Finding Fates Way

Chapter Four

Hi guys! New chapter. Not edited Sorry!! Xxx

With my matchmaking journey beginning in only six days, I had much to do before I was ready to leave. Since I returned from the lock-up yesterday afternoon, I've had countless urges to return, to say goodbye to Lincoln one last time but I was too busy. Because this was the year that the kings son was beginning his voyage, it was stated that this event is to be televised on the day of everyone beginning. I thought it was beyond ridiculous everyone does this. It's just a part of life.

The people of the town were hard at work, cleaning everything for the cameras but no matter how clean and dirt-free our town may be, it could never compare to the other regions of Estova. At four o'clock the following afternoon, I was visited by a patrol officer at my front door. "Miss Hazel Ives?" He asked looking down at me with no sign of emotion on his face whatsoever. "Yes, that's me." I replied opening the door wider so he was able to come inside. "Take a seat, I've got some things I have to go through with you." It felt entirely odd to be ordered around by a stranger in your own home, but I didn't question nor attempt to question his ways as he was a patrol after all and patrols have all the power. So I took a seat across from him at the dining table, watching him place a pile of papers on the table. "My name is officer Mike and I am here to guide and prepare you for your journey, now commencing on the 9th of April. With such a short amount if time, we've got a lot to cover so we need to get started right away!" I nodded my head in response.

I still couldn't believe this was happening, it seemed far too surreal still. My mum bought out tea and freshly baked biscuits as we went over the rules of this torturous part of matchmaking. "Now, first and most foremost rule, there is to be absolutely no crossing over of districts whatsoever unless you're notified prior. We don't need the hierarchy messed up because a bunch of pre-adolescents can't follow basic guidelines! Secondly, there is to be no interfering with a person if the opposite sex that would be classed as an act of a possible relationship." After what felt like forever of listening to rules about extended curfews, possibilities for accommodation and how to get food, the last rule was stated and it was the most important of them all. "And lastly, you have exactly six months to find your soulmate or else both you and your destined partner will face serious illness followed by the inevitable. Are we clear with all of these guidelines?"

"Yes." I said whilst nodding my head.
"Good. Here are the guidelines written down, you're expected to memorize and know all of these by the time your journey begins and if any one of the rules aren't followed or a broken, you will face confiscation of your necklace which too will end in the inevitable!"

Wow. I thought to myself as a briefly browsed over the 35 guidelines stated on the double sided piece of paper. "Now for what most people call the 'exciting' part. Here is a list of details about your predetermined soulmate." Mike handed me a three page document which was handwritten in blue ink. I didn't want to read and spoil them for myself now so I turned it face down and decided to wait until Mike left before I read them.

"And one more thing, I'm aware that the first rule I stated that you are not to enter another region of Estova but, in your case, and obviously your partners, you are given permission to enter a different region and that region is," he looked down at his papers and flipped several pages before he continued to speak. "Aha! Here it is! It says here that you will be personally escorted to Albium where your journey will take place. Because we don't want anyone else to have an unfair advantage upon you, you will leave two days prior to the beginning of your journey so you will arrive just in time for the beginning of the 9th of this month." My jaw dropped in utter shock. I, Hazel Ives, a poor, underprivileged girl from Zealk was being escorted to find her destined partner who lived in Albium. This was astounding and behind anything anyone could ever imagine. "Now Hazel, you must understand that what is taking place with your journey is something entirely extraordinary. Not only are you given the chance to start a new life, but you are also given the opportunity of a lifetime here. To start completely new and go from the worst region to the highest and absolute best. Now one last thing before I leave, basic knowledge really, what happens when you are close or when you find your partner." Still in shock from the news of getting to go to not only another region, but Albium I quietly and attentively listened to what I already knew about my necklace. The closer you get to your partner, the warmer it will get and the further away, the colder and when you are talking or in contact to your partner it is said that it sends some sort of pulse or sparkle through your body and apparently from there, you know that you're with the one you're destined to be with. The only thing that tells you that you are getting closer or further away to your partner, is the differentiation in temperatures which are printed and constantly change on your left wrist.

I never would have thought that I would ever say this, but I'm quite excited to begin my journey. I'm excited for change but I can't help but regret the situation that Lincoln is in right now. I pushed the thought of Lincoln out of the head and walked the patrol officer to the door as he bid his farewells until I saw him next which is the fourth if this month, when I get put on the train to Albium. It was past 9 o'clock by the time he left and everyone was asleep with the exception of my mum who stayed awake to make sure I ate dinner. "Thanks mum." I smiled as I ate the bowl of rabbit stew my mum had prepared whilst officer Mike was here. Once I had finished, we both went to bed. On my way, I retrieved the three page document from the dining room table and decided to begin reading it whilst I was in bed. The cursive script was incredibly neat and every letter was perfectly written. It was obvious that this was written by my soulmate because last night I had to write one myself except there were fewer details than what was included in this. Not wanting to waste a moment more, I began to read the letter.

Greetings my fellow Estovian. It is with pleasure that I wish you the best of luck with this upcoming journey. I can't wait to meet the person I will be spending the rest of my life with. As required, attached are a list of things p about myself that I hope will help you in your journey to find me as I will be looking for you.
I look forward to our meeting.

I read the note several times before i proceeded to read the notes he has attached about himself. There were quite a few and I couldn't believe that I was getting to find out this information so soon.

- I have auburn hair.
- My eyes are green.
- I am six feet four.

There were around fifteen points written about his appearance then it got onto hobbies and common facts.

- I enjoy poetry.
- My favorite place is the beach not far from my home.
- I am never found by myself.
- I am adored by many.
- I have two older sisters.
- I am in line to great inheritance.
- I'm not like anyone sees me to be.

The remainder of the page and the following one were filled with notes similar to the others. This was more complex than I thought. It's not things that will help me find him, but more like things you would discuss over dinner. I re-read the document and the guidelines countless times until I was positive I knew everything off by heart then I fell asleep beside May who went to bed whilst officer Mike was still here. I spent the following day packing everything that would be required for me to bring on my journey to Albium. I wrote several letters addressed to those closest to me. May, my mum, my dad and even one for Lincoln. Tomorrow morning before I leave, I plan on giving the letters to my family but I didn't know how and if I was going to give Lincoln his. I guess I wrote it for some peace of mind. That I didn't really leave without a final goodbye.

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April the 7th had finally arrived and my emotions towards what was happening was still undecided. I was excited because this was the rest of my life, but I was scared too because what if I don't find my partner in time? What if we're not happy together? All of these what if questions began to bombard my mind as I aimlessly wondered around my room making sure I didn't miss anything. I zipped up the grey suitcase which was a gift from my family when I was younger and placed it beside the front door.

I left the notes for my mum, dad and May on mine and May's shared bed and I tucked Lincoln's into the pocket of my jacket. I had around half an hour before officer Mike was coming to collect and escort me to Albium, so I had enough time to somehow get this to Lincoln. I wanted to say a final farewell to Lincoln but I couldn't bring myself to return to the lock-up and see him, and everyone else struggling to endure the harsh conditions within the prison. Instead, I decided to visit his house and hand it to his mother to give to him or maybe even leave it sitting somewhere where he, and he alone, frequently visit.

Just as I was leaving the front door to visit Lincoln's house, a sleek, black Cadillac pulled into my driveway. The driver parked the car, and a middle aged man stepped out of the passenger seat, accompanied by officer Mike. "Good Morning Hazel! Hope you weren't planning on heading out anywhere, you've got a train to catch!" Officer Mike laughed as he introduced me to the unknown man beside him. "This is Issac Wilton, head of Region Controls here in Estova. Issac, this is Hazel Ives who is being sent to Albium to find her match."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Wilton." I said as I shook his hand.
"Please, just call me Issac. Everyone everywhere is too formal especially when it comes to regular day to day activities!" I nodded my head and invited them inside. I knew now that it was too late to get the letter to Lincoln personally so as I was saying my final farewells to everyone in my family, I gave it to May to deliver for me. I now she won't let me down.