Project Marriage

Chapter 2

(Picture is Lauren)

No. No no no no! I couldn't have been chosen! I look to Marie for advice but she just looks at me like I'm a kicked puppy. Somehow I manage to pull myself out of my seat and trudge towards the front of the room. I stand in line next to Ingrid and the Representative turns towards the men. It's part of the rules that a man chooses the woman, never the other way around. Oh boy.

I look at all of my potential husbands to be and evaluate them on a scale of 1-10.

Brian Henry. A Light. A very dark light. He has the left side of his head shaved the the other half is slicked over and dyed black. He wears a lot of leather and spikes. I can see the start of a tattoo on his neck. He has a snake bite on his lip, a nose piercing, and too many ear piercings to count. I'll give him a -5 and a restraining order. Stop eyeing me, creep.

Shawn Zachariah. A Phial. Same with the other two. I can tell by the sweater vests and goggles. I don't have to look further to give them all a 6, maybe less.

Kole Washington. In a word, hottie. He has well kept light brown hair and extremely gorgeous blue eyes. He has dimples when he smiles and is pretty built for a future Therapist. Honestly, he should be a model. Maybe a drummer. I've seem him play while over with Marie and he's actually really good. I'll be totally honest, I've had a crush on him since forever. I never told Marie because, duh, he's her twin. On my scale... He broke it.

I'm hoping to be paired with Kole. Not just because all of the other boys are losers, but because I know him and it won't be as awkward. Or maybe it will.

When the Representative asks which boy wants who, I see Brian checking me out. He is seriously making me uncomfortable. Kole sees it too. He glances at the crowd and mouths something to the Representative. Brian looks at him pissed and clenches his fists.

After a few more seconds, the boys walk towards us. I expect to be stuck with Brian, but he walks over to Jet who looks sick to her stomach at the mere sight of him. When I look back in front of me, Kole stands there with a crooked smile on his face, "Sorry," he says, "I saw Brian making you uncomfortable and I did what I thought my sister would make me do." I laugh and smile back at him, "You got that right. Thanks." I keep it cool in front of him but on the inside I am squealing "YES YES YESSSSS!!" Okay, I need help.

All the couples are asked to the principal's office, a small building in the middle of campus, to discuss the terms of marriage. Our principal, Mrs. Derulo, offers each of us an apologetic smile as we walk into the room next to our "partners".

"Firstly," she begins, "I apologize for you kids having to go through all of this. It truly isn't fair. Now, the rules say that I have to tell you the details of your marriage now," she picks up a list, "all wedding details are up to the bride and groom, as well as the honeymoon destination. The government provides the pastor. The man must propose to the woman and they must go on 5-12 dates before proposal. The government is providing a house, which you both will live in after the marriage. You both will be shown your house next week and will move in two days later. Before a divorce is allowed, you must give birth to one boy and one girl. All expenses will be paid by the capital. That is all."

She looks up and gestures that we are dismissed. Everyone walks out to their respective buildings. Most of the couples are in different buildings so they get an awkward nod from their partner and walk away with their dignity intact. No one passing by would know that they were part of Project Marriage. Unfortunately for me, that is not the case. Kole and I walk side by side towards Building C, our dignity crawling away little by little.

Some people always hope to be a part of the Marriage Pact. The government pays for everything until you get a divorce so you're basically set up for life. I'll admit, the situation isn't that bad given the circumstances. I'm marrying my best friend's twin brother, I get a nice house, the wedding of my dreams, no bills to pay, it's a good life. What I'm upset about is how our husband is just chosen for us. There is no love in the marriage.

We return to class and he looks at me, I don't know if I should say something or shake his hand or what. Kole moves to stand in front of me and takes my hands in his, "Lauren Nicole Vaillor, will you go out with me Friday?" Okay, I am screaming on the inside. This is so cute! I know lawyers are supposed to be professional but I'm still seventeen aren't I? Okay stay cool Lauren.

"I would love to." Heck yeah I will!

He smiles at me and lets go of one of my hands, "Great. I'll pick you up at 7," he kisses my hand before walking inside. I stand there frozen before walking into my classroom. I walk to my seat with my head high and my eyes staring straight ahead. My teacher, who was just giving a lecture, stops talking and the whole rooms stares at me as I make my way to my seat. After I sit down, I look at my teacher and pretend to be shocked that he stopped talking, "Oh please, don't let me interrupt your lesson. Please continue."

After a few seconds of awkward silent staring, everyone returns to what they were doing. Please tell me this isn't going to be my whole year.