It felt like I was in the check-in line for hours, when I knew it had only been about 10 minutes. Nerves were wracking through my body, everything my adoptive parents have ever said about my choice in applying for the UNSC came racing through my mind. What if Megan was right? This is stupid, I shouldn't be here, I should go back to Charles, he'll make me some of his amazing Mac 'n Cheese.
No, shut up. You aren't backing down now, you can't!
You're right, I can't.
You're darn right you're right.
What?
"Excuse me, miss?" My head snapped up and my eyes landed on the lady behind the check-in counter. She looked a little concerned, and I smiled embarrassingly, walking to the counter.
She asked for my information and I placed my suitcase on the countertop. That's all I had. Seventeen years living in this ridiculous place and all I had to show for it was one measly suitcase carrying all of my things.
"Are you enlisted?" The woman asked me. She was interesting to listen to. Nearly everything she said sounded sarcastic, but she also sounded robotic, as if she was forced to asked the same exact questions to every person.
I nodded and handed her my I.D. and ticket, along with the card that held my number and important military information. Apparently it was a rule now that everyone enlisted had to get a certain badge number so they could properly track everyone, since we'd be in space. I assumed it was in case we died in the middle of deep space or something, people could come find us.
The lady smiled at me, it was obviously fake though, since she frowned at my paperwork right after.
"I'll be right back," She mumbled, and walked away.
I sighed and leaned against my suitcase. I could hear the people behind me complaining and whining, and I just rolled my eyes, equally irritated. Of course it'd be me.
The woman returned a few seconds later with a tall, dark man. He looked mature and well composed, like he was the boss of something. Just like Steven did before he got fired.
He nodded at the lady and she handed me my papers back, taking my suitcase and putting it on the moving thing behind her. The man motioned for me to follow him, but I hesitated. Was I in some sort of trouble? Did they find out I won't actually be eighteen for another week?
The people behind me started complaining even louder and I decided that my fear of them jumping me was greater than the one of the tall man.
I followed the man as he led me to this secluded area by the baggage claim. I felt like an idiot for following him. I just really hated it when people yelled at me, it usually ended in me crying, and I wasn't trying to burst into frustrated tears in the middle of an airport. But how do I know this man won't try something on me? I'm not usually very nervous around strangers, I can fight for myself and I've had more one night stands then I can count on both hands. But this guy was way too old, and he had a ring on his finger.
That's never stopped you before.
Shut up.
"Miss Yang, I presume?" the man asked, causing me to return my attention to him. I nervously nodded, eyes dancing around the room.
"Um, am I in some sort of trouble?" I asked, rubbing my arms. "I just got here, like, an hour ago, and I don't think I did anyth-"
The man cut me off, "No, no, you're not in any sort of trouble, Lillian," he chuckled. "I just want to ask you a few questions."
"Uh, yeah, but who are you? I mean how do you know my name?" I asked suspiciously, my nervousness beginning to die down as I became more alert and defensive.
"Right, where are my manners?" He held up his hands and smiled warmly at me. "My name is Aiden Price, I work very closely with the director of a secret organization. When I looked through your file, I couldn't help but notice all the...disagreements you got in with other students your senior year. About, 53 if I remember correctly. And people like you are-"
"That wasn't actually me, you see, hehe, it's-"
"-exactly what we need in our project."
"Nopleasedon'tsendmebackhomeI-what?" I was completely confused. This was probably the first time anyone hasn't insulted me about what I did in high school.
Aiden chuckled, patting me on my shoulder. "I know you've had a tough life, Lillian. But it doesn't have to be tough anymore. My partner and I can help you in our program."
My heart sank.
They think I must have anger issues or something. Are they like counselors?
"Oh um, thanks Mr. Price, but I'm not interested in spilling out all my problems and trying to get help. I'm just here to join the army. Thanks," I mumbled, turning to walk away before he placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Lillian, I don't think you understand what I'm saying," He smiled softly. "I'm not sending you to a counseling office, you will be in the army. Just under surveillance as we watch you break into some very top secret facilities with some armor enhancements."
I took a step back. Whoa, 'top secret facilities?' 'Armor enhancements?'
Who the heck would turn that down?!
Looking back on it now, I wish I had turned it down. But I guess I would've never met all the amazing people I did.
I looked up at Mr. Price, who seemed to sense that I was thinking about agreeing.
"Tell me more about these 'top secret facilities.'"
Mr. Price left me when I went through security. After he told me a little more about what I'd be doing in his 'secret organization,' he let me on my way. I was told that I'd see him again, but I secretly hoped he'd just leave me alone. It all sounded really cool, but I just wasn't ready for all this. I just enlisted, why would they want me when they could have some super strong and experienced soldier?
I sighed as I passed through security, making my way over to the waiting area by my terminal. I had about an hour before the plane took off, so I decided to kill time by browsing some shops by the waiting area.
I eventually stopped at a coffee shop, hoping to get some so I didn't snooze off before we started loading on the passengers. While in line, I noticed a guy staring at me from the table he shared with another woman. They looked to be a few years older than me, as well as possibly siblings. They both had bleached blonde hair, and light blue eyes. The man was good looking, he was smirking in my direction and nodded his head when we made eye contact. I didn't really pay him much attention until he was standing right next to me.
"Hey, the name's Edward," he smirked down at me, his eyes glittering with mischievousness.
"Hey, Edward," I sighed, staring at him.
His smile faltered slightly at seeing my reaction, but continue grinning at me nonetheless. I was next in line so I attempted to use that as an excuse to walk away, but he just insisted on paying for my coffee.
"So, how do you like your coffee?" Edward asking, grin still plastered onto his pale face.
"Black," I replied, still uninterested.
Edward paid for my coffee and practically dragged me to go sit with him and his sister, who I learned to be Elizabeth.
"Yeah, but don't actually call her Elizabeth," Edward had explained on our way to the table. "She usually goes by Beth, though sometimes I like to call her Liz, just to piss her off," he chuckled.
I smiled awkwardly at Beth, and she just grunted in reply, sipping her coffee.
"So, are you in the UNSC, too? I couldn't help but notice your dog tags," I commented, attempting to make small talk with Beth. Hey, if I was forced to sit with them, I was going to be rude.
Beth nodded and asked me if I was enlisted as well. I replied and we struck up our conversation like that. In the next half hour, I learned that Elizabeth and Edward (who preferred Beth and Ed) were twins and had joined the military a few years ago because it was the only way they could support their family. I ended up sharing a little information about myself as well, which was more than I've ever done in the past year.
When it got closer to boarding time, Beth, Ed, and I decided to sit closer to our terminals. Upon doing so, I realized we were boarding the same plane. It made me pretty excited, at least I'd know some people on my flight.
If only I had known I wouldn't be seeing Ed and Beth on that flight. In fact, it would be a long time until I ever saw them again.
A/N: Hey guys! If you're reading this that means you are reading my story which is super cool! I've written for a while now, but I've finally worked up the courage to actually publish something. Reviews and stuff are always welcome, as well as constructive criticism. However, downright rudeness will most likely be ignored and deleted. So, that's about it! I've gotten some feed back already which is suuuuuuper cool, thanks so much you guys! I really hope you enjoy the rest of my work! Also, Charles from the first chapter actually isn't Palomo from RvB. It may not make sense now, but I had this kinda lame idea and it will tie into the story later on.
Also sorry this chapter is shorter, I'm super tired and busy but it's the weekend, so expect an update tomorrow! (Actually, don't take my word on that, expect it by most likely Sunday.)
~~Sam :-))