Newcomer

Wendy reached into the bag of sweets. ‘Tell me about the proposal. I want all the juicy details.’ Callie’s voice turned tender as she recounted the memory. ‘Under a maple tree, the leaves painted in shades of autumn. He got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever.’ Wendy’s mouth formed a perfect letter ‘O’. ‘That’s so romantic! I’m excited and envious all at once.’ Callie’s curiosity shifted to her friend. ‘What about you?’ ‘What about me what?’ ‘You know, you and the dashing Captain Santana.’ Wendy shrugged. ‘We’ve had a date or two. Lemuel’s a cautious one, takes things slow. We’ll see where it goes. No hurry.’ Without Angelia there to rain on their parade, the two friends continued chatting well into the night after lights out. *** At the crack of dawn, the sound of the army reveille sliced through the air, rousing Callie and Wendy from their slumber. Callie’s eyes snapped open, embracing the familiar rhythm of the academy’s routine. She rose from her bed, ready to greet the