Being Scheduled

By L. A. DeGeorge

"Being Scheduled” is a fictional adventure where humans in the “Zone” pick the date that they are going to die. They live their lives knowing when it ends. It’s a short, but carefree existence with family and very little work. Unknown to these humans, the hybrids outside of the “Zone” own humans like horses. The hybrids live forever if they choose and can have wondrous lives. This is what evolved in the world over the past 100 years. Soon, however, this existence will change.

In this adventure our family is on the move, trying to find the freedom that they never had. During this time they find the truth of what has truly become of the world and realize they were not told the true story. This book is told from two sides, the human side and the hybrid side. Learn from them what it’s like to live forever and also what it’s like to know when you will die.

This book drives home the idea that it doesn’t matter how long you live, it’s what you do with the time that you have.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L. A. DeGeorge
• Release date: Sep 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301470174

L. A. DeGeorge

I own a horse facility and I have a few hobbies. They include writing, making homemade "curly" soap, and helping people with their hauntings. I love to write because it transports you to wherever you want to go. Your imagination is the only limit !

Book preview

Scheduled

By L.A. DeGeorge

Copyright 2013 by L.A. DeGeorge

Smashwords Edition

All Rights Reserved.

Unauthorized distribution or duplication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited

Smashwords Edition, License Notes.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase more copies. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

***Chapter 1 The Zone***

It was a warm summer morning, with sunlight streaming through Lexi’s tiny bedroom window. She was a brown haired, green eyed, normal teenager of the times. She was very thin, as everyone was that lived in the Zone. Outside there was a blood curdling scream right in front of her house. Somebody was being dragged into a police car, yet again this week.

With that rude awakening, she opened her eyes and looked at her cat curled up under her arm. Tinka had been her best friend for the last couple of years, after her owner had been Scheduled. The owner had been their neighbor, and the cat was a gift to remember her by. This was the custom, to give away things that were treasured before you left. The people that were Scheduled would take care of all their business and be at peace with the living before leaving them.

The neighbor was a wonderful woman with the allotted 1 child, and a lovely home in the upscale community that Lexi lived in. She had 1 other child that was taken at the age of 2 like all the other women who had been pregnant in this town. She had been a Helper like Lexi’s mother. All of the Helpers received better treatment than the other townspeople. They were permitted to live until they were 30 years old, instead of the normal 20. They were also given better homes and more food. Lexi and her family were some of the lucky ones.

As Lexi contemplated the neighbor, while petting Tinka, she thought about her day. Today was Lexis’ 16th birthday and a week before her Schedule Commencement. This is the time when she would choose her date to die.

Lexi turned her head and looked at a picture of her family by her bed. Things were different, now that her dad was Scheduled about 6 months ago. She hated that her dad had to go, but it was his time. He was perfectly healthy and walked into the Schedule building, never to return. Many were not that brave. She had seen it time and again, frightened people being dragged across the street and into a police car. Nobody even seemed to notice any more, it had become so common.

Everyone was living for the moment, mostly a month or so before they were to be Scheduled. They would do whatever they wanted, no matter what happened to themselves or other people. Some people would sit and do nothing at all, as if they were already dead. Others wanted to be remembered, so would paint huge pictures all over the store buildings or houses. They were very creative and for them it just didn’t matter what the consequences were. When this happened, the police would come and take them to the Schedule building early. People were afraid.

The fear had risen over the years, and over time an underground group had formed that had meetings weekly. It discussed what people were doing and how they feared going to the Schedule Building. It was a support group for people to talk together and possibly make plans to escape. Lexi never had gone to a meeting, but heard about it from her mother. Some of the adults her mother knew went there for emotional support after losing a loved one.

Lexi’s mother, Barb, worked as a Doctor Helper and said that the calming drugs were almost always out of stock. Also the pills that helped you sleep were moving out as soon as they came in. Even the Landlords noticed the panic rising. They had asked Barb if they could do anything to help them, while they waited for their time. She always said the same thing. Let us all live as long as we can and die a natural death. Their standard reply was that it was impossible. Lexi and her mother wondered why?

As Lexi thought about her town and her future, she picked out an old pair of shorts and a simple red t-shirt, for around the house. She would get ready for her Birthday party later. All of her friends were going to be there. They were going to use the school meeting room. This is where kids would meet with friends one day a week, catch up on the latest news, etc. When one of them had a birthday, they were able to use it for free. For the occasion, her mom had just gotten her favorite chocolate layer cake with peanut butter icing and rainbow sprinkles. She had to go to the special store to order it in advance and buy it on her credits. They were only allowed cakes and desserts for special occasions.

After dressing, she went downstairs and passed the family room and the guest bedroom. They were sparsely furnished with handmade wooden furniture and pillow-like cushions with hand sewn panels. Everything was very homey and dimly lit with sunlight coming through the tiny windows. Lexi walked down the hall on bare wooden floors. She looked into the guestroom but it was empty. She wondered if her brother was already up and eating.

Her brother, Lester, was here visiting for the weekend. He lived in a Household area in the next town. He didn’t have a Helpers house, but it was okay. He stayed in the guest room across the hall from the family room when he came to visit. His old room was changed into Lexi’s room after he left 4 years ago. She enjoyed being on the 2nd floor. It was one of the perks of having a Helpers house. The normal town people had only one floor homes.

As she walked into the kitchen, Lexi said good morning to her brother, Lester. He was tall with dark brown hair and green eyes like her. He was a pleasant man that had just become a father for the second time, 4 months ago. The first one, of course, went to the Schedule Building. It was to be adopted by a family outside of the Zone, in hopes of bringing healthy DNA to the other humans living outside. Lexi thought how lucky they were, since Lester was a twin, Lexi’s mother was allowed to keep one of the babies. Otherwise, she would never have had a brother that she could grow up with.

Lexi took a seat across the table from him. His job was going well at the produce building and he seemed happy with his life. He asked if Lexi felt any older and if he was invited to her party tonight, as he said this he half winked to her and smiled. She laughed and said she didn’t think he would like it. Lester smiled and agreed with her for once. She knew he would leave after 15 minutes.

Lexi looked over at her mother who was making her special breakfast. It was egg, cheese and ham omelets for her Birthday. Her mother was just putting the food on her plate and coming over as she said Happy Birthday to Lexi. Barb was a small woman, only about 5 feet high and had dark brown hair and green eyes. It was the common look among the townspeople in the Zone.

As they ate, they talked about her party. Lexi was hoping that everyone would show up and have a good time tonight. This was a time of celebration, soon after turning 16 you would choose your mate and have a home of your own. Plus, they could eat special foods prepared for the occasion that normally they didn’t have available.

They were almost done eating breakfast, when there was a knock at the back door. It was Gloria, her best friend who lived down the street. She was different than most of the townspeople, she had long blond hair and light blue eyes, like her mother. She was very pretty compared to everyone else, but had no boyfriend. She was very picky and didn’t care for any boy she had met in the town. Nobody traveled outside of the 2 towns that they knew or even tried. There was no vacation or wanting a break from your life. They were content and basically happy to be with family and friends. They were raised that travel was a fantasy and only in a story tellers mind.

Gloria came over to do their hair and spend some time together with Lexi this morning. She came in and said hello to everyone, hugged Lexi and said Happy Birthday to her. They both quickly went upstairs, since Lexi was done eating. The cat was in her room, lying on Lexi’s chair. Tinka was too cute! She was 3 colors with orange eyes and mostly slept all day. Gloria ran over and scooped her up in her arms.

Gloria asked her if she talked with Brian last night, as she plopped down into the comfy overstuffed chair. (It was still warm from the cat sleeping on it.) Lexi thought for a minute, walked over to her small bed and laid down on her side before she answered her. We talked for a long time and we just never seem to run out of things to say. I love him so much. She sighed as she said the last part and rolled over on her back.

Lexi went on to say to Gloria, Can you keep a huge secret? He asked me to escape with him! I said I had to think about it, I would miss my family and who knows what’s beyond the secured areas. It could be dangerous, especially if we would get caught, she said.

Gloria was so excited she jumped up before Lexi was done with her last sentence and Tinka sprang off of her lap. That’s so romantic! Are you going to go? Lexi had a confused look on her face. I didn’t tell him yes or no yet, I want to talk to my mother. I know she’s against the implanting and tagging, so I think she would understand. I know she wouldn’t turn us in! And they both laughed.

Gloria said, I don’t know what I would do if I had to choose. On the one hand, being a rebel could be very exciting. Just think of all the new experiences, living on the edge of society, and most importantly, living as long as possible. On the other hand, where and how would you live? Isn’t there sickness and no food outside the walls? That’s why the colonies were started over 120 years ago.

Lexi thought for a moment and then answered, I just don’t want to be told how long I have to live. I want to see how old I can get. Knowing when we are going to die is awful. And knowing when everyone else is going to die doesn’t help, either. She looked perplexed and thought for a bit.

Lexi said, I can still remember the one guy who jumped off the building, beside the school, instead of going to his Commencement. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. The Schedule police came and we all were sent home from the gathering place for 2 days. Now I think I know how he felt. I don’t want to be tagged, either.

I know I love Brian more than anybody else. I just don’t know if I should run with him before my Schedule Day or stay here. Time is running out and I need to make a choice.

She thought to herself and wondered if she should take Tinka along, but no, feeding and caring for her cat could be too difficult. Maybe her mother wouldn’t mind keeping the cat…. With that thought, she knew she had decided to run with Brian. Lexi jumped up and told Gloria, I’m going to go! Gloria flew towards her. They hugged and jumped about excitedly.

Just at that moment Lexi’s mom, Barb, poked her head inside the doorway. Both Lexi and Gloria looked at her with big saucer eyes. Barb asked what all the excitement was about. Lexi let go of Gloria and went over to her mom. I need to tell you something. Barb looked at her daughter expectantly and asked, tell me what? Lexi told her that she and Brian were going to run. Barb looked like she had just made a decision of her own, as she reached over and hugged her daughter. She said, I want to come with you! Maybe Lester and his family could come with us as well. Lexi’s mom and her brother were already cataloged, but they could still run with them if they wanted.

It would take the government about 30 days or more to see that Lexi never showed up to be programmed. It would be longer to find out about the other family members. Paperwork always takes a long period of time. It wasn’t unusual to not show-up for your day, many people had started to come in whenever they wanted to for their Commencement. Pretty many people had to be dragged in by force.

Since her mother was a Doctor Helper, they would be in good hands if anything should happen to them. Lexi’s mother went to a special school. This is offered when they see a need for new helpers in the community. Some would be Police Helpers, Doctor Helpers, and Store Managers. These people worked directly with the Landlords by computer, never face to face.

Lexi was pleasantly surprised by her mother’s excitement. She was happy to have her mother come along. Gloria walked over and announced that she wanted to come along, too! Lexi was so surprised! She wanted to ask her earlier, but thought that she would want to stay with her parents. They were to be Scheduled in 6 months, but Gloria’s Commencement day wouldn’t be for another 8 months. They all three had a giant hug and chattered excitedly about the possible future. Barb wanted to ask Lester to join them with his family. Lexi doubted that he would go into the unknown with a child, she thought to herself, but it was worth a try. She motioned to the girls with her hand that she wanted to call somebody.

She walked over to the computer and called Brian right away to tell him all about her decision and the new additons! He was pleasantly surprised about her mother’s reaction, and thought it was great. Having a Doctor Helper around would come in handy. He told Lexi that Ted had decided to join them too. Both Ted’s and Brian’s parents were already Scheduled and gone 1 month ago, so they had been roommates for the last few weeks at Brian’s house. They were waiting on their Commencement day as well, just like Lexi. They would get house assignments and everything would move on to the next step.

With this group, they decided to take Brian’s larger truck, instead of Barbs car, it had a lot of room for people and storage. Also, being together made them all feel better. Lexi talked to Brian while Gloria worked on Lexi’s hair. After an hour they decided to hang up and get ready for their journey. She could hardly wait to see Brian tonight! She hated to be without him.

After talking with the girls, Barb went downstairs to talk to Lester. Lexi could hear them in the living room. It didn’t look like he was interested. He had a life that he didn’t want to leave behind. He would die anyway, he stated, and wanted to keep his family safe in the zone. That’s understandable. Not knowing if disease would kill your family and where would they get food or shelter? He had all good points. But this meant that they couldn’t see him anymore. Lexi shut her bedroom door and let them have their conversation privately. He left shortly after it started to get loud and slammed the back door behind him. Lexi’s mother was upset but started to gather things together for the journey.

After they were done talking together about the escape and her party, Gloria went home and got her essentials together then put them in Lexi’s garage. When Gloria left her house, Lexi finished putting her stuff together and put her bags in there as well. This way everything was together for later that night.

As Lexi was going back inside her house, some yelling and screaming caught her attention. At the neighbors’ house across from Gloria’s place, a man was struggling with the police. Another person had to be carried to their doom, Lexi thought. What must that man be thinking, feeling, wanting to do yet in his life? These questions were going through Lexi’s mind. They were afraid. Nobody wanted to die and knowing when didn’t help. She continued on her way, without much but the one glance at the sight. She had seen it before, hundreds of times.

As she walked into her kitchen, she decided to take her cat to her brothers’ house. He would take good care of Tinka. He had already left for his home a while ago so she would have to drive over. When he saw the cat he could think of his mother and sister. It was the perfect gift for him. So she called Gloria and they took the cat over to his place before her big night started. She also took over some albums and keepsakes for him. It was a bit of a drive, but they had a few hours until they had to be at home.

They stayed to visit for a little while and talked about the good times they had as a family. She could remember great moments when they were all together, playing card games around the table or outside planting the garden in the Spring. How she used to throw mud pies at her brother and he would fling them right back at her. She smiled as she spoke and they laughed for a long time.

After their laughter died down, there was a frantic knock on the front door. Lester’s neighbor was standing there and fell into his arms at the doorway. He was worried about his family and he didn’t want to die. He cried and ran to sit in the corner of the room on the floor. Lester went over to him, trying to comfort his friend. The man kept saying over and over again, I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die, as he hugged his own knees and rocked back and forth. Lester asked her to get his friend a glass of water and the blue pills in