Chapter Four

We studied for a couple hours before we realized how late it had gotten. It was him that realized and closed my book as I was mid sentence on my notes for the chapter we will be going over tomorrow. Honestly, I wasn't even mad because seconds later it hit me on how tired I was. He grabbed all our books and put them away as I got ready for bed. I had to go through my dads old things to find him something to sleep in. They were fairly the same size. I completely forgot that we needed to talk about the pushing of the ceremony earlier than usual. Oh well, we can talk bout it tomorrow. I had already crawled into bed when he walked in wearing my dads pajama pants. It made me giggle a little. They were just slightly tight on him, but not to tight. He crawled in next to me and got comfortable. I laid my head on his chest and didn't realize that I had instantly fell asleep until I woke the next morning. My alarm hadn't even went off yet. I must of slept well because I felt well rested even though we went to be late. He was still sleeping, so I decided to get up and make breakfast before he did. I decided to make my famous biscuits and gravy with hashbrowns.

"Mmmm, smells good, babe," he was stretching as he came out the room, "biscuits and gravy are my favorite breakfast. Next to french toast with sausage."

"I made a good choice then," I laughed, "you woke up just in time, because I just finished cooking."

"I'm so hungry too," he rubbed his stomach as he sat down, "we are going to have to get ready quick because I need to stop at my chamber to grab some things before we go to the gym."

"Ok," I didn't have to rush myself because I was already ready.

I cleaned up as he grabbed our things. We walked out the door and I got the feeling that today was going to be different. Not a bad different, but a good kind of different. Like, I didn't need to worry about anything anymore and that I am no longer alone. Not like I was before, I just don't know how to explain it. I didn't even realize I was smiling. I just felt really good and it was a welcomed and nice change. Having him around me definitely brings out the best in me. I haven't felt this good since before my father was caught retaliating. Before my life was turned upside down. I finally feel like I can breath and it made me feel slightly guilty because of my mother. The thought of my mom made my smile fade. I really didn't want to think about her, especially since she doesn't want anything to do with me now. It made my heart break just a little. Of course, it was like Michael could tell how I was feeling because he pulled me a little closer to him. I instantly felt a little better.

His chamber was a bit of a ways away from mine. You never realize how different things look when you walk through the different sections. Like the American chambers, the German chambers had of being reserved. While the European chambers seemed open and welcoming. Almost like anybody could walk in and be welcome. It was a nice feeling. The Asian chambers were more professional looking and the Russian ones were more rundown. The Russian ones made sense to me. I mean, have you seen the way they dress? Their clothes are all rundown down and washed out. That was rather rude of me to think. I'm slightly disappointed in myself now. I don't like thinking negatively about other people. I've been put in that position. It's not fun in the slightest. Of course, Michael being Italian, his chamber was extremely welcoming. I honestly felt at home. I got smiles from his parents the minute I walked in through the chamber door. It was like a breath of fresh air.

"Hi, son," his dad had a big grin on his face, "this must be Aurora."

"She is beautiful," his mom gleamed, "come in, dear."

"Thank you, Mrs. Jones," I smiled back at her.

"Call me Maria," she gently touched my arm.

"We heard what's going on," his dad gave an apologetic look, "You're staying with her, right son?

"Yea, dad," Michael turned at looked at me for a second.

"Good," his mom shook a spatula at him, "I don't want you home unless she is coming with you."

"Yes, mom," he sighed, "I'm going to grab some things."

"Ok, son," she smiled at him, "Well Aurora, want anything to drink?"

"No, thank you," I gave a thankful smile.

"Ok, well, don't hesitate to ask for anything," she turned back to their kitchen, "our house is your house now."

"Thank you, ma…. ugh Maria," I hate having that feeling of meeting someone new. You get a sense of nervous course through you.

Michael didn't take long. Within a couple of minutes he was walking out of his bedroom with a big bag full of stuff. I was curious to figure out what was in it. I pretty sure clothes is part of it. I said my thanks and waved at them before Michael and I walked out the chamber door. He gave me an apologetic look like he understood before grabbing my hand. We headed back to my chamber so he can drop off his stuff before we went to the gym. We were cutting it close on time. We're going to have to cut gym time down a little to make class on time. I was ok with that. I think we may have over did it yesterday, so if we took a day off it wouldn't hurt us, but we didn't want to take that risk. No one in their right mind wants to take that risk. It's rather painful and slow how you die from it. At first you don't notice that you're dying and then it hits you like a freight train. I could only imagine what my mom is going through right now. Luckily for her, she has the doctors help and the meds.

I decided that I am going to forget everything from my past. I don't want to be a consiquence to their bad decisions and have to be the one to deal with it for the rest of my life. Heartless, I know, but I can't live the rest of my life like this no matter how long or short it is. Who would? As far as I am concerned, my life started yesterday with Michael and that is all I want to remember. I waited outside as he put his things in my chamber and then headed to the gym. I was actually looking forward to going to the gym. I rather like seeing Michael without a shirt. That was the only reason though, I wanted to take my frustration out and release all the old memories to make new ones. I decided that the first step would have to change lockers. I had to clean out the old one first. You wouldn't think I was a clean person if you looked into my locker. It took me a little longer than I thought to clean out my locker and I knew Michael would be concerned, but he respected my space and didn't come calling for me.

When I walked out of the locker room, we just smiled at each other and gave a slight nod to let each other we were ok. I put my headphones in and sent the timer on my watch and headed towards the treadmill. I just felt like running. I didn't want to lift weights or do anything else but run. Running always helped me clear my head. I didn't even realized the timer on my watch went off until Michael touched my shoulder pulling me back to consciousness. Not that I was unconscious, just that my mind was out of my body and I was off in space. The irony of that statement. I felt a whole lot better though. I'm going to have to take a quicker shower than usual. I was out of the locker room before Michael and he looked rather impressed that I was able to get out before him. I laughed and we headed to meet Isabella at the coffee stand. As usual, she already had my coffee ready and Michael had to get his.

"A, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom," Isabella actually looked really sad, "I don't know what I would do if I were in your shoes."

"Thanks, Iz," I gave her a reassuring smile, "I'm ok. I don't want to even think about it or talk about it. They are no longer part of my life."

"Ok," she couldn't help but have concern written all over her face, "so...how are you guys?"

"We're good," I smiled, "but you have no reason to feel left out Iz."

"I know," she looked defeated, "I'm just used to it being just us. Wasn't prepared for him to come into the picture so soon."

"Nor was I," I laughed, "We need your man to come around."

"Yes. We. Do.," she laughed, "he needs to hurry."

I haven't told you much about Isabella besides the fact that we have been best friends since we were 10 and she was placed in the Culinary career. Well, Isabella is from the Spanish section of chambers. She has long, thick, brown hair; beautiful big, brown eyes; and a slightly short, athletic body. The man she is arranged to marry is from the English section. His name is Jerald Leon Marks and he's fairly handsome. He has blonde hair, blue eyes, and is slightly smaller in heigth and size than Michael. He was placed in the agricultural rehibilation like Michael. Maybe he knows him. At least he doesn't have a low paying career like Isabella. I just hope we are able to stay friends for the rest of our lives. Once we start our careers most people drift off and never speak again. I don't want that to happen between us. She is practically my sister.

"Hey babe, is Jerald in your class?" I giggled as Isabella nudged me.

"Yea, why?" he looked confused.

"That's who Isabella is arranged to," I teased.

"Ooooohhhhhhh, well I'll talk to him today," he got a playful look on his face.

"You guys are jerks," she laughed, walking away from us.

Michael and I just laughed and headed to class. My class was going to be short this morning because we haven't been able to explore much of the Anexia galaxy, so there is only so much we can study. I still have to turn in yesterdays work and the day before. When I walk into class, I got the same atmosphere that I got with my dad. The kind of atmosphere that people were talking to you before you walked into the room, but went silent the minute you walked in and they all had that pity look. I can't express how much I dislike that look. I don't really say hate because I can't really hate anything, I just extremely dislike some things. Mr. Minson walked in and had us turn in our work before releaving us. Of course he gave us the chapter for next week before letting us go. I turned in my work from the last couple of days and I didn't get the slightest look or reaction from Mr. Minson. He really is a strange man. I hope he isn't going down the same road my mom is going down.

I had so much time before Isabella and Michael got out of class, so I decide to finish up the project for my after lunch class. It was actually fairly easy considering the council has our lives planned out for us. We just have to put some personal thoughts into it. I finished that in time to meet up with Isabella for class. We went through the cafeteria line and I got the same look from the staff that I had gotten in class. Michael was already sitting at the table and he had someone with him. It must be Jerald. It looks like Jerald anyway. They both smiled at us when we went to sit down. Michael made sure that Jerald was sitting next to Isabella and he was sitting next to me. I was actually surprised to see Isabella and Jerald hit it off, but then again I wasn't because Isabella is an extremely friendly person. It gave me and Michael the opportunity to talk with ourselves and not have any interruptions or ears listening in. The aura that Michael gives off puts me at peace and I absolutely love being around him. I know I've expressed that before, but I just need you to understand and feel it for yourself.

"How was class, babe?" he gave me a look before eating, "I'm guessing you got the pity attitude again?"

"Yea," I sighed, "nothing that I'm not used to."

"I know, but you still shouldn't have to go through that," he straightened his shoulders.

"Don't get upset, I'm fine," I rubbed his shoulder in assurance, "I want the ceremony sooner."

He put down his fork, "Ok. Then lets do it."

"I want us to start our life. I don't want to live in a constant reminder of my parents' choices," I felt like I had to explain myself.

"I understand," he put his hand under my chin, "and I am completely ok with it."

"Yay," Isabella jumped up and down in her seat, "I definitely better be the one standing up next to you."

"Of course," I laughed, "who else would be? My fairy god mother?"

"Is that even a real person?" Isabella teased making Jerald laugh.

"Alright, alright," Michael was trying not to laugh himself, "we should get to class."

"Yea," it felt like lunch went by to fast and I wasn't ready for it to be over.

We all stood up and got ready to leave. Michael, of course, was with me and surprisingly, Jerald and Isabella went off with each other leaving Michael and I behind without saying a word. I was happy for her. I love her being in my life, but she doesn't need to be in my life at all times. She needs one of her own. I hope that doesn't sound offensive. She is my best friend. I hope she feels the same way with Jerald as I do with Michael. She deserves that. Michael and I headed to our classrooms. I wonder who replaced my mother for Isabella's class. Probably someone next in line to take over. Nobody really stays to long in the professions or they try to find some where to put them. Luckily for Isabella, Culinary doesn't have a lot of people considering there isn't a lot of people on Nora. There is maybe 10 people for each job.

Michael and I headed down the grey corridor to our afternoon class. It was odd not having Isabella with me. I guess I got so used to walking with her that it became a norm for us. I guess this is a sign that I need to learn to walk without her too. Having Michael with me definitely helped. It was different, but it helped. I was definitely getting used to having him around me at all times. I wasn't prepared for the looks I would get in class though. I just hope it's not the same thing I went through with my dad. At least I had Isabella with me through all of that. Now, I have Michael with me at all times. It's different though. One is your best-friend and the other is your soon to be husband. Two different types of relationships. I know she will still be with me on all of this though. It's just now her mind is going to be kind of elsewhere rather than focusing on how I am doing.

"Ok, baby," Michael turned to look at me, "this is your stop."

"Thank you," I smiled up at him before giving him a kiss.

He watched me walk into the classrom before heading to his. He definitely is a keeper and I couldn't be luckier. Oddly enough, when I walked in, no one stopped what they were doing and stared at me. That was slightly comforting, but made me worry a little. We are also older than when I went through that stuff with my dad. They really put me through hell then. I really hope that they aren't planning something awful. I know that I might be acting paranoid, but who wouldn't be. At least my mom wasn't found as a "terrorist" like my dad was. Everyone might actually be feeling pity from me. To prove that, a kid that I have never talked to before, came up to me after I sat down and apologized to me for what's going on and that he hops everything will get better. I naturally thanked him, but kind of shook my head in shock as he walked away. This is something that I may have to get used to.

Everyone just looked at me and smiled. I didn't realize until after class that they

have been doing that all day. Honestly, it kind of freaked me out. It kind of made me feel like they were staring. That made me feel even more uncomfortable. I walked down the hallway to Michael's afternoon class and everyone politely stood out of the way and nodded at me. When I reached Michael's classrom, I stood there and waited. I kept seeing everyone stop, stare, and possibly talk about me. Actually, I am pretty sure they were talking about me. His class let out and everyone who walked out, did the same as the people when I was waiting. He walked out of the classrom last and came up to me and gave me a hug and a kiss.

"How was class, babe?" he had this odd smile on his face.

"The usual," I was a little confused with the look on is face, "why are you smiling so hard?"

"Oh, no reason," he just looked down at me, never removing the smile.

"You're making me nervous," his demeanor was making me rather uncomfortable.

"Don't be, babe," he looked at me sincerely, "I just have a surprise for you is all."

"I don't really know how I feel about surprises," I felt a little better, but I was still worried.

'It's not a bad surprise or a surprise that will upset you," he looked at me with a sad look on his face.

"Ok," I smiled up at him which made him smile again.

Honestly, I was paying more attention to the people staring at me than what my boyfriend/soon to be husband had in store for me. You think I would be used to this after my dad, but I don't think anyone gets used to it. I mean, would you get used to it after all you have been through with the same people? I didn't think so. You'd be wondering what they were thinking or what they may have up there sleeve just like I am. I hate having the feeling that I have to watch my back because you never know what is going to happen. The worst part, Michael is oblivious to it. I remember there being this one girl, she was just awful. I believe her name was Katie. She loved playing these games that would make you feel like your just this worthless person. She'd make you feel cornered and with no control over anything. Isabella was the one who put her in her place. Funny part was, everyone at Katie afterwards and came up to Isabella and thanked her. That is how awful she was. Come to think of it, I haven't seen her in a long time. About a month after all that happened. I couldn't help but wonder what may have happened to her. Isabella would yell at me for thinking that. That made me giggle to myself and then I realized Michael had been talking this whole time.

"So, what do you think, babe?" he looked at me.

"Think about what?" I felt guilty that I didn't have the answer.

"About going to the movies tonight.." he gave me this angry look.

"I'm sorry," I bowed my head, "my mind was else where. That sounds fun, but I have a lot of homework to catch up on."

"Oh yea, we missed yesterday," he looked defeated.

"We can do it this weekend," I attempted to bring his hopes up.

"This weekend sounds good," he got a smile on his face again.

Michael never lost that smile the whole way back to the chamber. I was actually quite curious to find out what he had up his sleeve. I have a love hate relationship with surprises. I hate the anticipation, but I love the feeling when I get them. When we made it to the chamber, we put our bags on the chairs by the table. We took turns cooking and doing our homework. It was a fairly easy dinner to cook: steak, potatoes, and green beans. It didn't take long to cook either. Dinner was ready by 4:30 and we had caught up on our homework afterwards by 7:30. Everything was even cleaned up by then. So we decided to take a shower and put a movie on. Ok, so a "movie" for us is this projection on the wall, no we don't have a projector (those have been out dated since 2060). The projection is powered by a thought in our minds and then plays the movie that comes to our mind. If there is more than one person, it is better to discuss what movie you are going to want to watch before proceeding. We decided on an older film called "Paranormal Activity 5." I love scary movies. Michael, not so much, but he will watch them for me.

The movie was over by 9:45. Perfect timing to. We "turned off" the projection and headed to bed. It was comforting, but odd to have Michael sleep next to me. I slept by the wall because he moves a lot when he sleeps and I don't feel like being pushed off the bed. He has already done that once since staying with me, which has literately only been 2 nights. Have you ever had your other half push you off the bed? I can tell you that it is not fun. Especially when it is a cold night. They end up taking the blanket as you fall. Think of the fact that Nora is also a giant metal home. When metal gets cold, it's cold. Definitely not comfortable to sleep on. He's a heater. I'm always freezing. So when I cuddle up to him, he pushes me because he is hot. At least I know it isn't intentional. If it was, I would definitely be reconsidering this arrangement. Obviously not being serious. That would be a dumb thing to cancel a marriage over. I'm pretty sure I have accidently almost kicked him off a couple of times through the night. I am not a heavy sleeper though. When I get uncomfortable, I automatically wake up to reposition myself where I am comfortable. I slept pretty good last night though. When I woke up, he was snoring.

I decided to let him sleep a little longer as I got ready for the day and got breakfast ready. I think the smell of coffee and breakfast is what woke him up because I was just finishing setting the table when he walked out of the room. He still had sleep written all over his face. He must have not slept well or slept too well. On the other hand, he wasn't frowning but he wasn't smiling either. I just brushed it off. He did just wake up. I poured us each a cup of coffee as washed up and got dressed. I dished our plates by the time he sat down. The air was a little stiff this morning. They might have to change the filters. It has been a couple of years since the last time they changed them. I probably need to clean in here again. I mean deep clean. Dust, sweep, mop, the works. We didn't do a whole lot of cleaning the inspectors showed up like we normally do. Then again, my mom did end up in the hospital. I shouldn't think about that. I'll just get depressed all over again. Come to think of it, Michael and I haven't spoken much about upping the ceremony since then.

"So, did you sleep well?" I took a bite and waited for a response.

"Yea," his answer was quite.

"Are you ok?" I was a little worried.

"Yea, just tired," he finally took his first bite.

"So….." I felt hesitant on asking, "are we making the ceremony earlier?"

"Yea," he was still quite, "we have to move the stuff to the new chamber."

"Ok," I decided to be quiet.

He was still lovey with me when we walked to the coffee stand, but he remained quiet. Did I say something in my sleep? I know sometimes that it takes a little longer to wake up. Especially if you slept to long. We didn't even go to the gym today. We'll probably go after school. He looked so gloom. Even Isabella noticed when we met up with her and she had my coffee ready. As he ordered, she pulled me to the side and stood there staring at him for awhile before saying anything to me.

"Is he ok?" she didn't even look away from him when she asked.

"I don't know," I sighed, "he said he was just tired."

"That's more than just tired, girl," she touched my shoulder.

"Hey, Iz," he quietly said standing next to me.

"Hey, Mike," she looked at me before walking away, "see you guys at lunch."

"DId I say something in my sleep last night?" I blurted out.

"No, why?" he was surprised by the question.

"Because your mood hasn't changed at all," I bowed my head.

"Babe, I'm just tired," he lifted my chin, "honest."

"Ok," I didn't know what else to say.

He hugged me before we started walking to class again. I hope his mood changes when we meet up for lunch. This is going to worry me all day. Hey, don't judge me. Yeah, women worry a lot. We can't help it. It's in our nature. It worries us when our men, who are hyper and outgoing, go quiet. I mean, you can't say it wouldn't worry you. Look at your woman or man who are outgoing and hyper and then all of a sudden they wake up quiet and reserved. Also, take in account the situation of my mom. Now, do you understand? Ok. He didn't even say see you later, nothing, when we got to my classroom door. He just gave me a kiss and turned to go to his class. I watched him walk away for a couple of minutes before I headed into the classroom. I couldn't even pay attention in class I was so worried about Michael. Today was supposed to be an entertaining day. We were learning something about the Anexia galaxy that I have just been dying to learn. I hate that my mind wouldn't let me focus. I would shake my head several times just to get myself to hear what Mr. Minson was saying.

I didn't even realize class was over until everyone had gotten up out of their seats and headed to the door. I sat there for another couple of minutes before getting up. I intentionally waited to make sure everyone was well away from the door. I didn't feel like dealing with anyone right now. Mr. Minson just looked at me wihtout saying a word. I didn't even wait to see if Michael was waiting for me, which he wasn't. He's demeanor and attitude was worrying me today. I wasn't expecting it. Not from him anyway. He was the reason depresssion wasn't getting to me. He excites my soul, but calms it at the same time. If his mood hasn't changed, I don't know if I will be able to keep myself from breaking. I had already thought of my mom once today. I saw him standing in line, but he wasn't moving. Everyone was going around him because he wasn't moving. No one even said a word to him which was weird. He is one of the well liked people around our age on Nora. Everyone talks to him. When I got closer, I realized his eyes were closed. Isabella came up beside me giggling while looking at Michael.

"Guess he really was tired," Isabella let out another giggle.

"Come on, Iz," I tried not to smile.

"You know it's funny," she shoved me.

"It kind of is," I giggled a little, "but I don't understand. We were asleep by 10 and I woke up around 6:30 and he woke up at 7."

"Yea, I can understand why you would be worried," she got a concerned look on her face, "it's not like he didn't get enough sleep."

"Babe, wake up," I came up next to him.

"Huh? Oh, hey, baby," he smiled and rubbed his face.

"You alright?" I looked at him.

"Yea, just waiting for you," he smiled and put his arm around me, "let's eat."

"Well then, lets go," I smiled up at him.

The line was slightly long today. It seemed as though everyone got out for lunch at the same time today. I was curious to find out what was for lunch considering my mom wasn't here anymore. I highly doubt she will ever be back. Honestly, I need to push her out of my mind completely. Especially since I have to think of the ceremony now that we are having it earlier than before. Probably by next weekend. They rarely have it during the week and they normally have them all day during the weekend. Just most of the time it only contains the parents, siblings, maybe friends, and obviously the couple getting married. Isabella is definitely going to be there. I need her there. I'm guessing Michael will probably have Jerald come too. Especially if I am having Isabella there. I need to talk to her about it and send a message to the council about us agreeing to the earlier ceremony. They were generous giving me grieving time. They normally don't do that. If they do, it's normally only a couple of days, but they have given me a little longer given the circumstances. It's not common for a child to lose both parents before the marriage ceremony. If they lose one that is.

"Earth to Aurora," Isabella was waving her hand in my face, "the line moved."

"My bad," shaking myself back to reality, "I was in lala land."

"I noticed," she laughed, "you good?"

"Yea," I oddly felt nervous now, "I actually need to talk to you about something."

"Ummm ok," she got serious.

"So, Michael and I decided to have the ceremony earlier and I want you to be there," I spit it out so fast that I didn't even have time to think on how to say it.

"Really?!" her face just light up.

"Yes," I smiled at her.

"Duh I will be there!' she acted like she was about to jump up and down.

"Ok, Ok, let's grab some food," I laughed.

Michael grabbed both our plates of food and Jerald did the same for Isabella. Who said chivalry was lost? I think the tests they do to find your match is genius. My match is a perfect one for me. He definitely keeps me grounded. When we all sat down, people came up to us congratulating us on the ceremony being earlier. Even the ones that I definitely don't like associating myself with. I don't know how they knew considering we had just talked about it yesterday and I had literately just told Isabella. I suppose the council knew we were going to do it regardless even though they gave us time to decide. I don't care either way. I see life in a completely different light since Michael and I got together. I'm ready to move on with my life and start a new one. A change is going to be good. Oddly enough, my birthday is just around the corner as well. It's odd to say that if 5 years I will be done with schooling and starting my job. I will have at least one kid that will be 2 to 4 years old by the time I am done with school. That is the kind of stuff I need to start focusing on. I just need to keep reminding myself to do so.

"So, have you guys decided when?" Jerald asked Michael.

"Probably next weekend," Michael shrugged his shoulders, "when do you think is a good time, babe?"

"I was thinking the same thing," I smiled.

"Already thinking a like," Isabella teased.

"Strange isn't it?" I laughed.

"What? That it's not me?" she elbowed me with laughter in her eyes.

"Yea, that's totally it," I teased her back.

"I thought so," she smirked.

I just shook my head and laughed before I went back to eating. It felt like I was slowly getting myself back and it felt good. I was starting to feel like I can relax. I don't know when the last time I felt like I can relax. I've been on edge ever since my dad and everything that I didn't even realize that I was so wound up.You only start to notice something like that when you live with it like it is a part of you and then you get around people that make you feel good and that it's ok to be yourself and let go of the other stuff that is wearing you down. I was starting to feel that and I never realized how exhausted it made me feel all the time. I am a good student, but now I feel like I am going to do a lot better now since I only have to worry about me and Michael and the fact that it is shared between us. It's hard being the only one that cares and you don't even realize it until something happens. Once you realize it, then all you want to do is enjoy life for now on and let go of what was. It's like a breath of fresh air on an autumn day after a long nights sleep. Not that I would know what an autumn day is considering I live up in space. Hopefully someday I will be able to experience it.