G-2764, Ina

After assessments, Finn did follow through with his promise of new clothing. Bringing us into one of the trees that was off of the main road, smaller than the others it seemed to be full of people. To make more room, they had cut a window into one side to spare those picking up clothes from the crowd inside. After successfully touching every fabric in the store, I was called back to get fitted. Providing my class for material durability and Finn filling in the specifics for what to include. Without even lifting a hand, the man at the counter began to write down measurements. As if just looking at me gave him all the numbers he needed, which it probably did. Ryker’s own fitting took the same little bit of time.

“Basic outfits are available in the girls size. Only combats for the boy.” The man’s voice was soft, almost musical.

“That’s fine. Make some combats for her and basics for him. I’ll be back at the end of the week.” Finn’s voice was all business. The man gave a nod before gesturing for a young girl to come over.

“Here you go.” With a smile almost too big for her face, she handed me a woven bag filled with several different shirts and pants, two dresses, two skirts, three leggings, several socks, and a pair of slippers rested on top.

Glancing over I saw Ryker had thicker pants, slim fitting shirts, and several strips of leather ties to use as he pleased. Additionally, he had the same issues socks and slippers as if those were the shoe of choice.

“The slippers you use while walking indoors. Your outdoor shoes and other clothing will be delivered to your house tonight.” Finn stated flatly, turning to walk out and leaving me jogging to catch up to his and Ryker’s longer strides.

“What do you mean by house?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking as Finn made his way to the nearest ladder, easily scaling it up to the first level of bridges and homes.

“You two will live together in border housing temporarily. Until you find out your Jinxes and get jobs.” Waiting for both of us to climb up, Finn expertly navigated the bridges and platforms until we were at a section closer to the training fields instead of the shopping district. “While you two are here, meals and clothing are paid for. You are free to do odd jobs for extra cash.” Slipping a key from his pocket, he carefully inserted it into the old locking lock. Jiggling it around into a click sounded. Pushing the door open, Finn led us into a simple living room. The wooden floor partially covered by a woven carpet. A love seat and a recliner made up all the furniture, and small fireplace sat dormant against the wall. Leading us into the kitchen, Finn carefully checked the cabinets to make sure they were stocked with breakfast foods.

“You get lunch and dinner at training. Make sure you come or be prepared to go hungry.” This fact came out as a small joke, grinning at our unamused faces. “Well, to the bedrooms then…”

Finn cleared his throat and lead us back into the living room, gesturing to the two doors on opposite sides of the fireplace wall. “You guys can pick either room. They are both the same; bed, closet, dresser, bathroom.” Finn shrugged, glancing at the watch on his wrist before raising his hand as a farewell “Training starts at eight. Both bedroom alarms are already programmed to go off at seven.”

With the final piece of advice spoke, Finn decided to excuse himself.

“I’ll take the right room.” Ryker said quickly, taking his bag of clothing and disappearing into his claimed bedroom.

Hearing his door click closed, I turned my eyes on my own. Opening it slowly before stepping in. The room was about half the size of the living room. A small bed was pushed into one corner, a stout dresser sitting at the foot of it. Opposite to the door was a window, with the closet and bathroom door on the only other spare wall. Whoever had been here before me seemed to have been handy with tools, as several nails were banged into the wall to act as additional closet space. Leaving my clothes on the bed, I turned my attention to the bathroom. Easing that door open and peeking my head inside cautiously. A toilet, sink, and tub were placed neatly in the small space. All clean, though obviously older in design. A half full bottle of shampoo and an almost empty bottle of conditioner sat next to the bar of soap on the edge of the bathtub.

Without hesitation I flicked on the water. Allowing steam to fill the air before adding the minimum requirement for cold water as not to burn myself. I could hear the water running from the other side of the house, so I imagined Ryker had the same idea as me.

Stripping from the ugly clothes I has awoken in, I eased myself into the water. Sitting in blissful silence before the tears began to fall.

Not caused by sadness or happiness or any other extreme swing of emotion. Spurred on purely by the fact I was able to cry now. No one was watching me. No one could hear me. No one could see that I was a simple teenage girl ripped from everything she had known.

Taking a long breath, I submerged my head underwater. Allowing the slight burn of the water to take away the tear stains down my cheeks and give a reason behind the red, splotchy skin that covered my face.