Page 42 of The Tribrid Princess and the Taste of Chaos
“And wash your hair. Who knows what gunk you got in it after that mission, and being so close to manananggals,” Allie orders.
“Then my hair will be wet!”
“Pin it up. You can style it when you return. Now hurry up,” Allie retorts as Heaven throws my lingerie at me.
“Ok, I do think she needs to take something. What about some healing patches? A care package…”
I shut the bathroom door, dumping the clothes on the counter and sigh, before getting into the shower. Talking to the girls made me feel braver, somehow. I wish I hadn’t waited so long, but I was so scared.
I look at the edges of my hair. Maybe it’s the light, but my hair looks redder. I wash it quickly before finishing my shower and stepping out. I look at the sage green lace bra Heaven threw at me; I can hear them talking quietly, but I can’t make out what’s being said. I slip on my panties and leggings and then tug on the sleeveless top.
“Can I get another top? I can see the outline of my bra!” I shout through the door.
“There’s no time! Curfew, remember!” Heaven replies.
I sigh. Maybe it isn’t so noticeable. I usually wear this. Maybe Jayce just scares me. It’s not like he’ll be checking me out, and for some reason,thatmakes me feel glum. Allie is so right. I am a ball of gloom.
I grab my towel, drying my hair before I wrap it up in a high bun on top of my head, a few wet strands framing my face, and step out into the bathroom where Heaven has put a pair of sneakers on the floor for me.
I’m about to put them on when Allie throws socks at me. “Please do not ever wear shoes without socks. That’s gross.”
“Alright, I put together a little package for you. It just includes some spelled patches, healing balms, pain relief, and some tea pouches,” Heaven says, shoving the small bag into my hand.
“Thank me for the bag. Heaven was about to make a bloody hamper.” Allie wrinkles her nose.
“Well, I don’t know. He might get mad when he sees me. I mean, I’d get mad…” I mumble.
“Confidence, girl,” Heaven reminds me.
“Besides, he won’t get mad, trust me,” Allie smirks, and for a moment, I see Grandpa Al in her. Now I definitely don’t trust her…
“You guys are so weird,” I mutter, putting my Schattensicht on. That’s a rule. Once you’re in a division, you are to keep them on you at all times. We can be called at any time.
“But you love us,” Heaven adds.
“I’m a bit cold. Can I get a jacket?” I ask, feeling suddenly bare.
“No, you got to look small and cute and pitiful,” Heaven reminds me.
This is the dumbest plan ever, but seeing them both standing there happy with their plan, I decide I can’t break their hearts.
“Thanks…” Sighing, I turn and trudge down the hall, peepinginto the little white bag that they had passed me. It’s, as Heaven said, some magical healing remedies.
My gaze falls on my charm bracelet that Dad got me, and I fiddle with it as I make my way towards Division Nine quarters. Wait, I don’t even know if he’ll be there. I stop and look down at my Schattensicht. Are we allowed to use this when not on a mission?
Well… no one said we can’t…
A glowing line appears down the hall, leading me away from the dorms.
Smiling, I follow it, glancing at the time when the warning announcement for everyone to retreat to their rooms for the night rings through the hall. I keep out of sight as I sneak down the halls. I’m being led to the indoor sports hall. I raise an eyebrow. Maybe he isn’t badly hurt if he’s around here.
One of the good things about going to a training academy is that you don’t have to take part in sports for physical education since we train daily. It’s optional. I peek into the dark hall and follow the thin, glowing line that leads across the hall and through one of the side doors.
I cross the sports hall, sticking to the shadows just in case there are cameras here, too. Although there is still a little time left before curfew, people would still be making their way to their rooms. Reaching the changing rooms, I hesitate; do I just enter? It’s not like there was a match or something where he’d be naked.
My cheeks flush at the embarrassing thought as I slowly open the door.
“Jayce?” I whisper. The room is dark, the faint smell of sweat and gym clothes makes me wrinkle my nose. A shaft of lightfrom somewhere at the end of the room casts an eerie glow across the benches, and I look at the glowing red line that is leading me towards the light. I step into the changing rooms, looking at the dark grey, matt metal lockers, and slowly shut the door behind me. “Jayce?” I call louder.
