Hi guys! This is my first fanfiction about the Unwanteds. I made my own OC, but I might write another from Lani's POV. Please review!
Disclaimer: I don't own the book The Unwanteds or any of their characters!
Evelyn looked at her calendar-the dreaded day had arrived, the Purge. Ever since Evelyn turned eight, and began her studies about the three groups of Quill-Wanted, Unwanted, and Necessary-she's known that she would be classified as an Unwanted, the one who was too creative, too bold to stay in the quiet, strict Quill. Evelyn had been born afraid of only one thing-death. She constantly thought about what happened when she died, if she would still consciously be in control of her mind. Evelyn did not want to be eliminated. Right then, she began to force her temptations down, she tried desperately not to show any of her infractions. Trying for Wanted-the highest position for a regular acquaintance in Quill-seemed impossible, so Evelyn decided that the best shot she could have was being a Necessary, which was middle level in Quill. It was better to stay in Quill than get thrown out of Quill. Now, after five years of hard work, thirteen year old Evelyn wondered if she was good enough to stay.
"Time to see if all that work has been paid off!" She murmured, very softly, so only she could hear. Quickly, she combed through her short reddish brown hair. It came up to her neck now, and was growing out. Evelyn hoped she wouldn't have to cut it anytime soon; she wanted it to be longer than shoulder-length. Her tanned skin seemed paler as she walked calm, stiff steps toward the table, where her parents-a Wanted and a Necessary-sat. They ate their breakfast of toast and gruel solemnly, and her mother-Anna-looked at her daughter's face for any sign of nervousness.
"It won't be too bad Evelyn; I haven't seen you show any infractions." Anna encouraged, passing some butter to Evelyn for her toast, "Most likely you won't become Unwanted, you should be at least Necessary, like your father!" Evelyn nodded uncertainly, trying not to tremble with fear as she finished her breakfast. Together, the family walked to the gathering spot and waited. First, Wanteds were called. Evelyn didn't take much note of any of them, but she was only slightly disappointed her name wasn't called.
The Necessaries were next. Evelyn stood up straighter. A few names were called, Evelyn nervously waited.
"Evelyn Rebelle Oiseau-Chanteur!" Evelyn felt a great rush of relief.
"Thank Goodness!" She whispered, then, looking up at her mom, added, "Sorry I'm not a Wanted," Anna smiled. Gently, she leaned down and whispered.
"No matter what you are, my dear, I will always accept you and be proud of you." Touched, Evelyn looked into her mother's eyes, her clear hazel eyes meeting dark pools of blue.
"Even if I was Unwanted?" Evelyn asked doubtfully, Anna only smiled.
"I suppose you should get a farm job, it's better than the ones that put Ancients to sleep," She commented, not answering Evelyn's question. Evelyn took the hint, and nodded in agreement.
"As an, ahem, Wanted, I'll put in a good word for you," Anna winked, and Evelyn felt a bit more at ease. Evelyn watched as the Unwanteds were ushered away, and suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for them. One girl looked very young.
"Mom, that Unwanted doesn't look thirteen…" Evelyn whispered, and her mother looked uncomfortable.
"I don't think…" Anna trailed off uncertainly, "Well, some children develop more slowly than others," she said finally. Pity she won't have time to finish developing! Evelyn thought, pushing the words back down her throat, I'm lucky to be chosen as Necessary, I cannot reveal I'm Unwanted now! Evelyn forced herself to nod.
"Yes, mother." She muttered stiffly, "Let us return home." Anna nodded briskly.
"Your father will be working in the farms, so we'll have the day by ourselves," She said, calmly, "Perhaps we should clean the house and pack up your things?" Her voice was curt, and Evelyn knew it was not an offer, but an order.
"Of course," Evelyn murmured, "anything you wish, for it's the last day I will be here." Anna nodded, pleased that her daughter was acting like any other Quillian.
"We may talk about…what's coming, about your new duties. I will see to it that you are given a farm job, unless you'd rather do the other job of Necessaries?" Evelyn shook her head in small shakes.
"No mother, working at a farm will be fine, thank you." Evelyn kept her head bowed low in respect until they reached their home. Anna paused by the door, and gave Evelyn a stern look.
"Remember Evelyn Rebelle Oiseau-Chanteur, I am your mother."