Short Stories

I Changed My Mind

"If you no longer what to participate in the selection then now's your chance." The guards words echo in my head. I take a look around me at the other selected. No one seemed to want to leave.

I was tempted to stay, but only to show the others I wasn't scared. But the truth was, I wasn't so sure I wanted to do this. Did I really need to join some selection and compete for love?

No. I wasn't ready for this. "Wait!" I rush forward before they closed to door. "I want to leave." I could feel the others stare at me but I paid them no mind.

The guard gives me a once over before pushing the door back open. I take one last look over my shoulder before stepping out. As soon as my feet hit the dock the door is slammed closed behind me.

I had expected myself to feel panicked, regretting my decision. Instead I felt relieved. It was almost as an invisible weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I could breath easy. There was a hit of dread, but it was only from the thought of having to explain what happened when he returned home.

Wait, how was I going to get home?

"Grayson Torres?" The sound of my name draws my attention to a man standing at the front of a dock. He was wearing one of those typical driver hats.

"Yes?" I ask cautiously as I approach the man.

"I'm your ride home." The man says as he pull open the back door of the car he stood in front of.

"Oh thank god." I sigh. "I was afraid I'd have to walk home." The man doesn't respond so I just slide silently into the car. I sink back in my seat and close my eyes as the car starts. I'd either just made the best or the worst decision of my life.

***

My parents were surprised to say the least. They didn't quite understand why I gave up the opportunity I did. Since I wasn't so sure myself it was hard explaining it to them. In the end we all came to the silent agreement that it was due to my fear of commitment. I simply didn't want to be tied down to one person yet.