The Academy

Part One: Chapter Two

I stand in the middle of a large, paved path, leading to my future.

Okay, that was a little cheesy. I'm standing at the entrance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Training Academy. I have a duffel bag full of my clothes slung over my shoulder as I admire the sign, not caring about the people around me. Finally, I'm here.

Amelia stands at my side, giving me time to soak in the moment. Seeing as we're in the middle of a Marine Corps Base, she's in her full uniform. Looking sharp, if I do say so myself. People pass us, on our way here some Marines recognized my sister and give her a salute, which she returned. I still can't get over the fact she's a Major and has so many people under her command.

God, I can't wait until I can pull rank on my own FBI teams. Snickering to myself at this thought, I finally begin to walk in. The academy is huge. Each year, this place produces around six-hundred special agents, one-hundred of them having extra training, being better and more elite. Fifty people in my class. Forty-nine people for the competition. 

Amelia follows me around quietly, letting me do my thing, though I can feel her sharp but warm gaze on me a lot of the time. Checking in takes forever, but I finally make it into the women's complex that will serve as my home for the next year. 

Two roommates. I can deal with that. These living quarters are pretty nice, surprisingly. When I enter my room, the first story, number two-hundred-thirty-four, I come face to face with two other women, both unpacking. 

The first, friendlier looking one smiles at me. She's short and slightly larger, has long, curly blonde hair and gray eyes. Her face is round and her features soft, and I'm getting a really happy, bubbly vibe from her. Wonderful.

"Hi, Elizabeth Mendor, but everyone calls me Liz." She introduces herself, extending a hand, which I shake strongly.

"Olivia Prenton, this is my sister, Major Amelia Prenton." I return and introduce Amy as the blonde looks curiously at her.

"It's nice to meet you," Elizabeth says politely. Amelia only nods and smiles warmly in response.

"Hey, I'm Lacey," The other woman calls without looking up from her unpacking. Lacey has red hair, and that's about all I can see other than her back. 

I'm liking Lacey more than Liz already. Our place is large, I don't want to call it a dorm, but it's not an apartment either. Somewhere in between. There's a shared closet space, three beds, each with their own desk, and a bathroom. There's a window on one wall too, but my roommates have the blinds shut. 

I claim the last bed remaining, the one closest to the door, and start unpacking as well. Suddenly, I remember Amelia and turn to see my sister leaning against the doorframe of the room, her posture calm and relaxed compared to the professional, intense one she had earlier. 

"I'm sure you'd rather be somewhere else..." I prompt, trying to get into her mind. Even though I've known her my entire life, since she joined the Marines she's gotten a lot better at concealing her emotions. 

"I'm good here," She waves me off, then smirks mischievously, "I'm like a proud mama, watching my baby go off to college."

This comment gets a couple of quiet laughs from my roommates, and I pick up a bra from my bag and fling it at my sister who doesn't move out of the way fast enough and ends up with my bra on her shoulder. I laugh at this, and so does she, flinging my bra back at me. 

Only now do I come to realize Lacey is sitting on the edge of her bed with an eyebrow cocked, watching my sister and I throw bras at each other. Great first impression, Olivia, really great.