chapter nine

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THERE IS obvious tension between the squad. Ever since Zombie had retaliated against Reznik, not only had he been rougher on us during physical training but everyone was pissed. He screamed at us for the littlest things like the way Dumbo's arms moved as he ran or how Tank sneezed in the middle of our push-ups.

I'm lucky enough he didn't take this advantage to bother me further about not answering him earlier. His gaze would linger on me but he would snarl his lip as if to keep the words in his mouth.

He released us for the morning and I was the first one gone. It was uncharacteristically quiet throughout the day. I mean, I always am but usually the kids had something to say. Not today, apparently. No one dared to speak.

As it nears night, we all make our way back to the barracks. I sigh to myself while leading them. It seems once we're all enclosed together, the tension is poignant than ever. I walk away toward my bunk and turn to see Flintstone hot on Zombie's tail, who either doesn't feel his presence or doesn't care.

I purse my lips tiredly.

Flintstone has every right to be upset, I just don't want to deal with it tonight. I was hoping he would've dropped it by now. After all the exercising we did, I'm surprised he has the energy to address the elephant in the room. It's quite clear he wants to hear something from Zombie's mouth.

Teacup is the only other member that smells the anger reverberating off the walls. She climbs and plops on her bunk, crawling to the edge while waiting. I look up and see her smiling in anticipation for what is going to happen below her.

"You just couldn't keep your mouth shut," Flintstone finally breaks the silence.

Zombie looks up and I see that he has been waiting for it. There's not much expression on his face as he unties his boots. "Leave it alone, Flint."

"No," he snaps instantly. "What were you thinking, huh? You could've gotten all of us killed."

"Suddenly you care about the rest of us?" Zombie fires back, narrowing his eyes.

Flintstone scoffs, glancing at us. We all stood on the sidelines beside one another watching them. "I wouldn't have been our squad leader if I didn't."

Teacup snorts. "Looks like you're not anymore."

"Oh, shut it, kid," Tank tells her with a scowl, which came as no surprise to me.

"Try and make me." She lifts off the bed, as if ready to pounce on him from that height.

Tank doesn't stand down, turning and walking over to our bunk. I suddenly feel the immediate instinct to step between them in her defense. I convince myself that it's because Teacup and I are the only girls which means we need to have each other's backs. She's already shown me that she has mine; it's my turn.

Totally not because her and Eve had the same color eyes.

My figure causes him to halt and suddenly their attention is on us. I cross my arms, giving him a glare that everyone can see intimidates him. It's not my purpose to make him scared of me but I have no other form of communication beside the dead look in my eyes that's mistaken with threats.

Tank isn't scared, though. I see there's hesitation in what he does next but I know the look of fear and his gaze isn't plagued with such. He inches toward me.

"You can't even talk, freak," he mumbles angrily.

My stomach drops.

I force myself to pretend his words haven't just split my heart into two. But I can't help clenching my fists. I need to release my frustration and I know punching him won't fix the obvious internal issue.

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⏰ Last updated: Sep 22 ⏰

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EVIL WOMAN  /  ben parish Where stories live. Discover now