Calli

 

“Let's go, ladies!” Sergeant Wilcoke barked.

We all lazily climbed out of our beds. And lined up beside them.

“Make your beds! Get ready and be outside in 20! You will be wearing long pants, your black t-shirts, and your dog tags! Any questions?”

“Yeah,” Leslie chimed in. “What are we suppose to do in 20 minutes? Make our bed? That seems like a long time to be making your bed.”

“What?” Sergeant Wilcoke asked incredulously.

“You can't possibly mean that we have 20 minutes to change AND make our beds! That is definitely not enough time.” Leslie stepped out of line. Her forehead had worry lines in it.

It took all of my composure not to start laughing like a hyena.

“Permission to speak?” Maya asked Sergeant Wilcoke.

“Permission granted.” Sergeant Wilcoke's face was bright red from either her patience about to blow or her embarrassment at Leslie's ignorance.

“I don't think Leslie understands what this camp is about. Base 11 was founded both as a military base and camp to teach kids respect, discipline, and diversity. By diversity, the camp means a different daily routine. I hope Leslie realizes by entering herself in this camp she has committed to all of the rules and regulations including obeying orders. We are not her to have a good time. We are here to learn, and having fun is just a bonus on the way,” Maya stated. She then nodded her head to acknowledge she was done speaking.

Now it took all of my composure to not to high-5 Maya.

“Do you understand everything Maya just said, Leslie?” Sergeant Wilcoke had a huge, smug grin plastered on her face.

Leslie rolled her eyes. “Yes, ma'am. I'm not stupid, you know.”

“You could've fooled me,” Sergeant Wilcoke retorted. “20 minutes! Dismissed!”