The Registry Read Free Page B

nicer husband who will let you keep in contact . . .”
    “I’m not anyone’s property!” Mia said. “You realize that my getting married means we will never see each other again either. You’re my best friend. Please, I need to get away from this, and I need your help to do it.”
    “No, no way. We’ve always known we would part once you got married. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your world.”
    “We’ll disguise ourselves as boys! Nobody will notice,” Mia said. “And if we get caught it’s not like anything will have changed for you. I’ve heard you say a thousand times you think you’re destined for a life as government property. What if there is some sweet boy down in Mexico waiting to meet you? If you leave with me, you can have the life you want.”
    Mia knew this was a good argument.
    But Whitney’s pensive expression went flat—and then she shook her head.
    “You know what the Registry Guide says. The success rate of RAG agents? It’s over ninety-nine percent. I think that’s why most girls aren’t stupid enough to run away.”
    “The success rate is so high because nobody tries!” Mia said. Girls are programmed so young that none of them attempt to escape; they think they are living the only life possible. She had more faith in that one piece of paper from Unique Girl than the whole Registry Guide . “Please! I can’t do this alone. I’m not clever or smart enough. I need you.”
    Waves of emotion crossed Whitney’s face. Mia reached out and grabbed her hand.
    “What’s gotten into you?” Whitney asked. “A few months ago you would’ve been bragging nonstop about your price tag, and now you want to run from a dream life?”
    Mia just stared at Whitney, refusing to answer. The dream no longer existed. After several minutes of silence Whitney let out a sigh and nodded her head. Mia leaned over and hugged her friend.
    “I’m not doing this for you. I think you’re crazy and making a mistake, but I’ve been in the Registry for over six months now; in six more months I’ll be married to the government. I haven’t had a single prospect, and I want to get married. If we are going to do this, we need a plan. We need to do this right.” Whitney sounded stern. “When would we leave?”
    “All I know is what you know,” Mia said.
    “We need to plan. We need a map and a method of transportation. We need to start storing food, figure out the distance, and get ready to pose as men.” Whitney was taking charge. “Use every chance you can to learn about travel and Mexico. The more information we have, the better we can do. That means trying to get access to a computer, or at least a newspaper or a book.”
    “But that will draw my parents’ attention, and I’ve never touched the computer in my life,” Mia said.
    “I know you’re scared of your parents, but they will spit fire when you cost them half a million dollars. So suck it up and ask for a book or computer privileges.”
    Mia had never had any interest in computers; she thought they held too much information and were only necessary for men. But since Corinna’s visit she had tried desperately to get hold of one. Unfortunately her father kept his in a locked desk drawer in his locked office. She didn’t want to disappoint Whitney, so she nodded her head, promising herself she would find a way. Mia started to dream about a free life. She tuned Whitney out as she continued to babble more instructions. Mia could feel her plan growing. Now there were two.

Chapter 3
There is nothing wrong with a girl admiring her own beauty. It is a pleasant and acceptable way to pass the time. Focusing on positive attributes increases her ability to highlight them.
—The Registry Guide for Girls
    C an I please see my page?”
    Mia’s father, David, looked up from his papers and over at his daughter. It was rare for her to come into his office uninvited.
    “Now? It’s the middle of the day. I still have to get some orders