Thanks to Tmtcltb-kals for her just on how to go forward. Hope everyone enjoys Ian! He is meant to be a comedic relief in kind of a heavy story!
The Recruit
Chapter 8
Katie was trying to ignore the way her legs were cramping and that her lungs were burning. She had two more miles to run. It was mind over matter. She heard someone running up behind her and was shocked to see Ian Smith, one of the upper classman come up beside her.
"How many miles today?" Ian asked.
"Twenty." Katie admitted.
"And how many more miles do you have?" Ian asked.
"Two." Katie said, trying to control her breathing.
"Hey, slow down. You are going to pass out." Ian said. He grabbed her arm and slowed her down.
"If Commander Sanders sees me stop, he'll make it even harder." Katie remarked, running in place.
"He wants you to give up. He has something against your father but can't get at him, so he is going to make an example out of you." Ian said.
"Why are you telling me this?" Katie asked as she began jogging.
"Because you're kind of cute and I'm also a son of someone Sanders hates. My dad is a senator, and is the chairman of a committee that finances this Academy. He and Sanders has gotten into it, more than once." Ian explained.
"My dad is retiring." Katie said.
"In the process of, but not yet and he has a lot of very powerful friends. Has a lot of sway." Ian remarked.
"My dad is not going to call in favors for me." Katie said.
"Perhaps not, but he is still powerful and popular." Ian said.
"So, how have you gotten by?" Katie asked.
"By keeping my nose clean. No problems. Good grades. I don't give him a reason to expel me and once I graduate, I won't be dealing with Sanders again. With any luck, neither will you." Ian answered.
"I am just glad I don't live on campus. He can't demerit me if my bed isn't perfectly made…although my mom probably would if she could." Katie joked.
"Mine too. I got an apartment with a couple other guys to avoid it. So, how about we partner up and help each other out? I did tell you that you were cute a minute ago." Ian suggested.
"That is the worst pick up line I've ever heard in my life." Katie answered.
"You're…eighteen? How many have you actually heard?" Ian asked.
"You do have a point." Katie said as they continued running.
"Its not against the rules, you know?" Ian said.
"I want to concentrate on just getting through the Academy." Katie argued.
"That is understandable, but that might be best done with help. Consider me in." Ian said.
"Seriously? Do I just have to say no?" Katie asked.
"You could, but I wouldn't accept no. Just accept the help." Ian answered with a laugh.
"Haven't we run two miles yet?" Katie asked.
"One more lap. See already helping you." Ian answered.
"Beat you." Katie said before she began sprinting. At least with Ian distracting her, she wasn't thinking about her lungs or legs.
Ian walked her to her car and watched her pull out. Katie wasn't sure if she would be able to get rid of him. He was reasonably cute and polite. She was a bit concerned about him just calling Commander Sanders by just his last name. She didn't like Commander Sanders either, but had been raised to show respect even if she didn't like the person. But, she had also been raised by someone in the military and her mom was more strict than her dad.