The Academie Read Online Free Page A

and down off either side of the
bed to get it all situated properly. Meanwhile, my bunkmate lay
comfortably in her easy-made lower bunk.
    Fifteen minutes later, I finally
finished. Just as I was about to follow my bunkmate’s lead, a
whistle blew and Garret called us back for more
instructions.
    “ Each day this week you
will be given a new pack of clothes, culminating in a week’s worth
of uniforms. You will also be given a marker. It is your
responsibility to clearly mark each clothing item and your bedding
with your name. Don’t forget the socks and undergarments or you’ll
be going without. The laundry hamper is over here.” She pointed to
a large basket by the door. “After they are laundered, they will be
placed on this rack over here.” She gestured to a large set of
shelves along the wall next to the laundry basket. It’s your job to
sort through them and find your own stuff. Anyone caught taking
someone else’s will be dealt with accordingly.
    “ While I am on the subject
of attire,” she continued, “let me tell you about the regulations
regarding your appearance. Your uniform should not be altered in any way. It will
be worn with the pant legs reaching to your shoes—not rolled up—and
the shirt collar buttoned all the way up. Likewise, sleeves must be
worn just as they are—not folded or rolled. You have been given
short sleeves to begin the school year and the building is
air-conditioned, so you should not have any trouble. A jacket has
been provided for any of you who tend to chill easily.” She glared
at me when she said it, and several people turned to look. I
blushed and looked away.
    “ As for your personal
hygiene, it is expected that you will shower at least every other
day. Long hair will be worn tied back away from your face. No
makeup will be provided, but soap, shampoo and a few other
essentials will be. Non-compliance with the dress code will not be
tolerated. When I call out your name, come forward to get your
uniform and a box of personal hygiene items.”
    As she called each person, I watched
and listened, hoping to get an idea of who I was going to be living
with for the next several years. A few names I recognized, though
they were people I really didn’t know in high school. Then I saw my
bunk-mate go forward, but unfortunately, I missed her
name.
    Next Sergeant Garret distributed
school supplies. We were each assigned a basic laptop computer and
given several notepads and a few pens and pencils. Then we were
shown where our rooms’ printer was located and where we could get
more paper and ink when it ran out.
    Finally, Garret passed out the
schedule for the following day. Horror struck me as I read
it.
    6:00 a.m. Wake up
    7:00 a.m. Breakfast
    7:30 a.m. Math Placement
Exam
    10:00 a.m. English Placement
Exam
    12:30 p.m. Lunch
    1:00 p.m. Science Placement
Exam
    3:30 p.m. History and Social Sciences
Placement Exam
    6:00 p.m. Dinner
    7:00 p.m. Fitness testing
    I couldn’t believe I had to take so
many exams. Couldn’t they just look at my records and figure out a
good place for me to start? And what was “fitness testing”? As a
non-athlete, I could think of no better way to end what looks like
a miserable day.
    Next Sergeant Garret directed our
attention to the rules of The Academie, which were posted in bold
letters on one of the walls of the dorm.
    All students will:
Show respect to all Academie teachers,
staff, and personnel
Attend all meals and
classes
Obey the rules of hygiene and dress
code
Not leave the facility unless given
permission by an Academie staff member
Not occupy the dorm area during class
hours (if you are sick you should be in the medical
ward)
    *All students will obey
these rules of conduct or be held accountable*
     
    Dinner came next, and I
joined Ruby again for a gourmet delight of dried out lasagna and
iceberg lettuce drizzled in cheap Italian dressing. I knew now how
The Academie could promise to put students in better health than
they entered with: