Page 28 of Love Under Siege

"Perfect! Let's go check it out!" I exclaim.

Lana beams back at me. "Already on it!

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

???

Anya, you think taking self-defense classes will make a difference? It's laughable. You could never stand a chance against me in a fight. But go ahead, indulge in your delusions of strength. Maybe I'll even join the class and use it to my advantage. Imagine the thrill of dominating you on the mat, pinning you down with ease and having absolute control over you. We both know who would come out victorious in this match. It won't be long now, Anya. Our time together is drawing near and I can't wait to see the fear in your eyes when it finally arrives.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Jacob

As the plane lands in Atlanta, we are immediately guided through the airport by a group of drill sergeants. We gather together in one designated area where they stand waiting for us. They instruct us to grab our bags and line up in rows, reminding us to have our orders ready to show at the desk. Once we do, they calmly lead us to an empty hallway, away from the curious eyes of civilians at the airport. Once there, they direct us to stand up against the wall. I braced myself for yelling and cursing upon arrival, but it was surprisingly calm. Finally, when everyone is in place, Drill Sergeant Brown addresses us. "Listen up, Trainees," he begins, "I am Drill Sergeant Brown. From here on out, your only response to an instruction from a drill sergeant should be 'yes, drill sergeant,' or 'no drill sergeant, Is that clear?" His tone is firm yet authoritative.

“Yes, Drill Sergeant,” our group echoes in unison. He continues, “There will be no more crossing your arms, putting your hands in your pockets, or on your hips. Do you all understand?”

“Yes, Drill Sergeant,” we repeat in perfect unison. He then directs us to tuck in our shirts and explains the importance of presenting ourselves with discipline and professionalism. After he finishes his lecture, he gives us two minutes to contact our loved ones and let them know we have arrived safely. I know it's not much time, but I try to call both my mom and Anya. I dial my mom's number first.

“Jacob?” My mom answers right away.

“Hi Mom, I don't have much time to talk, but I wanted to let you know that I made it safe here in Atlanta. As soon as I can, I'll call you with more details. I also want to call Anya and check in with her.”

“I'm so relieved to hear that you're safe, dear. Take care of yourself, and I love you,” she says.

“I love you too, Mom. Talk to you soon.” I quickly hang up and immediately dial Anya's number.

“Jacob? How are you calling me? Are you okay? What's going on? I miss you!” Anya sounds panicked as soon as she picks up.

“Anya, I only have a minute to talk, but yes, I'm safe. I love you so much, and I wish we had more time to catch up. Your letter meant everything to me. I promise to call again as soon as possible.”

“Okay, stay safe Jacob. I love you!” And with that, Drill Sergeant Brown announces that our time is up and we need to head towards the bus.

Silence falls over all of us as we board the bus, starting from the back and moving towards the front. Damien and I end up sitting next to each other, while Jax takes the seat across from us. "That went better than expected," Jax whispers.

"Shut up!" Damien whispers firmly in response, glancing around to see if the Drill Sergeant heard them.

"I'm just saying, they don't seem so bad. They haven't even yelled at us once," Jax whispers again.

"Do you have something to share,new dick!?" the drill sergeant suddenly yells as he catches Jax talking, causing all of us to freeze and sit up straight in our seats.Well that escalated quicklyI think to myself as I do everything I can to not draw attention to myself. Around me, the other recruits quickly do the same, all content to leave Jaxon the grim fate of being the sacrificial lamb to the drill sergeant's anger.

"No, sir!" Jax replies quickly and I cringe at his choice of words.

"Do I look like a goddamn officer to you?" the drill sergeant bellows, and Jax's expression becomes serious and still, all color drained from his face.

"No, Drill Sergeant," he answers firmly.

"Goddamn right! I actually work for a living," the drill sergeant says, and I struggle not to laugh knowing it's a test. However, the recruit in front of Jax lets out a small chuckle.

"Did I say something funny,recruit?" the drill sergeant loudly asks, causing the recruit to look like he's about to lose control of his bowels.

"N-no, Drill Sergeant!" he stammers out.

“So you weren’t just laughing at me openly disrespecting an officer?” he says with a stern tone.

“No Drill Sergeant,” the recruit repeats firmly.

The Drill Sergeant clenches his jaw and then proceeds to tell us what to expect when we reach the base. The atmosphere has changed from being just nervous and calm to full-on terror, with everyone on edge trying not to make a sound on the bus. Throughout the entire ride, the drill sergeant walks up and down the bus aisle like a menacing predator, waiting for the next recruit to make themselves the target of his wrath.

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