1
If there’s one thing we were told over and over, it’s that there will be pain, and we will die. If not in the field, but because of something we did in the field.
We train constantly, trying to lessen the huge risk of dying in the field. Our teachers yell and by the end of the day, our hands are bleeding and we are crying.
But that’s the daily life of a Cameron Girl.
There are only sixty of us. Only sixty girls, ranging from twelve to nineteen, who have the physical capacities, train to be thieves and assassins. My name is Victoria Wells, and, if it wasn’t clear, I am a Cameron Girl.
I’m sitting in the library, clutching To Kill a Mockingbird, but watching the fifty-nine other girls walk though the snow covered path up to school. I spot the bright pink hair of my best friend, Kyla Martin, and roll my eyes. Headmaster won’t be happy with that.
Kyla looks up and spots me, even three feet up. I can see her nod and I toss the book on the table. I exit the library, the little world that smells like old ink and parchment paper. I take a breath and enter the cold, cruel real world.
“Hey!” Kyla calls. She’s wearing the black and green, no nonsense uniform of Cameron Academy. Her eyes are a bright blue and her smile lights up her face.
“Why are you back so early?” She asks. I shrug.
“My parents didn’t want me.” I say. Kyla clucks her tounge. She knows how my mother is. She doesn’t approve of my schooling. And she hates me.
“Fates a bitch.” Kyla said.
“Why thank you for your amazing, insightful wisdom.” I reply wryly. Kyla giggles.
“That’s my girl.” She says. She loops her arm through mine and pulls me back into the brick building of our school.
At exactly eight-thirty, I sat with the other seventeen year olds in our dining hall. The chatter was loud, but we did all just get back from Christmas break.
“Tori! You’re coming home with me in the summer,” Beth Myles call. I shake my head, but nod my thanks.
“My mom may want me then.” I say and then turn to face front as Headmaster Overman takes the podium.
“Welcome back.” He says with his deep, cool voice, “I hope you had a relatively safe vacation.” All the girls clap. One death look from his dark eyes is all it takes to silence us. We all stare back, not breaking eye contact. Waiters clad in black and white bring out plates with lids. I lean closer to my plate and inhale deeply. Beside me, Kyla and Beth do the same.
“Now, every girl who is seventeen must meet me in the library. Nine thirty, sharp.” Headmaster Overman continues. Kyla and I exchange a look. He always calls meetings for a certain age group.
Headmaster Overman sits down with the teachers and we turn back to our conversation.
“What do you think he wants from us?” Another girl, Darcy, asks. Kyla eyes the girl. She has never liked Darcy, a story involving stiletto knives, a phone call and some chocolate pudding.
“Maybe to review the uniform rules?” I suggest. Kyla raises an eyebrow and frowns slightly. Around us, the younger girls coo with the four star meal. I uncover my tray and pick up my fork. Beth and Darcy begin to eat as Kyla leans back in her chair. I can see her brain working. Kyla is smart. She’ll figure this out.
