Angel of Mercy

Chapter 12

Dedicated for DeezBooks316 for my beautiful new cover. Her book 'The Crooked Smile' is amazing and a great look at peer pressure with unexpected plot twists

I unlocked the door, trying to paste a calm, composed smile on my face, and repress the laughter caused by Julia's chatter. As luck would have it, the sight that was presented to me through the open door was enough to quell any urge to laugh, giggle or show any other sign of merriment.

Julia's jaw fell open in shock and she almost tripped over the hem of her dress, as she stared at Mary,

"I want one" Julia murmured, eyes wide, for once in her life not sure what to say. I was speechless, only able to look at Mary's choice in....clothing.

The black dress I had lent her that morning had been totally transformed. No longer floaty instead taken in, to emphasize Mary's curves. No more long sleeves, instead the dress had straps. The dress wasn't even whole anymore, it had been ripped horizontally across. In short it was like nothing I had seen, or wished to again.

"Dont worry it's longer then one inch above the ankle and in black, it won't break any of your precious rules" Mary's voice filled the air, her normally pretty face twisted into an unsightful sneer.

She waved a careless hand behind her as she as walked into my living room, beckoning us in, her curtain of hair floating behind her.

I made the first step, shocked into submission. I wanted to offer some kind of explanation to Julia, a reason behind Mary's behaviour- she was settling in, going through a tough time, insane, but I couldn't think of the words. Instead I just told her to leave, allowing her to escape.

When I entered the living room Mary was sprawled over my favourite chair, a pack of paper in her hands. I sat in response to a rather languid nod sent my way, wishing that I knew what was going on.

"I was sent a questionnaire today, from your precious government. I had to list skills, interests things like that, and I thought why? Why am I sitting here dutifully ticking boxs, filling out forms, when I could be having fun? Have I become a mindless clone of you? Happy only when being obedient, when following rules, when part of a herd. To my surprise I realised that I had.

I was wearing a perfect dress, in a perfect house, acting like the perfect citizen you strive to be. My hair was tied up, my activities chosen, my life ordered in line with all the rules and regulations that this society thrives on.

And why? Why was I here, in this bizarre world, with no names, or freedom or expression of individuality? Because it was better then the alternative, better then rotting away in that tiny house, with thouse small minded, hypocritical people never knowing a life I wasn't constantly talked down to. This life was my chance at freedom, but I have swapped one gilded cage for another.

I want happiness, love, support, all things this life can give me-but I can't be trapped again, I need freedom, a life with no rules, as much as I need food and water.

I need to live, not just survive"

Mary's eyes were filled with tears, showing the vulnerable girl she was, the girl she was trying so desperately to hide behind layers of rebellion, behind rude words and broken rules. She didn't want me to care about her, but I did, always would.

Because I was her, part of her at least. I knew what she was feeling, I understood it as only one who had experienced them could. The only difference was that I saw freedom as my home, as the happiness that my society brought me. I choose to conform because the rules I followed kept chaos and uncertainty away. They kept the chance I might get hurt, emotionally and physically, by rebellion, war, by heartbreak, loss minimized. They kept me, and so many others, safe.

So in response to Mary's soliloquy I opened my arms and enveloped her in a hug. I murmured nonsense at her as she sobbed in to my shoulder. I let her know that I would care for her, love her, even if she did break rules, even if she did yell at me or hurt me.

Because if that isn't freedom, what is?

SORRY!!!! I know this is late(and short)....but wow! Who saw that coming (not me-I honestly set out to write a chapter on a bratty Mary we could all dislike. But instead we got...something else :)
I would feel to mean to ask for votes and all that-I haven't updated in ages and this isn't even edited.