Revive by Tracey Martin

paint. Lots of college girls wear it. That’s my point—we need to make sure you blend in. We’re different, Sev. I want to make sure you kick ass on this mission.”
    We’re different. Yup, thanks for the reminder.
    I smile though. Nine and I don’t always agree on everything, but she’s my closest friend. “I know. So do I. But I don’t think my ability to apply a killer makeup job is going to be the deciding factor.”
    â€œBe prepared. You never know.” She removes her body from the bathroom door she’s been blocking. “But fine. You should get a good night’s sleep.”
    â€œYou think?”
    She flings open the door and saunters down the drab gray hallway, swinging her hips as if she can hear some tune that I can’t. Amused, I’m about to ask what’s up when she throws open the door at the end of the hall.
    I gasp. Our entire unit, all twelve of us, are crammed in the girls’ quarters. Blue and purple crepe paper covers the normally bare walls and windows. Our six beds have been pushed against the sides, creating an open space in the center. For a change, the room feels almost warm and alive.
    â€œSurprise!” people yell in chorus, tossing excess crepe paper at me.
    I cover my mouth with my hands, laughing. “Crepe paper? Really? Where did you get that? What are you doing?”
    Six playfully hits Nine on the shoulder. “Good question. What are you doing? We didn’t have time to finish decorating.”
    Nine pokes me. “I couldn’t hold her any longer. You know she’s got an iron will.”
    I stick my tongue out at her, still laughing to cover my surprise and to hide the tears forming behind my eyes. I can’t believe they did this. We’re going to be in huge trouble if Fitzpatrick finds out, but I don’t care.
    â€œOur Seven, stubborn?” One drapes an arm around me, giving me one of his rare grins. “Never.”
    â€œShut up.” I flick him in the chest.
    Despite his grin, I’m certain he had no hand in planning this. In fact, I’m certain he doesn’t approve. There’s a tightness around his eyes that he doesn’t bother to hide, and for good reason. As our team leader, One is supposed to set the example. But he’ll go along with this for me.
    I try not to think about that.
    â€œYou’re all crazy,” I say. “You know that?”
    â€œCrazy jealous,” Six says, tossing her hair. “And we’re going to miss you.”
    I lob a piece of crepe paper at her. “I’m not leaving forever. If I have any luck, I’ll get this done quickly and be back before you can out pull-up me.”
    As the three smallest people in our unit, Six, Eight and I are perpetually competing to see which of us can do the most pull-ups.
    One clears his throat. “It won’t be luck if you’re fast. It’ll be skill. That’s why—”
    â€œOh, enough with it,” Nine says, dragging me deeper into the room. “She doesn’t need a pep talk. We’ve got more celebrating to do.”
    I follow her, pretending I don’t see the scowl on One’s face. He’s the only other of us who’s gotten to go on a real mission, but his wasn’t a solo one. And it was fast. He was gone three days, flying to Turkey with one of the CYs to obtain…something. Something the rest of us weren’t cleared to know about.
    We congratulated One then, but no one threw him a party. Him being chosen was expected. He’s our team leader, the best and most responsible of us all. I hope he doesn’t resent the attention I’m getting.
    With that thought running through my head, I smile awkwardly at everyone who starts talking to me. This party’s suddenly gone from sweet to cringe-worthy.
    â€œIncoming!” The group parts, and Three barges through carrying a cake. He sets it on my desk with a flourish, shoving my