The first month wasn't too bad.
It was basically just showing us the ropes. We learned about personal appearances and how we should dress everyday. How our cabins should be organized and clean- spotless if you will.
We started off training with basic things as well. I enjoyed the simplicity and the room to adjust. I had figured we'd be thrown into the deep end and told to swim.
"Earningst! Why are you slowing down?" Sergeant Davis yelled and I picked up the pace.
We were running our daily 5 miles. We woke up at 5 in the morning and usually weren't done until 7.
We needed to get it down to an hour, which seemed impossible. Especially when we had to restart some days because somebody misstepped.
We finished under 2 hours today. 1 hour and 36 minutes.
That was a record worth celebrating for us.
"Good job today guys. You set a record and are making phenomenal progress." Davis smiled as we reached the starting area.
My body screamed in pain everyday. I knew working out would be hard but I didn't think my body would feel as ill as it did.
I started throwing up almost everyday and when I didn't I just felt nauseous. Maybe it was a stomach bug?
"You guys are being permitted your first night off base. Usually we don't allow that until after basic training-"
"But you guys have proven to be trustworthy and our best batch yet. Don't make us regret this." Perish had cut off Davis and for once, it was for a positive reason.
Perish was a hard ass. He was more disciplinary and tough then Davis was. Everyone disliked Perish but I could see why he was like this.
I had been hearing rumors about him since we arrived here.
He's been in the military scene since he was born. Both of his parents were legends and everyone looked up to them, but also feared what they could do.
Dylan Richard Perish, his mom, survived being thrown into sex trafficking and having to endure it for nearly 3 months.
She got out and killed a bunch of fuckers in the process.
She was a total badass.
"Earningst, you going to catch up with your squad or you gonna keep day dreaming?" Perish walked over to me and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. He was obnoxious.
"Did you just roll your eyes? Drop and give me 20 push-ups." He stood straighter and held his hands behind his back.
Really?
"Yes sir." I nodded and did as I was told. The smarter option here.
2 minutes later and I was back on my feet, eye to eye with the man.
I couldn't help but notice his sharp jawline. It complimented the rest of his face well. His chocolate colored eyes could rope anyone in for hours. Make them forget what they were thinking beforehand.
"So, are you going to take advantage of the night off base?" Perish asked, attempting to start a conversation I'd assume.
Or doing his job as my sergeant.
But boy did I hope it was the first one. Even though he was an annoying entitled brat.
I felt the pain in my side return and slowly placed a hand on top of it,"No sir. I'm going to actually turn into bed." I smiled in attempt to hide a wince.
"That's a waste but if it's what you want to do." He nodded and turned away from me.
"Are you going off base?" I asked and followed where he was walking. I hope I didn't seem too weird.
Why did I care?
"I'm going to join the others at the local bar. They're celebrating their first month down." Perish smiled as he spoke.
I had never seen him do that before.
"Did you celebrate like that when you completed your first month?" I asked, intrigued by his past.
He firmly pressed his lips together and looked off to the side, "Have a good night, Earningst. Try not to have too much fun here."
And with that, he left me in the training field.
What did I say?