Once we got back to the classroom we both took our seats. The classroom was so silent you could hear a pin drop. The silence was getting to me and I begin to get nervous about what had just happened. I hit Devan and if he ended up telling someone I'd be in serious trouble. The Board has drilled into our brains that violence should never be used to stop violence and if you do the consequences were pretty straightforward; banishment or if it was bad enough death. I'd probably just be banished considering I've never hit anyone before. I look down at my knuckles, they were red and throbbing. Just to be safe I pulled the sleeve of my jacket down over my hands so no one would notice.
"Violence must not answer violence." I repeat the rule over and over until the sound of Mrs. McLone's voice pulls me from my thoughts.
"What was that?" I ask
"I asked if you were okay." She has a hint of annoyance in her voice and everyone's eyes are on me. My cheeks begin to heat up as I begin to wonder how many times she tried to get my attention.
"Yeah, I'm fine, why?" I ask trying to sound normal, but my voice shakes ever so slightly.
"You just seem a bit distracted."
"Oh, I'm sorry." I mutter just wanting everyone to go back to work.
"Its fine, just pay attention." she scolds me and begins a new lesson. We stay in one classroom for all our classes; it's just easier that way. That way there isn't a bunch teenagers crowding the halls and yelling. Even though the housing is all the way on the other side of the compound there's a good number us so I'm sure the noise would be able to carry.
After a few more hours of class it's finally about time to go home. The homes are about the size of a small 2 bedroom apartment before the war. My dad and I figure they think if they limit the space they limit the number of kids.
Mrs. McLone looked at the clock and placed our earth science quizzes on her desk. "Class Dismissed," she states. We all gather our things and head out the door. I try to hurry out afraid Kida would want to talk more about the fight, but I had no such luck.
"Lin would you slow down for a second," she haulers pulling my shoulder back forcing me to face her.
"What?" I ask sharply.
"Can I come over? My parents are busy working in the generator room tonight. I'm going to be bored out of my mind sitting at home all by myself."
"Yeah come on, my mom has the day off so she is probably my already getting dinner ready," I say and we both start walking to my home. Even though I didn't want to talk about the fight I couldn't turn Kida away; she's practically a sister to me.
Once I open the door the smell of fresh made lasagna fills my nose and a wide smile spread across my face. Lasagna was my favorite food however; we didn't have it unless it was a special occasion. I see my mom pulling the pan out of the oven and setting it on the counter. Hearing the door squeak shut she looks up at me with a warm, inviting smile.
"Hello, my beautiful darlings! How was your day?" She says trying to sound fancy and sarcastic. Me and Kida both look at each other and answer "good." in unison.
"That's good, Lin I made your favorite."
"Yeah I see, what's the occasion?" I inquire setting my stuff in my chair at the table.
"The Test of course," she chimes. With everything that happened earlier I completely forgot about The Test.
"Mom, it's not that big of a deal really, and shouldn't you have waited until tomorrow anyway?" I was a bit taken back. Most parents refuse to acknowledge the idea that there kid could be banished, so most just pretend it's a day like any other.
