Adopt-a-Story

Little Mix as Soldiers

The four girls remain silent in the back of the truck as they wonder about the journey ahead and how soon it would be before they got to go home to their families. It wasn't easy being a soldier, much less being deployed to a mission they couldn't even know about until they got there. There was no telling what would happen to them or what they would have to do.

The trip along the countryside was long and bumpy, only making the girls more nervous as they come to realization how far away they were from the rest of society. They knew it would make the job easier, though. There wouldn't be as many civilians to worry about in case of emergency. Still, the comfort of seeing smiling faces of families was what primarily kept them sane, and that wouldn't be around wherever they were headed to, and that scared them a little. What was supposed to keep them sane in isolation?

Soon, the truck came to a halt and the girls' heads lifted to see miles of woods and a dirt road; the same dirt road they'd been on for hours. They heard some conversation in another language from the driver and an unknown man, who they could only guess was the one giving them their orders.

The conversation went on for a few more seconds before the truck started up and they were yet again on their way to their destination.

It didn't take long for them to get there, however, and when they did, the sight took their breath away. It was beautiful. The trees opened up to show freshly cut grass and a massive fountain on either side of the paved road, flowers of all kinds planted carefully and thoughtfully around each one. The birds were singing their songs, joining together beautifully into one calming melody as the girls took everything in.

Clearing his throat, a man caught the attention of the four girls who seemed a little happier to be where they were, given its beauty. A file with the official stamp was in his hands as he placed one over the other in a formal stance, a hard glare on his face.

"I know you're wondering where you are or what you're supposed to be doing here, but I can only give you the latter. Princess Malia, the king's only daughter, has been the target of multiple attacks in the past month and a half. You're to be her body guards 24/7. If she needs a juice box, get her a juice box. If she wants a new toy, buy it for her. If she falls and scrapes her knee, you're to kiss her boo-boo and make her feel better. Whatever the case, you're to respond as quick as possible in the most positive way you can think of. If I see so much as a tear roll down her cheek while you four are standing around doing nothing, so help me—"

"Thank you, Nicholas. I will take it from here." Another man steps into view, a very expensive suit and confident attitude evident. "Hello ladies, I've been told you'll be watching my daughter, Malia. Just make my baby girl happy without her knowing that you're only there to protect her, please. That's the only thing I ask. The other stuff your boss said would be good too, but overall I just want my little girl safe. Thank you, I'll have someone show you to your rooms now." He smiles shortly before walking off to find someone to lead the four girls to their rooms. One by one, the girls get out from the back of the truck and look around, examining their new home for who-knows-how-long. It was big, that's for sure. It looked to be about four stories, at least, and could rival the length of an American football field. Impressive, one girl thought, letting her eyes roam over one of the giant stained-glass windows next to the main entrance. Another took the time to count the amount of windows and balconies there were, just for safety purposes, she told herself. The other two couldn't stop staring at the gorgeous pool area, complete with a decently sized flowing waterfall, plants nearly taking over the entire backdrop of stones placed in such a way to create a beautiful wall that hid the plumbing for the pool and waterfall. The architect who made this place is insanely good, they thought, trying to a single flaw within the area, even if they knew they wouldn't be able to.

The king came back with a boy about 16, his hair shaggy and his clothes only slightly better than rags, but a shy smile on his face.

"This is George, he'll be taking your belongings and showing you to your room. For safety, I decided to place you all into one room. Is that alright?" he asks, scanning each girl for a response. They simply nodded and the man smiled. "Great. They're all yours, George." Like that, he was walking off again, leaving the girls with the scrawny boy.

"Hi, I'm George, but you already knew that. Here, let me take your bags." He awkwardly shuffled forward and grabs each bag, tossing them over his shoulder before gesturing with his head for them to follow him.

Along the way, he stopped momentarily to show the girls each room they'd need to know, but ultimately tried to make it to their room as quickly as possible. There were a lot of rooms they'd have to learn to remember, but he knew they'd get it. That's what they were trained for, anyway.

Once they made it to their room, he placed their bags beside the door before announcing he'd be back to get them for dinner and leaving them to figure out their living situation. Each girl took a bed, staring at each other in confusion and relief as they realize they wouldn't be in the middle of a war, but instead taking care of a four year-old girl in a secluded area. Then, one by one, they decided they needed to catch up on sleep since the day had been so long.