Boot Camp

07: Old Version

I groan as my eyes open and the sunlight streams through the large window behind my bed. Over to my left I see Martina still fast asleep, the covers pulled up past her chin. Being Natalie's roommate only lasted a few solid hours because by nightfall yesterday, she decided to bring something up.

"Whitney, I have something to say," she begins, sitting cross-legged on her bed. I look up from my phone, my message to Mina still open.

"Go ahead," I respond, fluffing up my pillow.

"It's not your fault...it's just I kind of want to switch rooms," she says, nervously playing with her hair. She seems worried that she's offending me.

"Sure, I guess. Who are you going with?"

"Cynthia." Natalie replies, shuffling through her duffel bag. "I just feel like we understand each other. Not that we don't, but I—"

"Honestly it's fine, Natalie," I reply, waving it off. "But who is Cynthia's roommate?"

"That girl named Martina. She and Cynthia don't exactly get along."

I see why. Martina is outgoing and candid, while Cynthia seems more reserved. I do like Martina, so this roommate switcharoo isn't posing a problem for me.

"Hey, that works for me," I answer. Natalie smiles widely.

I sit up in bed and pick up my phone. It's 6:18 a.m.? The earliest I have ever gotten up without the blare of my alarm is around eight. Since I'm awake, and there is no way I can sleep with all the sunlight, I get up and head to the bathroom to get ready. I take my clothes and small bag full of everything I need and quietly walk down the hall. Since everyone else is still asleep, the bathroom is all mine. I lock the door behind me and then proceed to look in the mirror. I wash my face and then put my hair up into a neat ponytail before changing into a pair of gray leggings and a black sweatshirt.

Ten minutes later, I sneak out of the dorms. I know it's probably not allowed, but I'm not in the mood for rules this morning.

I walk across the grass in the morning shadows where no one can see me and slip through one of the entrances to the central building. But before I walk in, I catch a girl off in the corner, her back turned towards me. She senses movement and turns to stare straight at me. I'm caught off guard by what she's holding. A bottle of beer?

"What are you doing here?" she snaps, hiding the bottle behind her back.

"N-nothing, I woke up early and decided to get some morning sunshine."

She purses her lips and crosses her arms. "Are you trying to leave?"

My eyes widen. "Why would I do that?"

She scoffs. "Because I tried to last year. They made me come back this summer because of that," she answers. I take note of her appearance: tangled, wild red hair, a stomach that almost hangs out of her sweatpants. "There's no escaping here, Whitney. It's like fitness jail."

"First of all, why are you telling me this? No one forced me to come here."

She's a few inches away from my chest at this point and her breath reeks of beer. I wrinkle my nose in disgust but keep quiet. "Because I know your type, smart but likes to get away with things. And surprisingly quite lazy."

Is this girl a mind reader? "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't try and leave. Unless you want to spend another summer in hell."

I place my hands on my hips and stare straight at her. "Why is this hell? I've been to hell before: high school."

She laughs. "High school is the biggest joke in the world. But it's just endless here. Every day the same stupid workouts, same disgusting food, and some of the biggest bitches you'll ever find. Maybe it will be different for you, but if it isn't, don't be surprised. I'm just warning you."