My mom shakes me to wake up early this morning for work at the docks. I groan, not wanting to go but of course I had to so, I opened my eyes still sleepy from lack of sleep and working late. 

"Good. You're awake. Now hurry up, it's time to get ready for work." Mom said before walking out of my room and downstairs. 

I groan again. I wish mom would get me an alarm clock so she doesn't have to keep coming up here to wake me up. 

I brush away a bit of my brown hair out of my face before getting out of bed to take a shower. 

Once I was done showering, I put on my work uniform and head downstairs. I put my hair up in a ponytail just as I was walking into the kitchen. 

Mom had already put a plate of eggs down on the table for me. 

"Morning mom" I said. 

"Morning. Now eat your food before it gets cold, you don't want to be late for work." She said. 

"Ok. Thanks for the food." I said. 

"Oh honey, one more thing, Happy Birthday." She said. 

"Oh right thanks mom." I said. 

Yeah today was the day I turn 16. Now most girls dream of having a big party that they go all out for, buying expensive dresses, getting their hair and makeup done, and most of all having the guy they like ask them out.

But for me personally, I am not one of those girls. I would rather work at the docks, wear nerdy and baggy clothes or read a book before doing any of that girly stuff. 

Mom sometimes wished I would do more of that stuff but I think she's fine with me being me as long as I am happy. I finish eating breakfast before I head out towards the docks. 

In Tanina, kids like me are taught by a neighbor for schooling up until they turn 16 because that's when the government decides to match you up with someone they think would be a good match based upon personality, hobbies, etc fit for marriage. Usually they wait two years when they turn 18 because it gives them time to get to know each other and to build a relationship.

Makes sense, right?

Now the government a lot of the time sends a notification to the family first before the person who is now 16 can see it, so that way, the family knows something about the soon to be wife/husband before any meeting can take place. 

It's totally random on who you get, so you don't know who you're going to end up with for the rest of your life. 

I take the 45 minute bus ride down to the docks, ready to start the day and hoping nothing goes wrong for me. 

Boy, was I about to be wrong or what.