Things couldn't get any better for Julia Andrew, the newest addition to the Jump Street team. She enjoys going undercover in high schools and gets along very well with her new colleagues, especially Tom Hanson who quickly became her best friend.
But...
I washed my face, trying to refresh myself a little. I felt so bad. Leaning on the sink, I gazed up at my reflection in the mirror. I looked tense and tired, pale with dark circles under my eyes that even all the makeup I had on was having trouble covering. I looked absolutely awful. Well, it wasn't that surprising considering how often I puked lately. I exhaled deeply, staring at my own refelction. I felt so exhausted, so nauseous, so horribly bad. What was happening to me ? I had been sick for weeks now and it wasn't getting any better. If anything, it was only getting worse and it wasn't normal. I had to stop pretending everithing was fine because it was obviously not. I wasn't being sick because I had caught a cold or something. There had to be something else, I had to face the truth.
Actually, the more time passed, the more I started thinking that maybe I was pregnant. I mean, all my symptoms seemed to match that diagnosis. The nausea, the vomiting always in the morning, the cramping, the tiredness... As f it wasn't already enough to get suspicious, I even seemed to have mood swings. The best example was without a doubt the argument I had with Tom just a few minutes ago. I literally went crazy and I wasn't used to behave like that. I couldn't recognize myself these days, it just didn't look like me. And besides, I missed my last period.
Still in front of the mirror, I realized I had finally admitted it to myself. Of course the thought of being pregnant had crossed my mind already, but everytime I kept refusing to accept it as the most probable explanation for my condition. I even considered taking a pregnancy test not so long ago, but I rapidly renounced because I was fearing the result too much. A part of me didn't want to know, yet I'd have to eventually. I was just waiting to be mentally ready.
I came back to reality when I heard the door opening. I turned my head to see who had entered the bathroom, rolling my eyes at the sight of Tom.
"Just in case you didn't notice, you're in the ladies room", I said, annoyed he had interrupted my thoughts by walking in.
"I know ", he retorded, clearly not caring at all. "Are you alright ? What happened ? Did you throw up or something ?"
"I"m perfectly fine Tom. Now please go back to work."
"I'm not blind, I can tell you'r not. We weren't even done with our conversation."
"We'll continue it later, I need some time to think about it anyway. Now you can leave", I said. I didn't mean to sound rude but in fact I did.
"You didn't answer my question. Did you throw up ?", he demanded, his eyes full of concern.
"Tom, just leave me the hell alone now !", I exclaimed, looking up at the ceiling than back at him. I was so fed up, I just wanted him to leave.
"I'm worried Lia. You're so-"
"Tom !", I growled, cutting him off and unintentionally glaring at him.
"Fine, I'll let you be", he sighed, glancing at me one last time before finally walking through the door.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I breathed a sight of relief as I found myself all alone again. I stayed there a few more minutes just to attempt to relax a little before making my way out of the bathroom. I was walking towards my desk when I heard Fuller yell, stopping me dead in my tracks
"ANDREW ! IN MY OFFICE !"
I swallowed hard, hoping I wouldn't get in trouble because of the scene I had made earlier even if I would've have deserved it.
"Yes captain ?", I shyly spoke, standing in the doorframe.
"Close the door and come sit down", Fuller instructed and I immediately did so, taking a seat in front of him. I relaxed a bit, noticing he didn't seem to be upset judging by his facial expression and his tone.
"I may have a new assignment for you", he handed me a picture of a girl before adding, "Helena Brooks, 17 years old, student at Jefferson's High. She's been found unconscious in a classroom by her spanish teacher early in the morning about two weeks ago. She was covered with bruises and the exams revealed she's also been raped. It's not the first time something like this happened in that highschool. Apparently three other girls have been found in similar circumstances. Now the problem is none of the victims said anything. They all categorically refused to testify although they actually seem to know the identity of their assaulter."
I slightly nodded, signaling I was fully comprehending. He spoke again
"I need someone to go undercover and get the girl to trust them enough to confess the identity of the rapist. Find out why she's so affraid to speak and convince her she must testify. The others'll follow if she does. Do you want that case ?"
"Yes. I think I can get the girl to speak.", I responded, giving the impression I was calm when in fact I was jumping internally, excited at the idea of eventually getting a new assignment.
"So do I. Good, you'll start tomorrow then. You can get back to work now."
Smiling happily, I stood up and stepped towards the door.
"Julia", Fuller called as I was reaching for the door knob, making me turn my head to look at him.
"Yes captain ?"
"Don't go too hard on Hanson", he advised out of the blue, a light smile on his lips, catching me off guard, "He really cares."
"I know", was all I replied before exiting the office.
