by Edge, T. C.
Not even the make up can hide the glum looks on our faces.
“Oh, well, good luck today. I'm sure you'll be Paired with fine young gentlemen.”
Then she scurries off back into the throng to find a suitable perch to watch the proceedings.
Soon the entire square is almost spilling over. Aside from the boys and girls and their parents behind, every space is filled with onlookers. I begin to feel nervous, sitting there, knowing I'm going to have to stand up and go to the stage in front of all of these people. Knowing that they'll be as shocked as I was when they find out that young Theo Graves is to be Paired with a lowly mainlander.
There's an energy in the air. More one of excitement than nerves. I look over the sea of faces in front of me and see girls chatting excitedly as they look over at the boys, wondering who they might be Paired with. I wonder if Theo knows already. If Ajax told him as well. I hope he does, so that at least he'll have had a chance to get used to the idea. At the same time, I'd enjoy seeing his face when my name is called. That would wipe the smugness right off it.
People file onto the stage up ahead. I don't recognise any of them, but they appear to be dignitaries of some kind, perhaps those responsible for arranging all of this. Music accompanies their entrance, and the murmuring among the crowd suddenly grows quiet.
In the centre of the stage is an ornate wooden pedestal. A man walks towards it holding a scroll. He rolls it out and then turns his eyes up towards the crowd.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” he says in a precise, Eden accent. “Today is the day of the Pairing. A day when all boys and all girls are bound together for life.”
He talks for about 10 minutes about the history of the Pairing and its significance. Most notably, he focuses on High Chancellor Augustus Knight and how he's shaped the city and the nation into what it is today. Every time he mentions his name and accomplishments, a loud applause rings around the audience. Augustus Knight, it seems, is heavily revered here. I guess he's had plenty of time to harvest the love of the people.
I don't applaud. I don't smile and stand when everyone else does. I just sit there, arms folded, thinking of how Knight has, in fact, corrupted what it is to be free and human. Corrupted the very concept of choice. This world – his world – isn't one I like living in.
Eventually, the man on stage begins to start the official Pairing.
“When your names are called, please climb up onto the stage and come together in front of me. Join hands, speak the oath, and return to your seats.”
So it begins. Names are called, boys dressed in black and girls dressed in white meet on the stage, and an almost endless applause rings around my ears. I notice a couple of people from the ship that brought us here, girls and boys from the mainland. They always look more nervous than the natives, slightly more awkward and out of place. It's just the way those who have grown up here carry themselves. They walk with more confidence, more self assurance and poise. When I step up I know I'll stick out like a sore thumb.
It's a couple of hours before our little group of trainee Watchers is reached. By this point I'm almost so bored that my nerves have all but vanished. Ellie, meanwhile, is twitching over to my right, her breathing growing more and more abbreviated. I place my hand on hers to try to keep her calm, but she still looks like she's about to throw up.
The first to be called up is Kyle. I feel Ellie's hand grip tighter at mine as the girl he's to be Paired with is called out.
“Larna McIntosh,” says the man, and Ellie's hand loosens.
Kyle and Larna approach the stage from either side, join hands, and speak the oath. Personally, I think they make quite a sweet pair, and they both look happy enough with the outcome.
Then I hear Rupert's name. It's the moment of truth for Ellie, and she's so nervous she can barely watch, dropping her chin to her chest and shutting her eyes tight.
When the man speaks the name of Lorna McIntosh, I see Ellie's head swing up quickly and a broad smile stretch over her lips. She searches the crowd for Link, who turns back as people applaud and Rupert and Lorna come together on the stage. His face says it all, a grin on it like I've never seen.
When Ellie and Link step up to the stage, I hear a smattering of laugher around me. I guess it's the sight of them. Him so tall, her so small. Yet all I can do is smile for them as they link hands and speak the oath. Ellie, at least, has got what she wanted.
I know what's coming now. The clapping dies down, Link and Ellie part ways on stage, and the man calls for silence once more.
“Next up, Theo Graves,” he says.
Now I see Theo, standing quickly towards the front. People begin applauding immediately, excited to see who he's going to be Paired with.
“Theo Graves is to be Paired with...Cyra Drayton.”
I stand, and hear the immediate murmuring around me. I'm so used to it by now it hardly bothers me. Soon, though, etiquette takes over and the applause begins ringing out as I make my way towards the stage.
Theo walks on the other side, refusing to make eye contact with me. When he turns in, however, I notice his eyes, both blackened with bruises, his nose swollen and set with some sort of medical tape.
Inside, I have to stifle a laugh at his appearance. On the outside, it just comes out as a warm smile, which I suppose would make sense if I was any other girl. Theo is, after all, one of the most sought after young men in the city. Strange, then, that he's the last person I want to be standing up here with.
When we come together by the pedestal, his brown eyes appear to have gone several shades darker. He looks at me with the sort of death stare that would topple an elephant, and my smile quickly fades.
For a moment we stand there, just looking at each other, our hands by our sides, until the man tells us to link them.
I raise mine first, holding them out, palms up, as the other girls did. Then he raises his, lays his palms on top of mine, and we speak the oath together.
“I honour the Pairing, and I will honour you forever,” we say in unison, both our voices dull and flat.
As soon as we've spoken, he slides his palms off mine, turns, and quickly descends from the stage. And so begins my beautiful life with Theo Graves.
19 - Augustus Knight
Once the ceremony ends, the host announces that we're to join our new partners. Music begins playing, everyone stands, and a long applause ensues as the dignitaries leave the stage.
Gradually, the girls and boys begin to mingle, searching for their partners through the crowd. Ellie tells me good luck, kisses me on the cheek, and scuttles away towards Link. I can see, through the sea of faces, the two of theirs meet with a kiss. It doesn't look like their first.
I stay where I am for a while, unable to move as boys and girls come together for the first time. Many kiss, many others just hug, while only a few seem unhappy with who they've been Paired with. Soon, parents begin joining them, hugging their sons and daughters and their new partners. I see smiles everywhere, hear the happy chatter of thousands of voices. Yet still I don't move.
Eventually it becomes too odd for me to be there, surrounded by new Pairings, new families. I search the top of the crowd and then see him, standing with a middle aged couple, their own eyes scanning over the throng. Theo just stares at his feet, though, his body slumped with resignation.
I think about turning away and escaping back to my room. About defying this stupid tradition. I could leave, leave Eden, stow away on a ship and return home. I could run and never look back, face the consequences if ever they catch up with me.
But I don't.
I just stand there, staring at Theo's parents, until their eyes find mine through the mess of bodies. Smiles arch on their faces as they come forward, the sort of look that Theo has never given me.
Both have dark hair with flecks of grey, both with brown, inquisitive eyes, and perfect teeth. The crowd seems to notice who they are as they move forward, parting to make room for them, as Theo trails behind in their wake.
“Cyra, so wonderful to meet you,” says Theo's father, extending his hand. I take it and he grips it firmly. “How are you finding our lovely city?”
“Well, it's great, sir,” I say.
“Nothing like your old home I'll bet. Where is it you came from? Agricola?”
I nod, just as Theo's mother moves in to hug me. “Cyra, darling. You look beautiful in that dress.”
“Um, thank you,” I say, slightly taken aback.
“I suppose we should introduce ourselves. My name is Priscilla Graves and this is my partner, Emerson. We are Theo's parents.”
Priscilla reaches behind her and pulls Theo to the front, so he's right ahead of me. His eyes are still stuck to the ground, his head shaking lightly.
“Well, the two of you need to make this official. Theo, would you do the honours.”
Theo looks up and arches his head back to look at his mother. She gives him a firm glare and he turns back to me.
“She means we need to kiss,” he says glumly.
I say nothing in return as he steps closer to me, leaning in with his face. My instinct makes me want to turn away, but I hold firm under the watchful eyes of his parents. As his lips hit mine, I shut my eyes and wish for it to last no longer than a second. Thankfully, he pulls back quickly as his parents begin to applaud.
“Good on you, Theo,” says Emerson. “I suppose it's not too bad for a first effort. You two will get the hang of it.”
For the next hour we're paraded around the square by Theo's parents. I see jealous eyes looking at me from other girls, particularly those who I know are from Eden. They'll be wondering how on earth I managed to get Theo. What exactly our duty is that someone like me can be Paired with someone like him.
His parents, though, don't seem confused or ashamed at all. I think of what Leeta told me, how all youngsters on Eden are arrogant at first, but eventually grow out of it. Perhaps his parents, members of the Council as they are, are able to see beyond where I came from? And, I suppose, if they're part of the system that instituted the Pairing in the first place, they can't exactly start bemoaning it when their son is partnered with someone who isn't necessarily worthy of him.
They move through the crowd, greeting dozens of parents with warm smiles and embraces, telling people how proud the day is for them and all parents. Most new Pairings I see seem happy together, some already holding hands and kissing each other. I notice a couple of boys snigger at Theo, laden down as he is with me. He reacts with nothing more than a snarl as we move onto the next introduction.
At one point, Leeta comes in from nowhere and gives me a hug. Theo's parents turn around to her, quizzical looks on their faces, and ask her who she is.
“Oh, I'm so sorry Councillors, I just wanted to congratulate Cyra on being Paired with your son. I was the one who took her Testing and Duty Call. I've been showing her around the city once per week.”
“Oh, really, is that right,” says Priscilla. “Well, in that case we'd be honoured to have you attend our gathering this evening.”
Leeta looks struck dumb by the invite. “Me? You want me to be there?”
“Well, yes. You must know Cyra well enough by now and she doesn't have any family here. As long as Cyra would like you there that is?”
Priscilla and Leeta look at me together, the latter with wide, hopeful eyes.
“Of course, I'd love Leeta to come,” I say, grateful that they'll be at least one friendly face at this event.
“Well, that's it then,” continues Priscilla. “Sorry, what is your name?”
“It's Leeta, ma'am. Leeta Ashworthy.”
“Well, Leeta, we'll see you at 8pm. Do you know where we live?”
Leeta nods. “The Council Chambers, although I don't know which unit is yours.”
“It's unit 1,” she says. “We'll see you later.”
Priscilla keeps on walking, pulling the attention of Emerson away from his conversation with another couple, and Theo and I follow. Throughout all of this, we hardly make eye contact. I know there's a million and one things he wants to say to me, but he doesn't utter a single syllable out of place in front of his parents. He just smiles when he needs to and plays the dutiful partner, even putting his arm around me at one point at his parents' behest.
After another hour it's already darkening above, and the square is starting to thin out. From what I've heard, families all over the city are having parties this evening to celebrate the Pairings of their sons and daughters. Some, I know, are attending the event held by Theo's parents, most likely only the most important and notable residents of the city.
I think of Ellie and Link and wonder what they'll do. Neither have parents here, so I suppose they'll be free to enjoy the evening as they please. Perhaps they'll find a public celebration somewhere, or will take a walk under the twinkling city lights, holding hands and kissing under the warm glow of the moon. A deep surge of jealousy runs through me at the thought. If only I could have had the same with Jackson.
I feel Theo moving close to my side, his left arm locking with my right. “We have to link arms as we enter,” he mumbles, looking forward.
We're approaching a large building at the edge of the square. It stands tall and ornate against the night sky, carvings and sculptures adorning its surface. Ahead is a large opening in the shape of an arch, two guards standing on either side, rigid and upright, as still as the statues above their heads.
“What is this place?” I say, marvelling at the beautiful structure.
“The Council Chambers,” Theo replies abruptly. “It's where all the Councillors live. It's where I....used to live.”
Ahead, I watch as parents leave their children and begin making their way inside. Soon, we're left in a group with only other new pairs around us. Theo's parents step up to their son and nod at him.
“OK, Theo, you know what to do. Lead the rest in at the cue.”
Theo bobs his head up and down as his parents begin moving into the building. After a few moments we continue forward, the other Pairings filing in behind us, arms also linked together. Inside is a cavernous space, even more beautiful than the outside, with a luxury crimson and navy blue carpet leading inwards.
To the left and right are lifts, but ahead, just a short staircase with a gallery surrounding it. As we reach the stairs, Theo stops and waits. All the others form an orderly queue behind.
Then, up the stairs, a large set of double wooden doors open. I hear a rumble of voices, of a large gathering beyond. Music starts playing, beautiful music like I've never heard before.
“That's the cue,” says Theo, who begins marching forward.
We ascend the steps, and the music and murmuring gets louder. Gradually, the view through the doors beyond appears, and I see a great open space with dozens of people waiting. They're parted on either side of the door, their hands ready to applaud as their sons and daughters walk through in front of them.
Theo leads the way, and I notice his expression change immediately. He lifts his chin and a large smile appears. He nudges me and I do the same as we walk in, side by side, to the sound of rapturous applause.
Behind, a dozen or so couples follow. Children of other important members of the city, attending what appears to be its most exclusive party on this most special of days.
I see faces wash over me in delight as I enter. They don't frown at me or look down on me. Right now, I'm being properly initiated into Eden. Suddenly, I no longer feel like an outsider. I feel like one of them.
Around me the high ceiling hangs with dazzling crystal chandeliers, ornate carvings depicting the history of the city dotted around the walls. There are tables everywhere, dripping with luxurious foods and drinks, Servers carrying plates of delicacies between the crowd.
In the centre is a floor, paved from marble and gleaming white. Theo leads me towards it as the others continue behind, the crowd of people now starting to surround us. Music fills the air and Theo turns to me, taking my hands in his.
&
nbsp; “I assume you don't know how to dance,” he says.
“Dance?! No.”
“Just follow my lead, I don't want to look stupid.”
We stand in the middle, other couples around us, and begin dancing to music I've never heard before. I hear clapping and see blurred faces as I twist around the room, faces filled with pride and pleasure. For a moment, despite everything, I feel like I'm actually enjoying myself. Somehow the music and the movement transport me away from myself, if only for a fleeting moment, and I feel happy.
It doesn't last long. Soon the dancing stops, people clap, and everyone begins to mingle once more. Servers appear with food, but my stomach is too knotted to eat. They appear with wine and other drinks, but I fear what I might become if I have any. Instead, I'm once again paraded around by Theo's parents, meeting people I'll never care for and having to play the delighted girl from Agricola, so blessed to have been Paired with Theo Graves.
When Leeta arrives, I finally get some respite. She looks around in awe at the place, so honoured to have been invited, if only as an afterthought. As is her way, she begins telling me about the Council Chambers, that each so called unit is the home of a Councillor and his partner. Unit, as it happens, simply refers to the entire floor of the building, and the Graves occupy one of the largest and most lavish.
After a couple of glasses of wine, she loosens up and begins introducing herself around. By that point I've had just about enough, so manage to creep away from her unnoticed. I leave the hall behind and decide to explore, sneaking off down corridors and through other specious rooms, each one draped in luxury. Soon I find myself at the front of the building, looking out through a window at the square below. It's much quieter now than it was earlier, but some people still celebrate, dancing by the fountain, eating and drinking at the many restaurants nearby.
Here, though, it's quiet and still. I sit on the wide stone window sill and stare out at the city streets, a sight I still haven't gotten used to. The activity, the cold stone and metal, the people, so well dressed and well behaved. It contrasts so much with home. My real home.