Chapter 3

"Today's the day." I said to myself as I sighed staring at myself in the glass that surrounds the office of the elites. I keep trying to rearrange my sweater but nothing changes it's ugliness.

I don't know if I want this or if I'm ready. Why does this need to happen now? Why do they get to decide everything for us? Sixteen and I'm finding out who I will be with for the rest of my life. That seems crazy right?

I get lost in my thoughts as everyone buzzes around me. After today I won't live with my family. My mom has been crying more and more for what seems like a year. But this past week has been the worst. She puts on a fake smile when I'm around but I see the red rims around her eyes and the puffiness. My dad tries to console her by holding her hand but she shoos him away.

"What's taking so long" I murmur under my breath. It's not like that many people could have been born this day sixteen years ago right ? I mean apparently one other person did and that's my other half. I wonder if he's here but just in a separate room waiting with his parents. Waiting to be matched with me. I can't help but wonder what he's going to be like. If I'll even like him or if I'll despise him. Maybe he'll despise me just the same.

My mom and dad were the perfect match. Never in my life have I seen them fight or anything. I can only hope for the same result. Or at least that we can handle each other. I'm not some hopeless romantic thinking this is going to be the best thing that will happen to me like my mom. I'm just hoping we can atleast be friends. That we won't have to live in separate parts of our house like some of my friends parents did growing up.

I always feel bad for my parents cause I know they wanted more kids but it was too hard on my moms body. She was always calling me her miracle cause it took 4 tries before she could even have me.

Before my mind could race more, a tall blonde haired man came in with a smile that felt so sterile and cold. Striding towards me with purpose and reached out his hand to me "You must be Hope we're so glad your here ."