New Found Glory

My sixteenth birthday had just passed and college had just started. Everything was rather ordinary, adults going to work, clear blue skies (normal, right? Wrong!) In current society you could not walk the streets alone, you had to be escorted by an armed guard- most were  trained when the regime started. The government had many at their disposal. My parents hired one. He was rather old, late fifty's. He'd knock at precisely 8:15 No earlier, no later. I grabbed my bag and opened the door to be greeted by his usual smile. A crooked one. Reminded me off the regime here.  8:23 was the time I arrived. I despised this place.  Same clothes, same hair, same slop they call food. Daily assemblies were held at 09:00 I had 37 minutes to relax before hell began. They made us read the same dull leaflet about the government's brilliant schemes. Bile rose in my throat. Our freedom was gone!

I only had one true friend. His name was Jake. Every morning we'd find each other and talk about our hobbies to distract us from the schools regime. I found him in his usual place-the Library. He'd usually be absorbed in a specific genre. Dystopian to be exact. Uprisings natural disasters. He soon noticed my presence and greeted me with a smile.

" Hello Jake" Instead of his usual hello back he stiffened. I spoke again "Jake? Earth to Jake?" His face relaxed and his concentration snapped, " Hey Lil" Lil is my nickname. I was called Olivia but Lil was what he always called me. Weird; he was usually enthusiastic. " Do you not hear it? it bothers me, following me...Mocking me" I stared for a second processing the information. My mind was blank. How do you answer that? But, I didn't need to. Footsteps were approaching us... It was her, "Good morning children, Jake I would to speak with you for a brief moment, follow me." He sighed. He enjoyed spending time with me and hated being apart. He followed and I was left alone. Assembly was called earlier than expected. It should have been a clear warning sign that things were beginning to get  worse. 

We all had to form a single line and march into the hall. Once everyone had arrived the headmistress walked up the centre of the stage and began her speech. "Good to see you all on this marvellous Monday" She chuckled " I'm sure you will all enjoy the topic of discussion today. Removal of the unworthy, elimination of the weak. You may all be my pupils but I will not be afraid be afraid to take action if things go wrong and things have indeed gone wrong"

My eyes frantically darted around the room looking for Jake but he was nowhere to be seen. was he the weak? Suddenly, the room went dark which snapped me back to reality Surprisingly, they were playing us a video. It was a message from our Chief Prime minister. . It was meant for us! He was blabbing about the flawless government schemes on how to tackle bullying . However, his next words sent a chilling shiver down my spine, "Your school has the honour of being the first to trail our new security programme, all students will remain at the school. Accommodation will be provided. Three meals a day will be given. At 0700, 1300 and 1800. Classes begin at 0900 and finish at 1700.  Between 1700 to 2200 you may use your time however you like. Do not leave school premises or the punishments may be... severe. Whispers began to emanate from the crowd of teens.  Drilling echoed the halls. They were installing something. Then she spoke again "Can you hear that? It's the sound of safety. This is for your own good! You cannot be harmed by the monsters out there. Now all of you to lessons" That was it? No explanation. I was speechless. " The sound of safety? If she calls the distinct sound of drilling. A high pitched squeal of screws being drilled in she was insane. I was escorted to my lesson and we all sat in silence. 

Could it get any worse?. The drilling I could hear it again but no one else seemed fazed. Could they even hear it?  "Sir, may I go to the bathroom please" He nodded. I got up and cautiously walked out. It was almost an instinct. Follow the drilling. Don't stop till you do  Every step it got louder.  A weird sensation took over me! I was being summoned... but to where? My question was answered. I was face to face with the headmistress and she had two men with her. The smart thing to do was run but they ensured I didn't. She gave me a menacing look.. I was not getting off lightly this time. " Where are we going? Let me go" We walked past many students" Abbey, Rachel, Jordan, Luke" I screamed hoping they would help me. They didn't notice. Like I was invisible. We reached her office and I was pushed inside. The door was locked instantly. She guided her hand to the seat gesturing me over. I sat and waited." What do you want with me. You're going to kill me aren't you? She never answered. My patience grew thin. If I was going to die, I wanted to know why. "You took Jake didn't you.. You killed him" She just stared, " ANSWER ME" We stared for a while. Seconds turned into minutes. Then her eyes changed.  She smiled. "Young Lady I firstly want to apologise for everything I have put you through. Unfortunately, I had to act all for the governments regime or they would have  killed me. As to why you are here. You have a strong will. A will the government cannot control. To us that's a good thing. To them you are a threat to the system. A threat that has to be eradicated. You're the beacon of hope this society needs Olivia. But not you alone.  "who else?"

"Turn around" said a familiar voice. My face lit up. I turned and ran full speed at the voice and gave them a hug " Jake you're alive" I thought they'd killed you" " I'm here now Lil, together we can do this" In that moment I saw Jake in a new light. He wasn't just my friend anymore. We leaned in and our lips brushed. I giggled " I'm ready"