Project Lightning, page 9
A smile breaks out over my face. “Yeah. You know, you're right. I can visit her.” My heart is light for the first time in a while. “Thanks, Sozanski.”
“No problem.” He mutters and turns to Storrey.
We enter the dormitory to find a flurry of activity. The stripping of beds, packing of bags. I walk through into the girl’s dormitory. Davies is all packed up and ready to go. She’s sitting on her bed with her head in her hands. I touch her shoulder and she looks up at me with tears in her eyes. “It's going to be okay.”
“No it isn't,” she cries. “My father is going to kill me.”
I narrow my eyes on her. I can’t imagine why her father would want to kill her for failing out of an extremely limited program. “Why?” I ask curiously.
“Because I didn't make it,” she howls in despair.
She throws herself into my arms dramatically and I scramble to catch her before she falls. Her wails are ear piercing as she breaks down in my arms. I soothe her and try to quiet her shrill noise. This isn’t the confident person that began training here. This is the scared little girl who desperately wants to please her parents.
“Hey,” I say louder than I should. She jerks and looks up at me. “Your father is not going to kill you. So buck up. You’re going to leave here knowing you tried hard and didn't make it. Then you are going to go on to another fruitful career. Do you understand me?”
She smiles through her tears, wipes her face, and stands up. She pulls me in for a hug. I stiffen because I was not expecting that. “Thank you,” she whispers as she gathers her things and walks out into the boy's dormitory.
I smile lightly to myself before looking up and seeing Juliet standing across the hall. Her bags on the floor and her jacket in her hand. My face instantly falls and tears prick the corner of my eyes.
“You going to tell me to buck up too?” She asks softly. Her eyes are shadowed with her long lashes and I can see streaks down her cheeks.
I chuckle lightly. “No.” We fall into each other’s arms, relishing the closeness and the warmth of each other’s embrace. “I'm going to miss you.” I say as we rock each other closely. I pull back slightly.“This isn't goodbye.”
She shakes her head fiercely. “Nope. It's not.” She replies as she takes a step back and dries her tears.
I smile grimly. “I love you, Juliet.” We had never said it to each other before and it was odd to say it now. But it had to be said.
She shakes her head and snickers.“Love you too, Brin.” We part and look at each other. Her hair is a mess and her eyes are red-rimmed and watery. A laugh escapes my lips. I can imagine I look just as good. My hand lands on my half fallen bun and she joins in. It feels good to laugh when my whole world feels like it is collapsing. Our laughter dissipates and her lips fall.“See you later?”
I sober quickly. “Yeah,” I say. “See you later.” My chest aches and my stomach flips as I think about going on without her.
She grabs her bags and heads for the door. “Look me up when you come to town.”
I meet her eyes and she gives me one last smile. I try to smile back but I feel like I fail at it. “I will.” I assure her and that is one promise I intend to keep.
As the door swings closed, I take a moment to take stock of my life. Everything and everybody I’ve ever cared about is gone. My heart sinks for a moment, but then I think about what I’ve gained. I know more about my parents than I ever have. I know something happened that made them run away from this place. I have to find out more about them. If this is what I need to do to get it, then so be it.. I will be alright. I’m going to make it. No matter what.
Chapter 14
I walk into the mess hall with my things. Surprisingly, packing was easy now that it was all organized. Who would have thought? Sozanski and Storey are waiting.
“Did you get to say goodbye?” Sozanski asks.
“Yeah.” I say wistfully. I miss her already. Her presence was a comfort in my sea of chaos. I look back up at Sozanski and he has a solemn expression on his face. I remember his words to me earlier and I am bolstered by them. “But it wasn't good-bye. It was see you later.”
Sozanski grins and pats my back. I place my things on the ground and take a seat. We had an hour to get ready, which should be up right about now. As I think this to myself, Caleb comes striding in. His expression flat. But his eyes are troubled. We grab our things and follow him out of the building. Walking through another security door, we stop.
Walking quickly as possible across a large flat parking lot, I notice a couple of military trucks parked in the back tucked against a humongous building. I look up and feel like I am going to fall over. As I look forward, I see an oasis in the sea of concrete and asphalt. The park that I spotted from our bus ride in, looms in front of us. A fragrant waft of lilacs and lilies slam into me and I instantly inhale. My body relaxes as I take in several fir trees and morning glories going up the side of a trellis.
A set of large frosted glass doors loom before us and I am hesitant to enter. Not knowing what is ahead of me scares me. A thought pops into my head. If I want to know about my parents, I must go on. This gives me the confidence to step through the door into what could only be considered another oasis.
The Atrium is beautiful. Exotic plants, most of which I don’t know the name for, litter various areas on the edge of the large room. The humidity is almost stifling and I can feel the sweat trickle down between my shoulder blades. I recognize a couple of flowers in planters scattered through the middle of the room. I notice hydrangeas and irises poking from their well manicured bed. I hear the trickle of water somewhere in the back. Stone paths circulate amongst the planters with benches at most of them. The scent is strong and I inhale deeply. I could see myself spending some time in this room.
Several rooms go off the Atrium and look like meeting rooms or lounges. Couches litter the rooms and each has a television on the wall. Caleb turns toward us. “This is the Atrium and visiting center. On your scheduled visiting day, you’ll meet your parents here. As you can see, several visiting rooms are available or you can explore the gardens outside. Visits are limited to these two areas due to the nature of this facility.”
We go through a door in the back and scan our IDs. Our name and specialization is displayed on the screen. Sozanski and Storrey are Strength. I am Technology. We walk in and are instantly stilled. The massive gym is filled with students milling around throwing massive medicine balls. Several students are competing on who can get through the expanded obstacle course.
One of the students slaps his friend on the shoulder and points to us. I instantly shrink. The noise slowly goes to silence as each student looks over at us. A slow clap begins followed by hooahs. The chant, I am told, is from the Army of old. Well the Army from before the war. It is also the chant of Zeus. We are rushed by the students and I take a step back from the group. Panic starts to well up inside as I watch them surround and pick up Sozanski and Storrey. I look over at Sozanski and his smile is bright. My panic recedes as I am surrounded by laughing and chanting bodies. They lift me up. I feel light as a feather and I laugh loudly. My head is thrown back as I glide over the sea of bodies below me. My heart hammers with excitement. I am light with laughter. Soaking in the acceptance of the other students, I finally feel like I belong.
I am dropped back at the entrance in front of Caleb. His eyes burn into me and I am instantly sobered. I need to find out what I did wrong. At first, I thought maybe it was his way of keeping his distance until I made it to training, but now I don't know.
“Private Fish!” he bellows behind him.
An attractive blonde pops up beside him. A hint of jealousy stirs in my belly until I realize I do not even have Caleb anymore. The insignia on her sleeve denotes the same rank as Caleb. That means they must be in the same year of training.“Yeah, Warner.”
“Why don't you take our newest recruit to the first year girls dormitory?” He nods his head in my direction and I see her eyes lock on me.
“Sure thing, Warner. Come on..?” she pauses, waiting for my name, which I immediately offer.
Her eyes widen slightly at my name but she quickly schools her features to neutral. She is surprised by my name which makes me wonder if my parents are remembered. But I worry it might be for their desertion and not their accomplishments. “Well, come on St. Pope.” She motions for me to follow her and I grab my bags and make my way across the gym to the left.
I follow her down the hallway. When I looked back, I noticed Caleb's eyes following me before he turned to Sozanski and Storey and motioned for them to follow him down the right. I look forward and notice Fish is rattling on about something. She stops at a door and looks at me expectantly.
I am shaken from my thoughts. “I'm sorry. Did you say something?” I feel a heat rise in my cheeks and I focus my attention on her.
She smiles. “It's okay. This is all pretty overwhelming.” I nod and she continues. “I was just saying you’re the only person in the first year girl dorms for now. If you want some company, the second year dorms are right next door.”
“Okay.” I say slowly. Her invitation makes me nervous. I am not sure what to expect from this place. So far it has been great but something feels off. Like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.
She nods briefly. “Well chow is in about 30 minutes so if you want to drop your bags, I can give you a quick tour.” Her bubbly personality instantly relieves my anxiety. She reminds me a lot of an older Maddy. Not her outward appearance. Her bright blue eyes and golden blonde hair pulled back from a heart shaped face are a far cry from Maddy’s round youthful face. But in her personality. Maddy was always one to find the silver lining in any cloud. My heart sinks as I am overcome with homesickness. It is the first time I have thought of my family since I left and I feel embarrassed by my lack of care for the people who raised me.
I nod and we walk in. I check on my entrance slip and see I am in 1-4. I walk into the room and it is pretty much the same as the evaluation barracks. I put my stuff down and look back at Fish.
“Your uniforms will be delivered tonight.” She looks over my shoulder at my entrance slip. “Technology. Cool. I'm a second year in that program. The first year is pretty basic. If you’re anything like me, you’ll breeze through the assignments.”
I nod because I can’t think of anything to say and we walk out of the dorms. She takes me into the second year dorm and introduces me to a couple of the girls. We leave and head down the hallway. “Through here is the entertainment lounge. It's for when we are not training and just want to relax.”
We walk a little further down and she opens a door but closes it quickly. “Sorry. It's occupied, but this is the computer lab. It’s available during off hours but there is a contract you have to sign to use the computers.”
I peek in the lab and see two people looking like they just got done doing something. But that isn't what I am shocked by. When I look again, it is Caleb pulling his shirt back on. My stomach instantly sours and I feel vomit rising in my throat.
Asking where the bathroom is, I rush inside and expel this morning's breakfast. Fish rushes after me and gets a paper towel. When my heaving is over, I look up at Fish with teary eyes. “Nerves, I guess,” I lie.
“Yeah.” she says sarcastically. “It just so happens you look in at those people in the lab and suddenly your nerves take over.” Two more recruits come in and she whispers. “We’ll talk about it later.”
I nod, dreading that conversation. As I walk out of the bathroom, I see Caleb and the girl walking out of the computer lab. My stomach turns again but I hold it down. Giving him the most scathing look I can, I walk away. Fish looks at me then him and glares at him. He stops suddenly and looks confused.
She pulls me away with her hand over my shoulder. Tears pool in my eyes as I walk away from him. I am completely confused by his actions. I really am no good with relationships. “So I’m guessing lunch isn’t a good idea,” she mumbles.
I shake my head and keep walking. “Ok. Why don't I show you the way to the classrooms and then you can call your parents.” I nod slightly. “By the way, my name is Kayla.”
“Brinna. But my friends call me Brin.”
“Nice to meet you Brin,” she says as she holds out her hand.
“You too, Kayla,” I shake her hand awkwardly and we both chuckle.
She smiles sympathetically and we walk to the left. She points out the mess hall on the right, but we walk left down another hallway. Kayla points out several different classrooms. When we get to the end of the hall, she points out the door to the security center and classroom computer lab. I again ogle at the computers through the window and Kayla laughs. We turn around and walk back toward the mess hall.
As we walk into the student lounge, she shows me the phone area. I walk into one of the booths and close the door. I pick up the phone and dial home.
“Hello?” Aunt Myrna answers. It is so good to hear her voice. Tears prick in the corner of my eyes as I think about how much I miss them.
“Hi, Aunt Myrna,” I reply.
“Oh, Brinna! Greg, it’s Brinna,” she yells off the phone. Her excitement is almost infectious and I smile despite my inner turmoil. “How are you sweetie?”
“I’m good.” I rasp as I feel my throat constrict. Tears are threatening to spill over and I have to swallow several times to regain my composure slightly.
“Good, so did you make it?” She asks before I hear another phone pick up.
“Brinna!” I hear Maddy's sweet voice. Tears begin to roll down my cheeks at her voice and I have to swallow a couple times to respond.
“Maddy,” I say as the tears fall harder. Salty water hits my lips and lick them quickly.
“Brinna. Are you okay?” Aunt Myrna asks with concern. I take a deep breath in an attempt to control my emotions. I hope there are no cameras in here to see my weakness.
“Yeah. I am. Just a little homesick.” I admit. My voice seems raspy in my ear and I clear my throat.
“Well, we miss you too, sweetie.”
I smile and feel truly happy for the first time today. “So how are you guys?”
“We’re fine, sweetie. Oh, here’s Uncle Greg,” she says excitedly.
“Hey, kiddo,” he says. Hearing him use my childhood nickname makes me smile.
“Hey, Uncle Greg,” I say as happily as I can manage while choking back my tears.
“So, how did the evaluations go?” he asks with his deep and strong voice.
“It went well.” I contemplate telling him about my parents, but decide it would be better to talk when I finally get leave. “I was first in my evaluation class.”
“That’s awesome! Congratulations!” he exclaims but his voice doesn’t seem completely happy. I never thought he might want me to fail so I could be out of this place.
“Thanks,” I say sheepishly. “So I want to tell you; visiting day is in about eight weeks. I’ll send you information, along with your passes.”
“I remember,” Uncle Greg says solemnly. His mood souring immediately and I regret my words immediately. He must be remembering visiting his brother while he was here.
“Okay. Well, I can't talk for long, but wanted to call and let you know I made it.” I’m sobered by his tone. Despite my initial desperation to talk to my family. My uncle’s tone makes me want to hang up early.
“Congratulations Brinna!” Maddy yells in the phone and I pull it away from my ear for a moment. I chuckle lightly. “Thanks.”
“Love you, Brin!” she yells. My chest seizes momentarily and I am awed by her excitement. Despite my uncle’s tone, she makes this call worth it.
“Love you too, Maddy.” I reply wistfully. For that very moment, wishing I could be there with her.
She hangs up and Uncle Greg speaks. “Be careful Brin. We love you.”
“I will, and I love you too,” I say.
“Love you sweetie,” Aunt Myrna yells from the background.
“Tell Aunt Myrna I love her too.”
“I will. Talk to you later.”
“Bye,” he says.
“Bye.” I hang up the phone and sit there for a second. It is hard being away from my family but I hope that being away will be good. If not good at least useful. My parents' memory looms in my thoughts and I am more determined than ever. I will find out what happened to them.
I get up and walk back into the lounge. I look around for Kayla, but don't see her so I head down toward my dorm room. As I approach I hear voices talking in a loud whisper. It is almost like they are fighting and don’t want to be caught. A part of me is curious as to what they can be fighting about but it is none of my business. I turn to continue into the dormitory when I hear one of them say my name. Curiosity gets the better of me and I tiptoe down the hall. I wasn’t prepared for the sight I saw. Kayla and Caleb talking lowly in an alcove.
“What the fuck does that have to do with anything, Caleb? You fucking hurt her.” Kayla states plainly. I am surprised by her vehemence considering we only met this morning. But in this moment, I am more concerned with what Caleb is saying.
“She is Marcus' daughter, Kayla,” Caleb says, his voice low like he’s trying to conceal a secret. Marcus? So my father is remembered for his failure and not his accomplishments.
Kayla gasps and pauses. Her face, though partially concealed in shadow, is one of shock. The blood is drained and she stares into Caleb’s eyes. I am sure that I have lost another friend already. If I could even call her a friend. “Are you sure?”
Caleb’s head slices once through the air. “Yeah. Barnum told me last Monday,” he confirms.
So that’s why he is being cold toward me; because of who my father is. Whoever he is. They are silent for several moments and Kayla looks to be considering his words. “That may be but it doesn’t give you the right to lead her on.”
