Ayana-
I was in my room now. School was over and I had gone straight home and started packing for the trip. I had got a black suitcase, putting most of clothes in it. I added an extra toothbrush and hairbrush. My curls were already a struggle themselves.
I heard a knock on my room door, and looked to see my mom come in. She looked down at my clothes in a bag, "Your leaving?" I nod. I close my suitcase, "We're going on a school trip, so I'll be gone a while." I pause, "I don't actually know when I'm coming back."
I hear her sharp intake of breath but she only said, "Oh." I turn to see her looking anywhere but me. I walk in front of her grabbing her shoulders gently. "Mom?" She looked down at me, I could see tears in her eyes. I hated when my mom cried. I pulled her into a hug.
"Mom, it's okay. I'll be fine. You'll be fine." I don't know how but it seemed she knew i was going on my mission, I could feel her fear for me. It was understandable how she didn't want to lose another daughter after Ari. I kept her in a hug for minutes, we were both silent not wanting to say anything. Finally she pulled out of my arms sniffing a little.
She looked down at me with deep emotion, "Ayana you have to promise me that you will return home." I nod at her but she shakes her head, "I need more than a nod Yana, I need a promise. Because only the goddess know how much I need you in my life. After your mission, I need you to come straight back here. Understand?"
I look in her in the eye, "I promise, mom. I will come straight here first." She nodded, "Good." She pulled me into a bone crushing hug until I couldn't breathe. She left my room with a kiss on my forehead, leaving me alone.
I sigh. If one thing was sure I couldn't fail not only for me but for my mom and Iyla. They needed me.
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My alarm woke me up and hour before the train was to leave. I barely got any sleep, I was too busy thinking how the next day my life was going to change forever. Maybe I was being dramatic but i felt something big was going to impact my whole life.
I roll out of bed going to the bathroom to take a shower. I get out the shower brushing my teeth and putting on a gray hoodie and black jeans. My hair was still wet but I always let it air dry. I take my suitcase and a small bag and go to the kitchen. My mom and Iyla were still sleeping so i went quietly not making any noise. I went to fridge grabbing a banana and sat down at the dining table. I ate the banana looking around the room. It was finally hitting me that I wasn't going to be in this house for a little bit. As i was looking something red caught my eye.
I got up walking toward it. I stopped at the kitchen counter looking down at a rectangular shape wrapped in red wrapping paper. There was a small note attached it, picked it up and read it.
Did you think I'd forget. Happy 18th Birthday Yana! I love you, be safe. -Love,Mom
My birthday! Of course I had forgotten my own birthday. I smirked slightly, of course my mom remember. My birthdays weren't that important to me. They were just numbers counting down to your "expiration date." I hadn't really celebrated my birthday since I was 6, and that was when my dad had died. I still don't feel like celebrating. Also 18 was really the last age you could really find your Match. I had already given up on that.
Something buzzed in pocket, i looked down pulling out my phone. It was an alarm I had set to remind me to leave or I would be late. I could not miss that that train. I take my gift and zip into my bag and roll my suitcase out the front door taking one last look at my home.
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I took a cab to the train station. Those were new here, we needed easier ways to transport and cabs was the best thing our governing council came up with. There was no train on the tracks but I could see people standing where there would be one. I walked over with my suitcase standing a little off to the side.
Now thatI up close Icould see who they were. It was all the other students from the meeting. In front of me I could see Sarah holding hands with that Taylor guy. So that's her match. I was always wondering who was paired with her. Despite my feelings toward her they looked cute together. I can't believe i just thought that.
I pulled out my phone checking the time, 5:58. Someone rolled in and stood next to me. I looked up and saw Tristain with a suitcase beside me. His hair was ruffled like he just got out of bed, but his eyes seemed bright and ready. Which was weird considering how dark they were. My dropped down to his lower body. He was wearing dark black jeans with a white long shirt and black jacket. His eyes turned my way and quickly pretended to be interested in my phone.
I could feel his eyes on me but i didn't look up. When I couldn't stand his eyes anymore I heard a screech and saw a big shiny train in front of me. "Finally," I breathed. I walked past Tristian to the doors of the train. It wasn't like a subway train, it was fancier than that. The doors opened with a whoosh and a middle aged man stepped out. He looked at me then the five behind me. He shook his head and pointed to and opening on the side of the train, "Bags go there, then you may enter." He went back inside the train. I moved to put my suitcase in the opening, but kept my bookbag taking it with me in the train.
The train was nice and clean. There were windows lined up along the walls with seats and small couches. There were some tables and small bar in the back with stools. I took a seat in a soft gray chair that was near a window. I heard everyone get in and take their seats on the train. The other girl in this group Lily was sitting with Alex and talking to him quietly. They seemed close. Matches.
So this was how it was going to be on this mission. I focused on the window when heard footsteps across from me. Tristian sat in the chair across from me. And he was staring, at me.