Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 218

Chapter 218 Intense Curse 

“Girl, that curse was brutal!” 

*#,14** 

Finished 

“Brutal? I didn’t even scream it in his face. That was me being nice! Once we get our Holobands, I’m going straight to the campus forum and writing a full exposé! 

“This training crap? They can keep the credits! I’m so over it!” 

“Shut up already. Save your breath… ugh… I seriously need to lie down…” 

On day one of the three–mile run, the girls did not perform well. Many had to hold onto each other just to reach the finish. 

Ivan had them rest in place while he headed over to Derrick from Unit A to trade notes. 

Naomi stared at Ava like she was something out of a lab. “Ava! What the hell are you made of? How are you not even winded? That was three freaking miles!” 

Ava stayed calm. “Three miles isn’t much. Back in school, I used to run over six every day.” 

Naomi opened her mouth, paused, then decided not to speak. 

Zoey whistled. “Okay, wow. That’s seriously bad*ss.” 

“I heard someone say the head instructor got switched out this year,” Noelle said. “Has anyone even seen the guy? I’ve been here this whole time and I haven’t caught a single glimpse.” 

Naomi scratched the side of her head. “Before I came, my brother told me the girls‘ training was always chill. They looked the other way as long as no one messed up too badly. And survival drills weren’t even a thing. 

“If this much changed, then yeah, they definitely brought in someone new. This is starting to feel like discount military school.” 

Zoey and Noelle perked up and leaned in. The three of them started ranting together about the mystery instructor being heartless. 

Ava stood off to the side, calm and quiet. She stared at the horizon like she didn’t even hear them. 

“Ava!” Noelle called out. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” 

Ava gave a stiff smile. “Say what?” 

“What do you mean say what? Trash talk the jerk with us!” 

Ava’s eyelid twitched. Zoey threw her arms up. “He’s making us train like we’re dudes in basic! Thanks so much for the equality, sir!” 

Ava didn’t respond. The silence stretched. 

Target practice took full concentration. Ava thought shed prepared enough, but her live results missed the mark. 

1/2 

20.37 Tue, Jan Zu 

14%2 

Chapter 218 Intense Curse 

Finished 

She wasn’t just off–she flat–out missed the target more than once, and that crushed her mood. 

Noelle turned out to have natural aim. Ivan even praised her in front of the others. 

Ava let out a breath. Noelle saw her frustration and walked over. “Ava, this is just the beginning. You’ll do better, I believe it.” 

Ava patted her shoulder. “You’re gonna be the one they pick as model cadet this time around.” 

Noelle gave a half shrug. “Honestly, it’s not that you guys are bad. I just got a head start. I learned to shoot when I was a kid. I used to do competitions, but I didn’t enjoy it, so now I just hit the range whenever I’m bored.” 

Ava studied her. “Your family must be pretty progressive. Letting you learn combat stuff and shoot. Most girls don’t get that kind of freedom. Your parents must really love you.” 

Noelle’s face lit up. “They do. My mom always said girls should be strong and fearless too.” 

Ava smiled with a hint of envy. “That’s incredible. You’re really lucky.” 

Noelle looked at her. “What about you, Ava?” 

“Me?” Ava turned her head and stared into the distance. “I only had my grandpa. He spoiled me like crazy. We didn’t have much, but he gave me everything he could. He was the best grandpa in the world. I wouldn’t even be here without him.” 

“Ava…” Noelle’s voice softened. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to get personal.” 

Ava shook her head. “You didn’t overstep. I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of.” 

Noelle said, “Coming to school on Capitol Planet… he must’ve missed you so much.” 

Ava’s eyes looked sad. Her voice lowered. “He passed away. But I like to think he’s still watching over me somewhere. Maybe he turned into a star just to keep me safe.” 

Zoey burst into tears. She wrapped her arms around Ava’s shoulders. “Ava! That’s heartbreaking! I swear, I’m actually gonna sob!” 

Naomi dabbed at her eyes. “Ava, we’re your friends now. We’re not letting you go through anything alone!” 

“That’s right! Ava, if you’re okay with it, I’m telling my mom to adopt you! I’m serious! We don’t live near Capitol Planet, but my family’s got clout where it counts!” 

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