Mom died two years ago.

I was on a date when Kylie called me saying Mom had flatlined. Just two days after i sat wondering what she was dreaming about. I was in a daze as the boy took me home, and asked if i was okay.

To be honest I didn't know the answer to that.

I was happy Mom wasn't suffering anymore, but now that shes free all this pain was dropped on my family.

Mac started skipping classes and coming home early, grades dropped, Kylie put on a fake smile but i could see she was shattered under the mask. Dad grieved normally and went on with life, and now more then ever he wouldn't let me fly officially with the training boys on the base.

Juniper, it felt like, was the only friend i had left. She secretly taught me everything about the jets that the flyboys fly, (flyboys are newbie pilots) and soon i knew the thing inside and out.

But then again, I'd do anything to get my mind off of Mom.

With my 21 birthday coming up in a few months I realized i had two choices: one; stay with my brother and sister on the base and beg Dad to let me join the Air Force again, or two; leave and never think about the hole in my house that Mom used to fill, and start over.

I chose option one. Even though I wanted to forget how i lost my Mother, i knew Mac needed me. Kylie too, but she tried not to show that she was anything less than happy 24/7.

Flying gave me some closer. I was never allowed to fly myself, but Juniper would squeeze me in the back and show me how to run a jet with all the levers and knobs.

Oh you're probably wondering about the necklace. And the car. And my room.

Once i got home, the necklace wasn't on my dresser because it was in my pocket. It had brought itself to me in the car tao years ago. I never glitched again. (That's what i started calling it, since I glitched from my car to my room).

One day a new batch of boys came in from Basic Training. It was an average Monday, and Juniper was going to let me be her assistant. Hold the clipboard, get the names and dog tag numbers, assign them dorms on the base and make sure they get to training on time.

She walked up and down the row of men, boys really, most of them not older than me, giving them the speech on serving their country and whatnot, discipline and team work make for a better go at a battle. She did look intimidating, uniform pressed, tight bun, the whole Lieutenant bit. The movies always exaggerated the sunglasses, but my Dad wore sunglasses all the time.

After Juniper had given her speech and indicated me to take over, i stepped forward at attention in my uniform. (Dad would never let me fly in an actual real life situation but i earned my place as a Captain after all this time).

The boys shuffled, and i noticed a few of them looking at me.

After i had said my piece on how to report to me every evening and how Juniper was in charge, i realized them, turning to talk to Juniper as the boys shuffled off to get their suitcases.

"Still like giving orders, Rolan?" A teasing voice called behind me. I knew i had recognized him.

I spun on my heel and smirked, my voice mocking his teasing tone. "And you still like to follow them, Jacob."

He smiled that handsome smile and hugged me, i hugged him back. Tyler Jacobs and I have been best friends since 4th grade when i shoved him down the slide and had to do detention with him for fighting. Inseparable ever since.

But then my mom got diagnosed summer before senior year and i stopped contact with everyone. Tyler forgave me, he was always there.

He laughed, bringing me back to the present, running a hand through his dark brown hair. Sharp green eyes crisp as ever met mine. "You're a captain now? Thought your Dad wouldn't let you fly."

Juniper smiled and nudged me. "Shes got a good sweet talker voice."

"And she's my daughter." My Dads big voice boomed from behind us. Me and Juniper saluted and Ty caught on. My Dad nodded to us. "At ease." He chuckled.

"Lieutenant you dont need to salute me every time." My father joked, clapping Juniper on the shoulder.

She smiled. "I know sir, but this is after all an active military base."

My dad laughed and walked over to Ty, shaking his hand. Ty looked over the moon. "Mr. Jacobs, good to see you again."

Ty shook his hand back enthusiastically, smiling. "Promised I'd fly one of these things one day, didn't I?"

The men laughed, my Dad clapping Ty on the shoulder just like he had with Jun, but Tys knees buckled slightly. He recovered just in time. I tried to hide my laugh.

I itched my hand, a small burn like sting just under my skin developing. It soon left.

My Dad smiled and nodded to the three of us and walked off to yell at Mac who was driving around in Dads campus golf cart. As Dad ran towards Mac, my brother smirked and went full speed ahead, my Dad telling and chasing after him.

It was good to see Mac have fun, even if it was a little reckless and disorderly.

Juniper nodded to Ty. "Mr. Jacob I believe, you are needed at the check in for dorms." She spoke crisply, as if the topic was not up for debate. It wasn't a statement but an order.

He cleared his throat and curtly nodded to me. "Good to see you Carinne."

As I watched Ty walk off to the dorm building I turned to Juniper. "Ok you know hes not bad why'd you brush him off?" I asked, a small grin on my lips.

She didn't return my smile, but rather held a concerned expression.
"Because your hand was... it was glitching. Like it was there one moment and gone the next..."

Thx so much for reading that chapter! The next few will end with a character aesthetic, and for this chapter we have our lovely rebel Juniper Jane Torrin and ofc Cari Rolan.