New Age

Goodbyes

I sat on my bed, looking around my room for what is most likely the last time. Leaving home doesn't bother me much, I never really spent much time inside. The only thing I'll really miss is the storage space and my bed. Who knows what my new room inside headquarters will be like. I still had to pack, and was about to start when there was a knock on my door.  

"Come in," I say, wondering who it could possibly be on the other side. The door opens and I'm shocked to see Sergeant Jackson walk in my room.  

"Hello, Sergeant." I stand up and offer to walk into the living room. He blocks my path.  

"Lyla. I just need a short word, and would prefer not to be overheard. If you don't mind?" he asks, closing the door.  

"What is it that I can help you with?" 

"I just stopped by to warn you of what to expect when you get to headquarters. I won't go easy on you just because your assignment ceremony required special attention. I also won't go hard on you just because you're new. I need to know that you're ready for the stress and demands of being a Tracker. It is possible to wait another year before coming to headquarters, and I don't want to rush you into something that requires so much." 

"I'm ready. I've been ready. If I had it my way, I would've left the day after my ceremony. Now, if that's all you need, I'm afraid I need to get my things together." I gesture to the door, not wanting to be alone with this man any longer. Not after Max told me to stay away from him. The sergeant didn't look satisfied with my answer though, and gave me one last icy glare before exiting my room.  

What did I ever do to him? Sure, I won the mock fight between us without a problem, but surely he'd be over that by now? I sigh in exasperation, turning back to my empty suitcases. I fill one with the proper clothing, loose fitting and tight shirts and pants that I can work out easily in, as well as a few regular outfits I might need. I thought I was finished with clothing when I realized I had no clue what climates I would be facing. Unfortunately, I have to pack all kinds of clothing now.  

I settled with packing nearly all my clothes and a few things that would make my new living quarters seem like home. I'm leaving in a few hours on a transporter with Max. My family would be relocating to the town nearest the headquarters in a few months. The only thing I had left to do was say goodbye to everyone. All my friends were coming over in just 30 minutes, and Max should be here any time now.  

Max told me just a few days ago that his parents died two years ago, when his brother became a Tracker. He didn't say how, but he didn't have to. I had a pretty good idea how they passed. That left him with his brother, and Zach, his best friend. The only person he had to meet with before leaving was Zach, since his brother will obviously be with us. Zach was coming over too, to save us the trouble of figuring out how to say goodbye to everyone in time.  

Someone knocks on the front door, Max. My dad lets him in and places my luggage on the steps by his.  

"Hey." Max seemed cheerful for once, which was odd since he was about to leave one of the few people he has left.  

"Hey. What's gotten you so happy?" I ask, grinning. A genuine smile was plastered across his face. This was just too weird.  

"I'll tell you later." He grabs my hand, leading me to our sofa. We sit down and he can't seem to shut up. He starts the conversation for once, much to my amusement. He's rambling on about something I don't understand when the door bursts open and my friends file in. I greet and hug them all, and have them take a seat around where I was sitting with Max. He seemed amused with all the girls around him, and I can't say I blame him. Some are already bickering and tickling each other on the floor.