Marked

Chapter Four

 "I've never seen you get so defensive," Stella said over the phone that night.

I rolled on my stomach. "She verbally abused me. What was I supposed to do?"

"Well, yeah, but still... You're not one of those... Unscripted people... Are you?"

I paused. "I have to go. My mom's calling me." I hung up before Stella could say another word. I couldn't tell her I was Unscripted... I just couldn't...

She's my friend and I love her, but she just wouldn't understand.

That night at dinner I told my mom about what happened in class.

"Scarlett, I'm very sorry that that happened to you, but you handled it pretty well. Always deny that you are Unscripted. Always."

"But Mom, I don't want to have to lie about who I am."

"Sometimes, you have to lie to protect yourself."

I thought about that for a second. Then I decided that the topic is too new for me to accept. "Mom... I'm going on a double date with Stella tomorrow. We're meeting here at four..."

"You are, are you?"

I nodded. "I mean, if you're okay with that,"

"Is Chase your date?"

I nodded again. "Yeah... and Travis is Stella's date... We're planning on going to an amusement park."

Mom nodded. "I think I'd be okay with that."

I smiled. "Good. What time do I need to be home?"

"Well, since it won't be a school night... Midnight. No later."

I couldn't hold back my smile. In all of my seventeen years, I've never gone on a date. There was never a point because of the Marks. But now, so close to my birthday, I get to go on my first. "Thanks Mom, I love you." I hugged her and went to my room. I hung up the new drawing of me beside the one from yesterday then laid out my outfit for tomorrow.

. . .

All throughout the school day Friday, I couldn't help but smile and look at Chase. I would smile at him and he would smile back. In History he drew me and him in the seat of a roller coaster. My arms were in the air and he was smiling, his blonde hair flying back. In the seat behind us, Stella and Travis were kissing. I smiled when he handed it to me.

On the back was written: We all know they are going to make-out the whole time. Hope you'll enjoy yourself tonight. –Chase

(P. S. I need your address...)

I practically blushed on overlooking such a simple detail. I ripped out a piece of paper from a spare notebook and jotted down my address. I passed the page to him. He smiled and mouthed, "See you at four,"

I smiled back then mouthed, "Can't wait."

Chase gave me one last beautiful smile and tuned into Mr. Copper.

Mr. Copper when on about the history. "Today, that never happens. Now, we marry our Match. The chances are that a little over fifty percent of you will meet your Match by the time you're twenty. And—"

"What if you never meet your Match?" Natalie asked.

Copper took a deep breath. "If you never meet your Match, I don't know what would happen. I would guess that you'd get more desperate as you age and you'd be more likely to be Unscripted."

"What if you hate your Match?" I accidently blurted. Too late to turn back now. "Like, what if the Marks make a mistake and you end up being mortal enemies with your Match? Do you just go one, living life, starting a family with someone you can't stand? It seems hardly fair."