Time Will Tell

Chapter Two

Macey's POV

I gently pick at the thick piece of paper covering my time. I don't want to look at it. All I need to know is that my "true love" will meet me soon, or nobody will.

That is the depressing part of it. I may not be fit with anyone. I'm a loner anyways, nobody really accepts me in school. They think I'm crazy.

I suppose I am crazy. I dream of a world where we can choose who we fall in love with. One where we can do things freely, like read, write, and draw. People judge me for it, but I don't listen to them. All I wish is that I could just tear this thing off of my wrist.

I go through my mom's old things every once and a while. I only find books and old disks, which nobody finds interesting anymore. Only I do. This only makes me seem even crazier at school.

I had a crush on a guy back in 2nd grade. He never knew because we aren't supposed to have crushes. We could only have soul mates.

I didn't want that. I wanted to choose who I love by myself. Now I'm seventeen. I should have a car, not a timer on my wrist. I say timer, it's more like a handcuff.

My thoughts get cut off when my brother walks in, his eyes flicking to my desk. "What's this doing in your room?" He holds up a book.

"God, Adam, you scared me. It's after midnight! Anyway, I was-" I try to get out of trouble with sarcasm, like always. "I.. was reading it. Isn't that it's purpose?"

He glares at me, "Maybe when mom was your age, but not any more. Haven't you read the new rules?"

I straighten my posture, "Yes, I have, but those rules aren't reasonable. People should be able to read or do what they want."

He sighs, "Macey, people think you're.. different."

"What if I want to be different?" I say, and then I look down at his arm. I see numbers flash wildly across his watch.

"Adam.. your time..." I stare at his wrist and he looks down. He looks at me frantically as he runs down the stairs and into the front yard. I look out my window and see a girl run across the street and into his arms, both of their timers falling off in sync.

Yesterday was his 19th birthday, the normal time. People usually find their true love around the age of 19. My time is probably up soon. I doubt I'll find the one.. Not that I'm too excited about it. Yes, our whole lives lead up to it, but that's the problem. I'll have nothing else to look forward to.

Everyone dresses up for their final day, the day they meet the one. I don't get that.. I mean, they should see how you truly are. So, like always, I'll be wearing skinny jeans and an old shirt with some old band on it. My mother had lent it to me, it was hers when she was my age.

When I'm home I don't dress up much. I never dress up much, really. Jeans and t-shirts are basically it. At school girls wear makeup and dresses. Guys really go for that preppy style that they have going on. The only guy that ever talks to me is Aiden, my best friend.

I think of him as a brother. I probably shouldn't friend zone him, but there's just something about him that feels brotherly.

I check the time on the digital clock by my bed (Yes we still have those, technology hasn't advanced much) and see that it's about one in the morning. I should be asleep, I have school soon.

I lay my head down and pick up the portrait of my family, my thumb moving in a circle over my father's face. I miss him, but the break in was years ago. That's the reason why I keep the door locked at all times and a chain on it. It won't keep robbers out completely, but it will stall them for a bit.