Sprawl

Chapter One

I awoke with a start, covered in a cold sweat from the nightmare that was still fresh in my mind. I had dreamed about a rebellion of all things, something so formidable it was never discussed. I pulled my thinning blankets around myself tighter, trying to steady my heavy panting in attempt to calm myself down. I reminded myself that I was safe here on the Compound. Nothing could hurt me. 

In school we are constantly reminded about the history of The Compound, how its faith is based on that of our ancient ancestors, something called polygamy. It is a faith that empowers men, and they marry and mate with many, many women. I smile at this, for I cannot wait to be a wife. Men are our rulers and I want nothing more than to be able to serve my superior. 

I took the few moments I had left in bed to say my prayers. I made sure to thank God, his angels, and most importantly the Prophet, who gave everyone on the Compound their safety and health, and who never let us down. He was our saviour, and the most important person to ever walk the Earth.

I sigh as I get out of bed and walk over to my wardrobe, looking at the few clothes that I have to wear. Two frocks, one light cornflower blue, the other dark cream. One peasant blouse, and a long, ankle length skirt. A single pair of plain brown leather flats. I picked the cornflower dress, and pulled my dirty blonde hair back into the mandatory braid.

I went over to the washbasin in the opposite corner of my room and evaluated my face in the cracked mirror. My dull grey-green eyes stared back at me, as did the slight red splotches on my pale skin. I grumbled and peeked out the window. The dusty dirt roads were already busy with kids heading off to school. The sun overhead was shining brightly as clouds flitted about, casting shadows along the streets.

I strode out of my room and into the kitchen area. Three of my step-mothers - I have six - and five of my half-siblings were at the table eating breakfast.

“Olivia, come over here and join us for breakfast,” step-mother Joanne gestured to the spread of eggs and toast.

“No thanks,” I replied back, itching to get out of the house, “I think I may already be running late."

“Alright then, run along. You said your prayers did you not? ”

"Of course Mother Joanne."

I ran out of the house and down the dirt road, sprinting as fast as I could in order to not be late. I finally bounded into the gates of the school and headed into the Year Eleven room. Different Years started at different times. The higher the Year, the earlier the time. I slammed into a tall boy, and apologized profusely as soon as I realized it was Nicholas. 

Though it's improper for a girl have feelings for any boy before their matching, I couldn't help the way my heart began to beat a little faster, and how my cheeks got hotter and redder everytime I was near him.

“Watch it Olivia.” He jumped back.

I caught my breath slightly as I gazed at his face. It was a plain of course, as was everyone’s, but Nicholas’s was just mesmerizing, there was something so special about it. Perhaps it was his eyes. They are an amazing shade of caramel, constantly hidden though, under his black mane of hair. Seeing them was a gift, like opening a treasure chest after spending your life searching for it. That moment when you see the gold, you realize the effort had always been worth it.

“See you in class.” His voice broke my reverie, and I watched as he continued down the narrow, cramped hallway to the classroom.

I followed soon after, though I had no choice, as there were only two minutes left in arrival time. I walked into the classroom and took my assigned seat at the back of the class. Seating was arranged alphabetically, and my last name is Waters, so naturally I am at the back. My desk is flanked by those of Harriet Verne and Thomas Xander. Nicholas’s last name is Barlot, so he sits at the front.