Compliance

I woke up like I usually do: roll out of bed, stumble toward the shower, make breakfast. But today was different. I didn't want to get up. I didn't want to eat. I didn't want to go anywhere. But I had to grin and bear it.

After I finished cleaning up, I went outside my little home. It wasn't much, but it kept me safe and warm. As soon as I stepped outside, I knew something wasn't right. Something inside me told me to follow my instincts; to go back inside. But I couldn't. I had to go to work.

I walked down the dirt road, each step heavier than the last. Maybe I should've stayed home. Everyone was talking about something- no, not something, someone. I could barely hear their conversations.

"A human and an Irathient?"

"I heard his name was Nolan."

I ignored all other conversations. I didn't want to hear anything new. I wanted to go to work and get things over with. I continued down the street, walking silently, when I saw him. He was beautiful in every way possible to me, but he never knew how I felt about him. We had been friends ever since I first came here, only one year younger than him. I smiled to myself as we passed. It was then that I noticed he was with her, my best friend, and they were holding hands.

"Hey, Kanti," he said, smiling at me. I couldn't take it. I loved him, but it's obvious he loves someone else. I didn't know what to say. I just ran.

"Kanti, wait! I have to ask you something!" I heard a feminine voice shouting after me. I started to slow down, but I kept walking. Finally, she caught up with me.

"What do you want, Christie?" I asked, tears brimming my eyes.

"Listen, I know you like Alak and all, but you don't mind if I date him, do you?" she asked nervously, hoping I wouldn't be mad. I glanced at her and turned my gaze to look around. I stopped when I found him, standing there waiting for her. I could tell he was worried, probably because I was crying.

"Hey, is everything okay over here?" he asked, striding over to join us.

"Everything's fine," I snapped, "Listen, Christie, I don't care about that. You can do what you want. Just don't hurt anyone too badly."

At that point, I walked off, but I could still hear Alak asking questions about what happened. I pressed on, determined to get through the day.

A couple of minutes later, I arrived at the mayor's office, prepared to do any task that she asked. In the room, a man was sitting, talking to Amanda.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but is there anything you need me to do, mayor?" I asked. The two of their heads shot toward me, startled at the fact that I had even gotten in the room without making a sound.

"Yes, Miss Praxis. You can show Nolan and his companion, Irisa to the NeedWant. Bring them to Kenya. She'll tell them what to do. And please, Kanti, call me Amanda." She smiled warmly at me, but I knew better. She was stressed. Her smile didn't reach her eyes and she looked as if she hadn't slept in weeks. No one noticed this though. They've never seen her like this before. The only way to tell what she is truly feeling is to know what you're looking for, and if you've been with her as long as I have, there's no way she could lie to you and get away with it. But, I didn't object.

"Yes, Amanda." I returned the smile. I'd have to get her a coffee later. I motioned for the Human and Irathient to the NeedWant, the local bar in town, run by the Mayor's sister, Kenya. Kenya was nice enough, but we didn't talk much. We were more of a neutral party to each other.

I led them down the street, passing multiple people on the way, some I know, some I don't. One particular bioman, goes by the name of Ulysses, is someone I'd like to kill myself, and there he was, standing at the front of the bar, watching me. I can't look at him without wishing him dead. It's just not possible.