Abnormal {Book 1: Completed, Book 2: Ongoing}

Chapter 5

I'd recognize him anywhere. 

His dark, slicked back hair. His expensive suit. His polished shoes. 

He was the president's closest advisor, the head of the cabinet. I've seen him countless times on the television when I was a child. Until one day, he quit his job and disappeared. Some people say that he died of cancer in his home. Some people say that he moved to another continent. Some people say that he decided to go live in the mountains. But nobody ever saw him or heard of him again. 

At least not that I know of.

I remember the way he smiled whenever people spoke to him in public. I remember the way he wore expensive rings on all his fingers and a diamond watch on his wrist. 

"I am the supreme commander of The Chained Defiance. You may call me Commander Wilson."

But I never knew he had a son. 

I slowly rise to my feet, and feel an agonizing pain shoot up my left leg. I wince. I must have fractured my ankle during the simulation. 

I limp awkwardly towards him, and he holds out his right arm. I hold on gratefully, and I'm close enough now that I can see his face properly. I notice the startling similarities between him and Adrius. They have the same blue-green eyes, sharp jawline, and dark eyebrows. Commander Wilson is a rougher, more-weathered version of his son.

He sets his pace to a brisk walk, and I hurry to keep up with him as he talks. 

"Now that you have completed your beginner's trial, my dear, you may join your squad. They are waiting for you downstairs."

My brow furrows in confusion as I contemplate his words. My brain feels muddled, and I have trouble focusing.

"Sorry, excuse me, what are..." I stammer.

He cuts me off smoothly. "TCD is divided into three levels of Abnormals. The first level is for beginners. The second level is for trained Abnormals that are capable of controlling their abilities and using them effectively during combat. The third, highest level only have our most powerful, elite members of TCD. They are in charge of strategizing the TCD's every action. With my approval of course." 

He smiles with satisfaction, then continues, "Right now, you will start at the beginner's level until you rise in rank. The first level is divided into 100 individual units, or as I said before, squads. Each squad has 4-7 people, and every person in your squad has different powers."

I am so fascinated by their level of organization that I don't realize we've already entered yet another room. There are cushions everywhere, and the room's theme seems to be red and gold. I can hear music playing loudly from someone's laptop, but as Commander Wilson and I walk inside, it stops abruptly. 

I smile awkwardly at the two girls and two guys that lounge around on the cushions, and feel the weight of four sets of eyes staring at me. 

The commander clears his throat, then speaks. "This is your new squad member, Lyanna. Please show her to her quarters and explain to her how things work around here. If there aren't any other questions, I will see you all at dinner."

He pulls his arms away from me, and I stumble, losing my balance because of my injured ankle.

Commander Wilson must have heard my sharp intake of breath, because he says to my new squad, "Oh, and I believe her ankle needs to be treated." 

He then pivots on one heel, and leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

I gape at the closed door, then slowly turn to face my roommates.

"Hi," I say timidly.

One of the girls rises from her position on the cushions, suddenly rushing forward excitedly.

"Finally, another girl!" She smiles brightly. "I'm Valerie." Valerie has short, pixie cut, jet black hair with bright green eyes. She points to the other girl. "That's Aveline." Aveline is short and petite, with a sweet smile, dimples and beautiful honey colored curls that fall halfway down her back.

Then she nods her head to the two boys. "That's Adam and Everett." Adam is sprawled on one of the sofas, and he waves halfheartedly, his other hand busy typing away on a screen on his watch. His hair is dyed blue and styled with hair gel. Everett is tall and broad shouldered with a tattoo on his neck. He also has a shock of white hair with pale blue eyes. His skin is unusually pale, and he has piercings all over his face, on his eyebrows, his nose, even his lips. I wonder what his secret power is.

Valerie grabs my arm and pulls me into a short hallway adjacent to the common room that leads to the main entrance. There are two doors in the hallway, and it is obvious that one leads to the girls' dorm room while the other one leads to the guys' dorm. She opens the first door and ushers me inside, motioning for me to sit down on one of the beds.

She then bends down quickly and puts both her hands on my swollen ankle. It is healed within seconds.

Then Valerie stands up straight and smiles warmly at me, and I smile back, feeling hope blossom deep within me. I think I've finally found a new friend.

"Welcome to your new home," she says.