Chiron Academy

Chapter 5: Squad Breakfast

BRIIIIIIINNG BRIIIIIIING.

The alarm rang out, filling the small dormitory room with noise.

"Uhhhhh." Wyatt groaned in response.

He shoved his face into his pillow, willing himself to go back to sleep. He was only dimly aware of his surroundings. The room around him was dark. His whole mind was aching at being awake.

BRIIIIIIINNG BRIIIIIIING, the alarm sounded again.

"UHHHHHHHH!" he retorted with all the passion his still-asleep mind could muster.

"Wyatt, it's time to wake up, man," a voice said to Wyatt. It took him a minute to register the voice as William's.

"Just let me die here," Wyatt grunted. "At least I'll know I'll live out the rest of my days happy."

Wyatt heard a flick sound and the room was flooded with light. Wyatt pulled his blankets over him like a protective shield.

Things were nice and dark under the covers, just how Wyatt would prefer the whole world would be if he had any say about it right now. He was vaguely aware of the shuffling sounds of William moving on his side of the room.

He felt safe in his blankety domain, but, as much as he hated to admit it, it probably wouldn't last.

"What time is it?" he queried to the outside world in a decidedly haggard voice.

"6," came William's response. It should be illegal to sound as happy William did this early in the morning.

Wyatt's mind flashed through the terrible arithmetic that one processes when one has had very little sleep. He'd had maybe four hours? It felt for all the world like he'd just laid down.

"William, it's un-American to wake up this early. This is what they fought the war for so I wouldn't have to wake up till at least 9.

"What time did you got to bed?"

"...1. 1:30?"

Actually, it was closer to two, Wyatt admitted to himself, but William didn't need to know that.

"That's pretty silly. You knew we had to wake up early this morning. Why'd you stay up so late?"

"Because, William," Wyatt explained from underneath his pillow, "that's when the crime is happening."

Another thought flashed into Wyatt's mind.

"William, we don't have to be at breakfast until 7:15. Why is your alarm clock set for 6. A. M?"

"I always like to go for a run every morning. I find it gives me more energy for the day. You should come. It could really give our squad a boost."

William paused for a second.

"Ha," he laughed. "It could give us a real leg up on the competition."

The urge to groan again washed over Wyatt like a tidal wave. It took all his self-control to keep silent.

It is far too early for this. Wyatt thought to himself.

"I appreciate the offer, William," Wyatt said trying his best to sound sincere. "But I think I'll pass."

"Okay, well, don't stay in bed too long. Don't forget breakfast is at-"

"Yup, 7:15," Wyatt cut him. "I know. I'll be there."

"Alright, I'll see you there."

"Yup," Wyatt replied.

Wyatt heard the door closing behind William. Wyatt peaked up from under his thick blanket. Light from the single light fixture on the ceiling stabbed in his eyes. So, he hadn't turned the lights off. Beautiful.