly, "Max and Cady, can you take Pru and wait for us out front, please. Me and Faryl will gather the stuff for today and then we can all head off together."

Her eyes stay focussed on the table surface, her breathing is strained. We all know an argument is about to take place and she doesn't want us to hear it. Max glares at me as he lifts Pru and leaves the room. I follow him into the corridor and outside with my head lowered, unsure how long I can continue ruining everything around me.

Slamming into the back of Max who has stopped on the front step, I stumble backwards. He doesn't say anything, no snide comment, no glare which surprises me. He also doesn't move so I manoeuvre around him. In front of us the road flutters. A sea of crinkling white covers the ground as the sound of scratching fills the air.

I approach the flowing mass sweeping from side to side to inspect it. It's hundreds of pieces of white paper scraping along the pavement and road. Bright blue text jumps out at me. I can't read but I'm drawn towards the strange crude thick lines which have appeared from nowhere cloaking the normally clean and spotless neighbourhood.

Bending down to take a closer look, a voice calls my name and I turn to watch Isiah jogging towards me. His head shakes from side to side as his eyes flit from me to behind me. Turning, I see two Officials striding in our direction.

Isiah stops next to me whispering, "Don't touch the papers or they'll arrest you. Tie your shoelaces instead."

"I don't have shoelaces on these boots," I mumble, continuing to drop to my knees. From the corner of my eye, I observe the Officials getting closer. My heartbeat doesn't speed up, my mind isn't telling me to run and I wonder if I really care anymore about getting caught. If this was the end, would I be upset? The fact I am asking the question gives me my answer.

My hands sweep the ground. Isiah bends down next to me, a worried expression across his face, muttering quietly, "Your plan?"

"Still working on it," I say softly.

The two Officials stop in front of me. The female says firmly, "Miss, what seems to be the problem?"

"I dropped my..." Searching for my brain I think of something which is small enough to lose.

"Her earring," Isaih interjects, standing up.

"Her ears aren't pierced," The older official says sternly, gazing intently at my ears.

"They were clip-on. I'm too much of a wimp to get my ears pierced. I can barely stand the pain of getting my marks." I smile weakly, still on my knees, my hands on the ground searching for a non-existent clip-on earring.

"Marks don't hurt."

Seriously? Surely a permanent mark scarring your skin would cause some discomfort. Ignoring Isiah's look of complete bemusement, I say. "To you maybe but to me it's agony. I have an incredibly low pain threshold. It only takes a small knock and I'm crying like a baby."

"It's true. Someone gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder once and she started crying. She's overly sensitive." Isiah nods then turns to me. "Are you sure you lost it out here?"

"Dorothea said she saw something shiny, I thought it might be it but I can't see anything," I sigh.

"I doubt you'll find it in this mess."

I nod, glancing behind me. Dorothea takes hold of Pru who is struggling against Max's grasp and walks towards us while The Officials dubiously glance between me and Isiah.

"Cady?" Dorothea says.

"I can't find my earring." I stand up and she passes Pru to me. With Pru in my arms, I'm more grounded, my drive for self-preservation returning or an alternative version called Pru-preservation. I tickle Pru under the chin and she snorts hysterically. "I've going to have stop wearing my jewellery around you. You keep pulling my earrings off." I turn towards the Officials. "They belong to my deceased mum so they have real sentimental value."

"We can file a lost report." The younger Official says, bringing out her birth brand scanner.

"Would it be possible to do it later?" Dorothea addresses the Officials. "I don't want us to be late to Neighbourhood Day."

"Of course," The older Official says.

"Thank you. Have a pleasant day." Dorothea smiles.

We watch the Officials stride away while Faryl and Max join us on the sidewalk.

Dorothea looks pale as she says, "Isaih, where's your mother?"

"She left earlier to help set up. I was just on my way there," Isaih responds quietly.

"Walk with us then," Dorothea says firmly, taking Pru from my arms.

Faryl clears his throat. "Dee, we don't need any more reasons for Aidan to be displeased. He's giving us enough grief over-"

"Faryl." Dee almost growls in warning. Faryl tightly presses his lips together and crosses his arms.

"What was all that about?" Max asks.

"Cady lost something but it's been sorted now. Don't worry about it." Dorothea's lying singsong voice returns.

"She's trouble, mum. Dad's right, we've got Aidan visiting us, Officials-"

"Max, be quiet. I don't know what has got into you recently but you need to be more respectful to those around you," Dee snaps. "Max and Faryl, help me grab the bags I left them by the front door."

Dee strides back towards the house with Faryl and Max following behind sulking.

I shuffle uncomfortably. "Thank you, Isiah. I seem to be adding to the list of things I owe you for."

"You don't owe me anything. I meant what I said yesterday, we're neighbours and neighbours help each other out." Isiah shrugs.

I can't help think I've ruined any chance of future neighbourly gestures of help. No more cooking tips or help with baking. I'll be forced to resort to cooking my well-practised delicacy of two-minute noodles for every meal and for dessert. I'm sure that will go down well with Faryl and Max.

"Why did you try to pick up the papers?" Isiah asks.

"I wanted to know what they are."

"It's anti-State propaganda, I thought every suburb experienced it. The streets fill with leaflets and anyone who picks them up is taken in for questioning. You don't acknowledge them, you don't handle them and you definitely don't read them." Isaih glances at me. "In The State's eyes, taking an interest in the leaflet means you're at the very least a sympathiser or the very worst a rebel activist."

Heavy silence fills the space between us and my body goes rigid as I wait for an accusation.

"I don't want to know if you're involved in anything because I don't want that sort of trouble but you're kind and so is the family you're staying with. Be careful, Cady, don't destroy their lives," Isiah looks at me. I don't see distrust or accusation. I only see concern and worry.

"I'm trying," I whisper so softly I don't think he hears it.

This is all getting too complicated. I'm dragging more people into my mess and I'm not sure how to prevent additional people from dying. My initial gut instinct is to run but the sharp realisation hits me full force, I can't run away, I can't simply cut these people off. If I ever get caught it will indicate them and lead to their arrest which will mean labour camp or hangings for all of them. All their lives depend on my ability to not reveal myself, to hide and currently, I'm a liability. I must change, somehow I need to reduce the probability of all these people suffering. I can't be the cause of more death.

"Cady," A voice calls out from behind me.

I swivel around and my face drops as I watch a familiar person step out of a car and approach me.

"Hello, beautiful." Zed smiles walking over to me. He briefly brushes his lips against mine before his gaze drifts over Isiah inquisitively and he offers his hand. "I'm Zed. Cady's fiancé."

"Isiah." Isiah shakes his hand while I force myself to not wipe my mouth.

"Cady?" Dorothea says as she walks towards us failing miserably at trying to look relaxed. Faryl frowns slightly and Max is glaring as usual.

"Hi, I'm Zed. Cady's fiancé."

"I thought the fiance's name was Gerard?" Faryl's frown deepens.

"My nicknames Zed. Not sure why, but I've had it for as long as I can remember." Zed holds out his hand and shakes both of their hands. "We better go. I arranged a meeting with our soon to be local Reflection Overseer. I also thought we could view our house and organise a few things for the wedding."

"It's Neighbourhood Day," I say pathetically. Right now, a crowd of Officials seems more appealing than leaving with Zed.

"This was the only day I could arrange with the Reflection Overseer. He'll write a letter to exempt you. Anyway, next weekend will be Neighbourhood Day in our new neighbourhood so you won't have to wait long to show your love of The State." Zed smirks.

"Have you got a date yet for the wedding?" Faryl asks hopefully.

"Not yet, but after today we should know where we stand." Zed's eyes flick over me and an ice-cold shiver runs down my spine. "It was nice to meet you all."

Zed takes my hand and pulls me towards his car before I can say bye. Aidan is half walking, half running towards us.

"He's the local Reflection Overseer," I hiss. "Complete assh-"

"Cady, is this your fiancé?' Aidan stops in front of us.

I nod, my hand still in Zed's. I'm desperate to pull it away but I don't. I step closer to Zed and smile as though he's the man I'm going to live with forever. The thought alone makes me want to hurl the entire contents of my breakfast all over the ground.

"I'm Aidan, the -"

"Reflection Overseer. Cady has mentioned you have been helping to guide her through this tough time." Zed wraps his arm around my waist. "She hasn't been herself since the accident and I know she is struggling but with your involvement, I'm sure she'll get better."

Aidan smiles widely. "That's great so-"

"I've organised to meet our Reflection Overseer, I'll be sure to get a letter to excuse her from today. She was so looking forward to it but I think the sooner the wedding happens the better." Zed quickly guides me towards the car. "We must hurry. We have lots to do and I despise tardiness. Cady can tell you all about it on her return."

"You're not planning on going just the two of you?" Aidan asks following us.

"Of course not, we have a State-approved Chaperone. He's sitting in the back of the car." Zed opens the passenger door and gestures for me to sit.

Slumping down, a deep voice rumbles through the car. "Morning, Cady."

I turn to see Milo positioned behind me. I smile except it's forced again. I like Milo. To be honest, I don't hate Zed either. The problem is they both remind me of Grey and who he should be with. They remind me of what Grey wanted to do while I'm doing nothing.

Aidan peers through the window, inspecting Milo who holds out his arm to display a large circle with two hands interlinked in the middle. Aidan nods in approval, satisfied with what he's witnessed. I look curiously at Milo.

"State-certified Chaperone. Fantastic forgery. Don't tell anyone." Milo winks before staring ahead as though he hadn't said a word.

Zed jumps into the driver's seat, starts the car and drives off. I watch all the intrigued and interfering faces slowly blur away into nothingness. My chest loosens as I leave behind the constrictions of The State led life. Trying to be normal is hard work.

Authors Note:

A long one but it needed to go together. I hope you're still enjoying the story xx