Introduction:

Max's POV:

Boom! Thunder could be heard outside the windows of my room. I slowly shifted towards my phone to see it was 11:59 pm on September 20th. In one minute I would get my first clue about who my soulmate will be. The rain pounding outside represented my pounding heart in anticipation. Please don't let it be Warren. I mean he is a nice guy, but I honestly see him as a brother figure. Tick! Tick! Tick! I didn't need to check my clock because I felt an unbearable burning feeling on my arm. This pain throbbed for around five minutes until it finally eased. Slowly, I open my eyes to see a blue butterfly design on my wrist. My mind raced trying to place the picture to a person, but my body was exhausted and I passed out.

Beep! Beep! Beep! I looked over to my alarm to see it was 7:30 AM. Eventually, I got ready and walked to class. Slowly, I set my stuff down as Kate Marsh rushed over to me.

"Hi, Max! Happy Birthday!" Kate greeted me as she handed me a light blue gift bag. Inside there was a pair of camera socks, a bar of chocolate, and a homemade card.

"Aww! Kate you really didn't have to do this. Thank you!" I replied with a bashful grin on my face. I swear Kate Marsh is the sweetest friend in the world!

"Yes, I did! You are like a sister to me Max. Anyways did you get your soulmate mark last night?" She asked with anticipation on her face. Weird! I kinda forgot about that.

"I did! Even though I have no idea who the mark is supposed to represent." I claimed with a disappointed look on my face. However, her eyes still gleamed with hope.

"I guess we are in the same boat. If you don't mind could I see your mark? Maybe I could help you figure yours out," she asked. I shook my head, and slowly raised my sweatshirt sleeve to reveal the glowing blue butterfly. Her eyes went big, but then turned back to confusion. Kate sat there for a few minutes quietly, but slowly shook her head.

"Sorry, Max. I don't think I could figure it out," she said softly. I smiled and gave her a light hug.

"Don't worry about it, Kate! We have our whole lives to figure it out," I replied trying to cheer her up. She returned the smile.

"I'm sure we will find our soulmates eventually," she said as the bell rang loudly bringing us back to our seats. I don't need to focus on my soulmate today; However, I probably should get to work on the Everyday Heroes contest. Little did I know the chaos to come in my future.

Chloe's POV (March 10, 11:59pm):

I lay on the front of an old trunk in the junkyard next to Rachel Amber. The crackling of fire filled the air as I patiently waited to turn 18. I had no doubt that Rachel is my soulmate, and once we figured that out we were going to ditch this town. Suddenly, my shoulder felt like it was on fire, and I bit my tongue so I wouldn't scream. Rachel held onto me as I tried to gain my composure once again. After five minutes and soft whispers from Rachel, I opened my eyes to see a brown doe on my shoulder. My certainty that Rachel was my soulmate was wavering.

"Chloe, do you think we are?" she started. Instead of taking time to think I locked my lips with Rachel. Her face was full of surprise, and I felt immense pain and tasted death. Quickly, I sat back and tears filled my vision.

"We aren't soulmates are we?" I asked with trembling in my voice. She looked at me with the charisma I had always admired.

"Don't you worry about it! I'm not 18 yet remember. I don't think the bond starts until we are both 18," she claimed with hope.

"Your right! We totally are soulmates," I cheered as she wrapped her arm around me. Despite her hope, I had a feeling deep down that we were delaying the inevitable. Slowly, I got up, said my goodbyes, and walked back to my house. Hopefully, Step douche isn't waiting for me to get home. Right on cue! Crap! They are both awake and I hear step-douche shouting. 

"Hun, Chloe is probably out with her friends. Remember how it was when you turned 18," Joyce comforted. 

"I don't particularly like those 'friends' because they seem like they are always up to trouble. Plus, I ordered her to get back at 10 pm and it is 1 am!" He shouted.

"Frank, you need to stop treating Chloe like a soldier and recognize she is an adult now. She will be back soon, just give her some time. It is a big night after all," Joyce snapped back. Why did my mom marry that jerk of a man?

"Fine! I am going to the garage if you need me I will be there." he softened as his footsteps left. I waited until he was gone until I snuck through the front door. 

"Chloe is that you?" Joyce asked with a soft tone. I walked towards her voice. I sat down at the kitchen table to see the worried yet excited look on my mother's face.

"Hi mom," I replied trying to cover up the fact that I was crying. Of course, that wouldn't fool her as she softly placed her hand on my shoulder. 

"I'm guessing Rachel isn't your soulmate," she said. 

"I don't know for sure, but when I kissed her tonight I could only feel pain. I know she isn't 18 yet, so she believes there still is a chance; however, I don't know," I cried breaking down in my mother's arms.

"I'm sorry hun. She isn't your soulmate. When I met your father, he hadn't yet turned 18, and his mark appeared in my presence. If you don't mind, may I see your mark?" she asked as I was still trying to process what she just said. Maybe mom's case was different. There still might be a chance for me to still be with Rachel. Startled, I took off my black jacket to reveal the doe, and my mom's eyes grew wide. 

"What is it?" I asked with concern in my voice. She didn't respond but just stood with her mouth agape. 

"It can't be.." she stuttered. My curiosity was burning at this point. I couldn't get any more out of her, and she wouldn't tell me anything. I huffed, sat up, and went to bed. As I lay down I could only think of the confusion I had until I passed out.