A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.
"Do you remember what I told you?" questioned the Soldier as I tied my shoe laces. Nodding my head, I got up from my position on the stairs and grabbed the bag he held out for me. It's still early in the morning and were going over my alias. Tugging the bag over my shoulders, it rested against my back "Do you need a ride?"
"No" I said while grabbing a green apple from the wire fruit basket on the island counter.
Taking a bite, I made my way out the front door before letting out a sigh and breathing in the fresh air. Last night had been another endless pit of silence. The Soldier didn't surface from his room after locking himself in there. I contemplated on going in, but changed my mind and thought it would be better if I left him alone for now. We both need to cool off and have time to ourselves.
Starting my journey down the footpath of the street, the school isn't far away and I have the route memorised. Watching a small group of kids on the opposite side of the road, I listened as they laughed together. I know I'm going to have trouble doing what the Soldier asked me to do. I don't think I'll bother. As long as he thinks everything's fine and well, then that's all he needs. I don't have to make friends or socialise. I didn't need them before and I don't need them now.
Getting closer to the large building, kids of all sorts of clothing, sizes, age and ethnicity swarmed around. Quickly scanning my surroundings, a yellow bus unloaded another group of smaller children before taking off. Parents in their four-wheel drives waved their children goodbye before doing the same and no doubt leaving for their jobs.
Following the general direction of the students, I entered the wide double doors and looked around to try and find someone who appeared to be in a state of authority. But all I found was nothing but a sea of bodies; most whom talked amongst themselves while a few couples stood with their tongues jammed down each other's throats. Inappropriate. Disgusting. Immature. I shook the thoughts from my head. The world isn't like it used to be.
I have to remind myself that things are different now.
Spotting a mature older woman in a knitted orange cardigan with thick white rimmed glasses, I quickly approached "Excuse me" I said to catch her attention "Do you know where I can find this person?" I handed over a note that the Soldier had given me.
"Yes, of course. You must be the new student. It's good to have you here" spoke the older woman with a smile. Following after her, we walked down the corridor while several teenage boys and girls eyed me up and down; trying to decipher me in their little minds. We entered an administration and waiting area "Right through here. Miss Harrison will be with you shortly"
"Thank you"
Not expecting the sudden sound, I jolted as the bell rang with loud rattle. I could hear the teenagers in the hall scurry their way into their allocated classrooms, and it soon became deathly quiet. Turning my head, the door to an office opened beside me and the click of heels sounded on the linoleum flooring. I frowned when a brief image of Madame crossed my mind.
"Amelia?" a voice came into focus and I turned to look at the woman.
The blonde gave me a white toothed smile. Tall with long legs and an hour glass figure, she's dressed professional with pressed clothing and a natural appearance "Hello" I greeted.
"Good morning" she replied with a gesture of her hand "Please, come into my office"
Heading into the square room that smelt of leather and wood, I wiped my hands against my jeans and placed down my bag to sit in the plush chair. Watching the woman do the same behind her desk, I took in the site of cupboards filled with medals, trophies and school photos of achievement. A typical set up.
Wheeling her chair under the mahogany desk, she folded her hands in front of her before speaking "My names Miss Harrison. I'm the high school's principal. I understand that you and your guardian, Nathan, move around a lot. Am I correct?"
"Yes" I replied.
Nodding her head, Miss Harrison tucked a few wisps of her blonde hair. Still fairly young and beautiful with blue eyes and thin lips, she has a sort of graceful look about her. Looking down at the folder with papers, she spoke "I can also see your grades are impeccable. I'm very glad you chose to finish your education here Amelia. And please, if you need anything, my door is always open. Don't be afraid to ask"
Giving me a rich smile, she's certainly nice and polite. I nodded my head "Thank you for accepting me. I'll be sure to do my best"
We both stood and Miss Harrison opened the office door "I'll give you a quick tour of the grounds and show you where your locker is" handing me a slip of paper with a timetable, she continued "I'll be happy to walk you to your first class. Miss Munroe is a very lovely lady. I'm sure you two will get along just fine"
Looking down at my schedule, I have a list of classes; most of which are advanced. Trust Tony Stark to put me in those instead of the normal classes. As if I didn't stand out enough already. Following the principal around the school, I found the layout to be simple but large. Coming back into the main hallway, the blonde women knocked on a light blue door labelled Ancient History.
The lecture from inside came to a halt before Miss Harrison opened the door with a smile "I apologise for interrupting, but we have a new student to introduce"
The first thing that came to mind wasn't the fact that all those teenagers are staring at me, or the fact that I hadn't spoken. What came to mind was the thought of the Facility classroom and how it looked similar to this one. Immediately I scolded myself for the straying thoughts and turned to see that Miss Munroe is the very same woman who helped me earlier; the one in the orange cardigan.
Dusting her aged hands of the white chalk, she turned to the class audience "Everyone, this is Amelia Corvine. She'll be joining us for the rest of the year. Please be polite and introduce yourselves at lunch. I'm sure Amelia won't bite"
I heard the distinct pop of someone's chewing gum. The tension of silence is thick. Giving a slight clear of her throat, Miss Harrison gave me a pat on the shoulder before I walked over to one of the empty desks and sat down. The blonde gave me one last look before leaving the classroom so we could continue.
Listening along, the subject Miss Monroe is discussing is all very familiar. Taking out a book and pen, I wrote down the notes she gave on the board "Now" she said before turning to the class "Who can tell me one thing August Caesar did during his reign in Rome?"
The last bell signalling the end of the day had finally come and I watched as the mass of bodies flushed out of the classroom. Taking my time, I didn't want to get caught up in the rush of the crowed. Stuffing the thick physics text book into my bag, I'd been given a large amount of homework from Mister Hagen; the young physics teacher.
Out of all the classes I've had today, Physics had been the most interesting; but not because of the content of the class. When I first met Mister Hagen, I couldn't help but notice how similar he looked to the Soldier. It wasn't identical, but there were a few key similarities that had sparked my curiosity. In my mind, Mister Hagen is what I imagine the Soldier would have looked like if he had shorter hair, a shaven face and professional clothing.
Glancing around, I realised that me and the teacher are the only ones left. Shrugging on my heavy bag, I went to walk out of the room when I was stopped "Amelia, can I talk to you for a minute?" I turned and stepped over to his desk "Since it's the middle of the years and I don't usually get very many new students for advanced physics, I just wanted to make sure you're doing alright on your first day. I like to make sure my students are on the right path"
I nodded in understanding "I'm familiar with the topic were on and I understand everything you've taught so far" I replied with a reassuring tone. Nothing in today's lesson is new to me.
His eyebrows raised and he scratched his jaw "That's good to hear. But if you do have any trouble, just come find me. I'm always in here during lunch breaks" he said with a smile.
I nodded my head again "Thank you Mister Hagen and have a good afternoon" turning, I left the room and made my way outside. If I'm too late getting home, the Soldier will be wondering where I am. Jogging down the few front steps of the school, I proceeded in the direction of the house.
Keeping a steady and even pace, I walked up the pebbled driveway and up the steps of the porch. Patting down my pockets, I opened the door with my own set of house keys and watched as the Soldier walked out of the kitchen "You're late" he said with a firm tone "Where were you?"
"I was held back by a teacher" I replied, but it gave the wrong impression.
"Held back? What happened?" he asked as his eyebrows furrowed.
"Nothing happened. My physics teacher wanted to make sure that I understood what he taught. I wasn't causing trouble if that's why you're angry" I walked up the stairs and toward my room.
Pushing the door open, I dropped my bag down as I heard the sound of his footsteps behind me "I wasn't angry. I was worried"
"Why? Did you think I ran away?" I asked with a dull tone and sigh. Sitting down at my desk, I took out my textbook and homework from my school bag. It all needs to be done by tonight "You gave me the chance to do that this morning when I left for school"
The Soldier crossed his arms and leant against the door frame "But you didn't"
Nodding, I repeated "But I didn't. So there's nothing for you to worry about" picking up my pen, I began to sift through my tasks.
Ignoring the Soldiers lingering presence, he stepped forward and grabbed the back of my chair. Swivelling me around to look at him, he'd crouched down in front of me "Are you angry at me?" he asked, clearly noticing my sour attitude.
I peered into his eyes "Yes, I'm angry" I replied "I'm angry that you moved me away. That we came here of all places, and that you want me to make friends, be social and go to school. I'm angry that you want me to be normal. I thought you understood. You said so yourself that I'm not a child and that I never will be. So why are you treating me like one?"
The Soldiers face morphed into that of recognition and regret. He knows that he's contradicting himself "I know what I said that day, and – I was wrong. You do need to know what it feels like be young. To worry about homework and what's happening on the weekend. You shouldn't be waiting around for someone to come and take you away. You should know what it feels like to be carefree. I realise you're far from ordinary, but we have to make up for it – otherwise what's the point of all this?"
When the Soldier stopped speaking, I'd slumped in my chair a little as I gazed into his steel blue eyes. He's doing all of this for me. He could have left me on my own or dropped me off to be someone else's problem, but he didn't. Instead he's staying by my side through all of it. The least I could do is do my own part. Eyeing the Soldiers shifting form, my body was suddenly quick to lean forward before I could catch myself, and I.
To be continued