SOL Day 12 - Another night free

After the pillow fight, things settle down, and everyone gossips and speculates about what’s coming. You stay with them, trying not to look at Lara and Riley. Lara has her arm around Riley’s shoulders as they sit together, and Riley snuggles up against her, looking perfectly content.

“I heard there’ll be new uniforms,” Rebecca says, eating a chocolate bar. “Sexier ones.”

“How much sexier can they go?” Riley asks.

“Full beach volleyball,” Max says.

“That’s called a bikini. That’s not a uniform,” Sheva notes.

“Hope you like bikinis,” Max tells her.

“How do you know this?” Elena asks suspiciously.

Eventually, Viti yawns and goes off to bed. You do not look up as Lara whispers in Riley’s ear, then takes her hand and leads her out of the room. The rest seem content to sit around and keep gossiping, getting increasingly meanspirited as you get into the early morning hours.

“Those army girls are a pain,” Rebecca is complaining.

Elena holds up a hand for quiet, and everyone hushes and looks at her. She’s cross-legged on the bed beside Aki, who continues to ignore everyone, looking at her phone.

“I hear it too,” Sun says, scooting closer to Elena. Together, they lean to put their ears against the wall. Their mouths drop open and they exchange a look.

“What is it?” Rebecca asks.

“I think Lara’s helping our captain relax,” Elena says dryly.

Max and Rebecca abandon you and jump across the room to join the others on the bed, listening. Aki sits there, swaying as the mattress squeals under the weight of five girls, her eyes still on the phone. The other four listen, rapt.

“Oh,” Max says, making a sympathetic face. “Riley is such a sweetheart.”

“What?” you say.

“She’s saying the sweetest things,” Rebecca says, beckoning to you. “Come listen.”

“Um, no,” you reply.

“Oh yes,” Elena says, looking approving. Max and Rebecca are starting to turn red.

“Wow,” Rebecca says.

There’s a thump from the wall.

“There it is!” Max falls back on the bed, kicking her feet and screaming with laughter.

“Oh my gosh,” Rebecca says, wiping her hair out of her face. Sun pushes her, and Rebecca giggles, falling onto all fours. Sun takes her place behind her, miming some doggystyle. Rebecca roars with laughter as Sun gives her a playful slap on the rump.

“Adella?” Max says.

You’re standing up to leave.

“She’s close,” Elena says excitedly, her ear still pressed against the wall.

You step out into the hallway. As you close the door, you hear a cheer from the girls inside. You walk down the hallway to your room, only to find a sock on the doorknob. You can hear panting inside. Who’s Sheva in there with? Viti?

Looks like you’re sleeping on a couch downstairs tonight.