final round - lrh

nine.

"It doesn't look bad, it actually looks really nice."

Groaning, I run a hand through my hair that is much shorter than it had been previously and say, "It's just hair, I can live."

I really don't mind that they cut my hair considering if I had known that it was too long, I would've done it myself. Especially because it still goes just past my shoulders so it's not like they shaved it off. 

The part that bothers me is how obnoxiously Lieutenant Hemmings had demanded Major Hood to cut my hair and how in seconds it was gone. If Lieutenant Hemmings can get Major Hood to do something so quickly like that, I wonder what else he is capable of around here.

"I kind of like it short better," Michael says, making me narrow my eyes at him as he knows I would've much rather them to have handled it in a different way. He knows I don't need reassurance on how it looks. I don't care how it looks, there's no one to impress here. 

I just want to stop thinking about it. Mostly because he had done it in front of absolutely everyone so I'm sure everyone thinks that I'm not serious about being here. This is the most taunting thought as I just want to earn respect and earn a proper spot in the army.
 

"I just hope to god he's not out to get me," I say, which I fear might be true. 

It seems as if the little incident on the boat left me off with a bad start. It's clear that he thinks I'm not tough enough to be here which he's going to hold above me for as long as possible. Obviously I'm not a genius when it comes to all this, but I'm prepared to learn and do whatever it takes to fit in. 

"No promises on that one," a voice other than Michael's says. "Rightfully so, might I add."

Looking behind me, I see Ashton right on my tail as he walks alongside me and keeps his gaze forward. Currently, we're all making our way towards our first workout as we had been given ten minutes to get dressed and prepare considering they promised that it would be absolutely miserable. A part of me dreads the thought of what's to come but I'm sure it won't even be half of what's to come in the near future.

Due to Ashton's presence, I bite my tongue to keep from firing back at him because I realize he's probably right in saying that Lieutenant Hemmings is most likely out to get me. There's no use in even denying it at this point. 

However, I don't agree that Lieutenant Hemmings rightfully has a reason to be out to get me like Ashton insinuated. I'm sure Ashton's only saying this because he's just as angry at the idea of me being here. Lieutenant Hemmings on the other hand, he hardly knows me. 

"How does he rightfully have a reason to be out to get me?" I press.

"Because people shouldn't sneak out of their homes and put themselves in danger," Ashton says, his tone firm.

I let out a loud sigh, not wanting to get into an argument right now considering my day is already off to a terrible start.

 "Is this going to go on forever? I'm here, there's nothing to be done now."

Ashton opens his mouth to speak up but is cut off by Michael speaking up first, "I'm sorry, how do you two know each other again?"

I look to Ashton, seeing if he plans on answering but he just keeps a cold stare on me. I really can't believe he's reacting in such a way considering I've never seen him act like this. Especially when it comes to me. 

He's always had my back.

Maybe to him, this is having my back. However, he can't change anything now so all I could ask for is his support.