The Cause

Anna shot up out of bed. Another rapid banging followed the first. Looking at her clock, dread washed over her. Not again. She thought it was over. It had to be over. She forced herself to close her eyes and try to ignore the rasping coming from the far window of her tiny bedroom. Suddenly, the knocking increased in both speed and loudness; then it stopped. Seconds later, Anna heard a new sound within the quiet night. One far more startling than knocking. She lied perfectly still as the screech of the old window severed the silence of the night.

She shouldn't be afraid. He wasn't there to hurt her or even to frighten her. But everything about Cooper did just that and more. They were too different. Anna's family were loyal to the Cause and everything that it stood for. Growing up, the idea of being alone with a boy, (not to mention in the middle of the night), seemed absurd. Not only would she never think about doing such a thing herself, but no doubt would report it.

But she had done it. One night, thinking (or should she say without thinking), it would be a one-time thing, she had agreed to sneak out with her best friend Natalie. At the dilapidated party shack, Nat had introduced her to a boy. A boy with ocean blue eyes and luscious dark hair. Butterflies & pangs make themselves known simultaneously. She loved him; she had loved him the moment he said hello. 

At only 16, Anna was still at least two years away from being Matched. The Cause Council declared any feelings or talk of 'love' before this "hormonal dysfunction". They claimed it would fade over time and real love would develop with their Match. During this, we had to ignore it and fight it off to stay focused on our Cause Pathway. But Anna couldn't fight it off, even if she wanted to.

For many, there was the hopeful comfort of being Matched with that early 'love', as long as you did what the Council advised and didn't engage in the illegal relationship. That's what made her situation so much more painful and conflicting. There was no chance of being Matched with Cooper; he was a part of the Underground Rebellion, not the Cause Community.

"You awake?" Cooper called in whisper from the window. He'd mastered the act of sneaking through her dark room while being absolutely silent. Hesitantly, Anna quietly got out of bed and grabbed her mud-caked sneakers. The moonlight shined through onto Cooper's now-grinning face and they headed toward the window into the night.

It was dangerous and terrifying but a rush all the same. Anna knew she shouldn't be out of her Quarters. Last time was supposed to be just that. The last time. But she couldn't reject Cooper and his mysterious smile. She couldn't resist that little fire that he started inside her. She knew the consequences but she also had been shown what else was out there.

Leaves crunched as they made their way into the trees. Cooper grabbed her hand, causing her stomach to flip-flop. His touch sent jolts of energy through her entire body. "Where are we going tonight?" Anna managed to ask. Cooper had showed her wonderful and amazing things outside the Community. Things that weren't supposed to exist. Colorful and unique buildings. Art and dancing. Even Natalie didn't believe some of the stories she told her about their adventures.

"You'll have to wait and see," he replied, excitement and mystery in his voice. Even in the pitch black sky, she knew he was smiling. They continued at a brisk walk as Cooper told her all about the latest news from the Outside. They were against the Cause Council but they had a reason. As loyal as she had been her entire life, she had also been lied to. It wasn't all pain outside the Community walls. It wasn't all smoke and ash. Sure, it wasn't as supported as her life had been; but it had spark and freedom. Something she had never had until now.

After about 25 minutes of speed walking, Anna and Cooper approached what he called an 'amusement park'. According to Cooper, before the Cause Council had taken over, these had been full of life and laughter. People were able to spend the day here with friends and family and have fun.

Giant slides and tall wooden tracks filled the space. The whole place had a haunting yet calm energy. "This is incredible, Coop," she said in awe.

"Isn't it?" he replied, pulling her closer. But this wasn't the end of the surprises. "Follow me, I have something else to show you," he added and pulled her along. They journeyed further into the old park until they came up one of the ancient-looking rides. It was full of old world animals called 'horses'. "Pick your favorite," he smiled at her and gestured.

Confused but amazed, Anna walked toward a gorgeous yellowish creature and climbed on. Cooper hit a few switches on a box connected to a rustic generator and quickly jumped on the horse beside her.

She let out a tiny gasp as the creatures began to move. Her face lit up with joy and surprise. This moment instantly made her no longer regret risking everything for him. That is, until all hell broke loose.

"We have to go! Now!" Cooper yelled as he grabbed her arm. Being yanked off the ride was startling enough and Anna was not prepared for what was about to happen.

She could hear the terrifying noises coming from the park entrance. Yelling and explosions. Gunfire and bombs. The things she had only heard stories about, mostly from Cooper.

Anna had to focus to stay upright as they ran. He was a foot taller than her and she struggled to keep up. She wanted to know what was going on but she knew it wasn't the time to ask. As they approached the gate, Cooper swore under his breath. He sounded defeated and terrified. Anna had never seen him like this and that made her even more afraid.

"I'm so sorry Anna. I'm so so sorry," he managed as he turned toward her. Before she could ask what he was sorry for, a large man grabbed her from behind and through her into a van. So scared that she couldn't scream, Anna watched as Cooper was violently tossed into another.