Perfectly Unperfect

Prolouge

I rush down the towns evenly paved streets, making my way towards the pure white city hall that was currently surrounded by a giant crowd of people.

My blonde hair flows in the wind as I hurriedly join my best friend, Marabelle, at the back of the building group of citizens.

Why was everyone down here?

I couldn't tell you after all I'm just a youngling, or child, of 16 years old. My parents aren't allowed to speak of anything around me that might harm my thoughts of the future.

After a few moments of silent whispers between Marabelle and I, the all too familiar face of our leader, Graham Wickers, appears as he stands tall on a elevated platform in front of the city hall.

"Welcome citizens of Arivai, I have an important announcement to make" Wickers announces clearing his throat to gain the attention of the conversing citizens.

"After a recent meeting with the co-commanders of our city, we decided to make a new law or rule directed towards the ladies of Arivai" he states scanning the crowd to make sure we're listening to his every word.

As usual the people who he mentions step forward, and everyone else stays behind us.

In this case I find Marabelle dragging me forward towards the front of the crowd, eagerness in her eyes while fear takes over mine.

Wickers has never made a rule regarding any certain group of people, it's always directed towards a certain individuals actions.

"Don't all of you look lovely today, well as I was saying all of the ladies of Arvai are now required to have perfect attitudes, or manners as some of you would put it" Wickers announces as my green eyes widen slightly in shock.

"Now, now, listen up, as I was saying all ladies should have perfect manners to join our perfect society, which means etiquette schooling will replace normal schooling, and dresses and skirts are all that should be in your wardrobe" he states giving us all a stern look before turning to walk back into the city hall.

"I can't wear dresses though, my arms are all scratched up from climbing trees with Jacob and Adam last weekend, my mom isn't supposed to find out about that" Marabelle panics tugging on the sleeves of her black sweater.

"Your not the only one, I have that horrendous scar from diving last month" our other friend, Dylan, groans crossing her black sweatshirt covered arms over her chest.

That's right black...

Rule 15 of Arivai; kids 14 and under wear all white, teens 15-20 wear black, young adults 21-30 wear grey, adults 31-50 wear dark red, and elders 51 and above wear...well night gowns since their banished to the medical centers the second they turn 51.

Nobody really knows why, I guess the Arivai don't want us to see what we'll look like in the future.

I shake my head, watching as my blonde curls bounce while I do so, before returning to the previous conversation.

"Sorry girls maybe you should have just hung out with Leo and I instead" I shrug as they both roll their eyes at me.

"Anything beats watching historical films with you...very nice people" Dylan laughs nervously as one of Wickers guards approaches us.

"Here are your school uniforms, and rule books now head over to the station with the first letter of your last name on it" he states handing us each a red silk pull string bag.

I give my friends a small wave before heading over to the tall sign with R-V on it in bold black letters.

"Hello miss, last name please" a lady in an older looking black dress questions giving me a polite smile.