Tumia

Learning

Sitting in the common room, we were all eating lunch. Today's menu was burgers and fries with a little dessert. It was pretty crowded, with almost every soldier and commander present.

I sat at the same table with my friends. Dr. Evans had pushed class back. We didn't really know why, but it gave us more time to chill.

"I heard the Kratens are joining us again," Ava said, breaking the silence.

My eyes widened at the mention of the Kratens. They hadn't been in class for the entire week, and I was beginning to wonder what had happened. It had honestly been very peaceful without Eldreth and her friends.

"It's funny how we're forced to come here every day, yet they get to come and go," Chris mumbled.

We all looked at him as he played with his food. It was odd how they'd been missing class for the past three days, but it gave us time to practice Infani and get one-on-one time with Dr. Evans.

"Chris, don't start that again," Michelle slapped his hand.

They started to argue in low tones, and we all moved on, ignoring them.

"I'm tired of this bull crap, Mich," he semi-yelled, catching my attention.

"Christopher, we've talked about this," she mumbled, trying to whisper.

Everyone seemed unfazed by what Michelle was talking about, while I sat at the table, confused. What was he tired of? Staying quiet, I observed the conversation as I'd been noticing everyone's odd behavior on this base.

"Christopher," Halle stopped him before he could continue, giving him a glare.

"I'm done eating," he said, standing up and leaving the table.

That was very weird. Michelle shook her head in disappointment. What was going on with Chris? He was usually the jokester, and I had never seen him so irritated. Something was definitely happening.

"So... that was weird. What's going on, guys?" I laughed, trying to get some information.

Ava and Jax looked at each other, waiting for the other to speak. Michelle didn't say anything and diverted her eyes away from mine. Their reactions confirmed my theory; the energy felt odd.

"He's fine, Thalia. Just stressed," Ava finally said.

I wasn't buying any of that. If it was stress, they would have said that from the jump, and I've known Chris since I was six years old. That's not how he reacts when he's stressed.

"Thalia, I was thinking we could work out together at the gym. My father says I could use some muscle," Ava suggested.

Deciding to let them off the hook, I nodded. Once we finished lunch, the truck came outside to take us to school.

It was raining today, so there was a lot of mud on the ground. When we arrived, everyone hopped out and headed inside quickly. Halle practically ran inside, saying her boots were too cute to get dirty.

Ava and I couldn't help but laugh at her as we walked into the building. We made it to our classroom, and the Kratens were all seated. Though there were fewer than the first day, Eldreth was front and center with her goons.

She gave me a disgusted look, but I moved quickly to the back. Dr. Evans began class, discussing the solar system and Earth. It was pretty boring today, and I was ready to leave.

"We are going to try a new exercise today. We'll do partner work, and before you ask, no, you cannot pick," we all collectively groaned as Dr. Evans pulled out a list.

"Each Kraten will be paired with one human," she said, looking around the room.

Halle and Michelle's faces dropped as the Kratens began to protest against the idea. I had no idea what the doctor was planning. We could barely sit in the same room without arguing.