Adlai was rudely awakened by Averi standing over him.

“Hey, wake up! Do you want me to bring a water bottle?”

Adlai groaned and got up, stretching his aching back. Yesterday in the gym, they had done weightlifting, and Adlai had made the mistake of not using a back brace.

Averi giggled. “You look like an old man when you do that, now come on! I heard we’re going to be learning about the actual colonization!”

Averi was right, rumors had been spreading around the center, and the general consensus was that ship launch was three days away. Adlai walked with Averi to the lecture hall, and the professor was there, ready for them.

“I’m sure you all have heard that we will be sending you all off soon. This is true. In two days, you will all set foot as the first true colonists on this planet. Now, I know some of you may not recall all that I’ve taught you, so to refresh your memories, I’m going to be passing around a quick guide that was written on survival on this planet. Coauthored by the two lead researchers there, it should provide you with a source of knowledge in case of catastrophe. You all will be dismissed early today, I understand that you will need some rest.”

Adlai was handed a book, and he flipped through the pages. It seemed like a field guide, with hand-drawn illustrations and sketches of the fauna and flora they had been learning about. The bell rang, startling Adlai, and the next few classes followed suit, giving them a few passing words of farewell and letting them out early. The gym however was a different story. The coach, a tall, muscular man, with a spectacular mustache, addressed them all.

“I understand you all have been released early from your other classes.” He boomed. “I am not of the same mindset. I have two more days to train you all, and these two days will be the hardest you will ever have to do.”

He was met with a subdued silence. The colonists slowly spread out, and Adlai wished Averi was here. She had skipped the class, an incredible stroke of luck, leaving Adlai jealous and out of a partner. He looked around and flinched when someone put their hand on his shoulder.

“What’s up, pretty boy?” Shawna looked at him, grinning like a shark. “Out of a partner? What a shame! Luckily, you have me. Can you lift weights beanpole?”

“Yes, I can in fact lift weights. Can you take a test by yourself?”

Shawna flipped a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Ha Ha. Well, I owe you one, so I’ll pay you back through this. Follow my lead.”

Shawna and Adlai finished the exercises early, with Shawna beaming, and Adlai wheezing, trying not to throw up.

Shawna flipped the strand of hair back over her ear. “That was fun wasn’t it!”

“Hnnnggh.”

Shawna laughed and took him by the hand. The exercise wasn’t the only reason he was nauseous anymore. He felt giddy, and he knew it was either the fact that he was about to pass out or because of being near her. She took him out of the gym, and together they grabbed some water at the water fountain. She grabbed a drink, and he leaned against the wall, trying to catch his breath. His chest still ached from the fight, but it wasn’t quite as bad as it was. Shawna’s black eye was all but gone. Adlai caught himself staring at her eyes, and looked away, flushing. The bell rang, and the two nodded at each other and walked away. Adlai found Averi waiting for him in the leisure room, with a set game of chess. Something seemed off about her, like she knew something he didn’t. He sat down quietly.

“Waiting for someone?”

“Yeah, you. What took you so long?” Averi moved her pawn forward. D-3.

Adlai moved his own pawn in response. “Just getting a drink of water.”

Click. “I heard it was a tough workout today.”

Click. “Yeah, it was.”

Click. “Did you have a partner while working out”

Click click. Adlai’s queen had fallen. “Yeah, I did.”

Check. “Who was it?”

Checkmate. Adlai saw no sense in lying, he knew Averi knew. “Shawna.”

Averi’s face colored. “You promised me you wouldn’t talk to her! ”

“I know but it’s been a week-”

“Do you not remember what she called me?” Averi slammed her hands down on the table, the chess pieces flying off. “Do you not remember what she did to me and you? She hurt you Adlai, and she hurt me! She called me useless, a c-cripple!” Her face turned an angry red.

“Why are you still talking to her? Do you like her? Is that what it is? You’re spending more and more time with her, and less with me! Why?” Averi’s voice started to crack

“Am I not good enough for you? Am I too boring? Not smart enough? Not whole? Well, I’m sorry, okay! I’m sorry I’m not good enough for you to be around.”

Tears rolled down her eyes, her fists clenched and white. She walked out of the room, her body rigid with anger. Adlai slumped over, hands on his head. He sighed and got up, picking up the pieces. He chuckled inadvertently. It was the first time Averi had beaten him at chess.