Trapped

Prologue

Prologue

For 16 years I’ve been watched. I’ve been monitored and studied just like I’m notes for a test my Guardian will have to take the day I turn 18. The test that will control my life forever. That test determines where I’ll work, who I’ll marry, how many kids I’ll have…Everything.

As I step lightly from stone to stone, I examine the freshly cut grass. The dirt that lies beneath it. I think about how many people have walked on this very same ground. I wonder who they were and how they were looked at by their Guardians. To mine, I’m a job. I’m just work. But, if he hasn’t noticed, he not watching my every move wouldn’t bother me too much.

I opened the huge wooden doors and walked into the brightly lit room. I’m here for my evaluation. Every 6 months they will bring you into your Guardians office and have him or her update you on your performance. I’ve never slipped up. Not once. Not that I know of.

I sat patiently, waiting for my Guardian to arrive. I don’t know why I bothered to show up on time. He never does. I let my mind drift to the possibility of choosing my husband. You see, if a minor goes 16 years without having a mistake, we get to pick our soul mate. It’s a difficult process though. We get 3 people, for me it would be 3 boys, to choose from. But, we have to spend time with all of them before our final decision can be made. If I were to choose boy number 1, he would have to agree to be with me.

The office door swung open and before I could look behind me 3 files were planted in front of me. My choices.

“You’ll meet with Elias tomorrow, Alexander Wednesday, and Frey on Thursday.”

I nodded and opened the first file. Automatically, I was struck with amazement. Black hair fell across his face as his piercing blue eyes stared into mine so intently I could swear I was locked in a gaze with a person, not a picture. I looked to the right to see the name. Frey Kalise. I’ve never been so intrigued by someone else. I read over the facts that were printed out under the picture.

“Julianne?”

I looked up at my Guardian.

“You won’t need to view that file until Wednesday night.”

I quickly closed the file and pushed it under the other 2.

“Right. I just like to get an overview.”

He nodded, believing my lie. My first lie. I open the file that now laid on top of the others. Elias Chance. He has sandy blonde hair and bright green eyes. He looks like he could play the lead in one of those cheesy romance movies that any other girl would get all sappy over. I didn’t bother reading his facts. I have all day to do that. I place the file aside and open the next one. Alexander Troy. Light brown hair with gorgeous hazel eyes. I didn’t bother with his facts either.

“The rules are simple,” My Guardian started. “You can’t open a file unless you are going to meet with the boy the day of or the day after you view the file. Your choice will need to be known at the end of a two week period, which will start tomorrow. Any questions?”

I silently shook my head and he dismissed me.