OUTSIDE

Testing Day

 My parents always used to tell me to follow my heart. I don't know how that's remotely possible right now. "The test will guide you." Is what the government tells us. We're told to trust that the test will put us in the color that we belong in. I don't know whether to believe that or not.

I get out of bed and walk over to my mirror. I stare at my reflection. Do I look like a blue? Do I look like I can even fit in with a color?

Today's outfit consists of light jeans, a large grey sweater, and some white slip-on vans. Is the test considered fancy? I don't really know how I'm supposed to dress for this thing. It's definitely not fancy enough to wear a dress but not something that I could wear a t-shirt and shorts. The test is in two hours so I should probably take a shower. Considering the fact that I'm gonna be meeting a lot of new people today.

I walk out of my room and go down the hall to my bathroom. The water's cold at first so I wait for it to warm up, which doesn't take long. I hear faint voices downstairs. Of course, my parents wake up nice and early for today.

I still want to yell and argue with them because of last night. So what? I ran across a busy street. People do it all the time. The government isn't going to show our family in posters for much longer. It's not that big of a deal. I should've known that Sarah didn't run with me because she saw the cameras.

I walk downstairs clean and fully clothed expecting some sort of grand breakfast. After all, this is the last time I'll eat breakfast here. But all I see is my parents and some guy in a suit sitting in my living room. The guy sees me and turns around.

"Good morning, Blair," he says.

"Morning sir," I reply. Who is this? Why is he here today of all days?

"Are you ready for the test?" Why does he care?

"Yes. I'm ready to take the test. If you'll excuse me, I have to make myself breakfast." I'm trying to get away from this awkward situation as soon as possible. I don't know who this man is and I don't wanna figure that out.

"Blair, this is Frank." My dad says gesturing to the strange man. "He will be your personal driver for today. The government has decided that you and Emory should have a personal escort to this event because you are so very important."

I must've made a face at that because my mother jumped in. "Honey this is for your protection. It is not optional, it is already decided."

Fuck. What a great way to fit in with my new color on the first day. I walk over to the kitchen and grab a bowl for my cereal. I'm not even going to try eating down here with my parents and that Frank guy. I bring my cereal upstairs and eat it in my room.

That's when it hit me. I can just sneak out. I could walk there. No babysitter bodyguard person. The downstairs bathroom has a window that opens really easily. I've never snuck out before but it doesn't seem too hard. People do it all the time.

I start doing some natural makeup. Primer. Foundation. Concealer. Bronzer. Highlight. Eyeshadow. Mascara. Lipgloss. I look somewhat presentable now.

I hate that I have to put on makeup in order to look presentable and stuff but this whole media thing is getting out of hand. My family started doing these photoshoots and stuff four years ago. I didn't wear makeup in public one time and it was all over social media. People were saying horrible things about my family and stuff because I looked unhealthy somehow. Since then I never go out without makeup. Even if it's just the slightest bit of foundation I never go out without it.

Someone knocks at the door. I was expecting my mom to walk in and lecture me about my babysitter. This time it was just Emory.

"Hey Em. What's up?"