Ch. 1
$694. Six hundred ninety-four dollars. That is what the large black number on my left wrist reads. That is how much I am worth.
I look up to face myself in the mirror. I have just rolled out of bed, so I look absolutely terrible. Appearance is everything to society, so I need to look my absolute best. Everything depends on the amount on your wrist, and a big part of that number is looking good. Major changes in the way you dress, look, or act are the only things that can make your price go up, but not looking your best will make it drop quickly.
Half an hour later, my layered brown hair is straightened, my long eyelashes coated in mascara, and my lips are a natural pink color. Blush and foundation help my general appearance as well. I chose a smokey eye look today.
Another twenty minutes and I have chosen my clothing for the day as well. I am wearing a pair of black skinny jeans with lots of zippers paired with a top that has a black outline of a tree on it. I slip on some black heels with crossing straps and a silver set of bracelets, and I am ready to head out to start my day.
A glance at my wrist reveals that I am still valued at $694. Not surprising. If it were to change, that would mean something major was going on to get me more popularity, and nothing special is happening today.
Here is a quick background on me: Brinley Lane Glass. I am 16, with light brown wavy hair and the darkest brown eyes you have ever seen. I live in a house with my mom and dad, Lilian and Scot Glass. Our place is in the middle of Essira, the area in which I go to school, live, and will one day work. Here, everything is run by appearance and the number that is on your wrist, and that number is based on your popularity and style. I am now in the second of my two years of Upper Years in school. I finish in two months.
I head down the stairs and to my right, ending up in the kitchen. My parents have left for work already, and I am an only child, so I am alone in the house. My heels make a satisfying click on the dark hardwood floors. I grab my breakfast, a single red apple, and step into the scanner. After a few seconds, it pings, letting me know that my outfit for today is acceptable. If it were to find my clothing choice unfashionable, I would be forced to change into something better.
On my way out the door, I pick up my Tab. I tap the center of the circular ring of metal, waking it up. The screen buzzes to life when it recognizes my face, and the permanent chip in my ear says, "Hello, Brinley Glass" in a monotonous voice. Everyone has a chip that is synced to their Tab. I pull up the Top Looks section for today. No surprise, but the big look for today is by Lelahni C. I look below her picture to find that she is worth about $3,200. Most people never even reach $1,000 in their lifetime.
After checking today's new looks, I continue towards the shuttle stop. I am old enough to drive my own hovercraft, but they are expensive, and I haven't saved enough yet.
I soon arrive and find my best friend, Kaden, standing near a fountain. He is tapping his foot, probably listening to music. When I walk over and tap his shoulder, he jumps. Yep, definitely music. He silences the music, and we make small talk. He and his family are doing well, and his two twin sisters are turning four next month.
The hovershuttle arrives, and we board onto it. As we fly through the city, I watch out the window for awhile, until Kaden taps my shoulder. I look his way, and he seems a bit off. He points to his wrist, and instead of saying $703 like it usually does, it reads $726. Something big is going on. I check my own left wrist, but my number has remained at a constant $694. Before I have time to think too much about it, though, we pull up to the school. Time to get to work.