This was my life now. Though I shouldn't complain; the health benefits are amazing. All the doctors are at my dispense in the military.
I arched my back slightly, to make myself seem taller. Not that I really needed to, me being 5'10. The tallest woman in the battalion, baby. It has its benefits. For example: I sleep with the tall, buff guys. Now that's a benefit.
"Luis!" Chief Ent called out.
I stepped forward. "Here, Chief!" I yelled at the top of my lungs.
Ent casually strolled to me. "At ease, Sugar." My squad nickname because I'm the only girl; it sucks.
I relaxed and looked up to meet his gaze, "What's up, Fairy?" His nickname is slightly more clever.
"Commander wants to see you, again. This time it's at the lake, next to the forest."
I sulked, "But I haven't even had breakfast, yet."
"Don't worry, Sugar, I'll save you something sweet." Okay, I lied. 'Sugar' is actually because of my obsession with sugar.
"A Twinkie?" I pleaded.
"Anything, now go."
I smiled and skipped it of the barracks. Not before I heard several jokes about Commander and myself. I love those guys. Although, I'm not too thrilled to have a walk in the woods with just Commander. It's spooky without the rest of the squad to make sexual jokes the entire time. I went anyway. Commander has me come to him a lot. I am the best Cadet. I've ranked highest in everything, except running. Waters beats me every time.
I can see the trees, and a man, probably Commander, nobody else is that tall. He's seven feet and four inches tall. I wonder what the air must be like for him. I wave frantically, though he's already looking at me.
"Good Morning, Cadet Luis." Commander nodded at me when I fianally reached him.
"Good Morning, Commander." I saluted and stood at attention.
He waved his hand at me, "At ease, Luis."
I put my arm down, "What do you need, Commander?"
"I heard you're afraid of the forest. You can thank Dewberry for this: every time I call you to my office, you have to jog a lap around the forest. Not now, though."
I'm going to kill him. "You heard correct, Commander." I hadn't told anyone, yet the guys can see right through me. They'll all die.
"Actually, there's plenty of things I've heard about you, Luis." He said matter-of-factly.
I had no idea what he was talking about. I hadn't committed any crimes thus far. "Commander, I swearβ."
"Now hold on Luis, you're not in trouble quite yet."
A sigh of relief escaped me.
"Walk with me, Luis." He began a slow pace, away from the forest (yay!), so I'd be able to keep up. "The boys aren't the only ones who've been sharing. Turns out everyone's got a say. I originally heard this from Master Chief, though I have no idea why anyone would tell him anything. Poor soul can't keep a secret to save his life."
"What did he say, Commander?" Curiosity snuck up on me.
"He wasn't even the only one to share, Luis. Nobody from your squad has spilled, so don't hate them." Too late.
"I can assure you, I haven't done anything wrong." My hands began to sweat, and I wiped them on my service skirt.
"Oh, I believe you." He furrowed his brow. "This really isn't a serious matter, anyway. I've been hearing rumors that you have been crushing on me. Though I hate to use such a child-like term."
My heartbeat quickened and I stopped walking. Commander stopped, too. My gaze slowly crawled up to meet his eyes.
"Commander, Iβ."
"Luis, it really is pointless, you suck at hiding. Everyone can see your emotions, including myself."
I heaved a sigh. Commander quickly bent his body down to match my height, and he brought me close to himself.
"Luis, you're the top Cadet. That why I'll give you a chance. You have until tomorrow morning to impress me. If you do, I'll promote you." He stood up straight and spoke in a beaming voice. "And if you do not, I will still promote you. So no worries." He smiled.
"Huh?" I stood dazed until realization struck me. "Well I-I don't-I can't." I was at a loss for words. Of course I wanted to do this, and of course I could. It's not me offering, it's Commander. If I say 'yes' then there's no big deal.
"Let's go." He began a quick jog. Though I still stared at him. Was this legal? Did he tell Master Chief? If someone walked in... that'd be pretty bad. "Luis, if you don't start running then the deal's off." He didn't need to ask me again.
I chased after him until we reached the instructors' barracks. They were all facing each other in a circle. Commander walked up to the one furthest from us and opened the door. He stepped inside and beckoned for me to follow. I obeyed.
It was dark inside. I could barely make out a bed, a few closets, and Commander himself.
"Alright, Luis, the barrack is your oyster."
"What do I do?"