Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 205

Chapter 205 Sulking Girl 

Laurent gave a small nod. “I already talked to him downstairs. Don’t worry about tomorrow. If people stare, just ignore it. I should’ve thought more about how this all looked for you. I’ll be more mindful moving forward.” 

He glanced over at the uniform laid out on her bed. “Get to bed early. You’ve got a long day ahead. I still have a few things to take care of, so I’ll head out. If anything happens, call me on the comm set. My number is…” 

He took her hand and used his fingertip to trace out the numbers in her palm. “You 

Ava nodded. “You guys still use comm sets? What happened to Holobands?” 

“I’m on assignment. They took mine too.” 

“Assignment?” she asked. “Aren’t you the guy running this place?” 

“That title’s just for show. Your instructors are in charge of training.” 

Ava didn’t argue. “Alright. Goodnight.” 

Once he left, Ava picked up her training uniform and washed it. 

got that?” 

When her alarm rang at dawn, she slapped it quiet and shot up. She folded her blankets, fast. 

She’d expected to toss and turn all night. Instead, she knocked out the second her head hit the pillow. 

When she opened the door, Laurent was stepping out from next door. Their eyes locked. “Did you sleep okay?” he asked. 

They started downstairs together. This time, Laurent let go of her hand before she even asked. He adjusted her cap and said, “If you get lightheaded, take a break.” 

“I’ll be fine. I’m shooting for model cadet status!” Ava said proudly. 

Laurent smiled. “model cadet, huh? I’ll support that.” 

“You don’t sound like you mean it.” 

He raised both hands. “I’m serious. If that’s what you want, then I’m all in.” 

Ava walked faster and reached the checkpoint first. The second she got close, the young soldier inside the booth jumped to his feet and saluted. “Morning, Mrs. Major!” 

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Chapter 205 Sulking Gir 

She tripped over her own feet and nearly faceplanted. 

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Finished 

She whipped her head around, staring at him like he’d just lost his mind. “What did you just call 

me?” 

Same guy from last night. His shift hadn’t ended yet. 

Laurent walked up behind her. Ava turned toward him, shocked. “What did you say to him? Why on earth would he call me that?” 

Her heart pounded in her chest. 

“Morning, sir!” the soldier added, panic shooting through his voice. “I–I just said ‘Mrs. Major, sir!” 

Laurent looked way too pleased. “Ava, we are married.” 

Her whole face went scarlet. “That doesn’t mean he gets to call me that! Tell him to knock it off! I mean it!” 

Laurent looked at the soldier and said, “Just salute her from now on. Don’t say anything.” 

Ava gaped. “Don’t salute me either! I-” 

She stopped short. She spotted people coming out of the officers‘ building and bolted without another word. 

Laurent didn’t say a thing. 

The young soldier barely held back a smirk. 

“Morning, Major Caswell!” Captain Anderson was in front of the group. He was the same guy who gave the welcome speech last night. 

“Morning, Colonel,” Laurent replied, face blank. 

“The car’s ready out front. Right this way, sir,” Jasper said politely. 

They walked as a group, but no one dared stand beside Laurent. He kept a half step ahead, and everyone else knew better. 

The second checkpoint guard showed up. “Dude, what happened to you? You’re drenched in sweat,” he asked, frowning. 

The first soldier clapped his shoulder, face drained. “You’ll see. Trust me.” 

Back in front of the girls‘ dorm, Ivan and Derrick were yelling into megaphones. “Ten minutes 

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to get down here! Anyone late loses two credits!” 

Ava sat quietly on a bench, watching the doors. 

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Finished 

Ten minutes passed. A few girls still came running out, uniforms a mess. Ivan and Derrick 

stood at attention next to Ms. Levis, who called out, “Wrinkled shirts? Skewed ha, Derrick 

credit!” 

Minus one 

They walked the line, checking each girl. Ms. Levis kept a clipboard and marked every single deduction. Someone got docked. 

Nobody expected them to actually follow through. One girl started crying and begged them to change their mind, but it didn’t matter. 

That one penalty scared everyone straight. Girls started fixing each other’s clothes, hats, everything. 

Once roll call ended, Derrick said, “Q–1–A’s missing someone. Who’s not here?” 

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