Down Under

Chapter four.

I'm dressed in all blue. A long blue, silky dress with no sleeves. Trey doesn't make us do anything that day, so I just sit down and talk with Rachel and another girl, Molly.

It's uncomfortable, seeing everyone in formal attire instead of uniforms. It's weird. I guess it was so normal we didn't realize it.

During lunch, me and Junie somehow find each other and hug for the longest time ever. We chatted about our new jobs (she loves 1st graders) and I told her I am so sore.

Then, she HAD to ask the question.

"Did you hear about the older guy matched with one of us?"

"Yeah. Trey. My trainer."

She gasped and asked me all about him. I told her he's handsome, bossy, had no manners, but he has a cute laugh and smile

"Hmm. Hard to understand but ok."

That day seemed reverse from Assignment day. Today, everyone is is fine but I'm nervous. Ugh.

When we sit in the auditorium, the butterflies get bigger. they fly faster and they hit the each other. It's weird.

I didn't hear the announcements, or the other people. All of a sudden, I hear;

"Junie Jacobs, Erik Fichards."

She squeals and hugs me. Erik? No way!! She got her dream guy after all!

I wait for my name. Hearing cheers and groans, over and over. Waiting.

Waiting.

Waiting.

But it never comes.

My name is never called. I am chosen a single. It's my worst nightmare. I can see the toddler with blond hair and blue eyes disappearing. Deep inside, I hope that she's just turning invisible or playing hide and seek.

"And, Trey Phillips," she pauses for effect.

I see Trey straighten up.

"Cindy Gelip."

He has this awed look on his face. All the butterflies suddenly die.

Me? And HIM?!

She releases us to find our partner and go to the compartment office to
move into our partners room.

I try to stand, but my legs are all wobbly.

Junie lays a hand on my shoulder and nods. I'll be ok.

I stride towards Trey hesitantly. He just stares. When I get close enough, he nods and starts walking to the office. I follow.

We get our ticket and he leads me to my room. I only have a few things- blankets, pillows, and the clothes assigned.

He helps me to the new compartment and he goes to get his stuff, leaving me to explore.

I go into the master bed- small. Like my parents. The living room is bigger, not by much. The bathroom is tiny, only enough space to fit 2 people at one Time. And one super small extra bedroom which will one day belong to our child.

And that's it. Thats all for the compartment.

Trey walks back in with two bags over his shoulders. I flinch when he tosses them on the ground. Simply staring at me.

"Soo..." He says.

"I can't believe this." I mumble.

He nods. "The cameras caused this."

I give him a bewildered look.

"When you, uh, walked in the training room, I thought- 'wow. She's amazing.' And then you told me off about the manners and I thought 'brave and intelligent' and.." He babbled on.

I can tell he's trying to be romantic, but failing miserably. I bite my lip to keep from laughing.

"Stop! Just stop!" I say. "Just- be yourself. Not the trainer you, not the partner you, the real you."

He stares at me. Then, he coughs, reminds me tomorrow is a free day, and goes to bed.

I fall asleep that night in the couch.