How do I get to Heaven?

Chapter 7- New Normal

The walk to the living quarters was quiet as I absorbed all the information I learned at dinner. I walked behind Cody and studied him closely.

He had to be at least six foot four, which made my five foot three self feel very small. His shoulders were wide, but he tapered in a bit at the waist. His biceps bulged against the long sleeves of his dark grey button down dress shirt. Black jeans fit snuggly, but not too tight. His shirt was tucked in, showing his physique even better.

I wouldn't want to run into him in a dark alley. I wondered what type of training he was in charge of. I almost asked, but he stopped at a door at the end of a hall and said "Here we are. Suit 820M is where you'll stay."

"I'll never find this place again." I told him, mainly because I wasn't paying attention to how we got here. Cody smiled and said "I'll send someone to collect you tomorrow afternoon. Usually breakfast starts at six, training at eight, but new people get a day to adjust before getting thrown into the fire."

I raised my eyebrow. Cody chuckled and said "It's only an expression. Let me show you around." He put a golden key into the lock and turned it. Pushing the door open, he gestured me forward. I stepped through the arched oak door and gasped.

It looked like they plucked a condo out of New York City and plopped it into this concrete rat maze.

The floors were a dark gray wood that ran the length of the room. A small square kitchen was to the left. The floor was a brilliant white tile while all the appliances were black and glossy. The livingroom held a black leather couch, matching love seat, and arm chair. A fire crackled within the fire place, and a large TV was mounted to the right wall.

My jaw dropped. As I took in the surroundings, I started to laugh. Cody smiled as I took a few steps forward and said "This is my... apartment?'

"Yup, all yours. You have a two bedroom, with a full bathroom within your master suite."

Turning towards him, I smiled and said "I guess Hell isn't so bad." Cody chuckled and replied "Well, I guess I'll leave you to get settled. Your dresser is full of a few basics, but next time you are Earth Bound, after your mission you can do a bit of shopping. You're allowed to bring back materials, but nothing living. Human or pet... or plants. For some reason plants don't survive long here."

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I suddenly felt extremely nervous. I hadn't been alone in this place since I got here... and I wasn't sure I liked the idea.

"Goodnight, Rosalie. I'll see you in the morning." He said, bowing his head. He turned to leave, and my heart lurched.

"Wait!" I gasped. He froze for a moment, before turning back to me. He had a puzzles expression on his face.

"Will uh... will you stay just a bit longer?" I asked. I suddenly felt very vulnerable. Even though I was in a very nice apartment, I felt like a prisoner. I didn't really have any idea where I was or how to get out. I felt the icy claws of homesickness and fear clawing at my insides.

Cody studied me for a few moments before sighing and stepping further into the room. He walked over to the small side table next to the couch and picked up a little silver remote. He clicked the TV on and asked "Do you want to watch somthing?"

I nodded and shuffled over to the couch. I curled up against the arm and took a shaky breath. Cody flipped through a few movies to choose from, but I stared into the crackling fire.

Suddenly, I burst into tears.