Chapter 123

Lawrence quickly went over his life as a soldier from recruitment to retirement. At the same time, he

gave the students some lessons in patriotism. Then, he briefed them on the training schedule. They

would train from 7:30 am to 11:30 am and then from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

At the end of the training, there would be a bonfire party.

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Lawrence said, “Training starts tomorrow. Since it’s

your first day tomorrow, I hope to see all of you present half an hour earlier than scheduled. Gather at

the field at 7:00 am sharp. Do you hear me?”

“Yes, sir.” The students didn’t look too happy at having to gather a whole hour earlier than the time their

classes usually started.

“Are you guys starving or something? Louder!‘ Lawrence barked.

“Yes, sir!” the students shouted.

“Good, Dismissed!” He strode out of the class with his hands behind his back.

“Ugh. I hate military training!” Phoebe slumped on her table, putting her jaw on top of it. She looked

glum.

Wanda pouted..“Me, too. The sun’s been shining so brightly lately–I know I’m gonna get a sunburn

after the training!”

They’d already been through military training during high school. Though her family had treated her like

a princess when growing up, she wasn’t the coy type and had never complained no matter how tough

things got. She was actually fine with getting sunburnt.

Now, however, she was a little worried. She wasn’t particularly pretty, and the only thing that made her

stand out amongst the prettiest students on campus was her fair skin. If she were to lose that

advantage, would Carlisle be disdainful of her?

The thought of that made Wanda’s eyes turn a little red. She pinched Carlisle’s arm and said with

grievance, “You can’t scorn me, Carlisle…”

“Huh? Why would I do that?” He grabbed her hand and played with it.

She pulled it back like she’d been zapped. Then, afraid he would take it the wrong way, she explained

in at soft voice, “We’re still in class!”

Carlisle rubbed his nose and smiled. “Answer me, then. Why would I scorn you?”

“Well… even if I get a sunburn from the military training, you can’t get mad at me!” she mumbled as

she

lowered her head.

Carlisle was happy to see how cautious she was. He said tenderly, ‘I’ll never be disappointed or mad at

you, silly.”

His tenderness got Wanda right in the heart. Tears filled her eyes, but they were tears of happiness.

They overwhelmed her. In truth, she was easily satisfied–even a simple promise or a small expression

of love

DE

was enough to make her happy.

“God, could you two stop being so sweet?”

“I’ve had enough. Enough!”

Behind them, Phoebe’s deskmate, Tim Weal, couldn’t take it anymore. He gave them both reproachful

looks.

Wanda blushed and slumped on her desk, no longer daring to look at Carlisle..

The next few classes were for them to self–study. Most of the students didn’t have cell phones, so they

focused on their studies.

Soon, it was noon. Wanda wanted to have lunch with Carlisle, but Queenie called her when class was

almost over and invited her out.

Queenie was Wanda’s future sister–in–law, so she agreed to eat with her so they could get to know

each

other better.

Carlisle headed to the cafeteria alone. He’d just taken his seat after getting his food when Gordon

called him. “Hey, Dad.”

Gordon asked grimly, “Are you dating a young lady named Wanda Thompson?”

Carlisle stopped eating. He frowned and asked in return, “Did someone say anything to you?”