A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.
The shrilling ring of the bell signalled yet another class completed and the start of lunch break "Now" spoke Miss Monroe while dusting her hands of white chalk "Your homework for the weekend is the sheet of paper I handed out earlier. I want you to complete both sides" pursing her lips, the teacher narrowed her gaze "You can roll your eyes all you like Barry"
The boy let out a grunt "Whatever you say Miss" he replied before giving a mock salute.
Ignoring the regular banter and protest of the class, I collected my books and piled them into my bag. Sauntering my way from the back of the classroom, Miss Monroe suddenly stopped me "Amelia. Can I speak with you?" I nodded my head and stood by her desk "I'm worried. You missed school yesterday and as for today, well" she said before gesturing to all of me "You don't look so well. Have you seen the school nurse or gone to a doctor?"
Shifting the heavy bag on my shoulders, I nodded. I knew I shouldn't have missed school yesterday. I should come no matter what. People who don't do ordinary things get questioned. But I couldn't find it in me to attend the school. I needed some time to myself and here wasn't the place to be.
"Yes. Everything's fine. I caught a small stomach bug, but it's getting much better" I explained while adding a smile.
Miss Monroe returned the favour "Alright then dear. I'd just thought I'd ask. Are you alright with the –"
"Yes" I interjected "I'm sure I haven't missed much from last lesson. I'll hand in the homework on Monday" after a moment of silence, I shifted my back again and continued to make my way out of the classroom and down the familiar hall.
Coming to stand in front of my blue dented locker, I opened it before taking out the books from my bag and exchanging them for others. Looking at the dented door of the locker, I saw the Netball form I was supposed to take home. Sighing, I stood in place staring at and wondering if I should still give it a go.
I was supposed to bring it in as soon as possible but that didn't end up happening. Although I'm sure they'll have a position. From the looks of it, not many people are jumping at the chance of being a part of the team. Maybe the sport will get my mind off of everything. Pulling the paper off the door, I grabbed a pen and signed the bottom with a scribbled signature that looked convincing.
Grabbing my extra gym clothes, I closed the locker and headed to the bathroom. After getting changed, it didn't take me long to arrive at the gym. Pushing open the double doors, I entered to see a burley muscular man in his mid to late thirties wearing form fitting clothes. I assumed this to be Mister Baygov – the military man.
Turning around from my intrusion, he faced me "What the hell are you doing here? Private practice. Get out" shewing me with a whistle in hand, the coach went to turn back around when he was interrupted by the girl who handed me the flyer.
"Coach, this is Amelia. I asked her to join us" she said in my defence while coming to stand in-between us.
Raising his eyebrows, Mister Baygov looking me up and down with a scoff "Well she should have handed in the form on time, like everybody else" already I'm starting to regret my decision to come here. Maybe this isn't a good idea after all. It hasn't been three minutes and I can already feel an itch to punch him in the throat.
"Give her a chance Coach" replied Shay "I've seen her run track. She's athletic. Amelia, here might very well be the valuable asset we need" gritting my jaw, I tried not to scowl at the words valuable asset. It sounds too familiar and I don't like it.
"Fine, but if you fall behind then you're out. No second chances" he said while pointing a finger at me with a firm tone.
"Yes Coach" I replied before dropping my bag near the gym wall and jogging to stand in the line of boys and girls.
"Good. That's what I like to hear. Now, we'll start on some basic exercises to get you all in tip top shape" he blew his whistle "Get to it people. Let's not wait for the grass to grow. Start running laps!"
Filing along with the other people, we all started running around the giant gym and I began to slowly pick up my pace. Edging onto my tenth lap, I could see behind me as several boys and girls lagged a bit further behind, including Shay.
"Well, that has to be a first" scoffed Mister Baygov as he stood in the middle of the gym watching me "What's wrong with the rest of you? Pick up the pace!"
Listening to others groan behind us, I couldn't help but role my eyes. When are these people ever not complaining about something? No wonder this world has never gotten far. Everyone's too lazy even when it comes to their own health and wellbeing. After doing another two laps, Baygov blew his whistle again.
"Alright that's enough for one day. There's only so much misery I can take" shewing us over with his hand, we all stood in line again "Right" he said before coming to stand in front of us.
I winced as a sudden flash of memory triggered in my vision. Shaking my head, I rubbed my eyes "Now as you all know, the next few months are very important. Some of you have been training all your life and others are new. How you choose to improve is up to you, but remember" he said while pointing his finger "Like Darwinism intended, it's survival of the fittest people. You want to make the cut, you pick yourselves up"
I blinked rapidly as a ringing noise sounded, making everything else turn into an echo. Not here. Not now of all times. I can feel sweat forming on my forehead and body. A warm hand rested on my upper back "Hey Amelia, are you alright? Do you want to go to sick bay?" I shoved her hand away.
Staggering forward and toward the gym doors as the world began to distort, I fumbled with the double gym doors. I need to get out of here and breathe some fresh air. Pushing through the doors, I could hear the masculine voice of the Coach call out behind me "Someone chase after her for gods sakes. I don't have time to write out an injury form"
Ignoring him as I continued down the empty hall, I could only assume that the others had all gone back to class. Placing my hand on the wall of nearby lockers, I used it to stabilise myself as well as feel the cool metal on my burning skin. Tugging at the collar of my shirt, I tried to get some breeze over my body but nothing's working.
I winced as a stinging pain ran through my skull as well as another flash of memory. Watching as the school hallway began to warp, it soon faded into the familiar cement corridor of the Facility. Staring straight ahead, I found a door and opened it. Tumbling into the small dark room, I closed the door behind me before sliding down the wall. It must be the janitor's closet.
It wasn't long until a knock sounded out and the same girly voice of Shay spoke through "Amelia, can you open the door? Is everything okay?" she asked before knocking again "Just stay there. I'll go get the nurse" blinking my eyes, another image came to me. Why is this happening to me?
There's another knock "Amelia. Can you talk to me? Can you please come out of the closet?" asked the principal. I thought Shay said she's getting the Nurse. Why do people always have to lie? Why can't they never tell the truth?
"Go away" I muttered in a whisper before finding my voice and calling it out louder "Go away!"
"Amelia, I called Nathan. He's on his way"
I groaned at the bit of information. It's not at all comforting. He's the last person I need. I don't want him anywhere near me. Slouching against the wall, my breath fell short as my chest restricted. I closed my eyes and tried to focus. I have to make it all go away.
Focus.
"Amelia" my eyes snapped wide open at the sound of the Soldiers voice. I looked in the direction of the door and the glowing strip of light underneath. I can his shadowing figure "Open the door" he ordered in a quiet and gentle voice. I scoffed. He's stupid if he thinks I'm going to simply do as he says. Staying seated, I listened as the knob jiggled as he tried to open it.
I soon heard shuffling of something on the other side and then a crack as the knob had been broken off so the door could open. Squinting at the bright light from the hallway as it hit my eyes, I watched as the shadow figure turned on the exposed light bulb hanging from the ceiling of the closet. After adjusting my site, I looked the Soldier up and down.
Wearing his usual shirt, jumper and jeans, he also wore a black baseball cap. Crouching down in front of me, the Soldier reached out with his gloved hands and pulled me along the floor and into his arms. I pushed against his chest in resistance, but I couldn't focus enough to fight back. Picking me up with a hand under my legs and behind my back, he whispered in my ear.
"It's okay. I'm taking you home"
On the incredibly long car ride home, I trembled the entire way. Pulling up in the driveway, the Soldier came to my side of the car and picked me up into his arms to carry me into the house. Continuing up the stairs and into the bathroom, he set me down on my feet. My eyes trained on the ground to avoid his eyes.
Stumbling on the spot, I closed the toilet seat behind me before sitting down. Rubbing my arms, I could feel the stick sweat coating my skin and I grimaced. Slightly rocking back and forth, I heard the spurt of the sink tap as the Soldier dampened a wash cloth before kneeling in front of me on the toilet mat.
If I was so angry or so disorientated I would have pushed his hand away, but the metal is incredibly cooling against my skin as he brushed my loose wisps of hair. Placing the cool cloth against my forehead, he gently cleaned my face.
"What happened?" ask the Soldier.
"I don't know" I replied while still shaking "I was in the gym. I was standing in line with the others, and – I don't know what happened"
Shaking my head lightly, he continued to clean my face. Keeping my eyes open, I was too scared to close them again. I don't want to be in the dark or in that place, but I could feel it creeping inside of me. Tears began to fall down my cheeks and I wiped them away furiously. I don't cry. This isn't me. I'm stronger than this.
"Katya, stop" spoke the Soldier as he dropped the wash cloth to hold onto my shoulders. I can't stop trembling. I can feel myself working up to hysteria.
"Make it stop" I whispered as a buzzing noise began to hum in my ears. Emotions are twisting and turning inside of my stomach. Sadness. Regret. Anger. I'm feeling everything all at once. Sucking in a breath, I tried to calm myself as more tears began to drip from my eyes "I don't want to go back"
Hushing me gently with his voice, the Soldier tried to pull me forward and off the seat. Suddenly I stopped crying and my eyes snapped up to stare into his own. Shaking his hands off of me, I shoved him away with all the force I could muster. Getting up from the seat, I raced out of the bathroom and down the stairs.
"Katya. What are you doing?" I heard the Soldier call out after me. I didn't stop when I reached the front door. Thick heavy arms wrapped around me from behind and lifted me up off the ground. Reeling my head back, my skull slammed into his face.
Dropping his grip, my feet thudded against the floor before I turned around and kicked him in the stomach. Watching the Soldier stumble back, he gave me a confused look. I didn't give him a chance to speak before I marched forward and punched him in the jaw. He tried to block my attacks, but I managed to get in a few. Landing a final blow, his head turned to the side upon impact.
I watched as he wiped away the blood that had formed from his busted lip. The Soldier stared at me and I saw his eyes turn dark with anger and frustration. It's familiar. Straightening his stance, my mind began to melt as his towering form strode toward me. Grabbing me by the neck, his metal fingers squeezed and I struggled to break free.
Pulling me toward him, my back pressed against his torso as I squirmed. Shifting my arm, I was about to elbow the Soldier in the ribs but I didn't get the chance. Locking his arms around me in a choke hold, he tightened his grip and the air in my lungs hitched. I can't breathe. Slowly fading, darkness creeped into the corners of my vision before I became unconscious.