Chapter 16 - Andy

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I spent most of my shift in autopilot, I went through the procedures like I was reading them straight from the instruction manual.

I didn't expect the news that Kelsie and Ben could be leaving in close to a month would affect me in the way that it did. I surprised myself and also felt bad, ignoring Kelsie's question, asking me if everything was okay. What was I going to tell her,

"Ahh Kelsie, I'm not okay. I love you and don't want you and Ben to leave me. I'm sad because I want you and Ben to be my family!" How was she going to take that?

I slammed my palms on the desk and then buried my face in my hands, fighting the tears that started to soak my eyelashes and run down my cheeks. I couldn't be seen in such a vulnerable state, I had to be tough, I had to be a leader, not this... a whimpering, snotty mess all because of a red -haired girl and her little brother.

It took me a few hours to regain my composure, I asked the computer to send a voicemail to Kelsie, letting her know that our training session tomorrow will be going ahead as usual, at our usual time and place. My shift finished at 4 am. that morning, so I had about 4.5 hours to get some sleep before meeting Kelsie.

I somehow managed to sleep, and my heart nearly jumped out of my chest when my room filled with the sound of the alarm and the computerised voice telling me the time.

I met Kelsie at the training room/gymnasium. I went through the paces with her. We had a short break,

"Kelsie, I think you're ready to start training to use a sword, and I also need you to go to the library after our session here and borrow some books on survival.

Tomorrow, I'll bring you a pocketbook with a lot of useful information and instructions on how to perform first aid in a wilderness environment. You'll need to carry that with you everywhere. You need to know it off by heart. I'll be testing you." I said, using my authoritative tone. Kelsie smiled cheekily throughout.

"Yes, sir!" She replied, with the enthusiasm of a new recruit on her first day, until she let out a huge giggle that filled the room. I tried to keep a straight face. I was successful to a point, but a small smile did flash on my face for a few seconds before I hid it again.

"What's so funny, trainee officer Kelsie Macdonough?" I asked, trying my authoritative tone again. Which brought forth another fit of giggles from Kelsie.

"It's strange, slightly funny, and kinda cute, you trying to be authoritative with me, especially when it's only just us and nobody else." She said, amused and in a teasing tone.

I froze. Did Kelsie just call me cute? Her tone sounded almost flirtatious. Was Kelsie just flirting with me? My brain went into overdrive, and my heart fluttered at the thought. I tried to gain my composure, which I did after a couple of minutes waiting for my brain to process and my heart to return to its normal rhythm.

We finished training, and I recommended some titles of survival books that would help her with her studies.

I had a rare day off, so I spent the rest of it catching up on sleep. I woke at 6 pm. My stomach let out an unimpressed grumble, I didn't realise how hungry I was. I was glad that I still had an hour before dinner would stop being served, so I quickly pulled on some plain clothes. I sighed in relief. It was nice not having to put on my scratchy, thick, and all-around generally uncomfortable uniform. The clothes felt like heaven against my skin.

As soon as I stepped inside the dining hall, I heard a distant child -like voice calling my name. It was Ben, of course, I had only been in the dining hall for mere seconds. He ran up to me and wrapped his arms around my legs.

"Andy!" He screamed in delight, "Come and sit with me and big sis!" He grabbed my trouser leg and pulled me to where I assumed Kelsie was sitting.

My heart almost burst as I spotted Kelsie's fiery red hair amongst the sea of browns, blacks, and blondes. When we got closer to her, I was surprised to see her head buried in a book. I smiled when I read the title. It was one of the survival books I had recommended to her.

"Evening Trainee officer Mcdonough," I said. Her head popped out from behind the book, and she smiled widely.

"Good evening, Sir!" She answered, chirpely.

"It's good to see you reading one of the books I recommend." I said, trying to sound professional and trying to hide my smile.

"You're welcome to join us, sir." Kelsie said.

"Thank you, and I'll gratefully accept your offer. But first, I must grab something to eat. Have you and Ben eaten yet?" I asked.

"Yes, but Ben hasn't had his dessert yet." She answered before she buried her head back into the book.

I looked at Ben, who had sat back in his chair. "Well, Ben. Would you like to come with me to the counter and pick a dessert?" His eyes lit up,

"Yes!" He exclaimed excitedly. He jumped out of his chair and was about to run towards the counter without me.

"Stop! Ben! Come back and hold my hand, and we will go together, okay?" I said, using a stern tone but not too stern so that I wouldn't upset him.

"Okay." He said disappointedly as he reached for my outstretched hand.

Once, Ben had chosen his dessert, which was ice cream with chocolate topping and sprinkles, and I grabbed my meal. We headed back to our table. Kelsie's head was still buried in her book. I couldn't help but admire her dedication to learning.

As you could guess, there was not much adult conversation at the table. Ben chatted as he drew a picture with some coloured pencils. Kelsie's head would occasionally pop up from behind the book, and she'd engage with me, but that was not very often.

I was slightly disappointed, and as I was about to say my goodbyes to Kelsie and Ben, Kelsie put the book down and looked at me for a few seconds.

"May I ask you a question, Sir?" She asked, her eyes shone under the lights.

"Yes, of course." I answered.

She paused,

"It's Ben's 5th birthday in a fortnight, and I was wondering if you would give us permission to throw him a party. The cooks are more than willing to make him a birthday cake, and we'd invite whoever wishes to attend.

No one will be left out, and we would really love it if you are able to attend also. Ben adores you, you saved our lives, and It would mean a lot to me if you'd attend. That is, if you're not busy and if you allow us to hold it?"

"Of course you can throw him a birthday party, I'll check my roster and see if I can attend, okay."

"Awww, thank you!" Kelsie squealed in delight as she slammed her book down, stood, and came to my seat and hugged me. I froze in shock but managed to give her a few quick taps on her back.

"Uhhh! I'm glad you're happy, but you can stop hugging me now." I whispered awkwardly. She squeezed me and stood up.

"Uhhh! Sorry, Sir, I got too excited there for a second. Ahh! Sorry again. " Kelsie looked down as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and awkwardly returned to her seat.

"It's alright." I replied, feeling bad about embarrassing her, but I was her superior officer. My authority would come into question, and they'd accuse me of favouritism and wonder if i was thinking logically, allowing her and Ben to stay in our bunker. I couldn't have that. It was times like these that made me miss Commander Lee and looked forward to his return.

I remained at the table and talked to Ben and Kelsie for about half an hour before saying my goodbyes. Ben hugged my leg, and Kelsie gave me a quick nod and returned to her book.

I returned to my room. What am I going to do now? I asked my empty room. Then the computerised voice filled my room, "Sir, you are required in the comms room, Commander Lee wishes to speak with you."

"Acknowledged, eta 5 minutes." I said as I sighed and whispered to myself.
"Well, at least I have something to do now." As the door slid open and I headed towards the comms room. I wondered what had made Commander Lee call. I hoped there was nothing wrong with him.

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