The White Tag Girl

"Cyanide!"

I came to my senses when mommy called me and tapped me lightly on the arm. Earlier I was looking straight ahead while watching what our heads were doing.

"Why mommy?" I asked her because there was no emergency around but she called me.

"The Chairman has been looking for you for a while. Isn't today the day to choose your path?"

I want to laugh because of the depth of mommy's words. We don't talk like this normally, and we don't talk like this at home.

I snapped my fingers when I remembered what mommy was saying. My mouth dropped open and my eyes widened as I looked at her.

"As expected you forgot," mommy whispered to me because we can't talk like that here.

I stood up against my will. I frowned at mommy but she ignored me so I just walked away in the direction of the Chairman.

"Good morning Chairman." I bow to greet his presence.

I close my eyes when he blows the smoke of the tobacco he is smoking at me. I want to cough because I'm not used to that smell but I can't move without permission.

"Cyanide," he calls my name in a low voice that terrifies me.

"Sit down," I nodded in agreement. I sat in the chair near him but with a few intervals.

"I want to know if you have chosen your destination?" he asked while looking ahead.

"Yes," I answered in a low tone. I lied because the truth is I had no choice. He turned to me so I immediately looked away.

"I know you're confused about what you should choose but you've been given a green tag so I hope you choose our department. We're green keepers after all."

I didn't utter a word because I don't want my life here. I want to choose what will set me free.

"All right, you can leave now." I stood up and paid my respects to him before turning away.

I lazily sat in my chair earlier while frowning. I watched the people in the middle of the room. They are downstairs so I can see what they are doing.

In the center there is a large bowl where the names of today's selectors are placed. They will pull a paper from there and call the name written to go to the front. There are also three glasses in which the drink is colored. The person called will choose which department he or she wants to work in. The glass on the right contains the blue drink, it represents the blue-tag organization, they are the people who work for us. They are tasked with planting, doing business, communicating with other cities, and providing food for everyone.

Followed by the green-tag or the color green. It is from our lineage that symbolizes intelligence. We are the ones expected to make decisions whether small or large. In the clan we are also askedto make decision for leader or what they call Cascade. No one has seen his face yet, though I am also curious to see him. He always hides in his mask and black coat.

The next glass is red or the red-tag, it comes from the lineage of the brave. They are the police and soldiers of the alliance. I haven't seen them fight yet because we haven't fought anywhere else but they are the ones who keep the alliance peaceful.

There are only three glasses in the middle of the table but there is another to choose from. The black placed near the edge. It symbolizes being free for me. You are not really free because you will come back and come back to the place where you came from but you can leave this place with permission. The are sent to make mission, to kill, and to spy.

On the screen you can see what name was drawn and what was chosen. This is done annually as part of the alliance's founding celebration. Selectors are between the ages of 20-23 and when you exceed this age of not being able to vote you will be forced to be blue-tagged.

"Give respect!"

The formerly noisy room became quiet when the man in front spoke. Everyone stood up so I imitated them because it would be embarrassing if I didn't.. At once we stood up and bowed to the man walking toward the center.

"Is that Cascade, mommy?" I whispered to mom but she slightly shake his head to keep me quiet.

"Good morning to all of us! It used to be just part of the celebration of the establishment of our alliance but now it will be the center of the program because this is where the future of Akuji will begin!"

His voice is low but I think he's in his late 20's. He is said to be the son of the former cascade so even when he is young, everyone here follows him.

"Today is the selection and acceptance of the departments that will happen here at the front. I hope the ceremony will be peaceful."

We heard footsteps leaving the hall so I immediately peeked secretly. Mommy pulled my hand so I could look at Her. She didn't say anything but she looks angry.

"We can now stan! Long live Akuji!"

We stood up while Akuji shouted for life! Akuji is the name of our alliance.

"You Cyanide, behave," mommy whispered to me as we sat down.

"I am not doing anything," I denied to herimmediately even though I knew I had done something.

"You can't peek at Cascade, ever," mommy said in a serious voice.

"Don't make any noise because this celebration is important," she added.

I wanted to ask her more but her face was too serious so I just nodded. I covered my ears with the sound of the gong but those next to me seemed to be unbothered. It was a sign that the calling of names had begun.

"Mallory Sanchez from red-tag!"

His name appeared on the huge screen in front. I shifted my gaze at him because he's from red tag. He confidently walked to the front with eyebrows met, and expressionless eyes.

He went in front of the blue glass so everyone was quiet. Will he drink that? I raised an eyebrow when he turned his gaze to the green and this is what he drank.

"Green tag!" the man in front said loudly, we applauded. I even saw a man hug him in front before sitting down. My clan was so happy to see another person chose us.

"Calvin Tristan Flores from red tag!"

The man walked to the front, acted softly, and bent down to approach the glasses. He doesn't look like a typical red tag because of his softness. He did not hesitate to drink the blue drink. We applauded again when the man said his choice.

I haven't listened to the so -called names because there are too many of them. I looked at my finger because I had nothing else to look at. Mommy slapped my hand so I was able to sit up.

"Brianna Anderson from blue tag!"

That woman caught my eye because she was still dressed. She prepared too much for the day. Her face was very clear, and smooth. Almost all the men in the blue tag were looking at her as she stood up. She smiled at the man in front of him so her narrowed eyes came out.

"Red tag!"

The department shouted at the same time a man in his late 40's from the blue department stood up. He was wearing a formal dress, his posture was also different from most of the men here. It couldn't believe the woman's choice so he started crying.

"Brianna is the heir of their business but look at her, choosing different path," mommy whispered to me while looking ahead. I thought we shouldn't make unnecessary noises mom? I laughed at her in my mind. She's going against her words.

"That's the friend of your cousin Aziel," she added

"Atropine Aziel Davis from the green tag!"

I immediately looked to the front when Aziel was called, she walked up to the front, and smiled slightly at the man there. Her brown hair accompanied her walk, and the heels of her shoes could be heard throughout the room. She did not hesitate to take the green drink. She even raised her glass and smiled at the deputies. As expected, Aziel will not let go the department.

"Green tag!"

Mommy was one of the ecstatic as Aziel returned to her seat. Her smile reached her ears and there was an accented shout. I noticed that the Chairman smiled slightly so I looked down and became even more nervous.

"Aziel should just stay here with us because she's smart." mommy said while still clapping.

"You're also epected to do the same, Cyanide. The chairman is still expecting more from you." she added

I didn't say a word and just looked at Aziel.Our eyes met so I smiled immediately but her complexion just increased and she ignored me. It's not new to me what she's up to because that's how she treated me from the beginning.

"Cyanide Belle Davis from the green tag!"

My lips quivered when I heard my name. I stood up to go to the front. I feel the eyes of my departments especially the Chairman. I don't know if it's because of nervousness or fear that every step I take is so heavy.

I looked at the glasses in front, I repeatedly looked at each glass. I took a deep breath before finally approaching. Everyone is quiet, I know they are also looking forward to what I choose. I turned to the department and I met the Chairman's gaze. I bit my upper lip because I could feel the ferocity in his eyes.

What should I choose?

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I averted my eyes and walked straight to the side. I took the glass and drank all of it, that's when I found out that the drink was very bitter. I hadn't eaten the flesh yet, my forehead was already wrinkled due to the combined bitterness and tartness.

The noise from me lowering my glasses became the man's signal to say my choice.

"Black tag! A brave woman is in front of us! Let's applaud!"

I heard the applause of people except my deputies. They were still shocked by the decision I made. I met the chairman's gaze as I walked back but I couldn't read what he was thinking so I just avoided him.

"Tsk! Stupid!" I heard Aziel whisper when I passed by her. I just ignored her and walked straight back to my seat. When I sat down, I just felt mommy's weak hands on my back so I immediately frowned.

"Why did you decide alone?" mommy asked me using a sad tone. Her forehead furrowed as she looked sharply at me.

"Mommy you too?" I looked down because I was ashamed of what others think.

"Cyanide, that has no problem with me but with the Chairman," she didn't finish what she was saying but she sighed.

"I'm sure you'll be warmed up later when you get home to the mansion," she added before touching her head, feeling dizzy.

The program ended without my mind being there. I knew the Chairman would scold me the moment we stepped into the mansion. So now I'm thinking of a reason for him not to get angry.

"Ma'am Cyanide, the Chairman is calling you," I looked up at the man who spoke. I was not mistaken because the Chairman's right hand approached me. Even if I don't want to obey, I can't do anything because the Chairman ordered it.

"Mommy come on," I held mommy's hand because I knew that when I was with her I wouldn't be scolded that much.

"I'm sorry ma'am but the Chairman only wants to see you!" I stopped standing because of what he said and looked at him confused. I will not allow that, there's no one there to be with me when I am scolded.

"Did I hear that right, Lim?" mommy asked, her voice also rising a little. She grabbed my arm and pull me to stand straight since I was stucked in that awkward postion.

"Yes, I'm just following orders," Lim bowed to us in respect. I turned to mommy with a frown, and eyes were begging but she shook her head.

"The Chairman won't hurt you, especially since you're still his blood relative." He said. I know it's just a consolation for me and mommy. She let go of my hand before nodding at me as a sign that I was leaving alone. I cannot do anything so I just followed Lim, the Chairman's right hand man.

I pay attention to the way my deputies look at me, especially those close to our family. I could feel the mockery in their eyes, and I could still hear their faint whispers.

"Only now did Cyanide rebuke the Chairman," whispered the woman next to her while holding her child in her right hand.

Wow! Gossiping in front of their child? What will these children learn when they grew up? Talk about other's life?

"I also don't know what went into Cyanide's mind, life is good here but she chose to come out," the woman replied to her.

"I think she thought that maybe because she's a Davis, she can do anything she wants!" said by a man when I passed through them.

"She can't live outside. She's weak, she came last in their training before," said the woman with him.

My attention was awaken by what the woman said so I turned around but she just stared at me and left with the man. I sighed before looking again at Lim who was also looking at me.

"Let's go," I said and walked to the car first.

"Cyanide!" I stopped walking when I heard my name. My forehead furrowed as I looked at him because I didn't know him.

"I'm Calvin!"

One of my eyebrows rose, remembering where I heard his name. I looked at him from head to toe, when I looked back at his face his smile widened even more.

"If you remember earlier, I was the only man who choose bluetag!" he added.

I immediately remembered the his gestures earlier, the soft one, "I remember you. Why did you call me?" I asked. He heled both of his arms, feeling shy, and averted his eyes.

"Ah, be careful outside Cyanide!" he said in his shy voice. I looked at him in surprise because we weren't friends but because I didn't want to embarrass him I just nodded.

"Thank you," I replied before smiling at him. I noticed that his ear went red so I laughed softly.

"All right, I'll go first if you have nothing more to say." I bit my goodbye to him. When he nodded, I turned around but I waved at him before Lim closed the car door.

As I stepped inside the mansion, my eyes looked around in the shiny house. I've been looking around to find the Chairmain but I didn't see him.

Am I too early? If I leave while he's gone, he will get mad right? I shuddered at that thought. I think he might have passed by Aziel's house to praise her for the decision made. I sighed and slapped my forehead lightly, over and over, just in case I'll learn my lesson.

"Cyanide," I fixed myself up and paid my respect to the Chairman but he just walked straight to his office. I saw Lim's hand respectfully pointing his hands on the way next to the Chairman so I followed.

"You can leave us now," said the Chairman to his people so they left the room, we were the only two left.

I could feel the cold around me even though the windows were closed as well as the aircon.

I waited for the Chairman to speak but he was just looking outside. We've been quiet for a few minutes and I'm deafened by the extreme silence. I reached the book from the table to read while he was still speaking.

"Great!" I let go of the book I was holding because of what he said. He turned to me so I was even more surprised because I just saw such a smile on his face. It changed his actions because that smile, the person in front of me now is not the Chairman.

"You're really different!" he added before laughing softly so I was even more confused. What did he say?

"Sit down," He pointed to the sofa so I followed because I didn't want to be scolded.

"Aren't you angry?" I asked softly while waiting the expression on his face.

He shook his head before sitting on the chair next to me.

"But I didn't stay on the green tag?" I asked incredulously.

"I'm fine with Aziel staying alone in the department, she can do it alone. We also need your tag." He looked at me.

"You need to get out of here." The Chairman stared into my eyes. I don't know why but I could feel the seriousness when he said it.

I didn't know what to say because I couldn't understand him even though I wanted to speak. I just stood up and thanked him for his permission.

"Thank you Chairman!"

He stood up and tapped me on the shoulder so I immediately looked up at him.

"My granddaughter is old already, capable of making her own decision. Be careful outside." I smiled at what he said and I nodded and immediately hugged him that made him laugh.

"All right, you need to prepare Cyanide,"

I smiled at my grandfather again before leaving the office. I breathed a sigh of relief because I wasn't scolded. I know the Chairman is too strict, he doesn't want any mistakes and even more, he doesn't want to a stubborn.

"You're so rebellious!" Aziel greeted me with that after stepped outside the office. She's also here but she's just outside because I'm still talking to the Chairman earlier.

"You'll suffer outside!" She walked away even before I spoke. When will she listen to me? That's really Aziel's attitude so I just ignored her. That's her nature, I guess.

I looked away as I walked, and then looked up. The sun is hot, it's burning my skin but I can't do anything because the house is also close to here. It's embarrassing if I ask Lim to drive me. I decided to just walked under the sun, quietly, and feeling the wind.

I thought about what the Chairman said, am I different? How different?

Is it because I'm weak compared to Aziel that he will let me out? Or is it because my heart is soft to others so he doesn't want me to stay in this place?

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I lazily put the clothes I had left in the closet in the suitcase I would take tomorrow. Even though I don't want to bring anything, mommy is forcing me because she said I'll be surprised by people outside, especially those on the other side. It's very different from us so I might be shocked.

"You will live there as a normal student so everything you need will be provided by the Chairman," said mommy as she adjusted my shoes in the suitcase.

"Mommy," I called to her but she ignored me. I frowned as I approached her and hugged her but she immediately removed it.

"I'm sorry mommy," I hugged her again but now she didn't take it off.

"Cyanide! You know we're the only two left and then now you'll also leave me," Mommy's tears that she had been holding back earlier were already dripping.

"Who's going out with me now? I'm alone at home?" she added.

"Mommy, I will visit you often," I wiped away her tears even though they kept falling.

"Be careful, Cyanide," She hugged me tightly, I knew that even if she didn't want to, she couldn't do anything because it was part of the tradition. We need to respect the decision of those who chose and we can do nothing to change that even if you're the spouse or parent.

"Yes mommy, promise I will visit often!" She broke away from our embrace and wiped away my tears.

"That's enough drama! Fix that and I'll cook," She got up and rearranged my shoes before leaving.

I know mom doesn't want to let me go but she need to let me because thisis an important contribution to Akuji.

"Lim will pick you up tomorrow! It's four in the morning!" she shouted from the kitchen.

"Morning?!" I answered her but she didn't say a word.

4 am? I was still very sleepy then, I just thought that I would wake up at three o'clock and I was dizzy. The dizziness I feel every time I wake up early before.

"Wow! Get used to that because you'll wake up early in the outside too!" she shouted.

I just sigh because I know that starting tomorrow my life will change. I looked around to remember what my room looked like 'cause I will be no longer here. My eyes fell on the picture frame on the side table, I reached for it, and wiped the glass.

"Dad how do I start life outside?" I asked daddy's photo even though I knew he couldn't answer me.

"Watch over mommy while I'm gone Dad, okay." I turned to daddy's photo before returning it to the side table.

"How many clothes do I have?" I asked myself as I looked back at my suitcases. I kicked one to express my frustration but the clothes spread even more. I just took them and put them away.

How do I feel? I want to go out but I don't want to either?

I tapped my cheek softly before packing my leftover clothes. I also picked up other books that I wanted and knew that couldn't live without.

I smiled as I looked at my belongings because I had finished packing. The clothes I will wear tomorrow and my sandals are also ready. My forehead furrowed as I remembered something, I couldn't help but carry it.

"Mommy I'll bring my mirror too!" I shouted at mommy downstairs.

"What? It's going to break! Just buy a new one there!" she shouted back but I ignored her.

I get sheets of paper and tape to wrap it even though the size is too big. Even though it was hard for me, I still finished the wrapping alone.

"Finally! It's all over!" I said happily while looking at all my belongings in one corner.

I feel tired and want to sleep but it's embarrassing for mommy because she cooked. It was also our last dinner before I leave so I pulled my body to eat. My heart aches thinking that the next meal I'll have will be alone.

"Cyanide be careful there ha," Mommy hugged me before kissing me on the cheek.

"Yes mommy, I can handle myself!" I said happily so that she wouldn't have to worry anymore.

We've been saying goodbye to each other before but she still won't let me go. Even Lim was very bored as he stood in front of the car door. He also took all my belongings with him but mommy wanted me to take her as well.

"Mommy the sun is rising," I reminded her so she let me go immediately.

"All right then, you'll get tired on the trip!" she stroked my cheek before smiling.

I walked to the car and Lim opened the door. When Lim closed the door, my tears started to flow. I opened the window to wave to mommy as the car pulled away. When I couldn't look at her anymore, I closed it too.

"Don't worry ma'am, the Chairman will support you," said Lim with his sight on the road. I nodded in response and looked out the window.

My mind was flying as we were on the road, from the familiar road to the new route. I just shifted my gaze when we stopped momentarily due to traffic. I know that word because I read it in the book. There is also traffic in Akuji but just rare, it's when the cascade visits.

Tall buildings, lots of people, lots of cars, and noisy surrounding. I smiled because I enjoyed what I saw. It is very different from what I grew up with from the road, the building, to the actions of the people.

I covered my mouth when we stopped because there were people crossing. I saw the girl holding a balloon. She's beautiful, her mommy is holding her hand. I immediately remembered mommy so my formerly smiling face suddenly became sad.

We stopped at a house, it was beautiful and cozy to look at. Lim got out of the car and opened the door for me.

"This is where you will live ma'am. This is the home address, the bills will be under the Chairman's name so you don't have to worry about it." he said. I nodded and went in first.

"Wow!" I said as soon as I opened the door. I can't help but amazed at the look inside. The space is spacious and everything is white except for the furniture. The sofa set greeted me upon entering. I also saw the kitchen meters away. The appliances were there too, I opened the cabinets and it was full of food and supplies. I also opened the refrigerator, it was also full of food and drinks.

I noticed that Lim was putting in my belongings one by one so I just went around because it will take a long time. I went up to peek at the rooms, I opened the far end first, it was a bathroom. There is a bathtub and amenities. I smiled when I saw some things I knew.

"Mommy, you brought this here?" I whispered to myself, before I went out I opened the shower to see if there was water. I went out to open the next one, with a table and books. This is my study room!

I didn't stay there long because I didn't have anything to put in yet. I knew my bedroom was the last one because that was the only door I didn't open. I was amazed at the beauty of the interior because it almost looked like my room. I walked around the room to see if there was room for the mirror I was carrying. I opened a door and it turned out to be a terrace. I was excited to go down to see if all my belongings had been loaded but I saw Lim carrying my suitcases up. I helped him so we could finish quickly. After unloading, we drank water before sitting on the sofa.

"Ma'am, these are the things you will use here. This is your card, all of your money is here except for the envelope sent by the Chairman," He gave me the cards and the envelope.

"This is the uniform you're going to use," He handed it to me as well. I immediately opened it. It's looks nice! I want to wear this now!

"Ma'am, this is the phone that the Chairman bought so that he can talk to you. If you have anything else to ask or do, just tell me." he said as he handed over a box.

"Lim, take me to a place where I can buy things because I need something," I said before standing up. He nodded and followed me out. I closed the door first and locked it.

"Wait a minute! Just wait here!" I said. Before he could answer, I immediately ran out. I just really want to be alone so I can try to get out of here on my own.

I'm confused by what people think of me, is it obvious I'm not from here? I went into a convenience store to buy an ice cream. I took the strawberry because I heard from Brianna the other day that it was delicious. I also don't know how she tasted the ice cream from the outside.

I went to the counter to pay but the one there was just looking at me. I turned my back to see if he was looking at anyone.

"Excuse me please?" I waved in front of him so he came to his senses.

"A-ah yes ma'am? Ay!" He hurriedly took the ice cream and I paid immediately.

I opened the ice cream while it was still inside and walked out to start eating it but someone suddenly ran into me so it fell.

"Oh my!" I said aloud. I immediately knelt down on my fallen ice cream and next looked at the one I had collided with.

It was a man wearing a white dress, wearing glasses, and I could not see his face because of the mask he was wearing. He didn't say a word but he was staring at me. My brows rose so he averted his eyes.

"Hmm I'll buy you another one," He offered and turned his back on me so I stood up. I waited for him to finish paying so that I could leave.

"Here, I'm sorry!" He handed me the strawberry ice cream so I took it

I didn't thank him and immediately turned away because I was irritated. It's also a pity because the first one I bought just fell suddenly.

I was quiet the whole trip until I got to the house where I was going to stay. It's a subdivision so there are very few vehicles entering. Lim left immediately because he got a call from the Chairman.

I ate my melted ice cream but I didn't finish it because I suddenly lost my appetite. I just arranged my things all day. This house is clean so I didn't clean it again but I vacuumed the bedroom and living room.

I also measured my uniform, it's nice to look at because it's so white. Fit the upper body and have a pocket on the right in the lower part. Round neck so it's okay with me because I wouldn't be bothered when I bend. The skirt has a small slit at the back and it also fits. I don't know why I have to study here again when I'm done with my studies in Akuji. Anyways, I have to live normally here.

I took a shower and rested, I know from now on everything will change. I feel free because I know I can do everything I want. Without those eyes that shivers my soul.

I woke up earlythe next day to get ready. It's not the first day of school so I can't miss it anymore. There's no more excuses, I'm a transferee. Also, the Chairman will know that I might reprimand him.

While looking at the road, I just realized that I had to walk to the gate of the subdivision because my car was not here yet. The Chairman promised that he would send it next time.

I just took a taxi so I wouldn't get lost. I looked up at the height of the academy gate before went inside and accompanied the students.

"Westview University?" I asked while reading the school's name.

I'm not used with in noise, especially when going to school because it's not allowed to us. School are highly valued in us especially in our department. You can't make noises and the action is almost identical. No one's allowed to make mistake.

I looked back when I heard a woman scream. It hurries out of the car.

"Danika, hurry up!" cry of a white woman with full bangs. I noticed that the uniform she was wearing was just right for her.

"Just wait! You're so OA!" shout back a woman while going out of the car. Her hair is long with a brown color. They look like sisters in their resemblance. When the woman came down, they hurried inside.

I knew the Chairman already talked to the Dean so I didn't bother to go to his office anymore. I searched the room written on the paper Lim handed me yesterday. It lead me on the 5th floor of a building, I don't think I'm lost because we all look alike in uniform.

My eyes began to search for an empty seat. I chose to sit in the back because there was a vacancy, no one was sitting at all. My classmates were noisy, most of them looking at me and whispering.

I feel like they think very differently of me, maybe they realized that I'm not from this place?

"Excuse me Miss? Are you a transferee?" a man asked me, most of us also turned to me to wait for what I would say

"Yes, I just came in." I answer to Him.

"I thought you just got lost! You look like a model!" He tapped me on the shoulder as he watched my face in amazement. I just smiled at him because I didn't know what to say.

When class ended, I immediately went home because I was not used to going to school. I'm adjusting especially since I haven't studied in a long time.

I sat on the sofa while looking at phone given by the Chairman. One of my eyebrows rose as the Chairman's code popped up. I immediately looked at the message.

I hope you are happy while you are still doing nothing. The next time I send a message the cascade will instruct you to act. Be careful.

I laughed at his message but that's how the Chairman really is. I wondered what I would be asked to do out here because they didn't seem to know what was going on on the other side. I'll just wait for what the Chairman will say, for now I'll enjoy things here first.

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