The unwanted Assassin

Chapter Three: Part Three

Carter clears his throat "He has some pressing family matters to attend to, and won't be back for the remainder of the week" He answers as he places his napkin into his lap, and begins filling a bowl with food.

"What is so important that he has to miss a week's worth of class" I ask another question.

Carter stills midway of ladling food into his bowl "That is not your concern" He says, his tone commanding me to ask nothing more on the subject. I look away from him, and focus on the rest of the group, knowing better than to ask anymore questions. I watch as the boys look hungrily at the pot of spaghetti, and wait for their turn to eat. I sit still in my chair and wait for my turn.

After the boy's bowls are filled to the brim, they begin eating. I stand up and lean over, and begin filling my bowl. I fill it to the brim, and sit back down. Looking up I notice the boy's stopped eating, and are now staring at me, most of them with their forks half way to their mouths. "What "I asked in a pointed way, clearly displeased with the attention. 

Grant being the first to go back to normal says "Nothing" And goes back to eating. He elbows Luca in the side causing him to yelp, and go back to eating along with the rest of them following suit.

 With a shrug I reach for my fork, and begin eating. In a matter of minutes my bowl is empty and I am lying back in my chair with a hand on my full stomach. Once again I find the room to be silent. Looking up I am once again being stared at by everyone. Letting out an annoyed groan I ask again "What, why do you all keep staring at me like that?"

Logan's eyes move back, and forth between his partially full bowl, and my completely empty one "I've never...... seen a girl eat like that before" He says slowly. Grant reaches behind him, and slaps Logan across the back of his head "Hey! What the heck man" he complains as he rubs the back of his head.

 "Why wou" He lets out a groan of frustration. "Why would you say something like that?" Grant asks him. He holds up his hand "You know what, never mind, I don't even wanna know." He looks over to me "Sorry about that Alana" he apologies. I shake my head at the events that are unfolding.

"It's an old habit" I explain to them as I stand up with my dishes in hand, and head towards the sink. I pause halfway there, and stand in the middle of the room frozen. I close my eyes, and take calming breaths as the past threatens to enter my mind.

 'Not here, not now, not here, not now' I repeat in my head over, and over again.

-Flashback-

The door to the cellar opens, and Asher walks in with a bowl of what smells like soup in his hands. My stomach grumbles from the lack of food for the past couple of days.

"You're lucky i'm feeding you at all, Alana" Asher speaks as he makes it to where I lay on the. I tug my legs closer to me, and hear as the chains on my ankles rattle against the cold tile. Asher crutches down to my level, and examines me. His face twists in one of disgust.

 I couldn't blame him, I was covered in dirt, and blood from the events of the night before. He places the bowl on the ground. Reaching forward he grabs ahold of the side of my face, hard enough to where I know there is going to be a bruise the next day. "It wouldn't be this way if you only obeyed, Alana" He speaks his voice void of any emotion.

Fearing I would get in trouble if I spoke, I simply replied with a small nod. Looking satisfied, Asher stands, and leaves the room. I wait to hear the lock click into place. Finally after I hear it I watch as his shadow disappears. I hurriedly grab the bowl and begin consuming its contents. The food wasn't the -.

-End Flashback-

I'm brought out of my panic as a hand lands on my shoulder causing me to jump up in surprise. I look over my shoulder, and am met with Carter's blue eyes. "You alright Alana" His voice erases any remaining memory.

I shrug off his hand "I'm fine" I say, as I finally head over to the sink, and wash my dishes. I finish washing them, and place them into the drying rack. I spin around, and look at the boys who are still sitting at the table but are now hunched over, and talking to each other in hushed voices.

 Not caring about what they are talking about, I walk over to where Carter is sitting, and clear my throat. I wait as they finish their conversation. I block out their words knowing it wasn't my business to overhear them. Carter finally looks up at me, and meets my eyes.

"I'm headed to bed now. What time do classes begin tomorrow?" I ask, folding my arms behind me, and hiding my emotions behind the mask that I created years ago, and for what feels like the millionth time I become the ever dutiful soldier.

"Class is at 9am, and make sure to be up by 7:30," Carter says. He looks as if he has more to say, but he doesn't voice it. I give him a nod, and look over to others, and give them a nod as well before turning on my heels, and heading into my room.

 Entering my room I make sure to lock my door behind me. I walk over to my bathroom, and turn the shower on. I head over to the counter and begin undressing, making sure to fold my clothes into a pile on top of it even though they need washing.

I look at my reflection as I slowly take off my bracelet, and watch my scars appear. I stand there leaning on the counter, staring at my reflection until the mirror is completely fogged over. With a heavy sigh I push off the counter, and enter the shower.