I wake up and see it's 9:00. Shoot, I slept in. Now I'm going to be late for breakfast. Actually I don't really need to go to breakfast really. I don't have any money and I am not going to borrow more money from Alyce. I get changed into a blue t-shirt and black shorts. I brush my long brown hair and put it into a pony tail. When I am done I read my schedule for today.
10:00-Breakfast
11:30-Swimming
12:00-Lunch
1:30-Weight room
2:30-Survival training
4:30-Close up combat
6:30-Supper
I have 2 and a half hours before I have my first class. What should I do until then. Well I have to find a way to get money. Maybe I can ask that lady at the front desk. She kind of scares me actually, but I need to eat so. My parents knew about this so why didn't they give me any money? Maybe because I'm a failure using their words. More my dad's words than my moms. Ever since my brother's death he hasn't been the same, he is always pushing me and Chloe to be better. That's not hard for my sister but I'm only 7.
I walk down the stairs and see the lady at the front desk.
"Well... Hello dear" The lady asks me
"Um, hi... I have a question" I mutter under my breath "How do you get money here?"
"Ha-ha, you get a job!" She laughs as she walks over into her office holding a couple of portfolios.
"Where do I get a job?" I follow her into the room.
"Well if you want a job in the academy you can do some volunteer jobs, like mail sorting or cleaning the combat arena" She says
"Well where do I get signed up?" I ask
"Before I tell you, why do you need the money?" She stares at me
"To pay for the meals and other stuff that costs money obviously" I snort. Honestly, why does she have to know what I'm using the money for. Nosy secretary.
"Oh, well in that case the sign up sheets are right there" She squeels. Was that so hard? I think to myself.
"Why does a 7 year old need a job? Why don't your parents give you money?" There she goes again, sticking her nose in peoples business.
"Exactly my point" I grumble. That shuts her up, finally. I sign my name up for mail sorting. Twice a week, 25 dollars each time.
I stomp out of the room and go into the mail room to collect my mail for today. I open my box and to my surprise I see a envelope in there. I open it up and find some money and a letter.
Dear Clove,
I am so sorry, I thought your father had given you some money for food. I quickly realized he hadn't and sent $200 for food. Be sure to use it wisely. I am sorry that I did not get to give it to you in person but work is tying me up. I will try to visit, but the academy has strict rules about not being allowed to visit frequently.
Love,
Mother
Typical, work is tying her up, again. Doesn't she realize that lie doesn't work anymore. Even at home I only saw her a few times every week. Anyways, guess I didn't need a job now that I got $200 in my back pocket. I guess I can use the money for other things, enjoyable things like toys and clothes. I stuff the money and letter into my pocket and make my way back to my room.
I almost reach my room when I am stampeded by a bunch of boys. I topple to the ground as the boys rush past me. The turn around and start laughing at me. I don't recognize any of them. They look older and taller than me. Of course everyone is taller than me, I'm a shrimp. I start to feel tears running down my face. I can't let them see me cry, I can't appear weak. I stand up and walk into my room, locking the door behind me.