The sun warmed my skin chasing the chill in the air away. I wiggled my toes in the grass as the ground pulsed with the plants and the insects below. I stood enjoying the peace of the morning until a scream echoed around the buildings. I jerk my eyes open and ignoring the sting of the pavement as my bare feet hit, took off running. I rounded the corner I screeched to a stop as I watch my neighbor, Denise, beg the STC not to take away Chris, her 17-year-old son. There was nothing I could do to the Supernatural Taskforce Control. They had been taking young able-bodied people to fight the 'sups' ever since the veil fell. I jabbed my hands in my pockets and let my long dark hair create a curtain between me and the horror that I could do nothing about. Turning back toward my living quarter in section D, I walked away. Why couldn’t people just live in peace? Each person could lose their lives at any moment because of an attack and instead of enjoying each moment they have they are taken to their deaths! Chris will never be seen again. I will have to take her some food after work detail.

Crossing the perfectly manicured lawns, I looked up at the sky marbled with different shades of red. This is life now, this is how humanity has survived the last 30 years. As I opened my door I glanced at the clock and sighed, time to get ready for work. I love my work, but it could be very stressful. You always have to be on guard to make sure you make no mistakes. Quickly, I jumped into the shower to rinse. Only 10 minutes in the mornings were allowed. A lot of people I know just skip the morning because of this but I enjoy jumping in to rinse off the sleep. Tonight, I would get a good wash for 30 minutes. Jumping out I dried quickly. I just wish something could change. There were screams almost every morning. Suicide is common here, so the screams could be from people finding loved one’s dead and others because of the STC. I wish there was some way to help. To change the way everyone lived on the edge. I angrily shoved my long, legs into my jeans. I pulled a shirt on and shove my arms through. Grabbing an apple, I bit into that apple holding it between my teeth to free my hands. I slipped on my shoes as I pulled open the door and slammed face first into a muscular chest sending my apple spiraling to the ground. Before I even pulled back I felt my stomach sink and my heart start hammering against my chest. Always waiting for the day when the STC would take me. Pulling back, I looked up to see that the muscle chest belonged to a man with bright blue eyes and long, wavy, dark hair. His short-sleeved, black, button-up shirt had a few buttons on the top unbuttoned just enough to show a patch of dark curls that perfectly accenting his tanned skin. He held my apple out to me with a small smile on his lips. How in the world did he catch it? Reaching out I accepted my apple back.

“Can- Can I help you?” I stammered out.

“Are you Rose McLeavy?” asked the dark-haired stranger.

“Yes. I am and I’m sorry, but I’m headed to work.” I replied stepping out onto the porch causing him to step back. To make sure that no stray animals got in I had to check the door every morning to make sure it latched. I really don’t understand why they can't just fix the door. Frowning I turn back around just to find him standing and staring at me. His bright, blue eyes were hypnotizing. Needing a distraction, I took a bit of the apple I was holding and looked around. No vehicle.

Swallowing the bite, I asked, “So, not part of the STC?” I inquired stepping around him and continuing down the sideway.

“No, I am not.” He replied. Geez, I think my body temperature just went up from the sound of his voice.

“Well, what can I do to help you?” I kept my eyes straight ahead and continued walking. Taking another bite, I ignored the new sensations and the houses I have seen a million times. I focused only on getting to work. I felt his hand wrap around my arm sending a spike of electricity up my arm. I gasped and yanked my arm away. Swallowing the bite I had, I rubbed my arm and took a step back. What the hell was that? Looking up at him I apologized.

“Sorry. You shocked me.”

He looked at me, his bright eyes suddenly intense, “Rose, I was hoping you would come with me somewhere.”

I raised my eyebrow and chuckled. Turning back around I shook my head and continued to work. I took another bite of my apple and looked back to see him standing with his hands in his pockets just watching me walk away. Geez! What is wrong with that guy? I looked down at my arm where he had grabbed. There's no mark. I have never felt something like that. Looking back up at the sky I saw that time had ticked by. Crap! I took off running down the streets holding my apple. Thanks to that guy I might be late.

Bursting through the door I stopped in my tracks. There stood Quinn, his hand frozen in midair with a piece of paper as everyone turned to look at me. Quinn broke into a smile.

“Rose McLeavy! Just the girl I wanted to see!” He strolled toward me with that ridiculous grin plastered on his face.

Oh no! I was in for a scolding. I looked over his shoulder at the clock. Damn one minute. A quick look at the satisfied faces behind him told me all I needed to know. I looked back at him ready to take my medicine.

“I have the perfect job for you. One that no one wants.” Quinn continued to smile as he handed me a paper. I took it looking over it. Seed duty?! I looked back at him and he winked. Quickly I turned to the locker room to get ready. Seed duty?! He knows I love that job. I grinned to myself as I switch my shoes out for the soft cotton fabric. Quickly I braided my hair. It will come down later but at least it’s out of the way for now.

“Well! Looks like someone isn’t Quinn’s favorite anymore!”

I looked up at the ladies standing there. Looking away I stood up and walked away. It’s always best to ignore jabbing like that. Especially from Brittney and the wannabes.

“Hey!” I felt a hand wrap around my arm. Quickly I rotated my arm breaking the contact and stopping those familiar waves of energy that come from touching a person.

“Oh right! I’m so sorry. I forgot you don’t like to be touched.” She said in a very false sympathetic tone. Looking back and forth at the two girls around her she smiled.

“Did you finally sleep with him? Is that why he doesn’t like you anymore?” asked Brittney.

“Of course she did. It the only explanation for the behavior we just saw.” Pipped in one of the wannabes.

I turned continuing to walk away. I don’t want to waste energy on such immature people.

“Hey!” Brittney stepped in front of me.

“I didn’t say you could leave.” She said jabbing her finger on my chest.

Looking behind me I realized that the wannabes were behind me. Great, I was surrounded. I looked down clenching my fist and relaxing them. I couldn’t fight back. It would bring to much attention to myself.

“What do you think you are doing?” I winced as a booming voice echoed around the locker room.

Quickly I looked back to the door that led to the fields. There stood Quinn his gray eyes cold and hard like steel. His arms crossed his chest and a frown on his face as he watched the scene in front of him.

“Mr. Carter!” Brittney shouted and rushed toward him, “Thank the elders you are here.” She grasped his arm and pointed back at me.

“This girl was threatening me. Telling us that she was going to spread a rumor that you and I frequently enjoyed each other company right here in the locker room. I was trying to convince her not too when you showed up.”

Quinn looked up at me and raised an eyebrow. Then looked back down at Brittney and smiled.

“Oh! You beautiful girls. Thank you so much for telling me.” He opened his arms and wrapped one arm around Brittney. Walking past me, he wrapped his other arm around the other two. He continued to walk forward back through the door to the assignment room. Brittney turned her head and sneered at me.

“You girls are so beautiful and determined. It’s amazing that women like you exist.” He pushed open the assignment door.

“Security!” He called out. I froze. Does he really believe them?! I watched as the situation unfolded in front of me. I swallowed and looked around.

“I need you to take these three to the court.” He told the guards. I looked back.

“What?! Wait!” Brittney shouted, “it was her Mr. Carter.”

“That’s enough!” Quinn’s voiced boomed in the assignment room.

Returning his voice to its normal volume he addressed Brittney, “You are very beautiful Ms. Smith! Unfortunately, you’re not very smart. I heard the whole conversation. You will be charged with slander.” At that, he turned around and headed back toward me in the locker room.