Expiry Date

Chapter 2 - Rowan

It was a beautiful day. Sun shining, Birds Singing, Kids playing at the park. It felt like nothing could go wrong until something did. My friend named Charlize didn't show up at school for a couple of days. I was worried about her the entire day. My father a famous singer, dancer, actor, the list goes on and on. I thought I knew all his secrets until today. He told me many things I wasn't prepared to hear.  AND that was devasting.

Father: Rowan come here, there is something important I want to talk to you about.

Rowan: Yes father.

Father: I heard that your friend... what was her name again? Ah yes, Charlize wasn't at school for a few weeks correct?

Rowan: Yes and?

Father: Well, I will tell you a secret that will change your life forever. Are you willing to listen?

Rowan: Yes I would love to listen!

Father: Charlize is going through what adults call her expiry date.

Rowan: Expiry date? whatever do you mean Father? ( As I scooted closer to his feet willing to listen to anything he says)

Father: Settle down, Settle down. What I mean is the government created a thing called the life bug, everyone has the life bug inside them that is put into someone as soon as someone is born.

Rowan: But doesn't this mean that I have an expiry date?

Father: Yes, everyone has an expiry date, but yours is much longer than an average person.

Rowan: How long does and average person have compared to mine?

Father: With my status I our life spans will last until we are at least 100 years old, whilst with your friend she'll only last until she's 12 at max unless she does something about it

Rowan: Until 12?! She's already 12! Does that mean she's dead?

Father: That's the worst possible outcome is that she's dead. 

Rowan: Is... is that all you wanted to tell me?

Father: Yes.

Rowan: Then may I go to my room now Father?

Father: Go ahead, I won't stop you.

Rowan: Goodnight Father, see you in the morning...

Father: Goodnight son, see you in the morning.

I got up bright and early, so I wouldn't see my Father before I went to school. I packed my bag and made a lunch as quick as possible Then ran to school. I went into the classroom really early so no one else but the teacher would see me.

Ms. M: Good morning Rowan, you're here quite early.

Rowan: Good morning Ms. M, how are you today?

Ms. M: I'm happy right now, but you seem very panicked so early in the morning

Rowan: I learned something very distressful, but either than that I'm okay.

Ms. M: Why don't you tell me what's troubling you?

Rowan: It's nothing.

Ms. M: Oh really? Are you sure it's nothing? I'm willing to listen to your problems

Rowan: No, I'm really fine

The morning bell rings signaling the start of the school day, as I look around searching for Charlize's eyes among my classmates, but just like the past few days I don't see her

Chapter 2 ~ Ending