Skylar

6-Skye, 8 years

I hate it here.

I've only been here a week, but I hate everything about this place. The people, the orphanage, the random code whatever messages in the middle of the night. I wish they had never brought me here.

Turns out 'Catherine Evangelis' lied to me. The 'orphanage' onsite is actually a boarding school. Kids live here either because their parents are agents or because they need discipline. I am the only orphan. People here treat me just like the ones back in Maine, where my last orphanage was. That, and that alone, is the #1 reason I hate this place; they treat me just like the rest of the world.

Reason #2 that I hate this place:

You know how I said it was a boarding school? It's more than that, it's a Shield academy. One that I have been enrolled in without my knowledge or permission. I have never wanted to attend a private academy, much less one where all we learn about is how amazing Shield is and how we will all grow up to 'serve the greater good'. What if we don't want to serve the greater good?

Reason #3:

I have no freedom. At all. When they first brought me here, they neglected to tell me that there are strict rules and a curfew. Breakfast is at 9 o'clock sharp. Classes until lunch, which is served at 12 o'clock noon. Classes until 4 o'clock. Agent skill training until 6 o'clock, when supper is served. Extra training until 9 o'clock, when curfew comes into effect until 9 o'clock the next morning. Every day.

I tried getting out one night, but apparently guards patrol the halls at night so no one breaks curfew. They also patrol the halls during the day, I found out yesterday. No cutting classes for me...

There is only one reason I haven't left yet; I can't. This place is locked down tighter than Fort Knox. Key card locks, constant guard patrol. They weren't kidding when they said this place was nearly impossible to get out of.

I thought about all of this for the millionth time as I tried to fall asleep, but once again, my situation seemed as hopeless as ever. Sighing, I turned off the lamp and rolled over, trying to get comfortable. Not easy to do in a less-than-twin sized bed. I tried to clear my mind, but I couldn't help thinking that something had to change soon. I couldn't be here forever, right?

                                ***********************************

My alarm went off at 7:30 a.m., just like it always does. Yawning, I dragged myself out of bed and threw on my clothes. I pulled my hair back into a tight ponytail and brushed my teeth, just for good measure. I looked at the clock. 8:50. I would have to hurry if I wanted to be on time. I raced down the hall and rushed into the cafeteria. I threw myself into the nearest chair just before the dinner bell rang and the waiters served our breakfast.

Today it was burnt multi grain toast with margarine. Oh joy. I forced myself to eat some of it while they explained today's classes to us. Professor Ridgeby droned on about Shield History and Combat Through the Years. They were both classes that he taught, which explained why everyone hated them.

I was completely zoned out when I dimly heard him say, "and, in the afternoon and into the evenings, Shield's most talented field agents will give you a lesson in lock picking and the art of escape. I suppose you must learn sometime." The distasteful look on his face betrayed his obvious dislike of the course. I jerked awake. 'Lock picking and the art of escape'? Jackpot! This was exactly what I needed! I couldn't believe it. I guess today was my lucky day.

I scarfed down my breakfast and raced off to class. I couldn't wait for this afternoon!!! Unfortunately, Professor Ridgeby's classes always seem to take about a hundred years. Every second on the clock seemed like an hour as he droned on about the most boring topics currently known to man. Finally, when I couldn't wait any longer, the bell rang. Mercy at last!