The Dishonest Truth

The Test

I tore my eyes open as the blinding light enters through my window. I rub my eyes for the third time as i force my feet to move.

"About time..." Reagan exclaims sheepishly.

Too tired to argue, i head towards the bathroom, splashing the icy cold water towards my face.

"Megan, anyway, i'm serious. We've got the aptitude test in half an hour."

That comment finally snaps me back to reality. I quicken my pace and open my wardrobe. Rapidly pulling a plain black t-shirt and some jeans, i try to straighten down my messy hair.

"You do look like you've just been rolled over by a truck so, it's worthless."

She's right. I think, giving up in my hair.

"Yeah well you look ravishing don't you?"

"Ravishing? Seriously?" Reagan winces.

I exhale exaggeratedly and sprint down the stairs. My mum's waiting in the kitchen. The breakfast isn't ready yet so, not wanting to risk any more time, i grab a cereal bar and start opening the door as my mom interrupts behind me.

"Good luck today honey!"

"Thanks, see you."

My mom was always so positive and cheerful i usually had to fake a giddy accent. I know it was useless. She could see right through me like if i were made of glass... The disadvantages of being Candor.

As i walk, i stare at my surroundings, i got so used to my neighbour's houses that i've grown to notice even the slightest changes.

I start criticising and complementing different aspects from the neighbourhood, i just think them, obviously, i wouldn't be able to say such things out loud.

That's the cause of the knot in my stomach. Every time i think about standing in a platform, spilling every one of my darkest and most private thoughts i found myself tight with discomfort. But when i consider leaving, it's unbearable. I've never shared the same values and morals this faction has, but the idea of my mom having to go through me leaving her is terrifying; she already went through so much. She deserves better. So much better. How could she stand it here on her own after the departure of me after what happened with 'dad'?

Finally, i slump into a chair in the hall. As usal, all the factions are divided. When i stare at the Candor's table i explain to myself why this isn't right for me. All of them are shouting and spiting at each other horrible things, not even considering the consequences of their words. And how much hurt they could cause.

Anyway, my name's called first so any hopes i had about some time to think and prepare myself slip away in instants as i hear "Megan Avery." Through the speakers in the room. Perfect. It had to be alphabetical order.

I make my way towards the exit as we were instructed yesterday. I try to avoid the dozens of curious, hateful and what not looks that are thrown at me, but even the room had fall to a grave silence and i feel my insides churn and twist with anxiety.

Pulling the knob, i'm surprised to see that there's no one inside the room. Confused, i seek for an answer, deciding that the most useful way was by elimination. I exclaim inside my head "Going back. No." "Calling-" my gaze suddenly drops and i spot a glass of some strange liquid standing in a table, accompanied by a note spelling "Bottoms up."

Weird. Why isn't no one in here? Every alarm inside my head turns on, screaming for me not to drink the substance.

Ignoring it, i grip the glass firmly, focusing on my breathing, i open my mouth and swallow, a strange darkness starts tugging me into oblivion. I desperately try to fight it but it's too strong. All of a sudden, i drift into nothingness