CONCENTRATION

Chapter Two: Going Home

     It was late... I couldn't imagine staying up later. Men and women were separated. Stripped down naked and getting a new dress that goes below the knees with black tights and a hairstyle that represents a rockabilly style from the 70s and 80s. Men got new appropriate clothing as well. A dress shirt and black pants that I remember seeing him wear once for a date we went on. He most likely would have had his hair brushed or combed for his hair is curly and wild.
Last was a check up making sure we had good health. No bacterial infections, no sicknesses, or terminal illnesses.

It was my turn for a check up, I was looked around and yet again- another scanner traveled up and down my body. They then dropped a ball a little ways away I look at it as it bounces, a distraction. 5 shots went in to my body. 2 in each side of my arm, and 1 in the middle of my spine. I suspected it was the tracking device in my back sense it hurt the most. I watched the mechanics pull to each side of me and folded in to themselves and I walked straight forward. I opened a little box on the floor and it was new clothing. A nice vintage green dress and my own pouch of make up. I walk out of the room and walk in to a different room. The only visible person was Axle. He walked up to me and took my hand. His hair was blonder then before, brushed, just as I expected. And his hands were colder then they've ever been. He whispered in my ear, "Crystal... I'm frightened." I nod and squeeze his hand back hoping he'd feel alright. We took some steps and it's almost like life flashed before our eyes- literally. Pictures were taken and they were immediately printed out. To replace a life we already had together. Pictures of our wedding that we never had. Family photos that were empty- they made us a new generation. We were supposed to be the very first now that all the other generations have been eliminated.

The last and final room was a court.
I faced Axle anxiously. And he looked back at me the same way.
Vows. The vows started. We force a smile and we kiss to seal the deal. Rings slip on our fingers. And we leave. We were married, it was quicker then actual marriages from what I've been to. My last name wasn't Reed anymore, it was White. Crystal Jane White and Axle Simon White. Married couple.

I've always pictured the future to be with him. And to get married eventually. But now there's nothing to look forward to. I know he feels the same way. I sense it.
"Married couple... huh..." I hear him say as we leave.
"Yeah... this is what the perfect life that they expected." I respond.
"What's life if you can't even live it?"
"I guess that's what they don't understand." My arms get heavy. A stinging burning sensation like I ran laps.

Troopers drive us to our new and improved home... vintage, like my dress and like my new husbands clothes.
It's not an apartment how I wanted- it's not cozy. It's big with a modern vibe and a vintage vibe. Almost like I can't tell what year it is anymore. It's not the 2017 I remember. Axle and I look around and look at each other as if we knew we weren't ready for a life, we feared it. I step outside to see Abby and Jason, new married, and holding hands, and looking at future responsibilities. I wave and say good evening. Abby looks at me. And waves- but there's no happiness on her face. There's no other emotion other then fear. Jason looked pale and feared what was to become, Jason was always happy or positive. How could he lose hope so fast and feel weight drag him down.
I go inside and close the door. Luckily we are trusted with no cameras or microphones, "Axle, we need to talk. What are we going to do. No one is happy- what even is this. Aren't concentration camps violent...?"
"I don't really have an answer. It's a form of correction. And a form of torture. It's not a joy ride either we are being brutally beaten or forced to marry someone."
"Axle... I'm scared."
"I am too, but what I said about being forced to marry- doesn't mean I don't love you. Or don't want to be with you."
The tv turns on and plays music that seems unsettling. Like the fallout is about to happen, classy jazz elevator music. We walk to where the tv is, a commercial comes to give us more rules and a friendly reminder to repopulate. But to take our time. The lady on television wasn't a lady anymore, she was a robot with eyes as dead as night. These people, aren't people. Maybe not even aliens, just alien to us.
-
That night Axle was laying in bed topless and in his black pants still and I'm taking some sleeping medicine to help me rest. I walk to the other side of the bed and lay beside him. I roll myself in blankets and stay up and talk to him.
"I think we should plan an escape."
"What kind of escape, Crystal?" He sounds skeptical and angry. Like this was my fault.
"The school. We head to the school. And escape through the sewer."
"Crystal! Are you crazy? If they catch you, you will die! You won't stand a chance!!"
"Please, I trusted you. It's time for you to trust me. Look in the fridge and gather as much food as you can. Friday- when you get home from work."
Axle was reluctant and knew he should trust me. He got up and grabbed his satchel and set it on the bed. I unraveled myself and follow him.
"Axel..." I walk up to him and grab his face and make him connect eyes. "I won't die. I promise."
He gripped his hands then softly put his arms around me. Hugging me, "you're not allowed to die. Do you understand?"
"I understand. I promise." I hug him back tighter.
I lay him in bed. And rest assured he pulled me in beside him and tucked me under the covers. Skin soft against my face, jeans rough against my legs. And my night gown hot and crunchy sounding. The lights automatically shut off.
We've spent sense 12:00am-8:00pm. We were exhausted. One of the rules that was announced on television was lights out at 8:00pm. It didn't take long to fall asleep. Or to fall safe in his arms.