The Further

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Out of breath I ran back to the school building. Panting as I stopped, I looked back at my best friends, Brenden, Casey, and Saylah. Soon after me, they has finished and ran up next to me. I laughed and playfully nudged Brenden's arm

"Beat ya suckers again" I smiled as we grabbed our backpacks

"Ya ya big surprise" Saylah laughed walking next to me

The bell rung, sending a message to all of our earpieces. Everyone has an earpiece in their left ear. We received it at birth. The Elders said it was for the purpose of speaking to us directly, if so needed. Everyone in the school walked inside in a straight line, facing forward. The students divided into classes. The 12's were all the students at age 12, no matter how intelligent or not. I waved cautiously at my little sister Aspyn, a 12, hoping to not get caught by the Instructors. The instructors were the teachers, and they carried a remote depending on the class they instructed. The remotes had all of our numbers on them, in case they needed to speak with us directly. Everyone knew their number because when we reached 8 months, we were eligible for the marking, which was an ink tattoo behind our ear, near the piece, letting us and others know who we were. My friends and I walked into the 17's, our class.

"Young ladies and young gentlemen, take your seats."

The 17's took their seats, as our instructor, Lady M walked in.

"The elders have a special announcement for you, just especially for the 15's 16's and 17's. In approximately 36 minutes, you will be dismissed to the E Hall. There the elders will present their announcements. Remember to be respectful. For now, work on filling up your packets."

Our packets were lists of jobs we could take starting our 18th year. This is when school no longer was needed, do you were an adult, and you had to have a job within 6 weeks of your 18th year. The Elders provide you with a house and roommate of the same sex until you both are able to provide an equal rent, and you are given 6 months to do so.

By our dismissal time, Brenden, Casey, Saylah and I walked to the E Hall, and took seats in section Y. Once the 15's and 16's arrived, the Elders took their seats upon the stage.

"Young ladies and young gentlemen, it is now time to discuss a matter, your future, going into your 18th year, for most of you, and some of you soon. On that note, for reasons we can not fully address, but we can no longer allow the opposite sex to interact."

Hundreds of gasps we heard, but no one spoke up. We couldn't. Or we would be punished.

Sexual interactions and relationships were prohibited, but now even friendships would be banned. Near tears, Brenden & Casey said goodbye to me and Saylah. Somehow I knew Saylah and I had to keep in touch with the boys...