Decoy

Ciara: Excuse me! Could you just... maybe, let me... through..?

I run as fast as possible trying to make my way to the academy building. After my parents were mysteriously murdered 5 years ago, Chief Griffin, a senior instructor at the NDIA, got hold of the criminals and apprehended them... Or so everyone says..

Since then, I've abandoned my dream of becoming a dancer and wanted to become just like him and provide justice and peace to the people. Until a few weeks ago, I was just a mere police officer at a local cubicle.

Then, my supervisor handed me a form from the National Defense and Investigation Academy (NDIA), the largest military institution in the country! I managed passing the entrance exams and registering my resume and today's the first lecture.... which I just MAYBE be running late for.

I run as fast as my legs can take me. After a while, a tall and grand building comes into view. That's it! I approach the gate completely out of breath. I get in the line for ID card check.

Ah, it's my turn already. I rummage through my bag to look for my ID that was couriered to me a few days ago.

Ciara:...

This is weird, I'm sure I put it in!

Guard: Don't waste everyone's time! If you don't have your ID, go home; other people are waiting!

The guard starts scolding me impatiently. I look behind me to see the angry faces of the other trainees.

Ciara: Um, I forgot my ID but I can assure you that I'll get it tomorrow! Please let me in!

Guard: That's not how it works here, young lady. Now, out of the line!

Ciara: But!

The other trainees start pushing me out of the line when a stern voice calls out to them from behind.

???: Hold it.

Everyone turns to look at the owner of the voice. There's a tall man with short, black hair and beautiful brown eyes standing there wearing a very familiar uniform. Wait, that's the uniform that the instructors at the NDIA wear! Is he...

He walks towards us and looks down at me. His intimidating aura makes me shrink.

???: I'll take care of her.

He grabs my arm and starts to drag me away. T-Take care of me?! He isn't going to punish me for making a scene is he?! I try pulling my hand back, but it's all in vain; he's too strong.

Ciara: Please let me go! I didn't mean to cause trouble!!

???: *sigh* Sure you didn't.

Ciara: I mean it!!

He turns around a corner and then glares at me. I almost jump out of my skin in fright.

???: I won't repeat myself, DON'T make a fuss.

Make a fuss?! He's talking to me like I did that on purpose!

Ciara:... I didn't do it on purpose.

He doesn't even pay attention to me and drags me to the other end of the building. Wait, that's the backdoor. The guard on the door greets him and doesn't even ask me for my ID as we walk in. Still pulling me behind him, he leads me to the front desk. Hey, he actually helped me. He glances at me.

???: Go mark your attendance and collect your uniform.

Ciara:... Don't you think that I might just be a trespasser acting as a student?

He didn't even ask for my confirmation papers or anything. Isn't this irresponsible? He smirks at me.

???: Hah! You're funny. YOU really think that you could be a threat?

What's that supposed to mean?! That good-looking face is just a mistake that God gave you, you pig! Hey, mister! You see, I could just be the most dangerous person on earth! Hmph!

Ciara:...

I keep cursing at him in my mind because I don't really have the guts to tell him that on his face, he's an instructor after all... Hahh, who am I kidding...

He turns around and leaves. Sharp tongue, huh! But, he did help me out (though I'm not sure what I should think after that insult). I go to the front desk and tell the receptionist my name. She hands me a form and I fill it.

Receptionist: Here's your badge and name tag. To collect your uniform go to the room on the left.

Ciara: Thank you!

I run my thumb over my student badge. I've finally made it here, I've got to work hard so that I don't let myself or my position down. I clutch it tightly in my hand and head to the uniform collection room.....