Unmarked

19. Stupid

Standing in the middle of Gloria's office, Rena circles me like a predator. Her short white hair spikes upwards and outwards like a toilet brush.

Overweight grandma is the first thought that pops to mind. She's soft, plump and cuddly. Loose and unflattering clothes cover her from head to toe. She is me in sixty years, except I can see her markings peeking out from her sleeves and I doubt I'll live till sixty. I'll be lucky to survive the next few days.

Rena has scrubbed me down and removed several layers of skin in the process. I've been slathered in various substances so I smell like a decomposing coconut which is the least of my problems when compared to the horrific look of my face.

Every one of my features have been freakishly accentuated. My eyelashes are so heavy with gunk, I can barely open them and my lips look like they've been stung by a hive of bees.

"Your skin is so boring and plain," Rena mutters. "You should be thankful you have a pretty face."

I don't respond. This is just one of the multiple backhanded compliments she's given me.

Rena forces a pair of dangerous-looking shoes on my feet then makes me step into a gold dress which she secures around my waist, tightening the strings that cross over at the back. I'm pushed towards a mirror and my mouth drops open at the golden stranger glaring back.

The strapless dress exposes my unmarked collarbone, back and arms. Hugging my body, it pools around my feet on the floor. I'm quietly relieved by how much of me is covered until I move and large splits open up to the top of my thighs, revealing my bare legs.

My hair falls around my face in soft curls framing my polished gold-hued face.

I'm meant to look sexy. I don't. I look awkward and uncomfortable.

"What do you think?" Rena says, tightening the dress even more.

"That I would like to breathe," I gasp.

"You don't need to breathe. You need to look pretty," Rena says, rolling her eyes and loosening the dress ever so slightly. "Do you like what I've done?"

"It's more coverage than I expected."

"They need to be teased. Slowly, slowly. If you flash it all on the first evening then they won't return. We need to tempt them, keep them coming back for more until they're hooked." Rena looks me over one final time. "That's as good as you're going to get for an Unmarked. Odd really, I don't quite see the appeal, so bare and boring. I like my skin adorned."

"Have you met others like me?" I ask.

"One, but it was a long time ago. She got hung in the end." Rena pats my arm and shrugs. "I'm sure you'll be fine though," She adds as an afterthought.

Gloria enters the room. "Is she ready yet? Lars wants her out there now."

"She's ready. Off you go." Rena waves me away.

I stumble to the door unsteadily on the pair of stilts Rena has mistaken for shoes. These heels are stupid. This dress is stupid. I look stupid.

Gloria tuts and grabs my arm to steady me. I fall into her, letting my hands graze her sides; trying to feel for the keys Grey spoke of. Nothing.

Gloria guides me into the main area which has been transformed into an ethereal world. On one side of the space sits a stage adorned with white pillars, flowing white fabric and a large white throne.

Gloria pulls me up the stairs, letting go once I'm sitting in the throne. Bright lights are focussed on me, burning my skin. I'm already sweating.

"I'm not sitting on this all evening." I try to stand.