Iron Will (sequel to Iron Soul)

Chapter Twenty Four: Dirty Window

Jet's POV

        "How about Jennifer?" I offer, glancing at the judges, director, and agents that surround me. The nod, approving my choice of name.

        "You will still be refereed to as Agent 15 in formal or serious settings. Welcome to the Hydra Elite." the Director says.

        "Thank you." I say, a smile threatening to show. No emotion is to be shown. No emotion. I shake his hand and begin walking toward my room. Excitement bubbles within me, threatening to crack my stone cold mask. I walk through the halls, my chin higher than it usually is, a new confidence instilled within me. I find my room after the moderate walk. I slide my thumb across the sensor and push open the door. I close it behind me and take a deep breath. My excitement finally bubbles over.

        "Yes!!!!" I exclaim, pumping my fist in the air and jumping around. I whoop and holler in the privacy of my room, knowing that I would be punished for ever acting like this in public. A few laughs escape my lips as I fall onto my bed, overwhelmed with happiness. I sigh, feeling my body sink into the thin cot below me. I close my eyes, enjoying the limited comfort. My breathing steadies and I let my head roll to one side. I open my eyes and instantly gasp as they widen. I jump up to my feet and stare at the small figure. He can't be any more than 10 years old, his hair brown and buzzed. He has long eyelashes that flutter slightly. He looks peaceful lying in that bed, like nothing is wrong in our world, but his body tells a different story. Bruises cover his arms, dried blood on his lips. He looks like he's been through hell. I walk closer to his bed and bend at my knees. I squint my eyes and study him.

        "Hello?" I ask, waving a hand over his face. He doesn't move, his eyes still shut. "Heellloooo?" I ask again, nudging his arm. He stays still, showing no signs of life. I give up as I sigh, sitting on my bed. I continue to stare at him, to study him closely. I lie down on my side, keeping my gaze locked on his. "Who are you?" I question, not expecting an answer. I groan and flip onto my stomach, head still facing him. I slide my left arm under my pillow and cuddle it close to me. For some reason, this is the only way I can fall asleep. But I can't sleep yet. I kinda smell like a decaying squirrel. I push myself off the bed and kneel in front of my trunk. I slide my thumb across the sensor and grab my casual uniform. I slip off my shoes and peel off my socks, sending them down the laundry chute. I patter across the cold tile floor and into the bathroom. I turn on the water in one of the shower stalls and plug my phone into the speaker system. I select some AC/DC as the water heats up. I pull off my uniform and send that down the chute. I step into the warm water and close the curtain behind me.

        I relax under the warm water, the tension in my muscles melting away. I sing along to the songs quietly, fearing that someone might hear me. Once I finish up, I dry off and change into my casual/ comfortable uniform. It's a pair of black leggings with a simple Hydra t-shirt. We also have black zip up jackets with electric blue detailing on them. I pull my phone out of the speaker system and put it in the jacket pocket. I slide into the socks and Nike Freeruns and walk out of the bathroom. I check my phone for any missions or updates and sigh when I see there are none. I plug it into the charging station by the door and glance at the boy as I pass him. I stretch out my muscles, feeling the soreness in them. I flop onto my bed and stare at the ceiling. I fold my hands over my stomach and rest my arms on my prominent rib cage. My stomach grumbles, notifying me that I need food. I glance over at the boy.

        "You want anything?" I ask, only humoring myself. "No? Okay." I get up off the bed. I walk towards the door, grabbing my phone off the charging station. I open the door and head out into the desolate hallway. The walk to the cafeteria is long and confusing at first. I got lost within the first couple of weeks, taking a wrong turn here or turning too early there. But after a few months, I could get there with my eyes closed. Once I reach the cafeteria, I scan my finger print on the sensor. We must do this to ensure that no one gets more than one meal a day. I step into the familiar commotion of the cafeteria, other agents speaking in low voices about missions, gossip, or news within the agency. I nod at the ones who bother to look up at me. I grab a tray and stand in line to get my dinner. Tonight we are having a pretty typical meal: spaghetti, roll, peaches, and a salad. I grab a bottle of water for good measure and head over to an empty table.