Beyond Midnight

|17|

Soleil

My palms are sweating as I make my way to the cafeteria. It's strange being in these halls again, being away from Fray and Elodie. I want to get back to them as soon as humanly possible, or as soon as Rytarianly possible. Whatever.

Regardless, I have to get this done quickly so I can see them again.

Almost everyone is in the cafeteria at lunch. That means I have a chance to be heard.

I've only been here a few hours, and my Momma was deeply concerned as to where I've been for the past day. I assured her I'm fine, that I was just on the other side of the building having a sleepover with Elodie, and that there's nothing to worry about.

I hate lying, but sometimes it's necessary.

When I enter the packed cafeteria, my eyes are glued on the stage immediately. It's a small ledge, a place for people to make announcements or give news. Well, now I have some news of my own. I'm just not sure if they're ready to hear it, or if I'm ready to give it.

I rush myself, quickly striding down the aisles until I clamber up the stairs. The sound of my boots hitting the creaky wood echoes through the spacious room, and people are starting to notice.

I jog a little faster until I'm center stage, one glance up shows me that everyone is staring up at me with curiosity. I'm surprised that no one is coming to pull me down yet and demand to know what I'm up to now.

Looking at my people, I feel so much sorrow sizzling in my gut that I can hardly breathe. I take a moment to reflect. They have no idea how much better life can be than it is here. They don't recognize the misery in their own eyes. The pain. The sorrow. They could find so much happiness if they tried.

And now I'm going to give them a chance to do just that.

"I have something to say, so everyone listen the hell up." I say, my voice blistering with confidence and purpose as I put my hands on my hips.

If all eyes weren't on me before, they certainly are now. Forks lower, eyebrows lift, and the cafeteria turns dead quiet. The only thing I can hear is my heart beating. I clear my throat, projecting my voice so that it can reach every pair of ears in the room.

"The men that are outside, they mean us no harm. They're from a place far away from here, and they need our help. Their people have no more women, and they are willing to provide for us without conditions. To any woman willing to join them, they will give you affection and love. That means no sister wives, no more competition for attention. Just love. They treat their women fairly! With respect and admiration."

Murmurs erupt in the crowd, and I see motion out of the corner of my eyes. I know I don't have much longer to get my message across, so I try to wrap it up quickly.

"If any girl here is tired of being used as an object, a plaything, a collectible, if you want a man who only loves you, and no other, join me! You will be provided for, protected, and loved and appreciated like you deserve." Before another word can exit my mouth, a strong hand grips my wrist and yanks me backwards.

I yelp, fighting blindly.

Two men grab at me as the cafeteria ripples with loud conversation and shouts. I grin as I see the rebellion grow in the people. Interest peaks in girls' eyes, and sheer disapproval shines through the men as they try to stamp out the hope. Some husbands stand to leave, guiding their wives and children away, others start to bicker and yell so they won't believe it.