Mate Camp

Chapter Four

My mom parked the car and we made our way towards the field. Although it is not mandatory for people to watch, except maybe family and friends, there were a few people already gathered. I looked around in hopes of finding Katie or Jill amongst the people but did not see them. I let out a big sigh. My dad put his arm around my shoulders and in a low tone  said " No matter what happens today, I am so proud of you and who you've become. And always will be."

I put my arm around his back and gave him a big smile. He knew I needed encouragement and he always knew what to say. Our moment of peace was interrupted by the sound of a few cars speeding into the parking lot. Everyone turned around to see what was going on. Cecilia stepped out of the car in a bright pink uniform. I guess she had that one specifically made for her. Cecilia and her entourage walked towards us on the field. My dad, the good guy he is, stretched out his hand towards her father. " Good to see you, Don." Cecilia's father shook my dad's hand, nodded and said "likewise.' 

Thankfully our exchange was cut short when trainer Argon called Cecilia and I to go over the day's tasks once more. Cecilia will go first because she is a few hours older than me. It seems silly but that's how they've always done it. Some days there are as many as four people turning 18 on the same day and they all have to wait for their turn. Other days we have no birthdays at all and go weeks without a test. I have never understood why we suddenly find our mate after completing the test. I was told once that a spirit is looking after us and it will decide if we are ready. Perhaps one day I will ask Argon. Surely he must know more about it as a mate camp trainer. 

My thoughts were interrupted when Jill and Katie both hugged me at the same time. Relief came over me having my best friends here with me today. My parents already took a seat on the bleachers. Involuntarily, I have to watch Cecilia's test but at least I can talk to my friends for a bit longer. With a loud happy scream suddenly erupting in the air, once again everyone's attention is on Cecilia. "You came!" She exclaimed and half way jogged towards our Beta. He must have just arrived. To everyone's surprise she jumped and hugged him making him lose balance. Beta Tony took a few steps back trying to steady himself. The shock and embarrassment on his face said it all. Cecilia pulled him by the arm towards her parents and brother who were staring at the two of them with big smiles plastered on their faces. 

"Guys, Beta Tony came to see my performance today!" She told her family. 

"Uh... actually I try to watch all of the... " Beta Tony tried to say, but was cut off by Cheryl, Cecilia's mom. 

"Now, now let's not get into all the formalities. Say Tony, have you found your mate yet? She asked with sparkly eyes. 

"It's Beta Anthony! and NO! I have not found her yet." He sounded annoyed. 

"I see. Well I'm sure you will meet someone soon." She responded to him hinting at something. "Let's go find a seat before all the good ones are gone. Beta Tony you can sit with us of course." She continued saying, flipping her hair back with her hand. 

"No thank you. I will be watching from the sidelines with trainer Argon." 

"Of course." Cheryl said, giving him a fake smile. 

Beta Tony walked away from Cecilia and her family. Everyone seems to be resuming what they were doing. 

"I think he is coming this way." Katie said to me. "Don't look." She warned too late as I turned around surprised to see him walking towards us. His gaze on me. I don't know whether to be afraid or turned on by the way he is looking at me. 

"Good luck today Jessie." He said, stretching out his hand for a formal handshake. "I mean not that you need it, it's just... you know, a saying" he chuckled nervously scratching the back of his head. I shook his hand and a strange sensation went through my body, I tried to read his facial expression. Did he feel that too? God he is so handsome. I could stare at him all day.

Jill faked a cough next to us bringing me back to reality and I quickly said "Thank you." as I removed my hand from his grip. "I'll be watching from the side lines." he said and then he left to go meet up with Argon.