The Test

Chapter 1

I woke from a coughing fit, not an unusual occurrence. The black smog from the factories and mines did not mix with my asthmatic lungs. I stumbled over to the dresser and grabbed my inhaler, and a few seconds later I was sitting on the ground breathing normally. I flipped over the inhaler, twenty uses left... crap. Inhalers were expensive, especially in district 3090. They were in high demand, most people developed lung problems from working in and around the accursed factories. I reached above my head setting it back on the desk and picked myself off the ground and threw on my normal clothing and rushed downstairs. Mali and father were already gone, but mom saw me before I even entered the kitchen.

"Kenya dear, you're up early. I expected you to sleep in later." She said pulling a small stone plate out of the cabinet and putting it on the table.

I didn't want to worry her about the inhaler, so I used my usual excuse. "You know me, once I wake up I can't fall back to sleep." I sat down at my seat my mouth watering as she put a piece of bread and butter on my plate.

She sighed kissing my forehead. "I keep telling you, Dr. Ligress specializes in insomnia, why won't you go see her."

I sighed to keep from lashing out. "I've told you mom, there's nothing wrong with me. I'm completely fine, like normal."

Despite my best efforts, I could tell she knew how I was feeling. I could never hide anything from her no matter how hard I tried.

"There's nothing normal about you Kenya and you know it." She sat across from me and held my gaze. "I'm not trying to fix you, just trying to help you."

I nod, not really wanting to continue this talk. After a few moments of silence I finished my breakfast and ignoring my still grumbling stomach I kissed my mother goodbye and left. Glancing at the bell tower I noticed that it was the middle of first shift at the factories.  I was glad it was a weekend.  No school, and no work.  All citizens under eighteen didn't work on weekends, because it was never for sure that they would stay where they were for the rest of their life.  I sure hopped I wouldn't.

Unfortunately, that could have been my last weekend.  I turned eighteen in three days, and on Friday I, along with all other eighteen year olds in district 3090 would take The Test.  The Test would determine what we were meant to do, where we were meant to live.  Most in our district would stay where they were, because most of us were meant for mining or factory work, however every week one or two of us got to leave.  Of course there was always that chance that we weren't meant for anything, but I didn't want to think about that, that or Egypt.

(Quick Note:  I know right here it changes from past tense to present tense, this won't happen often, just I'm too sick today to fix it.  I will eventually.)

Looking up at the clock I see that it is almost time for the new arrivals to come.  The week after testing all transfers spend a few days with their families before being shipped out to their knew home.  In about half an hour the train should be pulling in and the new eighteen year olds will be greeted with their sorry fate.  I sigh and walk towards the train station, might as well try and help out.  Besides, my walk takes me past Judah's house.  Being our last weekend, we should probably spend it together.

I walk up to his house and knock on the door.  Judah opens it and smiles before yelling that he's leaving to his dad and stepping outside.  He gives me a hug and a quick pec on the lips before we start walking hand in hand to the train station.

"I wasn't expecting to see you up so early."  He says with a playful tease.

"Why is everyone saying that?"  I respond throwing my free hand up in an over exaggerated way.

"When was the last time you purposely got up early?"

My face fell slightly.  "Who said it was on purpose?"  I say.

"Oh."  He responds.  I don't blame him, there's not much he can say to that.  We try to avoid this topic as much as we can but it still seems to creep up on us.

We finish the walk in silence, but by the time we get there the awkwardness is gone.  It's been replaced by the happy contentment that comes from spending time with Judah.  We find a spot on the small platform and listen as we hear the rumble of the large steam train coming our way.

The train rumbles to a stop and a cough a few times as the smoke settles in the air.  Judah and I walk towards the doors of the passenger cars ready to help the new workers adjust to their new life.  The door started to open, but the old metal got stuck on its way open.  One of the big station workers lumbered over and pulled the door open.  Out came the new workers, most of them crestfallen, but I see a few with smiles.  Those people must have been homeless before, I'm glad for them.  Judah and I watch as people go and great the newcomers, but finally the last person comes out and I can't help but gasp.

Every eye on the platform turns to the girl who just stepped off the train, her hair still in a semi-perfect bun and her green eyes darting around frightened.  It's Umbar Travis, daughter of Zedd Travis, king of continent 3.