It was not at all what I dreamed the military base would be like. Not that I ever dreamed about it.
Long columns of buildings were surrounding droopy, saggy, rows of tents. I noticed one that stood out. It was a flashy tent on the outer edge. A girl sat outside by a fire. She looked like she was around 20, but she was probably younger, just, with all the hard work, she looked older. Anyways, I decided to make my tent near her. In hopes we could be friends. Maybe she was Rori.
"Hey," I said as I plopped my things down next to her tent.
She looked up. "What do you want?"
"I'm new here. My name is Emily. I was wondering if you could tell me anything about this place or you or... I don't know. Just anything." I explained.
She shrugged. "I'm Rori. If you follow me around for a day or two you'll catch the ropes. On your third day, you are independent and get your assigned job."
"W-wait! You're Rori?" I asked. This was the girl mom so adored?!
She nodded. "Why?"
"Oh, just. My mom told me about you." I sighed. "I guess we are step sisters."
Rori frowned. "Your dad is Tom Rianders?"
I nodded. "But your mom is Jeji Scoffensteins and mine is Tori Rianders."
"Oh. I guess I wasn't expecting that." She stiffened. "Did I ruin your life?"
"Sorry, but I didn't know you even existed till about ten minutes ago." I shrugged. "My mom wants me to break out and find her. But, um..." I looked around.
"Yeah," Rori smirked. "That's pretty much impossible. How's dad?"
"Oh. Umm..." My face grew hot. How do I phrase this? "He, kind of, died."
For a long time, Rori didn't say anything. I almost begged her to, but if she was having a moment I didn't want to ruin it. Finally, she looked up. And smiled.
YOU ARE READING
Upside Down Tendrils
General FictionEm has been struggling with her father's death for a long time. Her father always stood up for her. For the town. And now, he is gone. Em has turned into a rebel, but on one cool, autumn day that all changes. She is just an ordinary girl at an...
