The Anomalies

Chapter 4

As we walk through the doors, I can hear the sound of various instruments tuning up and the chatter of people all around me. It's like I'm in a dream, and I never want to wake up. The decorations, the people and the food are the most eloquent things I have ever seen. The tapestry is silver and white, giving it the dream-like feel. It's almost let me forget everything that has left me worrying these last few days. Except they're still there, and the uncomfortable feeling of someone watching me when I arrived just got added to my ever-growing list.

"Iris, you go off and have a good time. Try to find your soulmate. Your mother and I will be over at those tables mingling with the other adults."

"I will, Dad. I'll meet you guys back here at midnight when this is all over."

"Not if you find your soulmate, you won't.", laughed my mother, winking.

The middle-aged couple turned and headed to the tables that had been set up next to the dance floor—matching the rest of the decor with table cloths and flower centerpieces in silver and white. I turn towards the refreshment table to try and occupy the time before everything begins.

There's an assortment of different desserts and punches. All perfectly placed on silver trays and silver bowls, not a single thing seems out of line.
"Just like the government wants us, citizens, to be," she thought to herself. She was tired of living like this, conforming and not allowed to have an ounce of individuality. She was ready to break free from its tight reigns on her, but it wasn't possible. As soon as Iris would try to attempt to, she would be taken to The Asylum. Never to be seen from again, and she most certainly did not ever want that.

I poured myself a glass of punch and withdrew from the crowd. As I sat down, enjoying my newly acquired drink, I began to watch the people filling in. However, I was careful to keep my head down so that my mutation wouldn't be noticed. My unoccupied hand unconsciously went to the necklace around my neck.  It still looked the same, not even the faintest of glowing in the half heart shape. Her parents did tell her for it to begin to shine for the first time she needed to be within reach of her soulmate. Perhaps I haven't gotten close enough to him yet, and I just need to walk around. I am standing away from people, and that's no way to meet anyone.

As she was about to move to intermingle, the crowd grew silent. I turned towards the stage to see an older man in a silver suit, with a beard and hair white as snow begin to speak into a microphone.

"As Aeqalris City Mayor, I'm pleased to announce the start of the 85th annual Celebration Ball. As you all know, this is a very special time for us. We are here to celebrate the creation of the one true race. Making us each equal and resolving all conflict amongst one another. As we gather here today, let us reflect on the enlightenment of our society and look forward to the future of lasting equality. Now I hope you all have a wonderful time tonight; I'm sure several of you younger ones will as it will be your first-time meeting your soul mate. Just remember, though, we still have rules that must be followed. Which means you all must be home by midnight or face the consequences. You all should know what those consequences are, and I don't feel like putting a damper on things by explaining them. Let the Celebration Ball begin! "

His words sent a shiver down my spine. There was no leniency even on nights like these. How was I ever going to get away with my eyes being blue? Panic-stricken, she tried to push through the mass of people. To find an empty room, hallway, or even a bathroom so that she could hide and be alone. I can't do this; I'm not strong enough.

Through the chaos of it all, she managed to bump into something large. Two large hands gripped her shoulders to steady her. As I was about to mumble an apology, my necklace began to warm up. I glanced down only to see my necklace was a brightly fluorescent blue. It was him, the other half of my heart, my soul mate, my one true love. Hesitantly I looked up to see the man I would be spending the rest of my life with only to find two blue eyes staring back at me.