The Mark

8

Tyler's POV:

Just a few more hours and I'll receive my mark! My weekend went by normally with the exception of some pain here and there. Thankfully, I found that a couple of Tylenol can help with that. My parents still haven't found out about what happened. Oh god what if my mark appears somewhere on my torso and they want to see it? I can't hide the bright hues on my stomach.

I try to ignore all of that for now. I'm sitting at the dinner table with my family. I'll be receiving my mark in about five hours when the clock hits midnight.

"Are you excited TyTy?" Jay, my little brother asks.

I respond, "super excited buddy." Giving him a big cheesy smile.

"Son, remember that no matter who your soulmate is we will always love you no matter what." My dad says as he grabs my mother's hand that matches his mark. She gives him a soft smile.

"Heh I just hope I can find them soon." I rub the back of my neck.

"Patience is beautiful Tyler. It only adds to the story." Mom winks at me.

"Do you want us to be around when you receive your mark or do you want to see it in private?" Dad asks.

Thank god they're giving me an option. I didn't want to seem too suspicious.

"Ummmm..." I act to seem in contemplation. "Probably in private. It'll be late anyways."

"Make sure you show us tomorrow though!" Zack, my other brother cuts in.

"Of course I'll show all of you guys." I finish up my dinner and decide to head up to my room making sure to say goodnight to the rest of the family.

I try passing the time by watching videos and learning how to play some songs on a small keyboard I got for Christmas when I feel a vibration on my desk that was caused by my phone. I look down and see a text from mom.

MOM: I hope the best for you honey. 5 more minutes! :)

I look at the time and notice that it's 11:56. Shit time passed by pretty fast. I text her back and thanked her. Four more minutes. God I'm terrified. I shake the bad feelings away and stand up from my desk to make my way to the mirror. Here goes nothing. Striping my clothes off I give the clock one more look. 11:59.

5...4...3...2....

I squeeze my eyes shut for a few seconds. Annnnddddddd open!

Quickly opening my eyes I scan my entire body from the toes up stopping when I reach my shoulders. There it is! A full hand print on my left shoulder! Most people get a smudge on their leg or their arm. My parents both have smudges on their hands where their hands clashed at the grocery store. A full handprint is different though. Almost rare.

I lean closer to the mirror to get a better look. Wow! Excitement filled my body. I giggle and jump a little bit trying to be quiet because most of my family is asleep. I get another look in my mirror and run my hand over the mark. Despite my excitement, I know I've got to try to get some sleep before school. I sneak my body under my covers and snuggle into them falling asleep with a smile on my face.