The Unbroken But Impure

CHAPTER 45 THE RECRUIT

Days passed...........

John began his training with the police as a civilian augmentation volunteer. Alongside him were other young people who had also been rescued from the brutality of the Saturno drug syndicate.

His days followed a strict routine. Mornings were spent in training, afternoons in review sessions, and evenings helping clean the canteen after the recruits' dinner. With the memory of his friend's death still fresh, John committed himself fully. He decided to retake the board exam, determined that a full year of review would be enough to pass this time.

John hardly looked like the rock star he once was. His long hair and flashy style were gone, replaced with a clean skinhead cut, a plain white T-shirt, and denim pants—just like the other recruits. It was better this way; blending in meant the syndicate would have a harder time recognizing him.

Meanwhile, Mae and Michelle had grown closer. They discovered shared passions—singing and volleyball—but Mae never spoke of her dark past. The only detail she offered was that her father had died in a fire, carefully leaving out the syndicate's involvement.

Michelle also kept parts of her life guarded. She revealed that she was adopted by a businessman, whose daughter later became her best friend. But she avoided talking about her adopted siblings, whose illnesses were too sensitive to share.

One evening, while John was tidying up the canteen, a woman caught his eye. She was strikingly beautiful, like a model, and John couldn't help but notice her.

"Miss, hello!" he called, flashing a confident smile. "I just saw you here. Do you sell uniforms to the recruits?"

The woman gave him a sharp look. John stood tall, his build stronger than most recruits, though his skin was burnt from long hours of training and his arms bore scratches. The harsh routine had dulled his former good looks.

"No. I'm the supervisor of the catering service here," she replied bluntly.

John caught the dismissive tone. Around camp, "strikers"—aspiring police trainees who worked as utility men while waiting for recruitment—were often looked down upon.

He felt challenged. No girl had ever brushed him off like that. Deciding to hide his true background, he wanted to see if she could like him despite his lowly role.

"I'm John, by the way. A striker here," he said, still grinning with pride.

The woman's expression softened just slightly as she noticed his bright eyes and confidence.

"Sarah. Sarah Pelaez. Excuse me, I have work to finish," she said flatly.

"Sure, Sarah. But if you ever need help—lifting, cleaning, washing, ironing—you name it. I'm your guy," John replied with a playful smile.

"Whatever," Sarah said curtly, walking away without looking back.

John felt stung. "You'll fall for me," he muttered under his breath.

Later, he learned Sarah was the daughter of a retired police officer who now ran the camp's catering service. She had recently finished her BS Pharmacy degree but was working before taking the board exam.

"Careful, boy," a sergeant warned John. "That girl's standards are high. Plenty of men tried, even officers. None succeeded. She hates cops—her father had too many affairs while in the service."

This only fueled John's determination.

He began visiting Sarah every evening. At first, she ignored him, but over time, she noticed his persistence. She saw his humor, his kindness, and his respectfulness. He told her he hadn't finished college, claiming he was just an undergraduate. Still, something about him intrigued her.

One day, during an activity at the gym, Sarah's catering crew was serving when John was asked to perform for the recruits. Picking up a guitar, he spotted Sarah across the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen," John announced confidently. "I want to dedicate this song to someone who's been my inspiration these past few days. Sarah—this one's for you."

Sarah's eyes widened. His voice carried the ease of someone trained in public speaking, and his confidence was magnetic. When he began to play Queen's Love of My Life on acoustic guitar—her favorite song—she was stunned.

John has a good voice. His guitar playing ability is even more. His confidence is unmatched. He has an aura of a king.

When the song was finished, the drill sergeant called Sarah and John on the stage.

Applause erupted. The drill sergeant even teased, "I now pronounce you man and wife!" The recruits chanted for a kiss, and Sarah, flustered, punched John lightly on the shoulder when he leaned in playfully.

John knew then—Sarah was starting to fall for him.

As days passed, their bond deepened. John's feelings had started as a challenge, but soon he grew genuinely fond of her. While his love for Sarah wasn't as intense as what he had once felt for Mae or Michelle, it was stronger than what he had felt for Yvette. The thought of Yvette filled him with guilt—he had never returned her devotion.

One afternoon, John surprised Sarah with flowers. "Hello, Sarah! These are for you," he said warmly.

"Thank you, John," she replied, smiling softly.

"So... do I have a chance?" he asked.

"Hmm... let's see," she teased, before turning back to her work.

Not everyone approved. Sarah's aunt and mother warned her that John was just a striker, not a future officer. But Sarah defended him, believing he was intelligent, kind, and responsible.

One day, during a self-defense class, an instructor grew irritated when he caught John dozing off from a late-night review session.

"You think you know everything, huh?" the instructor snapped. "Come here and show us your moves!"

John hesitated, realizing the man wanted to embarrass him.

"I'll pass, sir," he said calmly.

"What's wrong? Afraid?" the instructor taunted.

"You're mistaken," John said evenly, meeting the man's eyes. "I'm not afraid. I just don't want to hurt you—or your pride."

The recruits fell silent, sensing the tension.