Series of Hate

11. Preparations

I crouched in the corner of my room for what felt like hours as the rest of the recruits finished up with training for the day. Leaning my head against the cold concrete with my eyes closed, embracing the sense of being alone.

Voices echoing down the hall from outside my door signaling that the training was finally over. Soon everyone would be getting ready for tonight.

Soft footsteps lead up to my door followed by gentle knocking. "Can I come in?" Saige asks in a hushed tone. "Or will the psycho beat me to a bloody pulp?" She is as sarcastic as ever.

"Psycho"I scoff. "Is that my new nickname?"

Saige opens my door letting light filter into the room and proceeds inside. "You can thank Harry's girlfriend for that one." 

She looks me up and down before continuing. "Now get out of the corner and stop wallowing in self pity we have a party to get ready for."

"I'm not going."

"Not an option my dear friend." Saige holds her hand out to help me up which I take reluctantly. "Besides you need to socialize and I need a wing woman."

Saige skips back over to my door picking up what looks like a large wooden box. "Preparations have begun!" She cheers with a smile plastered on her face.

The wooden box is flung open and throw onto my bed revealing the heaps of clothes and makeup.

"I thought we had to wear our training uniforms?" I ask furrowing my eyebrows.

"What's the harm of switching our t-shirts out for something like...." she rummages around in her box before finally finding what she's looking for. " this!"

A red bralette is throw in my direction. Floral lace patterns not leaving much for the imagination. " I can't wear this" I look down at the piece of clothing.

I knew I was sounding mellow but I couldn't leave my skin this exposed. Not when I have scars running up the entirety of my arms. Horrible large marks I wouldn't want anyone to see.

"Sayla" Saige gathers my attention back to herself. "Tonight your going to be the center of attention, you might as well play the part and sure you can wear your leather jacket anyways."

I manage to muster a crooked smile. She seems to always say the right thing. "Fine but I can't be the only one sticking out like a sore thumb if I'm going to be your wing woman."

"Trust me I'm always prepared." Saige assures me, standing up tall. "Besides I already have my eye on a man."

"Who?" I ask affended I didn't already know this information.

"Oh just ...." Saige looks away as her cheeks turn a light pink. "Thomas."

"Thomas!" I practically screech. "So your going for squad leaders now?"

"Hey hey shut up I don't need the entire world knowing." Saige attempts to cover my mouth but I just stand back laughing at how worked up she is getting.

"And who does the wonderful Sayla o Connor have her eyes on?" A devilish smirk appearing on her face.

"No one!" I retort.

"Oh come on don't be so boring." Saige rolls her eyes as she starts to brush out the tangles in her hair.

"No one" I repeat. " I don't need the distraction."

That was true I couldn't get distracted and forget who I was. I was still in an enemy base and despite Saige being my friend if she found out the truth I would be seen as scum, less then human like the rest.

"Fine." she muttered. "But we are getting drunk tonight and you have no say in that."

Before I could answer Saige was already pulling strands of my hair behind my head. A few flyaways hung shaping my face as I wore a half up half down look. My auburn curls flowing down my back.

We both continued to pamper ourselves applying natural makeup looks with a cheeky smokey eye. Looking over to Saige she was dressed in a baby blue bralette with her leather pants and jacket. Looking stunning as always.

"Thomas won't be able to keep his eyes off you." I nudge Saige playfully while she adds finishing touches to my makeup.

"You better not do that again unless you want to be missing an eyelash." She replies with a stern look.

"Of course miss" I mock. "Won't happen again."

She fiddles at the lash one last time before taking her hands away and admiring her skills."Done" Saige let's out a long breath. "I think it's time to go."

We rise into a standing position having one last check that everything's perfect before leaving my room. Lights from the arena filter down the corridor, casting rays of blue and red along the walls as muffled music flows around us from the crowds ahead.

We both stride side by side down the corridor, keeping our heads up high. The glass training hall doors closed ahead of us.

"You ready" Saige asks looking towards me, eyes full of anticipation."As I'll ever be." I reply and with that Saige pushes open both glass doors.

My senses are immediately engulfed with the smell of sweaty bodies and perfume. Vibrations from the music travel through the air as Saige and I take our first steps into the arena.

Our strides purposeful and long, we truly were embracing the power couple look. Crowds rise and fall beside us in time to the music. Heads turn in our direction as the crowd splits allowing us an easy pass through. I hold my head up high, hiding any worries behind a mask.

We head straight over to the drinks table and Saige grabs the first bottle she sees.

"Shots?" She shouts, barely audible over the music.

I nod in reply not bothering to even try and shout loud enough. Saige lays out five shots each and within seconds we have both downed all of them.

For the first few minutes I'm fine until I slowly feel the alcohol starting to hit.

We stumble over to the middle of the dance floor. Both bodies flowing to the music. In the corner of my eye I spot Thomas making his way through the crowd. "He's here." I scream over the music as I point in Thomas's direction.

"Do you mind?" Saige replies, an anxious look playing on her features.

Who was I to deny her chance to go get her man. "Go for it" I give Saige a thumbs and she swiftly leaves.

I continue to dance alone for awhile before someone beside me grabs my hips. My body seems to take over, he runs his hands up along my waist as I melt into him. I'm lost in a sense of euphoria, feeling totally free. His gentle touch grazing over my curves.

I could sense someone staring at me from above, pulling me out of my state. Looking around I'm met with the same black pools in their usual place on the balcony but this time they are full of rage.