The rest of the night was great. Landon and Louise showed us to their favourite spot in the building because obviously there were no gardens.
As I stretched out on a bean chair I closed my eyes and thought. I really thought.
Thought about the Mianders, thought about Dylan and Lori, thought about spy school and . . . Thought about my mum.
I felt myself being nudged in the ribs and opened my eyes. Dylan was looking at me weirdly.
“You alright? You look dazed,” he said, edging closer.
“I’m tired. It’s been a long day.” I yawned and stretched my arms above my head.
“It’ll be good when we get some sleep,” he said thoughtfully, pushing a strand of hair away from my eyes. “You’re right, you look knackered.”
I closed my eyes again and pushed myself further into the bean chair, “Then don’t interrupt me whilst my eyes are closed, Mr poke-me.”
Vaguely aware that Lori, Landon and Louise. . . (Yes, a lot of ‘L’ friends) were watching, Dylan laughed.
“OK.” He breathed.
My nap lasted about twenty minutes until Cassie came in and shook me awake.
I opened my eyes stiffly and looked around. Everyone was where they were originally except Dylan and Lori who were thumb-wrestling. Louise was laughing at something Landon had said and Cassie was looking down at me.
“I figured I should show you to your apartment.”
“Apartment!” I shrieked causing Landon to look my way and cover his ears.
“Well, kind of. It isn’t just a room. There is a small sitting room, a bathroom and two bedrooms. I made arrangements for you, Dylan and Lori to share even though it is some-what forbidden. After all, it’s the best I can do. And I’m pretty sure he would be grateful rooming with people he knows. Our boys tend to be a bit. . . Consistent.”
“Okay, thanks for everything, Cassie.” I said with a small smile.
“It’s no problem. By the way, I just thought you should know, you need to be up at 5am sharp for morning drills.”
I knew it was too good to be true. “Morning drills?”
“Why of course. We need to keep in shape. Your uniforms and running suits will be in your closets.”
“Great.” I said sarcastically, scrunching my nose up.
“Back on topic,” she said continuing on, “It’s about nine o’clock now so you will have some decent sleep. Follow me, ladies.” She turned to Dylan, “And gentleman.”
Dylan turned to face Cassie and in that exact moment Lori crushed his thumb beneath hers and shouted, “Victory!”
Dylan groaned, “Didn’t count. You cheated. Cheater.”
“It’s not my fault that you turned away,” she sang.
Before Dylan could counter and they could go through a long and detailed argument about how Lori did or did not cheat, Cassie opened the door and walked through it, a universal signal for “Get your sorry butts up and follow me.”
As we walked alongside Cassie I noticed that the building was huge. There were security keys on every door and DNA scans. The walls had paintings of former spies, current spies, legacies, juniors, diplomatic seniors and more.
At the last minute she paused in front of a door causing me to crash into her slightly, like I said, slightly.
As if she knew I was going to do that she sidestepped me and caught my shoulders – steadying me a little.
“Thanks,” I said shyly.
“No problem. Now please press your thumb onto this scanner. It needs your DNA. Every time you want to enter this room you must press it and wait for the door to open.”
“Got it.” I reassured.
I pressed my finger down and watched as a green light flashed. I felt the tingly mechanics under my finger tip, it was weird. Like a strange plutonic buzz.
Suddenly the door swung open revealing a room with a light red couch and two matching arm chairs on either side of it.
Dylan ran forward and jumped on the couch. Apparently he was “claiming” it. Lori groaned and then asked something that made her voice go frail, “Where are my normal clothes?”
Cassie smiled and looked at her, “You must wear uniform at all times. It’s Prestigious’ policy.”
Lori looked heartbroken as she muttered something about how she would never wear a cute skirt in this building.
“I’ll leave you to settle in.” Cassie said finally, walking out of the room, before the door could completely close she poked her head out and reminded us, “Set your alarms. Morning drills are extremely important. If you are late or refuse to show up you will face the consequences.” And with that she left us alone.
YOU ARE READING
The Other Side
Teen FictionTansy May's life has been nothing but an unfortunate roller-coaster of events; from thinking she was going to be burned to death by a bunch of crazy religionists, to being taken to another side of the world that she only thought existed in movies. ...
