“You know Angel, you’re turning sixteen soon.” Angel’s mother beamed, as her hands scrubbed rapidly to clean the dishes. Angel smiled gleefully, playing with her thumbs as she nodded happily. Every female in the United Horizon was able to choose her one true love at the age of sixteen. Angel’s mind was clouded with rumbling names of so many guys she was interested in. Her first pick was Toby Reynolds, that one guy that made her heart run through a relay race throughout her chest. Angel perked up whenever Toby walked by, knowing that was the guy she was going to specifically choose. Angel rubbed her hands together, her lips puffing out air.
“Too many guys to choose from Mom, but I think I’ll be choosing Toby Reynolds.” Angel cheered as she squealed at the thought. She’s always wanted to be with Toby, and now was her chance. Angel finally had the chance to claim him as her own. She felt the chills crawl up her spine, as she rubbed her arms. Toby was seventeen years old, the perfect age just for her. As Angel tied up her pearl white sneakers, she realized she had to meet up with her friend Ryan.
“I got to go Mom; I’ll see you in two hours!” Angel happily announced, grinning from ear to ear. Her mother nodded, returning a smile back to Angel. Angel gleefully walked out with a white apple in her hand as she bit into it, the juicy flavor capturing in her taste buds. Her sneakers tapped softly against the ground, as she walked along.
Angel finally found Ryan casually leaning against a building chatting softly with the one and only Toby Reynolds. Angel felt her heart start to speed up as she felt it pound against her chest. She could overhear their silent murmurs, as Toby’s voice spoke out.
“I want Alyssa Williams to pick me! Have you seen her? She’s beyond gorgeous, I hope she picks me.” Toby snickered, as Ryan chuckled nodding along. Angel’s lips pouted in a frown, as she felt her heart drop to her stomach. It felt like someone just punched her in the chest. Angel could feel the tears prick in the corners of her eyes, as she quickly wiped it away with the palms of her hands. She decided to interfere, hoping nothing more would come out of Toby’s mouth.
“Hey guys, what’s up?” Angel questioned innocently, while nervously fidgeting in her position. She displayed a painted on smile, as Ryan returned a sweet grin. Toby reciprocated a small smile while remaining oblivious to her.
“I have to get going. I’ll see you later Ryan!” Toby waved with a grin, walking away from both of them. Angel’s lip turned into a pout, a she crossed her arms across her chest. Ryan created a puzzled look, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
“What’s wrong Angel?” Ryan asked with sincerity in his voice. Angel sighed; uncrossing her arms, and her shoulders slouching.
“Toby wants Alyssa Williams to pick him, and I’ve been wanting to choose him!” Angel complained in a small voice. Ryan rolled his eyes at the girl, huffing and puffing in dismay.
“Angel, don’t you understand? We men have choices as well; we want to have rights as well! We don’t want to be stuck with girls we don’t want. Angel, we don’t want to be tossed around like toys. We deserve to have our rights Angel. We want to love who we want to love, not be forced to love a random girl.” Ryan exclaimed, his mind going through a trance. Angel stiffened, feeling goose bumps cover her arms. The tiny hairs on her neck were now standing.
“I didn’t exactly see it like that Ryan. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you guys felt like that.” Angel mumbled rubbing her hands against her arm. She didn’t think it was that much of a big deal, she only dreamed of this as a kid, and now it’s not a dream anymore. Angel has realized this “dream” was actually a nightmare.
“Ryan?” Angel spoke up, as Ryan turned his head to look at her. “We have to stop this.” Angel sighed, looking down at the ground. Ryan’s lips lifted into a smile, as he gave Angel a tight hug.
“You’re the best you know that?” Ryan smiled; Angle giggled giving her shoulders a shrug.
Ryan looked over to Angel watching his courageous best friend stand up to The Council. Ryan felt his blood rushing throughout him; frightened for Angel.
“Angel Morris, what brings you here?” The Council questioned, as they circled around the girl. Angel was shaking furiously as she bravely let out a breath.
“What we’re doing isn’t right. We shouldn’t be allowing girls pick men as if they’re toys or puppies. They should have rights as well. Love shouldn’t be forced, it should be created. We humans all have the same rights. Love is such a magical thing; we shouldn’t just use it as such a worthless thing. Men have emotions that they would want to control, not have someone else control it for them. They shouldn’t have to have pills stuck down their throats, just to fall in love with a random girl they barely even know. This isn’t right, this is just plain unfair! What about what men think? They’re all sitting at home, dreading for the moment to have their name called loudly on a microphone, to only be forced to love a girl they wouldn’t even have a second glance at. We’re all human, we all have the same features and characteristics, we all are able to feel enormous amounts of emotions towards one another. Why force those emotions on unwanted things? This has to be taken seriously; this has to be established into something better not awful. We have to be able to change this, and let freedom glow between each other.” Angel angrily spat, her voice becoming loud.
The Council looked at her with anger. They have never had someone go against one of their top rules. The Council was not expecting a girl of all people, to be one of them. The Council grew furious at the thought as Chief Mistress spoke abruptly.
“Get out the machetes.” Chief Mistress angrily demanded, her face growing a crimson red. Angel’s heart dropped, as she knew exactly what was going to happen next. Her breath caught in her throat, as she couldn’t feel her lips process words. As the sidekick grabbed a machete, Angel got all stiff.
“Please don’t-“
With one slice, the sidekick had cut Angel’s head off her body. Blood smeared through the white materialistic things. Ryan started to scream, as he got pushed through the door to go outside.
