Eden

Chapter Four: Eden's Waxing Welcome

Jace and I sit on both sides of John. The people serving us gave us the most disdainful look. Our final course of breakfast is being served. It's soup.

"Soup for breakfast?" I mumble.

"It's Chicken Cognee, it cleanses the palette." Claire smiles, "Especially after a hearty meal."

As I took a bite out of the soup John started complaining about the green stuff in the soup.

"John, just be grateful you have food on the table," Jace says, "Not everyone has this."

I snort and catch the soup in my hand, over the past few days on the train and in this hotel Jace has gotten snarkier and snarkier. He's quick to make a comment to John, I never knew he was like that. Jace is funny and constantly ruins John's day.

"I don't want to hear it." John yawned, "It's too early for food anyway. Pass the salt."

"You two are probably the most well-adjusted Applicants I've ever Represented." Claire says as she wipes her napkin on the corners of her mouth, "Most children from lesser standing have behavioral issues."

The poor Communities don't have behavioral issues. Even if we did, it's because there is not enough food or money for us. Claire comes from a rich Community anyway, she used to live in Community Two. It's not her fault she is ignorant of our problems, she has never needed to face it. She has food, running water, clothes, and doctors at the tips of her fingers. It is a privilege to have our basic needs met.

John rolls his eyes. "Don't eat too much. They want you to keep the meal down when you get your Designers."

"Touch-ups," Claire says sourly, "They only take a day. With our quick and easy technology, you'll be out in no time."

"Touch-ups," I whisper, "What will they do to us?"

"Whatever they want." Claire frowns as she sips a glass of wine.

❋ ❋ ❋

We are all marched down to a big building with a long hallway. Doctors stand at 400 doors. They are marked by Community numbers. When I get to my room I'm forced to change into a hospital gown, they lay me down on a rubber cushion.

"It's a very mixed group this year, can you believe it. There are so many of them..." The female doctor whispers to the other doctor, "It's never been like this before. Don't you think they'll be a little more aggressive than the others?"

"The more aggressive the better! It makes a good show!"

I try to ignore what they say. She moves to get a tool that was about the size of two hands. Two giant lights shoot out red patterns.

"What is that?" I ask cautiously, "What are you going to do?"

"It uses light to cut hair."

"Why not just cut my hair with scissors?"

"Not your hair on your head! Stupid girl!" She scoffs, "Your body hair. It must be tamed. You must not have paid attention in school. You people are always awful when it comes to education."

Every time the light scans my body I feel a little prick. I did pay attention in school, I just didn't like to be stuck in that stuffy classroom. I enjoyed learning but I didn't like the teachers mocking us, telling us who were are and what we can and can't do. These doctors are just like the teachers.

"Aren't you happy that you're here instead of those god-awful Communities? I've heard that they're so barbaric."

"Yeah," I mumble.

I shouldn't complain to her, I'll foil the plan. I thought if I didn't speak much and just agreed to everything she said I'd get good reviews. I don't want to be received as cold and unentertaining.