by Yazz Ustaris
I stumbled to my feet and made a beeline for my bathroom to brush my teeth. I really didn’t have that many personal effects in my room, just a small pile of clothes and my sneakers. I threw my toiletries haphazardly on top of my clothes, zipped the top of my duffel bag, and headed back for the Common Room in record time.
Gideon and Sam were just exiting their rooms when I walked out. We each looked at each other in anticipation. I couldn’t believe we’d be sleeping in the new building tonight! This evening was just turning out to be one surprise after another.
“Wow that was quick! Are you guys all ready?” asked Jamie. We all nodded our heads as Sergeant Ramsey began leading us out of the Common Room. I briefly paused in the doorway to look back at the living room we had all hung out in for the past six months. I was gonna miss that little room. We had some happy memories in there.
Turning back around, I noticed that Sam and Gideon had lingered behind to wait for me. I couldn’t help but feel a little sentimental and I suspected that the guys were probably feeling the same way. After all, tomorrow was gonna be a whole new ball game. None of us really knew what to expect. Walking in a single file line, we made our way through the Mess Hall and out the main door where a black van with tinted windows awaited.
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but I was surprised to discover that the other barracks was approximately three miles away. In my mind I had thought it was much closer. Since the van had black tinted windows, and since it was night time, I couldn’t really see anything interesting outside my window. It was completely silent inside the van and the gentle swaying motion as we drove over bumps on the uneven path made me feel like I was being rocked to sleep. In no time at all, we were driving through a new set of armored gates and the sergeant parked right in front of the double glass doors to what I assumed was our new Mess Hall. I gawked at how huge it looked from the outside. We all scrambled from our seats and grabbed our duffle bags as we followed our leaders inside our new home.
Dim lights showed that the Mess Hall was completely vacant. I guess it would be at 1am. Sergeant Ramsey and Dr. Duffy stopped in the middle of the Mess Hall and informed us that this was where we were splitting off for the night. They were going to lead the guys to their room in the opposite wing. I dropped my duffel on the floor and gave fierce hugs to both Sam and Gideon, informing them that I’d see them both tomorrow. I watched them as they walked away. Sam turned his head once to look back at me, and I saw the uncertainty in his eyes before they all turned the corner and disappeared out of sight.
I blew out a deep breath before looking at Jamie. No doubt I was suffering from the same dose of separation anxiety that Sam was. I normally didn’t have a problem with change, but seeing Sam’s expression when we parted ways made me feel a little apprehensive over all the changes that tomorrow would bring. Internally, I knew that everything would be okay. I didn’t believe the military staff would have any reason to lie to us. Peeking again at Jamie, she just smiled at me tenderly and linked her arm through mine to lead me down the opposite hallway. Instinctively, she could probably take a guess at what I was feeling.
It seemed like our wing mirrored the Men’s Dorm exactly because we had to turn right at the end of the hallway. Ahead of us was another long hallway with numerous doors on either side. We walked all the way to the very end of the corridor to the last door on the right. Jamie put one finger up to her lips in a gesture to proceed quietly. Nodding my head, I felt my eyes scrunch tightly shut as a huge yawn escaped my mouth. When I opened my eyes, the door was already open and Jamie was motioning me to follow her inside the room. A faint night light on the wall cast a hazy pink glow along one side of the room. I caught my first glimpse of my new roommate as she lay sleeping in her bed. Since it was dark, the only thing I could make out was that she was facing the wall and had her back to us.
Jamie took hold of my arm to direct me to my side of the room. She indicated that the other door in the middle, opposite of the entrance, actually led to our own private bathroom. I thought it was pretty cool that we wouldn’t have to share one huge communal bathroom with all the other girls. I felt Jamie slip my duffel off my shoulder and she turned to place it on the floor beside my bed. I didn’t argue with her when she gestured at me to get in bed. At this point, I was struggling to keep my eyes open and desperately wanted to go to sleep. Wordlessly, I sank down into my new full-sized bed and tugged my comforter up to my chin with a content sigh. Jamie leaned down to whisper, “Sweet dreams, Teagan. You can sleep in as long as you want tomorrow. I’ll come get you when it’s time to meet the other sergeants”
The last thing I remembered was the feeling of Jamie tucking my covers more securely around me, before my eyes fluttered shut and sleep finally claimed me.
8
I definitely felt like I could’ve slept another hour or two if it were possible. However, I was feeling that prickly little charge along the back of my neck and just knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was being watched. I’m not sure how I knew, I just did. It was probably what woke me up. Maybe it was that Electro Sense thingy the sergeant was talking about earlier when he mentioned characteristics of the shark DNA. I made a mental note to ask him about it the next time I saw him.
For now, I continued playing possum in an effort to gauge if the presence in the room was a threat to me in any way. I felt a little disoriented as my mind struggled to function. I was careful to keep my breathing slow and steady so that I wouldn’t give away the fact that I was awake. I caught the faint scent of peaches when I slowly inhaled my next breath. It was a pleasant smell, fresh and clean. I felt the mattress dip as a slight weight settled on the end of my bed. The last of the cobwebs cleared from my mind as I came fully awake, and it suddenly dawned on me that it was probably my new roommate Kyrie. Still, I feigned sleep curious to see what she would do. I felt the bed sink again as she shifted closer, but other than that the room was completely silent. It was actually so quiet that I almost drifted off to sleep again, but then I heard a soft sigh of impatience and knew I couldn’t play possum forever. Still, it made me wonder how long she had been lurking around waiting for me to wake up. Cautiously, I opened my eyes just the tiniest sliver so I could take in my surroundings.
That’s when I got my first glimpse of Kyrie, and in that instant, I somehow knew that she would become an integral part of our group. She had long, wavy blonde hair and an attractive heart-shaped face with cupid-bow shaped lips. Her skin was perfect and unblemished, and had the right amount of rose in her cheeks to announce good health and the fact that she was being well cared for. There was an aura of innocence about her that brought out all my protective instincts. Studying her face, I saw that she was lost in thought as she absently traced the Moonflower pattern on my duvet cover. Hey! Wait just a minute here…
I felt my eyes widen in shock as I stared at my favorite duvet. The one that was left behind in my apartment. Back in Washington. How was this possible? Kyrie must have noticed the movement of my fluttering lashes because a gasp of surprise escaped her lips as her electric blue eyes zoomed in on me.
“You’re awake! Yay!!” she exclaimed, as a dazzling smile lit up her entire face. I was assaulted with the full charm of Kyrie, as twin dimples winked at me from opposite cheeks. She’s so adorable! I just stared at her for a minute, mesmerized by her radiance. What a cutie! But what the heck is she doing here, in a place like this? I remembered the sergeant’s warning from last night and with an effort, managed to suppress my questions. Instead, I raised up on my elbows and smiled back at her.
“Good morning. You must be Kyrie. It’s nice to meet you!” My voice sounded husky from sleep.
“It’s nice to meet you too! I can’t believe we’re roommates! I’m so happy!” Kyrie bounced on the bed a little as she clapped her hands and squealed with excitement. She reminded me a little of Sam in that respect, since they were both overly dramatic when displaying emotions. I had a feeling the two of them would become fast friends. Chucklin
g, I sat up all the way in bed and brushed my hand lovingly over my comforter cover. That’s when another familiar item caught my eye. I felt my mouth pop open as I stared in shock at the painting that was hanging on the wall, opposite from my bed. It was a large mural of twelve different colored koi, painted head to fin to form the shape of a heart. The background was all white, the only colors coming from the brilliantly painted fish. It had been painted for me from a friend, back when I was still in college. I loved that piece of artwork because it was beautiful, simple, and truly one of a kind.
Kyrie saw where my attention had gone and smiled angelically at me. “A few things from your old home are here for your comfort.”
She got up and skipped over to the walk-in closet on my side of the room. With a flourish, she pulled both doors open and announced, “Ta-da! All your clothes are in here. Except for your underthings, those are over there!” She gestured to the dresser that rested against the wall alongside my bed.
Stupefied, I staggered out of my bed and darted into the closet to see for myself. Indeed, all of my stuff was in here just like Kyrie said. There were even shelves built into the closet to hold shoes, and I saw two rows filled with my boots, high heels, and sneakers. I let my fingers drift lovingly over some of my favorite blouses, and stared at Kyrie in amazement as I asked, “How is this possible?”
Kyrie considered my question for a moment before shrugging blankly at me. “You’ll have to ask Nurse Jamie when she arrives, because I forgot what she said. All I know is that when they told me you were going to be my roommate, I was SOOOO happy! And then last month, some of the sergeants delivered a bunch of boxes to this room, and Nurse Jamie asked me to help set up your half of the room. We decorated your living space together. Do you like it?”
She beamed expectantly at me, and I saw her eagerness and desire to please me reflected in her eyes. Bemused, I realized that Sergeant Ramsey hadn’t been far off the mark when he hinted that Kyrie held me on a pedestal.
Quick to reassure her, I gave her my heartfelt thanks. “I absolutely love our room. Thank you for making me feel welcome. Having my personal stuff here is a very happy surprise.” I felt my eyes tear up as I exited the closet and paused to caress the frame of my mural. “I never thought I’d see this painting again,” I admitted. “It means a lot to me that it’s here. Looking at it always brings me comfort. It reminds me of happier times.” Walking over to my dresser, I noticed my old jewelry box sat upon it. With trembling fingers, I lifted the lid to stare at the contents within. I hated that my new roommate was seeing me so emotional, but nothing could have prepared me for the shock of being re-introduced to all of my old belongings. Nearly every piece of jewelry I owned were gifts from either my parents, or my grandparents, and now here they all were…safe and sound back in my possession. They had a lot of sentimental value to me and I was happy to still have that connection to my family, even if it was just through jewelry. I picked up my favorite Ruby ring that my mom had given to me on my 18th birthday. Gazing down at it fondly, I instantly felt closer to my Mom the moment I slipped it on my index finger. The band was made of gold, so I never really felt the need to take it off. I sighed in happiness as I glanced ruefully at Kyrie.
“Being surrounded by all of my old things again is a little overwhelming. Please don’t mind my crying. These are definitely happy tears.”
Kyrie nodded her head as she informed me, “Most of us had to get all new things when we moved here. As rewards, they let us order stuff online if we behave or do well in class.” Looking to her half of the room, I saw that she had a bubble-gum pink bed spread printed with multi colored hearts. It reminded me of Valentine’s Day décor. On top of her bed was a big fluffy teddy bear in pale pink. On her dresser sat a hot pink portable stereo, and I immediately picked up on the trend.
“I guess pink is your favorite color, huh?”
She smiled brightly while nodding her head with enthusiasm. Holding her hands out to me so I could see her nails, I saw that a similar shade of pink decorated them. Her tank top was yet another shade of pink, but at least her sweatpants were a light grey in color. Eyeing her active-wear, I asked, “So what do you have planned for today?”
“I have training in the gym in a little while. My unit leader is Sergeant Kamealoha, but everyone calls her Sergeant Kami for short. There’s four people in my unit including me.” Kyrie reached up to tuck her hair behind her right ear, and I caught a flash of scarring on the inside of her wrist. Another thing she has in common with Sam. The sight was troubling, but I instantly flicked my gaze away to hide the fact that I noticed it. I could only hope that she’d confide in me sooner rather than later.
My stomach suddenly chose that moment to gurgle in hunger and I froze, wondering if Kyrie heard it. She giggled and said, “When I watched you on live cam, I always laughed over how much you ate. You’re always hungry! I heard your tummy just now so I’ll go and grab you a breakfast tray from the Mess Hall if you wanna take a quick shower. I should be back by the time you’re done. I already ate an hour ago with everyone else.”
Briefly, I wondered if everyone else included Gideon and Sam. Kyrie must’ve been as intuitive as Sergeant Ramsey because she looked at me and said, “Except for the two guys in your unit. Gideon and Sam? They’re both sleeping in and haven’t left their room yet. The others don’t know you guys are here yet. Only me. Everyone else is already doing exercise drills and they’re being supervised by the other sergeants. They won’t think it’s weird that I’m not with them because a lot of the time, I act as an “assistant” to either Nurse Jamie or one of the other sergeants. I think they try to keep me separated from the other guys as much as they can because I’m the youngest.” Grinning wryly, she added, “I overheard a few of the sergeants grumbling about people being a bad influence on me and corrupting me. That’s why I think it’s funny that they decided to make you my roommate. Every time you said a bad word on live cam, one of the sergeants would shake their head and say, “Tsk. The mouth on that girl.” It was cute the way Kyrie lowered her voice to imitate Sergeant Ramsey’s southern drawl.
She took a moment to giggle uproariously at the memory. I, on the other hand, could feel my face burning up with guilt. Kyrie’s laughter tapered off although her lips still twitched when she added, “Sergeant Kami and Sergeant Ramsey had a talk with me, and they both warned me that I could only be your roommate if I didn’t develop your bad language skills.” Geez! Even though Kyrie was smiling at me, I felt ashamed that she had heard all the vulgarity that spewed from my mouth on a daily basis. I felt properly chastised. In my defense, I didn’t know at the time that a 14 year old girl would be watching me on the live camera feed! If I had, I definitely would’ve put in more of an effort to curb my swearing. “Don’t worry, I really wanna be your roommate, so I’ll make sure that I behave myself at all times! Now, off I go to the kitchen! I’ll have Cook make you something delicious for breakfast! Trust me, I know what you like to eat!”
Without waiting for me to respond, Kyrie bounded out the door and was gone in the blink of an eye. She was such a sweetheart. A chipper, perky, brim-full-of-infinite-energy-first-thing-in-the-morning sweetheart. I groaned to myself as I noticed that the pink wall clock on Kyrie’s side of the room read that it was only 9am. This was so not my idea of sleeping in. Kyrie’s excitement and enthusiasm was contagious though, and I started pondering what other surprises this day would bring. Bemused, I went into my closet and grabbed a pair of jeans and a funky grey, asymmetrical top. God, how I missed my jeans! As an afterthought, I snagged a pair of black, 3 inch-heeled ankle boots to complete my outfit.
No doubt my ensemble was too dressy for a place like this, but I missed my old clothes too much to care. I had been living in sweatpants and tank tops for the last six months, and hadn’t realized until that moment how much I yearned for more feminine apparel. Shrugging, I reasoned that if any of the military staff had a problem with my outfit, I could always dart back in here and change clothes real
quick. I didn’t really know what was expected of me today anyways. Stopping beside the dresser, I grabbed a fresh set of underthings. Caressing my black silk bra, I confessed to myself how much I missed the simple luxury of wearing a real bra instead of sports bras. It’s such a little thing, but I can’t believe how much I missed normal underwear!
My duffel bag was still on the floor beside my bed where I had left it the night before, and I snagged my cherry almond shampoo and the rest of my toiletries. After I quickly made my bed, I took my shower and true to her word, when I came out of the bathroom Kyrie was back. Jamie was with her, and I greeted her good morning as I inspected the breakfast tray that Kyrie brought me. Veggie omelet, bacon, hash browns made with sweet potatoes, and some fresh melon with berries. She had even remembered how I make my coffee; two sugars and one creamer. Smiling at Kyrie in thanks, I remarked, “You really do know what I like. Thanks so much for bringing me breakfast. I’m not much use to anyone on an empty stomach and I get really cranky when I’m hungry.
“We know,” Jamie and Kyrie said in unison before grinning at each other in amusement. I sat on the edge of my bed and started tackling my food with a happy sigh. Glancing at Jamie, I noticed that she had her “human eye” contacts back in place. As I chewed my food I noticed that she was quietly inspecting me from head to toe, and I suddenly felt guilty at what I was wearing. I quickly swallowed the mouthful of omelet I was scarfing down and said defensively, “I know this is a little too much, but I missed my old clothes, not to mention all of my shoes. I like dressing like a woman. I hope you guys don’t mind?”
Shaking her head, she commented, “I guess you missed your cosmetics too, eh?” I felt my cheeks warm a little as Jamie obviously noticed my primping. In the bathroom, I had discovered my cosmetics bag and couldn’t resist a little powder and blush. Before I knew it, I had gone overboard and lightly applied eye-shadow, before brushing mascara on my lashes. I came across my favorite cherry lip gloss and applied that as well. It had been a long time since I had worn makeup and I started to feel a little self-conscious as Jamie kept staring at me. I didn’t know what she was thinking.