Imperfect

Chapter Two: Head

We walked out the dining area in our usual lines, girls first, boys second. I watched as Samuel's line disappeared into their designated training area, my heart sinking as I watched him leave. Samuel was lucky, everyone was, they were all normal, besides me. I looked at my reflection as we walked down the long corridor to our training area. My dark hair, cut the usual elbow length, stood out among the masses of light blonde hair around me. My deep brown eyes contrasted from the usual sea blue of everyone else. And my abundance of dark freckles covering my face was obviously different from everyone else's clear, ivory complexion. That's why I had to be cautious, I wasn't perfect. 

We walked along the hallway until we reached the large steel door. Madame Daneille typed in her code, as the door slowly opened, and a cold draft hit our faces. "You are aware of your stations. Year 12's and 13's to the care-taking station, Year 14's to the birthing station, Year 15 and 16's to the food department, and Year 17's to the nursing station." I followed my seventeen year age group to our station as we pulled on our nursing robes over our heads, "Nadine, are you prepared to be exceptional, yet again today?" Elise asked me with a false smile on her face. I ignored her question as I strapped on my medical mask. "Nadine, did you hear my question?" She asked again. I turned towards her as I tied my long hair back with a rubber band, "I am always prepared to be the best I can be for the Head, Elise." She scowled at my response and moved towards a different medical station.  

"Hello Nadine." Madame Barb greeted me. I smiled politely and nodded, "Hello Madame Barb." She motioned to the testing body laying on the bed next to her, "are you ready to apply stitches?" She asked, pulling the needle and thread from her case. I nodded as the took the tools from her hand, "of course."  

As I examined the faux open wound of the body, Madame Bard came behind me, "So Nadine, are you excited about your 18 year?" She asked as I began to sew the wound closed. "I suppose so." I replied, concentrating on my stitches. "You suppose so?" She began with a surprised tone, "the Head assigns you a partner, your placement, and your pill, and you're not excited?" I shrugged as I finished tying the knot of the final stitch, "I guess I'm more anxious than anything." She nodded with a small smile, "don't be, Nadine. You are one of the best in nursing I have ever seen. The Head will not let you fail."  

I smiled and nodded, as she walked away. Of course the Head won't let you fail, because if you do, the Head won't let you stay around.