i

ed up part of the sandwich, took a bite, and struggled to swall

ming-of-age ceremony that was delivered to me two weeks ago.

al Inv

Lia B

ony, a momentous occasion marking this significant milestone in your life. This celebrat

t De

day, the 6t

e: 9:

vent and to fully immerse yourself in the process. The ceremony afterward will include hear

attendance. You may respon

d honoring your journey into adulthood. Should you have any questi

reg

n Sc

curl in on myself, ignoring the overwhelming anxiety that I was unable to shake. All my

g-of-age ceremony in a little less than a week. It would mark my transitio

under their weighted steps. I whipped my head around so fa

hand grasping my still-poun

ping herself besi

ia? I've been looking everywher

my lower lip, anxiet

oming-of-age ceremon

" she cried. "I

k the medicine which increased your scent production. It

found your mat

a. I found

widened to the size

n result. Two weren't unhea

iggled. "You know Max and Xa

n the rugb

y are going to

going to be stuck mated to two guys from the college rugby time. Most of t

to the college rugby team. Along with his four friends Colby, Rain, Matt, and Jess

ry single game. After they died, I kept up

o my celebration

mone, you are

caping her when she noticed my crum

ven't RSVP'd. What

e me squirm in my seat and look away. I didn't want to disappoi

f. Simone was able to break

he coming-of-age cere

with a knife. I managed to meet Simone's gaze, wi

at's not

t to do it. I've never wanted to do it but everyone ac

use i

head. "It's

ne whispered, horror flashing across her face. "Remember Alison Larson who graduated a year be

one I'm close t

orget abou

loved my brother more than anything, even though sometimes

about my brother, Li

t's relevant! If you leave the

rs slumped

ign it and re

and you're nervous about who might be picked to be your ma

ing to have a mate, someone constantly at my side, but I held back. Simone was so h

*

artan skirt, my hand hovering just inches from the door to t

the nurse

Wu saw me,

per. For a moment I thought you weren't going to retu

andalous it would be of

but you know I'm right, Lia.

e first person to p

es. "Go on and ge

e rushing through me. Why was everyone

ated to. My parent's mating ceremony worked out and so did my brothers. He fo

to the database and be encouraged to try the ceremony again i

e at least the person tried to complete the mating ceremony. I wish

usual seat beside Simone. She leaned clos

submit th

the ceremony next wee

und so our teacher didn't look back and see th

e who your mates ar

at

wo mates now,"

rm is to have on

d of a girl

mfortably in my seat.

ne said, giggling

d across the classroom, making my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. I wa

er," I mouthed

coming-of-age ceremony was so close. No need