Stubborn Soulmates

Chapter 1

'You look beautiful, Avery.' My mom stood by the door, staring at me with tears in her eyes.

I glanced at myself in the full-length mirror next to my wardrobe. A stunning red dress clung to my figure, accentuating the few curves I had. The back of the dress dipped low, the outline adorned by hundreds of beads and crystals. It was the most exquisite dress I had ever worn, yet it saddened me that this was the occasion I had to wear it for.

'Thanks mom.' I replied. She looked at me with pity in her eyes. She knew how I felt about tonight. How could she not? She felt the same way after what happened to my sister.

'I'll give you some time, but make sure that you're ready in fifteen minutes, okay?'

I nodded at her and she left my room. When I heard her walk down the stairs I sat on my bed and sighed. I honestly wish I didn't have to go to this thing. What's the deal with it anyway?

Tonight was the time for The Finding, an annual dance taking place in the first weekend of August dedicated to finding your soulmate. They say every single person has a soulmate and you're not complete without them. They would be the light in the darkness, the yin to your yang, the peanut butter to your jelly, yada yada. I honestly don't understand what the big deal is, but everyone says that is because I haven't met mine yet.

All girls and guys from the ages of twenty to twenty-five have to be present or face the consequences. Luckily for me, my birthday was on the Monday after The Finding last year, so I had an extra year of peace. Unfortunately, I'm twenty now and I will have to go. Honestly, I'd rather spend the night in jail than go to this thing. If there wouldn't be an enormous fine you'd have to pay for not showing up, which neither me nor my family can afford, I'd stay home.

At the dance you get a chance to mingle with everyone. I don't understand how, but people say they make sure you get to see and talk to everyone there, ensuring that you will find your soulmate if he's there. But I didn't want one.

It's the thing girls at school talk about whenever they get a chance, the topic of every sleepover since they first hear about soulmates, and the source of excitement leading up to The Finding. I suppose finding a soulmate could sound appealing, if they're really all that people say they are, but not to me.

I put a little make-up on my face. I was never a fan of the stuff, so I played it safe with just a little mascara and eyeliner. I didn't want to impress anyone anyway.

'They're here! Are you ready?' my mom shouted from downstairs.

'I'm coming mom!' I yelled as I quickly strapped my silver heels onto my feet. I will definitely trip in these death traps, but let's worry about that when it happens.

When I came downstairs there was a man waiting by the door. 'Miss Collins? I'm here to escort you to The Finding.'

Not saying anything I simply gave my mother a hug and took the mans hand as he led me outside. A single tear left my mothers eye. I knew this was hard on her, which is why I had the be strong. I couldn't cry. I wouldn't cry.

I was led to a sleek, black car. The man held the door to the backseat open for me, and I tried to climb in gracefully. Unfortunately, that did not go so well and I bumped my head against the car. The man smiled a little, obviously amused at my clumsiness.

He got into the car himself and buckled his seatbelt. I looked back towards our house and waved at my mother. I was hoping to come back here tomorrow, to her, without a soulmate.

Most men require their soulmate to immediately stay with him. But I did not want that. I wasn't like most people. Most people wanted to find their soulmate sooner rather than later, but I did not want that either. I was fine being plain old Avery, living my simple life.