Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 206

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Finished 

Derrick raised his voice. “I asked you a question! Who didn’t show up? If Ms. Levis ends up finding out on her own, everyone in that dorm is losing two credits!” 

That got someone to talk. A girl from the crowd finally spoke. “Sir! It’s Malory Rayner, Room 3026!” 

Ms. Levis went upstairs herself and brought Madison down. She strolled over, yawning like she’d just rolled out of bed. 

Derrick’s expression dropped the second he realized she was in his squad. “Late. Minus two. Uniform’s a mess. Minus one. Ms. Levis, write it down.” 

Madison’s eyes went wide. “I just overslept! It’s not even breakfast time yet!” 

Derrick didn’t flinch. “Ignoring orders and talking back? That’s five more off your score!” 

Madison saw Ms. Levis silently scribbling in her notebook. Her stomach sank. She shut her mouth fast. Tears welled up, but she didn’t say another word. 

Once the squads were organized, the instructors led them to the cafeteria. 

Derrick turned to the girls. “Training starts at nine. Eat up while you can. If you pass out later, we’ll dump you in the nurse’s office. That’s your problem, not mine!” 

It was a buffet–style breakfast. Ava grabbed a milk carton, two eggs, and a couple of sausage- stuffed rolls. 

Noelle came over with a bowl piled high with pasta. She dropped into the seat next to Ava and leaned in. “Did not expect Derrick from Squad A to be that strict.” 

She looked a little too happy about it. Turned out Madison was the same girl who caused trouble the day before. 

Zoey took a gulp of milk and thumped her chest. “Thank God we ended up with Instructor Cavalli. First–time trainer. No way he’s anywhere near Derrick’s level of scary. We seriously lucked out.” 

When breakfast was over, everyone cleaned their plates and tossed them into a giant plastic bin. The soldiers took care of the sanitizing from there. 

There was still time before training, so most of the girls split up into groups, chatting or heading back upstairs. Ava stood under a tree, spaced out. 

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15:40 Mon, Jan 19 

Chapter 206 The Camp 

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Finished 

Noelle came down and headed straight for her. “Same uniform, but somehow you make it look designer.” 

She looped her arm through Ava’s. “You could wear a trash bag and still outshine everyone.” 

Ava laughed. “You’re pretty bad*ss yourself. You look like a total rockstar in that.” 

Noelle touched her cheek. “Come on. I know what I look like. I’ve got more of a guy face.” 

“So what? It’s a hot look. If you threw on some menswear, people would lose their minds.” 

Noelle’s eyes lit up. Her mood jumped from good to better. She pulled Ava into a hug. “God, you’re the best! If I were a guy, I’d be chasing someone like you!” 

She leaned her head on Ava’s shoulder. “You’re gorgeous. You smell amazing. And your voice? So soft.” 

Zoey came downstairs and blinked at them. “Okay, what am I looking at right now?” 

Ava tilted her head toward Noelle, still clinging to her. “She says she wants to try life as a dude.” 

Zoey stared. “Noelle, what the hell?” 

Noelle let go and launched herself at Zoey. “Hey! Don’t feel left out! Come on, give me a hug!” 

Zoey looked horrified and shoved her off. “Are you out of your mind? What is this, some high school soap opera?” 

Ava snorted. “High school soap opera?” 

Noelle leaned in and whispered, “She means our favorite drama queen, Tylissa.” 

Ava burst out laughing. “Wait, are you telling me you two don’t like her plays?” 

Noelle stood up straighter and looked around like someone might be eavesdropping. “Shhh! She’s got more stans than a boyband. One wrong move and they’ll eat us alive.” 

Zoey raised an eyebrow. “You into her stuff?” 

Ava shrugged. “I saw one of her early ones. It was trashy. Not really my vibe.” 

Zoey grinned. “Okay, we’re on the same page.” 

The three of them shared a look and smiled. 

That said enough. A whistle cut through the air, followed by a shout. Ivan called from the field. 

2/3 

15:40 Mon, Jan 19 

Chapter 206 The Camp 

“Q–1–B! Formation time!” 

Finished 

Ava wasn’t the tallest in the group, but she was tall enough to land second row. Noelle was behind her. Zoey made it into the first. 

Ivan barked, “Alright, listen up! I’m not much older than you, so I don’t care if you chill out when we’re off the clock. But once training starts? I expect full effort. Got it?” 

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