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.

But this has to work. I know it will. These people are like me, these strong women know they are made for more than this place has to offer.

I'm too glad to be worried when I'm dragged down the steps and through the empty hallways. I don't even pay attention as I'm hauled like a rag doll. I hear heavy footsteps behind me, along with hushed curses as the noise of the crowd dies away with each foot of distance.

I know I'm in deep shit, but it's nothing I can't get out of. I've always been a rebel, but it's never stopped me from doing the right thing.

Pride takes hold of me. I know I've done right by Fray, and he would be cheering me on if he were here to see it. No matter the cost, it's worth it, it's beyond worth it. Fray would do the same for me. His people need help, and I'll do anything in my power to make a difference.

Not only that, but I know we will all benefit from this. There's a good life out there for anyone who's brave enough to leave what's familiar to them.

"You stupid little bitch. What have you done? Do you have any clue what you've done with your twisted lies?" It's President Garick spewing the hateful words in my face.

I quickly realize we're not in his office. We're by my window, me and Fray's window. It's the most secluded part of the school, so it makes sense. But it feels wrong to be here now with Garick and his men. It's like it's tainting this place that's supposed to be special.

"They're not lies. It's the truth, and they deserve to know it. They deserve to have a choice in this." I plead, but the President just clenches his jaw and shakes his head. The grip on my wrists gets tighter.

"That's not your decision to make, little girl." He growls. "You had so much potential here, and now you've ruined it over some stupid fantasy? The best life you could have is right here, so why would you choose to mess it all up?"

A fleck of spit hits me in the face while he shouts, and I cringe away in disgust. It's time he knew just how wrong he is, and how awful this whole place is.

"I met someone, his name is Fray, and he's going to be my mate. He treats me well, and he doesn't want anyone else but me. And you know what.. he would never make me feel worthless like this place does. He takes care of me."

Garrick's face pinches up. He's infuriated. I rant further, my heart bursting with love and hate all at once. Love for Fray and his people and Elodie and my Momma, and hatred for Garrick and every other worthless piece of trash under this roof.

"I've been taught that girls have no value, and he's the only one that assures me that I do."

The men are completely silent, they cannot believe that someone could believe something so outlandish. To them women are simply objects to be used, not actual people. The fact that my claim is so incredibly crazy to them is proof that something is deeply wrong here.

"You've overstepped this time. And we won't let this go unpunished. Everyone here needs to know what happens when you disobey our rules." Garick's voice is remarkably calm, and a foreboding sensation climbs my spine.

One of the men steps out from behind me, and I realize it's my Mom's husband, Paul. He glares at me with a shake of his ugly head. He looks back to Garick with desperation in his eyes.

"Please, Garick, just let her live and I'll make her my newest wife. I can tame her, I promise I can." My step Father begs. Suddenly I feel sick.

So my fate is either die or become his wife? I would prefer neither, but if I had to choose, I know which I would pick.

"No, Paul. She's gone too far this time. We can't let it slide. She needs the ultimate punishment." The President explains.

I pale, thinking that surely they're joking. They wouldn't kill me. There's no way. They're just trying to scare me.

But, when I see the look of disappointment on Paul's face, I start to really freak out. My body bucks and my mouth flies open to scream with all my might. The stranger holding me from behind clamps a sweaty palm across my lips to seal in the noise.

"Tie her hands, and get your best knife. I'll meet you by the old bridge." Garrick instructs, and Paul nods quickly. Our leader stalks off to the woods as his goons do as they're told.

Tears burn my eyes, and all I can think about is how much I miss my alien.