The Distance

Chapter 12:Boot Camp

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The Drill Sgt. Started shouting at me directly to get off the bus quickly. I was startled and shaken for a second, but I manned up and ran off that bus like a bunny escaping a hawk. He seemed impressed, but told me I failed that test for hesitating. I wasnt too stoked to be there either. Greg was pissing me off every time he chuckled when the Sgt. was making me do push ups, burpees, sit ups, all the exercise you can imagine. I swear, this wasn't even boot camp yet, this hell was just reception and not even half of the torture that was yet to come.

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I was told to scram to those commons, I was legitimately aggravated. My eyes were swollen despite me getting so much sleep on that bus. The reception, I did incredibly well apparently, but still sucked at some of the key points. I forgot to say "aye sir" and was forced to do a whole lot of burpees. I guess this is my new life now, I'm stuck with an idiot and an angry Drill Sgt. Whose name I dont even know just constantly becoming more aggressive as the days went by.  48 hours I was up, and I couldn't handle it but I pretended like everything was solid.

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I never felt more dissapointed; but I finally got some shut-eye after hours of being forced to keep my eyes open. My body never felt more relaxed, makes me wonder if I shouldn't have made that comment back at the cell as to why Officer Greg was still sleeping. I can see why he wasn't so full of energy, shit you never know the damage done to someone until it's placed upon you. Karma is sure a bitch, I almost feel bad for being an asshole to Greg those past few days, but at the same time I regret nothing. Because this little shit asks me too many questions.

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Like, what if I dont wish to speak to him? What if I just think me being alone is better off. Of course im going to obey orders if I have to partner up with someone, but seriously? Stop asking me about my personal life, and just train me; it's not hard at all. Like come on, it's common sense, get it through your head that I fucking hate you, yet secretly have fallen in love with you. Why? I dont know and I am not in any mood to find this reason out. I have to focus on my training or I'll lose any sort of patience I have left with this being. I just cant take it anymore. The next day I woke up a lot better, only had about 7 hours of sleep, but I look less terrifying than I did the previous day.

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So I guess that's something, right? Boot camp was getting tough, my first day was all about climbing those ropes, something I was never a fan of, as well as doing that gas chamber, jumping hurdles, climbing walls, and a shit ton of running. Literally I was about to cry myself to death but I couldn't give into the stress. I climbed that rope with my face sweating like a hog out in a Savannah. Officer Greg was shouting at me telling me I can do it, but at the same time insulting me:

"GET IT TOGETHER SOLDIER, YOU GOT THIS, ITS AMAZING WHAT MCDONALDS CAN DO, WHAT ARE YOU?! FAT?!

The encouragement forced my arms to get over the pain and climb like my life depended on it. I was terrified as I was able to slide down, and we walked off together to the gas chambers.

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Greg made me put on a mask, I admit I was a little horrified, but if I wanted to survive, emotions must be locked away if I'm going to make it through this hell. I entered the chamber, and the gas started to get released and spread all over the enclosed space, then we were given orders to remove the masks, my eyes started to water and burn up, as I held in the pain for a few seconds, everyone had ran out except me, I held it all in for 20 seconds then sprinted out of there throwing up with my stomach feeling like it was stabbed.  Greg, and the Drill Sgts. Were impressed. The guys who looked at me after I ran out of there felt weak knowing a girl performed better than they have. They seemed insulted but also had that look of respect that I dont originate complaints.