In the Name of Order

Chapter 2: The Gifted Program

There are protests on our way to the Gifted Site. There are various responses to the passing of the Bounty Act; the law allowing Gifted people to be sold to the Gifted Program. Many people are pleased at this new method to gain wealth while others organise boycotts or annual marches to protest against the Act.

Some teenagers protest out of jealousy; being outraged at the thought that some child may be called more special than them. The religious claim we are abominations sent by Lucifer to test their faith.

Some abominations— preferring to be called Gifted— speak against our talents being used to fill the pockets of those in power. Some parents are angered about the pay they receive for their child's gift and constantly state how selfish the government is to be paying so little for their service. Various individuals speak out for their freedom; arguing that the Gifted Program takes this privilege away.

My mum and I remain calm, but Mathea, who is still afraid that some protestor will throw a rock at our car window, lays her head on my lap and places her hands over her face. She may be praying. Mathea does that. Mum flips her middle finger at a man who stumbles towards our car and decides rubbing his arse against her window will make a change.

After a few minutes of Mother hooting at the protestors, hoping they will move out of our way and let the car pass through the compound's gate, security guards step out of their shelter to help us.

The guards, with hands on their guns, instruct protestors to move out of our car's way. The guards continue this action to assist the cars behind us, and as my mother drives into the compound, I read a signpost held by a lady dressed in brown from head to toe. She must be religious.

I see many cars parked on the compound, but that's expected seeing as the first day of the New Year is always the busiest. Some parents stick around longer than necessary, because having done this before; they cannot believe they have to leave their precious children alone for more than a month, only to see them during midterm and wait another month to spend a three-week holiday with their child. Some children don't want their parents to leave.

Visitors, who usually consist of parents that intend to auction their child, also visit the compound today. The presence of all housemothers and housemasters who are required to check in at their respective venues today also contribute to the mass of people.

When the car comes to a stop, my mother is the first amongst us to exit the vehicle. I rest my head on Mathea's shoulder for a few seconds, and we both sigh as she opens the car door. We slide out of the car and find that our mother has already taken our luggage out of the boot.

"Goodbye, my babies. I'll see you soon." Mum pulls me into a tight hug and shoves me away before doing the same to Mathea. However, Mathea is able to give our mother a kiss on the cheek before watching her rush back into the car.

My mum's goodbyes never take much time, because she doesn't like crying in front of people. My dad told me she's been that way ever since she returned from serving time in the Creathe Army. I think she also wants to seem strong, but little things, such her always and currently waving her hand out of her window until we are out of her view, break that image down.

"Willow!" Housemother B walks towards Mathea and I, excitement shown through her smile.

I've always liked Housemother B. She's one of the few adults here that actually understands me. A lot of my time is, weirdly enough, spent visiting her.

"I think I have both of your year schedules right...here." My housemother smiles as she pulls two pamphlets out of her pockets. "You, Mathea, should've been here earlier. Your evaluation starts soon. Go on!"