Recruits (New Haven Book 1), page 2
I held up my arm. “I, Emmie Woodard, do solemnly promise to do my best in Recruitment, not to do anything to jeopardize the Woodard name, and not to gag while I eat my peas.”
With another sigh, Mom pointed to my manual. “Take that and go to your bedroom. Finish reading it before the morning.”
I gave her a salute, Derek a high five and Dad a quick hug before I left the kitchen. Once I settled into my room, I lay down on my bed, put the book on my chest and stared up at the white ceiling. After a couple of hours of daydreaming about anything and everything except the book and Recruitment, I finally rolled over and pressed the button on the wall beside my bed, turning off the overhead light.
It took me forever to fall asleep. Every time I closed my eyes a shark appeared, swimming in circles around me, anxiously waiting for me to blackout so he could devour me whole.
A s soon as I opened my eyes Monday morning, I mentally listed all the reasons why I shouldn't enter Recruitment. For starters, I signed up for my parents, not for me. The thought of eating the same meal for a couple of months, including peas, was worse. Also, black clashed with my pale skin.
Oh, and the rules. How could I follow all those rules without driving myself insane?
But it would make my parents happy. I would be able to see Dee every day. We'd been best friends since we were toddlers and there hadn't been a lot of days in between that we hadn't seen each other. I needed my daily dose of Dee.
Plus, I'd have a break from Mom and Derek. I loved them, but most of the time we didn't get along.
My arm suddenly tingled with Eric's warmth from when we touched in the Recruitment office. Even though we had such a brief conversation, something about him captivated me. It probably had to do with the way he had looked at me. It was stupid to be hung up on a guy I just met, but I couldn't help myself.
While I'd done my civic duty of applying to Recruitment, I still had a chance to walk away. Yeah, that would pretty much screw up my entire life as there seemed to be an unwritten rule that you should never turn down acceptance into Recruitment, but then I wouldn't be legally bound to Infinity Corp for the rest of my life.
It didn't matter now. I'd already signed the contract. That stupid permanent, binding contract.
Though my heart wasn't fully in it, the thought of failing Recruitment terrified me. I didn't want to let my family down. Humiliate them. People tended to remember the ones who didn't make it through Recruitment. Or the ones who were terminated from the program. I didn't want to be an outcast.
I forced myself out of bed to take a quick shower. Infinity Corp had sent a package with the clothes I needed to wear the first day of Recruitment. The long sleeve shirt and cotton pants were both plain white. The trick would be not spilling anything on them. I threw on the tennis shoes included in the package and went into the front room.
Dad smiled as soon as I entered. “Good morning, sunshine. How'd you sleep?”
“Lousy.” I rubbed my hand against my eye. I almost freaked out about smearing my mascara, but I wasn't wearing any. Definitely a perk to the “no makeup” rule. “My dreams consisted of one shark attack after another.”
Derek strolled into the room, smirking when he saw me. “How long do you think it’ll take before you screw up and get kicked out of Recruitment? I know a guy from my group who didn't make the cut. He's somewhere on the south side of town. Selling drugs, I believe. I'll give you his number just in case.”
I raised my eyebrows. “It's nice to know you keep a drug dealer's number handy.” He started to say something, but I cut him off. “I'm not going to screw up, Derek.”
At least, I hoped I wouldn't. When the stakes were high, I tended to make rash decisions.
Dad patted my shoulder, the gesture awkward. He always did that before he delivered bad news. “Mom had to leave already, so she told me to tell you good luck.” He smiled, but his eyes looked right past me.
Mom normally left before I got up every morning, but this day wasn't just any other day. I forced a smile. “I'm sure Randall has a long list of things for her to do today.”
Derek pointed at me. “President Randall. You better get used to saying that. He requires everyone to be addressed by their proper titles during Recruitment. Also at work.”
“What's your title?” I asked Derek.
“Technical and Security Officer.” Derek shrugged. “They shorten it, though. If you ever see me at Infinity Corp, you'd call me TSO Woodard.”
No one had ever mentioned that to me before. “Is this a new thing he's doing?”
Dad shook his head. “He's done it for a few years now. It's only in the workplace, though, so you wouldn't have heard us use those terms at home. It slips out sometimes when you see someone around town, but not often.” He folded his arms. “I'm TH Woodard and your mom is AA Woodard.”
I laughed. “AA?”
“Administrative Assistant.” Derek scoffed at me. “Mom doesn't have a drinking problem.”
Shrugging, I looked up at him. “I wouldn't blame her. If you were my son, I'd probably end up with a drinking problem.”
Derek gave an exaggerated laugh. “Well, don't let your drinking problem affect your time in Recruitment. Do the family a favor and try to cover up the fact that you suck.”
“Derek.” Dad glared at him, a warning look in his eyes. “You shouldn't talk to your sister like that. Besides, she's going to do great. It's in her blood.”
I frowned. “Please don't remind me that I share the same blood as Derek.”
“Yeah, no kidding.” Derek held out his arms. “I can feel the taint of Em in there.”
“That’s Emmie to you,” I said. “Only close friends and family can call me Em.”
Sighing, Dad shook his head. “Sometimes I wonder why I ever had children.”
I reached over and put my hand on his arm. “Come on, you know you wouldn't trade us for the world.”
A small smile crept onto his lips. “No, I wouldn't. But you both make it tempting at times.” He glanced at his watch. “You better get going so you don't miss the bus.”
I put my arms around Dad, squeezing tight. “Love you.”
“Love you, too,” Dad said. “Have fun.”
“Don't screw up.” Derek held out his arms. “Come here, little sis. Let's hug this out.” Reluctantly, I let him hug me. When he pulled back, he kissed his fingers and then wiped them down my cheek.
Grunting, I wiped my face. “Is it too much to ask for you to not be annoying all the time?”
Derek nodded. “Yes.”
“Bye, Dad.” I smiled at him, then ran out the door and to the bus stop a few blocks away. When I rounded the corner, the bus was pulling away from the curb. Pumping my legs as fast as I could, I ran after the bus, screaming at it to stop. Once I realized it would keep on going, I changed course and ran toward another bus stop in the area.
That bus had left already, too.
The Recruitment office was too far for me to walk. I thought about running back home and asking Dad to give me a ride, but he would probably be gone by the time I got there.
The thought of not being there in time gave me mixed emotions. Panicked and worried were high on the list. I didn't want to let my family down and this had a huge weight on my future. But there was a part of me that was slightly relieved at not having to deal with all the pressure. I'd just get that number from Derek and be a drug dealer. No problem.
A slight breeze passed by, making me shiver. Fall was already in full swing. The leaves on the trees had changed to red, yellow and orange. A leaf detached itself from the tree nearest me, slowly fluttered down to the ground, landing in a puddle of water in the gutter. If that was a sign of my time in Recruitment, then I would be in deep trouble.
The leaf had distracted me so much that I hadn't heard the motorcycle approach. “You really like to stare at things, don't you? First your contract and now a leaf.”
When I looked up, Eric sat on the motorcycle, his helmet on his knee. His blond hair was slightly disheveled, and his blue eyes held the same amusement they had when we first met. He had on the white Recruitment shirt and pants.
I smiled at him. “I thought you were saving me a seat.” I found it odd that we'd crossed paths again, but when I looked in his eyes, I so didn't care.
“Slept through my alarm.” Eric looked me over. “I think you pull off these ridiculous outfits better than I do.”
Blushing, I tried to shrug it off. “They are going to take some getting used to, that's for sure.”
Eric glanced around the quiet street. “Shouldn't you be on your way to Recruitment?” His eyebrows went up. “Unless you've decided not to go.”
“Missed the bus,” I said. “Barely.”
He scooted forward on his bike and patted the seat behind him. “Hop on. I'll give you a ride.”
My eyes went wide. “I've never ridden on a motorcycle.”
He gave me a playful smile. “I'm a safe driver. I'll even let you wear my helmet.”
“What about you? Don't you need a helmet?”
“Nah, I'll be fine. It's not too much farther to the Recruitment Center.” He held out his helmet. “Besides, if we crash, I'll just use you as my safety device.”
Taking the helmet from his hands, I placed it over my head. “Wow, that's very reassuring.”
Eric suddenly took me by the waist, pulled me closer to him, and adjusted the helmet. “You pull off this helmet look better, too. Now get on.”
I could barely breathe being so close to the guy, but I forced myself to climb on behind him.
He smiled over his shoulder at me. “Put your arms around my waist. We wouldn't want to ruin that pretty face of yours.” Doing as I was told, I held on tight, not wanting to fall off. Dying right before I started Recruitment probably wouldn't have been the best idea.
Plus, he smelled so good.
T he ride ended sooner than I wanted. Being on a motorcycle turned out to be more thrilling than I expected. Plus, I liked being so close to Eric. My cheeks warmed at the thought.
When we pulled into an alley on the side of the Recruitment Center, a young guy was standing against the wall with his head down. He looked up when we came to a stop.
“It's about time,” the guy said. “I was beginning to think you weren't going to show up.” He was just a little bit taller than me with light brown hair and golden-brown eyes. He was skinny but seemed to be fit. Freckles lightly painted his face.
“Rough morning,” Eric said.
Taking off the helmet, I handed it back to Eric.
The guy eyed me suspiciously. “Who’s the girl?”
“This is Emmie. Emmie, this is my cousin, Richie.” Eric straightened out his hair, making me wonder how wild my hair looked.
“Are you the one who built this?” I asked Richie as I tried to smooth out my hair.
“You mean Sonya? Yup. From scratch.” Richie beamed with pride. Though he was shorter and scrawnier than Eric, his smile told me they were related. It reached all the way to his eyes, just like Eric’s smile.
“Sonya? You named your bike?” I asked.
Richie took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped a spot off his bike. When he was satisfied, he tucked his handkerchief gently back in his pocket. “Every guy names his ride.”
“We better get going,” Eric said, checking the watch on his wrist. “We only have two minutes until we have to be in the main hall. I hope to see you again, Sonya.”
“What, no goodbye for me?” Richie asked, hopping on his bike.
“Sorry, bud, you just don’t give me the same thrills as she does.” Eric ran his fingers through his hair and walked toward the front of the building.
“Nice to meet you,” I said to Richie.
“Yeah. Nice to meet you, too. Good luck.”
I ran to catch up with Eric, who was just getting to the front door. He held it open for me.
“Does your cousin always hang out in alleyways?” I asked, walking into the building.
Eric laughed. “Not usually, no. Only when I ask him to.”
We arrived in the main hall seconds before they shut the doors. The two men in uniforms standing near the doors didn’t seem too pleased with us. They kept looking back and forth between me and Eric like they were debating whether they should do something with us, but I didn’t care. We were there. On time. So, my life wasn’t over. Yet.
Besides the chairs in the front for the Recruitment council, there were no other chairs in the hall. Even if Eric had gotten there early, there would be no seat to save. So, we stood there, nervous as all get out. The tension in the room suffocated the air. We all had a lot riding on the outcome of Recruitment.
Eric nudged me in the arm with his elbow and leaned in close to my ear. “Well, this shouldn’t be awkward.” He stood so close that our arms were touching.
Glancing around the room at all the Recruits, I noticed some familiar faces. Dee stood near the front which didn't surprise me. She liked to be early to everything.
Adjusting his tie, Whit Randall, President and CEO of Infinity Corp, stood and approached the stand in the front. His navy-blue pinstriped suit was perfectly pressed.
From what Mom had told me, in years past he hadn't been actively involved in Recruitment, so I was somewhat surprised to see him there.
Randall wasn’t a tall man, but he was bulky. The way he held himself let you know that he was in charge. For the first time, I noticed he had some gray hairs. It wasn’t too obvious since he had blond hair, but they were there. Tiredness overwhelmed his blue eyes. I wasn’t sure if he had stayed up late, or if life in general was getting to him.
The room went completely silent, everyone waiting in anticipation.
Mom sat to the right of Randall, looking perfect, as always. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a bun, not a strand out of place, and her black uniform was perfectly pressed and fit snugly, highlighting her figure.
I'd been told on countless occasions that I looked just like her, but when I looked in the mirror, I could never see it. I'd gotten her curves, blonde hair, and green eyes, but not her flawless skin and confident manner.
By the stern look on Mom’s face, she noticed my late arrival. She also noticed the guy standing right next to me. She probably also noticed my messy hair. I was so dead. I tried to give her my best, 'I’m really okay, I didn't ride on a motorcycle this morning, and I have no idea who this guy is next to me', smile. I don’t think she bought it.
The Vice President of Infinity Corp, Frank Oliver, sat to Randall’s left. He was taller than the president, and leaner, too. I’d always loved his jet-black hair and dark brown eyes. It made him seem mysterious. But he still had a soft face, which made him lovable.
Every time I went to see my mom at work, I always stopped by his office, and not just because he had a bowl of candy sitting on his desk. Oliver had a fun demeanor and a great sense of humor. I could talk to him about anything and he'd listen and give me an honest opinion. I considered him a second father.
Oliver’s big smile greeted me. When we locked eyes, he winked. Even if Mom was upset with me, I still had Oliver on my side.
Next to the vice president sat Dean Johnson, the head of Recruitment. A big, bald, beefy, know it all. For whatever reason, Randall turned to him a lot when he needed advice. To me, it seemed like he needed someone to agree with him when Oliver wouldn’t.
Dean clenched his fist, clearly unhappy that he wasn't the one standing at the podium. It was normally his job.
“I would like to welcome you all today.” Randall paused and looked around the room. “You’re about to embark on the biggest journey of your life. For the next two months, you will each go through a series of trials. Trials that will test your knowledge, your endurance, your strength, and your reliability. Some of you may be pushed to your emotional, mental, or physical limits. But know this: You are not alone. We’ll be by your side, watching you every step of the way. Everything you’ll go through will be for your own good. It will help us measure your strengths and let us know where each one of you will help us out at Infinity Corp.”
Randall went silent for a minute as if each second he didn’t speak gave him more power. He took a long, deep breath and continued. “Each one of you has unique abilities that will be a tremendous asset to the community. Let’s bring those abilities out. Let’s work together to figure out where you’ll be most needed. I have faith in each one of you.”
He paused again, his eyes flicking over to Dean before he continued. “Unfortunately, the past few years haven't yielded the kind of Recruits Infinity Corp needs. The Recruits have been lacking the fire, determination, will, and the overall competency required to work here.”
Dean shifted uncomfortably in his seat, not looking out at the Recruits. He had his jaw locked tight in anger like it was a personal attack against him.
Holding onto the lapel of his blazer, Randall stood up tall and lifted his chin slightly. “You will be seeing more of myself and Vice President Oliver during Recruitment. We're taking a more hands-on approach this year to guarantee you each live up to your potential. We have looked at the tests scores and I'm happy with the results. There are definitely some strong candidates out there.”
He lowered his hand, resting it on the podium. “This also means that this year will be tougher, the challenges harder, the competition more aggressive. Everything will be more formal. Each of you are to address your superiors with their given titles. From here on out, you will address us as follows: President Randall, VP Oliver, RH Johnson. Your recruitment leaders will be addressed as RL first name. Likewise, your dorm leaders will be DL first name. Anyone caught using the incorrect names will report to fitness training for a night, which consists of a strenuous workout.”
“He's really painting this rosy, isn't he?” Eric whispered to me. I held in a smile.
“I have a good feeling about this year,” President Randall said. Calling him that would be an adjustment for me. “I'm determined to find our best set of Recruits yet. Work hard, play smart, and never back down. That is your key to success here at Infinity Corp. Together, we'll build the future.” I almost rolled my eyes, but he locked eyes with me. “Welcome to Recruitment.”
