Part Two, Chapter 1: Quite a Surprise

At first I did not know what to do. When I saw what the note said from the dark haired girl, I was shocked. Love in relationships is forbidden. I thought she was a member of the thoughtpolice, that she wanted to turn me in and have me killed. But she seemed to be on my side. I wondered how I would get in contact with her. For many days of frustration and restlessness I thought about her. I thought about the Party's close watch on everyone, and how it would be nearly impossible to get in touch with her. I could only hope that for those few days she would not change her mind and decide to avoid me. Maybe she thought I was ugly and not worth it and decided against any relationship. Only short glimpses of her assured me that she was still around. Finally, I saw her sitting at a table alone in the canteen, and was able to get to her before anyone else got in the way. In a quick conversation she told me that we were to meet in Victory Square, later that same day. I could barely control my emotions through the rest of the workday. I was filled with a mix of excitement, fear, and joy. I wanted to talk more with her and get to know her. But I knew that I had to stay calm and collected and maintain the same look of grim optimism in the face of the ever watching telescreens.

Later that day I saw her in the square, and waited until the appropriate time to run up next to her. In a huge crowd of people watching the passing of a convoy carrying Eurasian prisoners, I got near enough to her to exchange a few words. She said we were to meet somewhere in the country on Sunday afternoon. I longed so much for it to be then. I could not wait to learn about her feelings about the Party. I wanted it to be just like my dream about her, except now I actually desired her. I was both sexually and emotionally attracted to her. The next few days of enduring the Party's demonstrations and ridiculous gatherings would be unbearable, but I would just have to do it for the dark haired girl.