Found

Chapter 19-Soraya

After answering a series of questions in front of a lie detector I am left in the room again with the guard. I sigh and fiddle with the handcuffs on my wrists, wondering what the heck was going on. The lady comes back much quicker this time and sits across from me.

" You told the truth, " she says. " However we still cannot find your families files. We believe that they may have been accidentally deleted somehow. That is the only reasonable explanation for such an incident to occur. "

I nod, wanting her to get to the point.

" Now, because you are a minor and are an orphan, you cannot be put into jail. So there are two other options that you can choose from, though I doubt that you will like either. "

I sit up taller in my chair, my attention focused on her. What could be worse than jail?

" Now, you can either go to an orphanage for troubled children, or join the Union's military. No matter what you choose you will have to wear an ankle bracelet so- "

" I want to join the Union. " I say immediately, surprising both the lady and myself. No way would

I go to an orphanage. When joining the Union, I could at least be fighting against those who had killed my family- but I wouldn't ever tell anyone what happened that night. I had put my trust in my only so called friend. Not even the Union would know my story. I am an orphan. That is all that they need to know.

" Oh... well, in that case you should probably know that in joining the military you will be under close watch and will have to wear an ankle bracelet until you have proven yourself to be changed. "

" Alright. "

" You know that the military is no place for fun and games right? You have to pass the Training first. You will be pushed to your limit and be expected to follow directions. One wrong move and you will be sent to an orphanage. "

" I understand, " I say.

Shrugging, the lady stands to her feet.

" Aright then, follow me and we will go get you an ankle bracelet and get you signed up. "

Rising to my feet I follow her out the door, the guard trailing behind me. Our footsteps echo down the empty hallway. I walk with my head dropped, hands in my pockets. After a while we approach a plain white door. The guard opens it and we walk in. I flinch when I hear the door slam shut behind him.

The room I am in reminds me of a doctors office. There is a few chairs, a sink, and a patient table in the middle of the room. Not to mention, everything is white.

" Ah, hello there, " a man says from beside me, causing me to jump. I hadn't sen him when we had first arrived. He was tall with thinning brown hair and a cheerful smile

" I'm Doctor Helms. You must be Soraya. "

I mood slowly, wondering why I am here.

" If you would please take a seat, " Doctor Helms tells me, motioning to the examining table.

Doing as told I sit down and watch as he pulls out a thin, circular band. Seeing my curious expressions he walks over to me, holding up the band.

" This, " he says. " Is your tracking anklet. "

It is then that I notice small green light on the front of the anklet. So that is why I am here, to get it put on.

Once it is on, I am very surprised. I can't even feel it! It is as if it weighs nothing.

" Now, " the lady begins. " This anklet may not seem like much, but trust me, it is. Noting can break it or deactivate it. Noting can melt it or unlock it. And even if, by some inconsiderable means, you do manage to get it off, an alarm sounds immediately. Do you understand? "

Nodding, I run my fingers along its smooth service. It is smooth and metallic silver, about an inch high. The green light blinks unknowingly.

" As of right now, " the lady adds. " The anklet will allow you to go anywhere within a mile of where you are right now. That consists of the building, and the fence surrounding it. When you are being transported somewhere, the anklet will be reset. Now - let's go get you cleaned up. It's almost time to eat. "

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After taking a shower, I feel like a new person. When I am done I put my long hair up in a pony tail and throw on some new clothes and shoes that were given to me. When I look in the mirror, I am surprised to find that for the first time in years, I could pass for a normal teenager.

When I was ready, I was led into the cafeteria by the lady. However this time, no guard
escorted us. The cafeteria was for workers only, so it was rather small. Everyone watched me as I got in line behind the woman. I quickly got a sandwich, chips, and a drink before picking an empty seat at a table far away from the others. The lady came to sit by me and I grunted.

" You can sit by your friends. You won't hurt my feelings. "

Shrugging, the lady - whose name I realized I still do not know - turns around and walked over to a different table. I sat quietly and ate all of my food. When I am done I lift my head and gaze around the room. Everyone in the room seems to be important. Some are wearing nice suits. Some wear police uniforms, and some where white doctor looking coats. Everyone belongs... Everyone but me. I would never belong. Not here, not in the military, not anywhere.

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The rest of the day is spent filling out paperwork for my military application. By the time I am given a room and am alone, I am spent. I plop down onto the small twin sized bed and run my hand over the comforter. It feels plush and soft under my fingers. I haven't slept I a bed for three years. Just by laying here I can feel tears prick the back of my eyes.

I remember my little sister Isabelle. She was ten, three years younger than me. I would curl up in bed with my tablet and she would always sneak out of her own bed and crawl in with me. We were close. She adored me, and I was super protective of her.

Squeezing me eyes shut I try to stop the tears before they come. I can't cry. I am saved! The Union has rescued me! There is no reason for tears, except those of joy. The only thing I have to worry about now is the Rebels. I need to make sure they do not find me.