~Unedited~
9. The Choosing
The next morning we all gather in the cafeteria to see our results. Today will determine which career you will be given to train for next; or if you're packing up to go home. The whole thing was nerve-wracking.
"Good morning, Vince." Aaron greets, patting my back.
"Morning," I return.
"Mind telling me why Tyler keeps sending you the evil eye."
Isa ducks her head at the mention of Tyler, trying to hide an emotion I can't decipher. Squeezing her thigh I meet Tyler's gaze and give him a taunting smile. He flips me off and continues to talk to Tasha.
"Nothing, he was just confused about some things. But I made sure to set him straight." I respond with a nonchalant shrug of the shoulders.
Isabelle stiffens, Aaron is shaking from contained laughter, and Leanna is smirking.
"Did you finally kick his ass?" Aaron inquires with a smirk.
Before I can respond Isabelle responds.
"Of course not! Vincent and Tyler are still friends." Isabelle interjects.
Aaron and Leanna burst in hysterics.
"They're on the same team, sweetheart. Not friends, trust there is a big difference." Leanna comments.
"Vince is just nice enough to not object. Also, Tyler is scared shitless of him." Aaron adds.
I shake my head at this.
"What do you mean?" Isabelle ask confuse. Even Leanna seems intrigued.
"The innocent, sweet vibe is just an act ladies. Vince is..." Aaron trails off when he notices my withering glare.
"Well, what?" Leanna probes, leaning against the table.
"He's just fooling with you." I brush off with a laugh. "It's nothing really. Look, Professor Ellis is here."
Isabelle straightens at the mention of our professor, Leanna eyes me skeptically before she turns herself around.
"Good morning Starlets." Prof Ellis announces.
"Good morning," we respond in unison.
"Today, we choose five of our best to take a journey others would kill to have. An once in a lifetime experience." Prof Ellis explains, letting the weight of the situation sink in.
"Today is also the day our sophomores graduate and train in the field that leads to their career. And sadly, today is cut off day." Newbies gasp at this. "Sadly, not all met our expectations and will be sent back to their sectors, continuing designated work."
That's the trick to this Academy, even if you make it there is still a chance you'll get cut; kicked out. Which by itself is an embarrassment and disappointment not only to your family, but your comunita.
There are two ways you get sent back; getting dropped, or an injury/sickness has taken over you. If you left because of an injury the academy pays back your tuition and then some. But that only happens with the higher ups. Only they can afford to get sick and call it a day. Those of us who are consider bassifondi, work through the pain and illness to provide for our love ones.
"Listen carefully as I call a list of names," Prof Ellis continues. Everyone's at the edge of their seats, not knowing if they'll be staying or leaving.
"Sarah, Tyler, Cameron, Ashley, and Brandon. I am gravely sorry to inform you..."
Before he can finish, Sarah is bursting in tears, while Brandon takes a different approach and starts throwing his tray. I look over at Tyler to see him sitting completely still, blank stare covering his face. Tyler came from the slums, like Aaron and myself. Though his family is somewhat higher up than mine. Still his folks will forever remember him as a delusione, disappointment.
YOU ARE READING
Out of this World
Fiksi Ilmiah"What? You never been high before?" I ask with a teasing smile. "No, I have. It's just- Well that doesn't look like weed to me." My lips stretch wider at his flustering. I step closer to him, cupping his face with my hands and pull him close, so ou...
