Eileen: "Huh?"
The other two: "..."
This Olivia was a bit of a mystery.
Una and Nana used to be afraid of Eileen, but now they were starting to fear Olivia.
That evening, the four of them went to the cafeteria together for dinner. Since they were all new acquaintances, most of the candidates were hanging out with their dorm mates.
After grabbing their meals, Una started sharing some gossip. "I heard there are over 400 candidates this time, and more than 300 of them are going to be eliminated. They're only accepting 100 new students this year."
Nana sighed dramatically, "Well, I'm sure I'll be one of those eliminated. I don't look like a soldier at all. My mom says I look like a movie star."
Una gave her a side-eye. "Your mom's got some serious rose-colored glasses. She could probably use them as a laser cannon."
Nana: "..."
Una continued, "I don't think I'll make it either. But it's okay; if I don't get into West Point, I'll try for the Air Force Academy next month."
The Air Force Academy was a big deal, and everyone knew that Burton had graduated from there.
Nana glanced across the table at Eileen and said, "Eileen's definitely going to get in."
Yes, in a bid to stay on Eileen's good side and avoid getting on her bad side, Una and Nana had quickly become Eileen's biggest fans in just a few short hours.
They even started using the special nickname her fans called her, though they knew better than to use her real name after nearly getting into trouble for it earlier that day.
Olivia suddenly looked up, her gaze fixed on Eileen. "You won't make it."
Eileen: "..."
Una, Nana: "..."
Both Una and Nana quickly grabbed Eileen's arms on either side, pleading, "She's always talking to ghosts! Don't take her seriously. Remember, hitting people will get you in big trouble!"
Eileen pulled her arms free, her expression icy. "I'll definitely get in!"
Just as they were finishing up their dinner, a senior student came over to tell Eileen that the vice principal wanted to see her in his office.
Thinking this might be about her acceptance, Eileen figured she should thank the vice principal in person. "I'll head over right after I finish eating!"
With that, she got up and went to get more food.
Behind her, Nana whispered to Una, "Turns out she wasn't finished eating."
Una shrugged. "She exercises a lot; it's normal for her to eat more."
Olivia chimed in, "Or maybe she's got a starving ghost living in her stomach."
Una, Nana: "..."
The two suddenly found themselves missing Eileen's presence. Without her, things felt a little less lively!
In the vice principal's office...
Eileen knocked on the door, her voice strong and clear. "Reporting in!"
Inside, the vice principal was talking to the dean of students. He set his papers down and said, "Alright, we'll leave it at that for now."
The dean nodded, got up, and gave Eileen a once-over as he left.
Eileen stepped into the office, and the vice principal casually said, "Have a seat."
Not wanting to seem disrespectful, Eileen sat down, though she was a bit tense.
The vice principal paused, then added, "When I said have a seat, it was just a figure of speech. Stand up."
Eileen: "..."
The vice principal took a sip from his mug, then said sternly, "Remember, in the military, respect for hierarchy is key. Understand?"
Eileen snapped to attention, responding loudly, "Yes, sir!"
The vice principal chuckled, "Alright, now you can sit."
Eileen: "..."
She stood even straighter.
The vice principal sighed, "You used to be a smart kid. What happened?"
Eileen blinked, taken aback, and stared at him.
He took another sip of tea, then pointed to his nose. "Don't recognize me?"
Eileen tilted her head, confused.
He said, "Mr. Magee. Really don't recognize me?"
Eileen's eyes widened as she glanced at the nameplate on his desk.
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