Today is the day of the intellect exams. Am I scared? Yes. This test will determine my life, future, and even my family. I've only taken it once before, when I was 6. As did everyone else in this room. I am in a trance, terrified of what to come. I try to remember back to when I was 6. The test was an intense series of questions that ended when you get a question wrong or when your brain aches to the point that you must give up. The questions get harder and harder until you feel like you are exploding with stress and frustration. This is all while surveyors watch behind a glass pane. You can't see them, but they can see every distinct movement that you make. I've heard that the 16's tests are even more severe then the 6's.

"Snap out of it Hayley!" a female voice crawls into my thoughts. I look up from my food and see my friend, Abbey, staring intently at me. "It's just a test".

"I know. I'm just..." what was I doing? "I'm just examining my food". That is the first thought that comes to my mind. I giggle.

Abbey laughs while rolling her eyes and goes back to eating.

Will I still be friends with Abbey after the test? Will I still be with my family? What if my mark is low and I become a one or two, stuck cleaning up after people or transporting children to school on a bus, scolding one if they get too loud? Or, if I get a higher mark, like a nine and inventing new technologies to help or city. That would be hell. Science is my least favourite subject at school. To have it be my full time job would be one of the worst things to happen to me. Actually, the worst would to be exiled from the safety of this city's walls, out to unknown land and territory not even explored by some curious farmer 3s.

A palm slaps me on the back of my head, breaking my train of thought, and pushes my face into my food. I raise my head to see three bulky boys laughing, at the mess they created on my face. They're 7s.

"Whoops! My mistake" the bulkiest one, Liam, snickers. He puckers his lips and bats his eyes mockingly.

"Get out of here Liam" Abbey advises. Her eyes are menacing. I know she only does it to protect me, but I hate it. Just because I'm small doesn't mean I can't stick up for myself.

"Or what? It's not like her librarian four parents are here to stick up for her" he huffs back. That one stings. Like Abbey, my parents protect me, except a little too much. My father was a seven before his intellect exam. His large frame frightens off almost anyone who meets him. He used to scare me, but now he is comforting, someone I can count on to make me feel better. My mother on the other hand is where I get my size. Though she can't protect me from my fears, I can always consult her on them.

I stare at Liam and his gang through narrowed eyes and try looking threaten. They stand, unflinching. I sigh, wipe my lunch from my face and stare down at my messy plate.

I have always wanted to be a seven. It's because of people like Liam that I am iffy about it. They guard the city from the terrors that live beyond the wall. They seem to be brave and fearless. When I was younger, I wondered why guarding the city would require such a large intellect level. I have concluded that mental readiness is a skill most people lack, except for those with higher intellect levels.

"Will all 16's please gather in the commons? Intellectual exams are about to commence" I stiffen as the voice announces this over the school intercom. Liam and his gang finally walk off. Abbey stands, but I hesitate. Finally, I get up and follow the crowd of 16s toward the commons, towards our futures.