Stone Cold

Chapter 1

The alarm blares in the early hours of the morning as usual. My hand automatically smashes the cold button on the cursed clock. Blinking wearily, I shove on my glasses and hop out of bed, wondering what headache today will bring . . . as usual.  Out of habit, one that I developed a month ago, I check my wrist and the once opaque circular area was now close to transparent. A bit gory because I could clearly see the bones, veins and arteries that used to be hidden by skin. 

All the more reason to hate 'The Stoning'. Whoever came up with that name is an absolute idiot in my opinion. Not that my opinion matters to anyone. I'm just one of the seven billion or so pawns in this world. Maybe, a slightly dysfunctional one.

I run a hand through my black and blonde streaked hair. There was no point in trying to style it because it would automatically end up looking like there was a coconut sitting on my head. Father had been adamant on cutting it himself, claiming it was 'a father and son bonding time before you become a powerful young man'.  I didn't have the heart to change it myself after seeing the proud look on his face. 

"Jaime! Are you up son?" Father asked while knocking.

"Yes! I'm coming."

Taking one last glimpse at myself, I grab my bag and sprint down the stairs. I can already smell the pancakes cooking in the kitchen, courtesy to our chef.  Perks of being part of a powerful family I guess. 

 ...............................................................................................................................................................

"YOOOOO JAIME KIM KELLY IN DA HOUSE!" 

I roll my eyes as I walk through the school gates.

"Morning to you too Ben, and don't call me that."

"Ah yes, as irritable as always. Kelly." 

"Benjamin," I growl while glaring at his back. "Please don't."

He swivels around, with his coffee in hand and a stupid smirk on his face. Sometimes, I really question my friend choices. 

"You excited for tomorrow Jaime?"

"No."

"C'mon bro, it's a life-changing day! I know you don't like it, but being pessimistic and stressed about it like you have been all month  is only gonna put your mental health down the drain."

Coming from Benjamin, that was unexpected.

"May I ask since when have you had this wise guy epiphany?"

He puts a hand on my shoulder, face more serious than the few times he concentrates in our exams. I have to admit, it's kind of unnerving.

"Jaime, regardless of what you and probably several other millions of people think, we're going to have to go through with this anyway. It doesn't matter if you don't want to and it doesn't matter if you throw a fit about, what happens tomorrow is what happens and after that, you're going to live with that for the rest of your li-"

"That's exactly why I don't get it."

"Don't cut me off bro, this is important. If you're worried and pissed about the fact that regardless of how hardworking someone is, a magical rock decides their life, it's understandable. But from tomorrow onwards, what if you're the one who has to suffer? Wouldn't you rather live today happily and freely before being tied to whatever fate you have?"

Benjamin looks into my eyes like he's staring into my soul as I mull over an answer in my head and as much as I'd love to refute, he has a point. From tomorrow onwards people might hate me more than they already do and personally, I didn't want that. But how was it possible to enjoy today knowing tomorrow was basically armageddon?