Runaway

01 || The Colony

Josiphina

The morning bell was louder than it normally was.

Today, it blared from the street, through the house, vibrating off the walls and nearly knocking down my breakfast utensils.

Luckily, I was up early and not laying in bed, where I'd be left to wake up to such a wretched sound. It was something I hated.

I wasn't a vicious person by any means, Marie wouldn't allow it. But I did tend to get moody in the mornings when I was particularly tired.

And although I was tired, I couldn't bring myself to fall asleep either. Today was not only the last day of classes but it was also decision day.

I was bubbling with nervousness and excitement. It got so bad that I nearly forgot to give Michael and Marie a goodbye kiss on the cheek before I headed out towards the school path.

I walked alone, behind a larger group of students who were heading towards the school. It was always best to go unnoticed in times like these. Especially when girls like Beatrice were near.

Today she was walking ahead of me, laughing with the girls around her. Girls that had once been my friends a long time ago.

But that was before everything. Before I became Father Kade's number one and before Daniel had been banished.

At first it was teasing and tormenting, something I knew would happen out of jealousy. But she had succeeded in shunning me from their sisterhood completely once word of Daniels crimes had surfaced.

But the teasing had started way before all that, back to a time where we were all carefree children. In the first grade, she had gotten everyone to start calling me Grams. I was fine with it before I found out what it was short for; Grams of fat. I cried for days, refusing to go to school because the nickname had stuck amongst my other classmates.

And Daniel - being the mean sixth grader he was - had collected a bucket of horse feces that had been sitting around for days and during break, when we were all playing in the field, he did something terrible.

He threw the bucket at Beatrice and we all watched in horror as the feces splattered all across her face and into her mouth, but he didn't stop there. He had proceeded to call her Waste Face in front of the entire school.

I'd asked why he would do such a cruel thing, but all he said was that I could now go to school in peace, because people were too busy calling her Waste Face to call me Grams Of Fat anymore.

And after Daniel had ran away, Beatrice only got worse. I figured she'd have reason to now hate me, though.

After all, her sister was Daniels assigned. When he ran away, she couldn't fulfill her duty and thus she was ridiculed for it. While all the other newly graduates were conceiving children for the future of The Colony, she was set aside.

My heart hurt for her, but that was nearly five years ago. She had no reason to be bitter towards me. I had no part in any of it.

I'd tried to ignore it, Ella - my closest friend tells me not to pay any mind to her. Saying that she's just jealous of the attention Father Kade gives me. But it still bothers me.

I had no voice in the matter. I never asked for his attention and affection, she shouldn't blame me for the choices others make.

It was then that I heard the sound of shoes connecting with the dirt path. Glancing to my left, I watch Ella's dainty frame fall into step next to me. She sends me a small knowing smile, one that turns into a full blown grin at the sight of my smile as we share a secret look.

"Excited for the last day of school?" I tease.

My closet friend rolls her eyes and snorts loudly, drawing the attention of a few classmates. "If by last day of school you mean the day Father Kade lets us know what Colleges he's approved for us, then yes."

I loved Ella but she always had a bit of difficulty with taming her tone and right now her loud voice had earned us glares from the students around us.

I mumble out an apology, hiding the tint in my cheeks at the thought of all the unwanted negative attention. I knew what they were all thinking.

It was rare that the students of The Colony got to continue school after twelfth grade.

Even though we were all required to apply, Father Kade had only ever accepted a select few students to continue school and go to college, while the others stayed put, fulfilling their duties in the community.

Duties that consisted of work and or reproducing.

But this year he had accepted three students. Ella and I were amongst them. The third being Dillan - my assigned.

"Do you think you got into your top choices?" Ella asks.

I chew at my bottom lip anxious. I don't know what I would do if I didn't get into one of the schools in New York City. I needed to be in New York City. "I hope so."

With a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder, Ella smiles. "I know how hard you have been working and praying. Father Kade will see that and accept you into either NYU or Columbia. Don't worry."

Hopefully she's right, because for as long as I could remember this was the plan.

Daniel had moved to a place called New York City and when applying for colleges, I had made sure to apply to schools there so we could be reunited.

Of course no one but Ella knew the truth behind why I wanted to go to New York City. And hopefully they wouldn't need to. I would complete my college career in medicine in New York City with Daniel and then come back home and fulfill my role.

I knew it was a sin. Withholding information or my intentions especially to Father Kade, but this was the one thing Daniel had made me promise.

Whatever you do, don't tell Father Kade.

Besides, it would only upset Father Kade if he knew I was in contact with an exiled member. Not to mention the punishments I'd receive if he found out.

Those were never fun.

Either way I wasn't hurting anyone.

I shake off the thoughts and turn to Ella once we approach the school building. "Don't forget we are to meet with Father Kade in his study for the results after school. Don't be late." I scold, knowing Ella has a tendency to be forgetful and tardy.

She merely waves me off. "Yeah, yeah." She calls over her shoulder as she disappears into the building and I exhale heavily.

Being tardy was a terrible habit to hold.

. . .

I wasn't athletic. At all.

And with the way I was running like my life depended on it, you'd realize just how out of shape I was.

My breathing was labored, there was sweat dripping from my forehead and the scorching July sun had been making me itch all over.

But I couldn't stop because I was late.

I was never late.

Richard- a ninth grader at the high school happened to bust open his stitches for the third time this week, and considering I was the only on call responder every time he happened to fall, I tended to his wound.

Of course, I wasn't complaining about our system for that was frowned upon. I was merely bothered that I - an amateur medic was put on first response duties this entire week.

I wasn't qualified to take on half of the emergencies I responded to, and so I often found myself improvising and the anxiety was all too much.

And today, I was late for the meeting in Father Kade's study of all things.

My heart beats erratically and the thought of upsetting Father Kade doesn't do anything to calm it.

I was so worried that I didn't even bother to greet Patty-the receptionist- as I barged into the large white house at the centre of The Colony - also known as the Town Hall.

It was a large structure with numerous floors. The main being a banquet space for assemblies and events, with the upper level being Father Kade's study and various other rooms of his.

Running up the large oak staircase and turning into the hall that led to Father Kade's study, I barge into the room where three pairs of eyes blink back at me.

Dillan's blue eyes are the first I connect with. His usual easy going smile is gone and in place of it, is a frown telling me he's displeased with me.

Ella sits next to him on the couch with a reassuring smile on her face. Even she made it on time.

And finally my eyes move to the man in the centre of the room. Father Kade is sat behind his desk in a chair that's only fit for a king. Adorned in his white dress shirt and slacks, his piercing green eyes snap to mine as he rises to his feet.

In doing so, his relatively large frame gathers all of our attention. The light from the glass window only making his salt and pepper hair glow, and his clean chiseled face makes me recoil slightly.

He looked disappointed.

I frantically step forward and speak in attempt to come to my own defence. "My sincerest apologies Father-there was a medical emergency that I had to tend to." I stop myself from continuing for I knew complaining to him was the highest for of disrespect.

Father Kade's frown turns into a smile and he steps forward, opening his arms up to me. "I will excuse it this time. Besides I can never stay mad at you, my child." He says, his loud voice booming throughout the room.

I smile, timidly walking forward and into his open arms allowing him to wrap them around me. And after a moment of hesitation, I sink into his embrace, relieved I hadn't upset him.

He wasn't a very patient man.

He's first to pull away, keeping me at arms length as his hand moves up to brush my hair away from my face. His eyes dancing with adoration. "Now, go take a seat with the others so we can get to discussing your futures."

I turn towards the brown leather sofa and take a seat in between Dillian and Ella, while Father Kade walks towards us, starting to speak.

"Now, as you three know, I will be putting you in schools outside of The Colony." He sends us a pointed look. "I will warn you that the life outside may appear normal but it is anything but. You, my children, mustn't trust anyone. You will go through your four years blending in and not speaking to anyone of the brilliance that is our Colony." He moves closer clasping his hands behind his back, pacing before us as we all nod in agreement.

"They do not understand and they fear our greatness. You will undergo a week of training camp to prepare you for the outside world, and just like the other students you will be attending the graduation ceremony. But for now, I will let you know what schools I have accepted for you all."

And my ears instantly perk up as I sit up, silently praying to Father Kade that he would deem my grades and achievements worthy for a school in New York.

I listen patiently as he begins with Dillan, who had gotten into a school that was up North.

Of course I was not pleased that we would be apart for four years, but the aspect of seeing Daniel was far too appealing.

Ella had gotten into Columbia which meant we would be close. I smile as I squeeze her hand in silent congratulations.

And when it comes time for my results, I peer up at Father Kade who smiles and walks forward, squatting down to my level. "And for you, my smart Josephina, I have decided that it is quintessential you be close to home." He takes my hands in his. "I have accepted you into the community college not too far from here. I know you will be more comfortable being closer to home." He smiles, winking at me.

My excited smile immediately drops and Father Kade gets back up on his feet, continuing on with his speech but I'm far too preoccupied trying to stop the tears from pouring down my face to listen to a word he's saying.

This can't be happening.

I take a deep breath but it's still shaky just like my hands, and my ears start to ring.

I had been praying, doing more charity, picking up extra duties all around for the entire year.

This was all that had kept me from falling apart over Daniel's exile.

Daniel was the only person I had. The only person that looked out for me. I'd been looking forward to this for as long as I can remember.

Little glimpses of him when he was able to see me weren't enough. I couldn't sleep at night becasue I was worried for him. Was he safe, happy?

I prayed he was, but praying wasn't enough anymore. I wanted to see him.

And by the time the first tear glides down my cheek, I know I won't be able to contain them for much longer.

I hastily wipe it away and stand as Father Kade excuses everyone, only pausing to tell me to stay behind.

I really didn't want to stay, seeing as it was currently taking everything in me to keep my tears at bay but who was I to deny Father Kade?

I had no choice. When he wanted something, I needed to make sure he got it.

And so I stayed put, but I couldn't contain the tears that silently pooled out of my eyes and down my cheeks.

Father Kade holds out his hand, motioning for me to take it and I do, giving up the control. He leads me back towards the oversized wingback chair behind his desk and he takes a seat.

He sits back, widening his legs as he pulls me down onto the space between them and reluctantly I allow him to.

Adjusting myself so that my back is to him, I take the seat not wanting to look him in the face or quite possibly not wanting to be near him right now.

It wasn't his fault. He always knew best, but I couldn't control the resentment bubbling, while he merely adjusted himself and wrapped his arms around me, hugging me to his front. Completely oblivious to my own turmoil.

I continue to sniffle and attempt to quiet my tears but with the way he sighs and places his hands on my stiff shoulders, I know I did a terrible job at being subtle. "Josiphina." He speaks as if he understands how upset I am.

He doesn't understand.

His hands start rubbing and massaging my shoulders but It doesn't make me feel any better.

"I know you had your sights set on NYU or Columbia and believe me, I heard all your prayers. But you must know I am doing this for your own good." He says softly in my ear, continuing to rub at my shoulders.

"How so?" I hiccup, wiping my tears.

He sits up so that his chest is now pressed against my back as he continued to rub my shoulders in a soothing motion, but I'd rather him not touch me all together.

"You know that you are my number one. You are destined for greatness here." He moves his head forward, burying it into my hair as he breathes in heavily. "And as such a key factor in our community, it would be too hard if you were far from us. You, my beautiful child are the future of this colony." He mumbles into my hair, humming out.

I stay quiet, thinking over his words and trying to be understanding. I needed to think rationally but I couldn't.

I'd never felt this devastated before. Not even when Daniel had run away, at least then there was hope.

Hope that I'd one day move to New York City. Hope that I'd see him again.

With another sigh the man behind me moves his hands down to rub my arms. "You do understand don't you? I'd be worried sick about you being so far away." He murmurs, pulling me back into his chest as his hands move to rub the sides of my waist.

I don't understand where he's coming from but I nod. I was privileged to be getting this special treatment from him. I couldn't be ungrateful.

He places his chin on my head, moving one hand to wrap around my waist and hold me to him. "Very well." he says, continuing to hold me against him while his other hand rubs my hip as he occasionally sighs out in content.

We sit there in silence, me too preoccupied thinking about my new reality as he buries his face into my hair, occasionally mumbling little things about how special I am or how great I smell or how he has great plans for me.

But I don't pay any mind to his mumbling, instead I'm trying to make sense of this new reality.

Eventually, when I grow antsy and start having enough of his ever invading presence, I speak. "Well if that's all Father, I should be on my way." I say as I move to get up.

He lets me go and I stand, but before I can take another step, I feel his hands settle on my hips and spin my body around so I'm facing his seated form.

"Actually there is one more thing." He says, looking up at me as he scoots to the edge of his chair.

His arm brushes my hip as he leans forward and reaches behind me into the side drawer of his desk that's to my left.

He pulls out a gold rectangular foil packet and I tilt my head in confusion as he holds it up before my face.

"Since you will be graduating soon, you know that sometime within the week you are required to completely integrate into The Colony." He speaks, my brows only furrowing as he continues. "Your assigned is going to be expecting you to partake in the act of coitus."

I nod, listening to him but fail to stop the pink tint that colors my cheeks at the prospect of discussing such matters with the holy Father of the entire Colony.

Father Kade studies my reactions and lets out a soft laugh as he stands from his chair. "But when Dillan is ready for you, I want you to use this." And with that he tucks the small gold foil into my palm.

I examine the small packet. It has folded edges indicating that the real item lays beneath the plastic packaging but I'd never seen something like this before. "What is it for?" I say, moving to open it.

Father Kade immediately covers my hand with his, halting my movements. "This is a contraceptive- a condom. It is to be opened before the act." He explains, his jaw subtly clenching as he looks off to the side before speaking his next words through gritted teeth. "It is used as a safety barrier while your assigned is...Penetrating you. I will explain this to him but just incase he doesn't follow through, I want you to make sure he does." He finishes tensely like the idea makes him upset.

I shift uncomfortably. This was private matters but he doesn't look uncomfortable like me, instead he narrows his eyes, almost spitefully.

Still not fully understanding, I nod, going to leave but then something comes to mind. "Why don't the others have to use them?"

The coitus act was necassarity in initiating ourselves as full members of The Colony. It was the way we reproduced and grew our community. Almost everyone was required to be impregnated right after graduation - some even being allowed to beforehand at the age of sixteen.

I didn't understand why he didn't want me to help reproduce.

But then it clicks. If I had gotten pregnant before the school year, I wouldn't be able to attend college and we currently only had two certified doctors here in The Colony. And I was going to be the third- after college.

We needed more doctors and so perhaps that's why he didn't want me bearing a child just yet. But when I crane my head up to look into his eyes, they tell me a different story.

Hes standing at his full height and when I step back to put some distance between us, my back comes in contact with his desk.

His hands move up to grab either side of my face, tilting it higher. "Because my sweet, sweet Josephina." He murmurs against the skin of my forehead as he places a kiss atop the skin.

He once again glances into my eyes, his stare promising as he mutters the words that only further confuse my already curious mind.

"You will not be bearing his children."