Page 33 of The Order

“I’ve got it. You go ahead and socialize,” I say, plastering on my best smile while yanking my hand back toward me.

“Extra butter for me!” Kai exclaims, only half paying attention to the conversation as he hangs onto Rae’s every word.

I nod, moving away from Max. His hand limply drops to his side. I know it's confusing to kiss him like that in the hallway, only to ghost him once he gives me the same energy back. Max is like one of those things that’s a great idea on paper, but in reality, isn’t quite right. He's safe. His family is safe. My parents love him.

But I need more than perfect. I need flaws.

I need something to feel real for once in my life.

I pull my hood back up, moving past groups of people returning to their spots with their tasty treats. The white tarp flashes with images as the movie starts. The movie's beginning sounds off, filling the speakers with lively music and whatever they considered acting back in the old world. It baffles me how a whole society could idolize and overpay people for pretending to be someone else in front of a camera. No one remains at the booth's small shed-like structure. Everyone is too preoccupied with watching the film or conversing so loud they don’t know what’s being said.

A dark-skinned boy runs the booth, his eyes gentle, like pools of gold. His hair is tightly coiled, cut short but maintained well. He’s standing alertly, holding his posture and shoulders back as he cleans the booth's small ledge where the treats sit on display. I creep up to the window, glancing back at the moving picture and my friends, who only seem focused on their conversations.

“Are we doing soda or popcorn?” the boy questions, pausing his cleaning to give me a warm smile. I don’t recognize him. I’ve never once crossed paths with him if he is at the Academy. His clothes are nice, covered by a white apron that’s had some use.

“Three popcorns, please. One with some extra butter for my brother,” I say, shoving a few coins across the counter, meeting the boy's perplexed look. His mouth is in a straight line. His eyes dart to an Official casually walking by.

“Was it not enough-” I begin.

His voice meets my ears, sending countless chills up my spine.

“Your people don’t pay our people. I’m surprised you didn't vomit when you said please to him,” Fallan’s ignorant tone bellows from somewhere in front of me. The boy working the counter looks nervous, pulling at his collar to allow more breathing room. I look inside the small booth.

Fallan leans against the wall, sporting a black shirt and gray pants that seem to enunciate his better features. His arms are crossed, his eyes dead set on me.

“Don’t listen to him,” the boy begins, shoving the money back toward me. “I should have specified I was an Unfortunate before I began speaking,” he snaps, looking toward Fallan with anger.

“I would’ve personally kept it going,” Fallan says, pushing away from the wall to get a closer look. “She's much more tolerable when she treats us like we’re people,” Fallan finishes, looking me over angrily.

“Fallan…. Shut up,” the boy hisses, trying to silence his voice.

“What’s wrong, Hunter? Scared she’ll tell on us?” Fallan questions, fiddling with a small vial in his pocket he knows will keep me silent.

“Are you ever pleasant? Or are you always a selfish asshole?” I question finally addressing Fallan’s snide comments.

“Selfish would be assuming I like who I am, so no. But I can be quite pleasant given the right scenario,” Fallan says. Something lingers behind his words. It makes my cheeks grow hot with nerves.

“Is your brother the tall one up front?” Hunter questions, breaking mine and Fallan’s heated stare.

I look back toward the group, watching Kai's arms wave in the air as he expressively tells a story.

“Can’t you tell? They look like twins. Speaking of, where’s your blonde puppy dog?” Fallan questions.

I look around for Max, returning my attention to the two boys once I spot him. I look inside the booth, scoffing once I realize who is missing.

“Maxis with his friends. I thought you had a blonde lap dog of your own. Shouldn't she be licking your face right now?” I question, seeing Fallan’s cocky smirk drop at the statement.

“Sadly, she couldn’t join us. Maybe you can take her place since you’re so curious about her,” Fallan says.

My stomach fills with a wave of anxiety at the statement.

Hunter drops multiple bags of popcorn, slamming his hand on the counter fearfully. He looks around for an Official, forcing his attention back to me with a shaky tone.

“Fallan, you ignorant, cocky, son of a bitch-” Hunter begins, sweating from his fear. Fallan looks blissful.

“You know where to find me,” I say, cutting off Hunter’s rant toward Fallan.

I should report Fallan. I should watch him get lashed with a prod for what he said.

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