The Apprenticeship

Home

I get to my dorm and Gen is here waiting for me.

"Wow kid. You really messed up this time."

I remain in silence. 

"I don't know anyone who has ever been sent home before."

"That's because it's never been done. No one has ever been sent home before." I finally decide to speak up. I sit on my bed with my head in my hands crying.

"Wow. Did you get caught in the archives?"

"No."

"Did you blow up something?"

"No."

"What did you do?"

"I technically committed a felony. I'm actually really lucky it's just a week at home, then probation."

"Avery, what did you do?"

"I questioned the state of our society." Gen looks at me with a blank stare, "I know, I know. It was stupid. I've heard that a million times now."

"Avery, what made you think that?"

"Daniels says the archives, and it's part of that, I want to live like they did years ago. They didn't have this program. They didn't have any programs. I want to say whatever I want, whenever I want. Not have my life dictated by a decision I made when I was sixteen. I want freedom, Gen. Freedom."

"Wow. I can't believe this. We have freedom. It's not the same type or in the same form but, we do have freedom Avery."

"Of what form? I can't say that I hate society without getting in trouble for it, me sitting here is proof. In a few hours when I'm sent home, will be proof. We're not free, not like it used to be."

"Avery, I understand. I felt the same way a few years ago. You have to understand though, it's better this way. There's order, peace. We haven't had a war since world war 5. That war ended all the wars."

"There is peace, everyone does seem happy but, at what cost Gen?" I start to throw stuff into a bag I was given. The bag has my name and program on it.

"There is no cost Avery. We're happier this way."

I stop talking, I don't want to start an argument. Though, I've never seen her mad or upset, is that what this program does to you? Or is that the way she's always been?

"What are you going to take home with you?" Gen breaks the silence.

"The dress I left in."

"Anything else?"

"I don't want any memories of here while I'm gone. Besides, the dress was my mom's."

"Oh. I get it."

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Everything. I'm sorry I chose science, I don't know what I'm doing. I'm sorry I brought up the whole government thing. I'm just sorry."

"Avery, you don't have to be sorry. You said what you thought was right. It just wasn't the right thing at the right time."

There's a knocking on the door. Must be Daniels. Gen gets up and walks over to the door and opens it, sure enough I'm right.

"Avery," he says, "we have to go over some rules." He walks in and motions to the chair, "may I sit?" I nod yes. "Rule one, no discussing your training. Rule two, you must remain in a special uniform that will be given to you at your house. Rule three, don't get yourself in anymore trouble, please. That's it. Gen, whenever she's ready take her home. You have to leave in the next half hour."

"Yes sir." Gen says and opens the door. Daniels takes the signal and leaves.

"See you in a week Avery."

When he walks out Gen shuts the door. "Some peace. Let me know when you're ready."

"I think I'm ready now."

Gen opens the door again and I walk out first.

"You've been here a week and you're already going home." She says.

"Yeah, must be a new record."

We both laugh.

•••

The walk home was long and cold. I can't wait to be home. Even if it's only for a week.

I stop outside the cobblestone pathway. I'm a little nervous. I didn't get to say goodbye after the ceremony and now I'm home but, I'm on suspension.

"You can do it Avery. Just walk up and knock on the door."

I walk up the walkway, Gen close behind. I put my hand up to knock and nearly chicken out. I knock. There's some rustling inside then the door opens.

"Avery!" My mom practically jumps on me.

"Mom."

"I was supposed to inform you of some rules for Avery on her visit home," Gen speaks up.

My mom pulls away, "of course. Please, come inside."

Inside my house, my dad is sitting on the couch along with my brother. My mom sits next to them and I go to my room. When I come out, Gen starts the instructions.

"We have three basic rules, one, no talking about her training at the compound. Two, she must keep on a special uniform that you guys have received at all times. Three, she must stay out if trouble. Failure to follow any these rules may result in expulsion from the science program."

"I think we can get her to follow those rules," my dad speaks up.

I sit and remain silent. Now wouldn't be a good time.

"I'll hopefully see you in a week Avery. Good luck."

I smile and mouth thank you. I don't want to say anything at the moment.

Gen walks to the door and leaves, closing the door behind her.

My mom starts talking, "I know you're not allowed to talk about it but, you made a mistake Avery. You're going to be in the science program for a good year beyond what you were expected."

"I'm sorry," I talk again. I don't want to but, I need to, "I was out of line. I'm very grateful to have not have been expelled. Though, no one has."

"Avery, go get changed, we're going out to dinner." My dad says.

I nod and go to my room. I pick up the same blue colored jumpsuit with similar name tag. This one says:

Avery
Science Program
Suspension

I can't believe that they made this. It's actually quite impressive. I quickly change into it and hurry back downstairs.

My brother is the only one waiting outside, everyone else is in the car.

"Avery," Sam says.

"Yes Sam?"

"Why would you speak out against the government?"

"How did you-"

"I got the phone call. Mom and Dad weren't home. You're lucky for that by the way."

"Thank you, I just can't believe that it made a difference. World war 4 ended freedom of speech but, why?"

"I can't answer that. But, I know that it's for the better Avery. Plus, it doesn't help that you got the strictest leader there."

"Yeah, we should go before Mom and Dad don't worry."

"We should."

He holds the door for me and I walk out. I have a week off, what kind of fun will I have?