Separated

Chapter 1~ Leila's P.O.V

Chapter one~ Leila’s P.O.V

I smiled and adjusted my hair one more time, staring at my reflection in the large mirror I was standing before. Beside me I could see my brother's reflection, also trying to ensure he looked absolutely perfect. I could tell he felt almost as nervous as me; he gripped my hand in his, "Are you ready?" I nodded smiling slightly. Excitement rushed through me. We'd been prepared for this moment our whole lives. Everything we've learnt in litescene was to try and prepare us for the triscene. This would decide our future, the biggest decision of our lives, what class we will be. I looked at my brother, to find him looking back at me. Sudden doubt rushed through my brain, what if we were placed in different classes, different classes to our parents, different classes to each other. He saw my doubt and stroked my cheek, as if he could brush away my troubles. He looked as if he wanted to. My mother walked in, managing to keep her nerves at bay in order to keep us as calm as possible. "You two better get a move on, you mustn't be late on your first day. Or any day really." Her last comment was designed to ease the tension, but it only made the atmosphere heavier, I was unable to find the situation funny, constant thoughts pacing my mind. She eyed us seriously, her sign that she was about to say something important, "Remember to stand up straight, don't hold hands when they can see you, do everything that they say. Remain confident, and most importantly don't lie. They know everything about you."

The term 'they' had become something we were used to. They were people, at least we thought they were people, we didn't know their real name, or anything about them. But they knew everything about us. They controlled us, they controlled everyone. No one ever met, or even saw them. Somehow, though, they managed to control the thousands of human beings in this galaxy. Within the galaxy there were the classes and the solar panel. The classes are like worlds, the first class has the best quality of life and so on down to the sixth class, we didn't know anything about the other classes, but I'd always wanted to find out. My brother and I were lucky enough to be born into the second class. But now we have our triscene. The year that decides which class we will spend the rest of our lives in. So you can see why it's such a big deal. 

"Leila, come on." I felt a strong arm nudge my shoulder. The same kind of confusion clouded my thoughts as to when I awake from a long sleep. Panic rushed through me, as I realised I had been asleep, "Your alright, we're almost there," Arkaden's calm voice soothed me. Somewhere between leaving our home and climbing aboard the airship I'd fallen into a deep sleep, my thoughts taking full reign of my conscious. Panic was replaced with disappointment as I realised I'd missed most of the only airship flight I'd probably ever have. Air ships were used to travel between the classes and the solar panel. Some people, mainly people from the first class travelled to the solar panel to enjoy some of the advertised leisure activities they have there. Being in the second class we knew a lot about them but we weren’t rich enough to fly to the solar panel, others in our class were though. Arkaden seemed to be following a similar train of thought as he said, "I can't wait to see the solar panel, finally discover how great all the ‘outstanding opportunities’ and ‘enjoyable activities’ actually are." I nodded my throat suddenly dry. We would spend a whole year here, having to do whatever they want us to, in order to try and get into the best class possible, I wouldn't see my parents for a whole year. Arkaden again seemed to read my thoughts, "I'll miss our parents too, but we can't think about that." Still the only response I could manage was a silent nod. I was so glad to have my brother for reassurance. Soon even he would be taken away from me.

                       *                                                       *                                                     *                       

"Miss Palms, come this way please, you are about to receive your initial test." I braced myself, the advice of my mother, father and many others circling my brain. I hadn't even gotten of the airship yet and I was already being split from my brother, my only sense of comfort. "Miss Palms, please, follow me." The official guiding me was getting impatient already, this is not going well. I turned to look back at my brother for reassurance; my official noted that down as well. I was going to have to be more careful in the future; despite all the warnings I'd received I'd underestimated the intense watch of the officials. My brother smiled slightly but I didn't smile back, I just signalled with my eyes that I'd miss him, I think he understood. Through everything we've kept a close bond, it's something I rely on greatly.

I stumbled slightly, and I watched as it was noted down. I hadn't, however been watching where I was going or paying attention; I really need to be more aware of my surroundings, I always get caught up in my thoughts, distracted from the world outside. I paid close attention. We passed many doors all leading to the frequently advertised activities, that I'd always wanted to try. Maybe I'd get a chance whilst I'm here; I have a whole year, I must get a break sometimes. I snapped back into focus as the small screeching of a door being opened reached my ears. I was hastily shoved into a room, it was only then I noticed that the door was in fact, a sliding one. I studied the room carefully; keen to succeed on my first test. After all, in a society like today, first impressions count. 

I walked into the middle of the room, a natural instinct to me, if you want to be a dancer you have to work for the attention. Stay focused, I scolded myself, I mustn't get carried away with my thoughts in here, anything could happen. Suddenly a box dropped from the ceiling, I braced myself for the impact of it hitting the floor, but that never came. I opened my eyes curiously. To my surprise the box was floating in the air and had lit up to a strange colour. I studied it curiously, fascinated by how this could have happened, there were no strings attached to it. I touched the box and its light changed. Another box dropped down startling me, it was within touching distanced so I reached out and touched that one too, again it changed colour and another box dropped down. Slightly further away this time, I ran forward and touched this one as well.

It soon became clear to me, the object of this test; I had to touch each box. It was an easy test that surprised me in its simplicity; I was half expecting a second element to appear, but it didn't. It had become almost instinct for me when finally I touched one and it wasn't replaced. The task was a tiring one and I wondered if it was designed to test agility. Another door the opposite side of the room opened, it was well camouflaged, such that I hadn't even noticed it. It blended perfectly into the white walls and white ceiling and white floor. "Please, come with me now." Another official was waiting patiently through the door, I followed her in a dreary state, glad when she finally led me to my room. I placed my hand against a panel and was told it would become my key to everything, my handprint that is. The modern technology in my room would've been overwhelming if I wasn't so tired. Now it was just useful, I just stood in this empty cupboard and it clothed me in a white loose nightie. I climbed into bed and was glad when I fell asleep almost instantly.