After dinner, the evening had been what one may very well call lively. When the girls had eaten their fill, the Headwoman led the group back to the "sleeping quarters" where fresh pajamas and a warm bath were provided. With only nine showers, many girls had quite literally run to the washroom, all eager to rid themselves of the filthiness that had accumulated over the course of three long years. Jacqueline, however, had waited patiently and instead got first dibs on the pajamas. There'd been a variety of nightgowns, pants, and button-up sleepshirts, all made from the same fine, tawny material. She'd chosen a long shirt and a small pair of pants that should have fit perfectly, but instead hung loosely from her hips as a result from years of near-starvation. Note to self: eat, she'd thought, scrutinizing her too-slim figure in the mirror. It was unattractive how much weight she'd lost since the world had crumbled, but as she glanced around the room at the other girls, she realized many of them had the same sickly structure. At least she wouldn't stick out.
Sleep. It had come almost effortlessly once things finally settled down in the barracks. With the warmth of a long shower still nestled in her core, Jacqueline found it too easy drifting into unconsciousness. Surrounded in fresh, white sheets and a thick, downy comforter, she doubted that the level of comfort she felt at the moment could be obtained by anything else. While others tossed and turned in their sleep, Jackie hardly stirred. Throughout the course of the night, she'd only woken once, subconsciously aware that someone had passed her bed. That hadn't happened since... she couldn't remember when. For the past few years, sleep had been anything but tranquil. The threat of midnight raids from other settlements kept everyone on their toes, even late in the night. But for some unexplainable reason, Jacqueline felt strangely at peace here. All in all, it had been nothing short of satisfying.
Morning came all too soon. It seemed like Jacqueline had been asleep for all eternity, and yet also only a few seconds, before the Headwoman entered the room, boots clicking against the stone floor just loud enough to agitate. "Good morning, girls." A unanimous groan from the half-conscious young women erupted, and the Headwoman laughed-- the sound of wind chimes, or maybe crystals. "Yes, its lovely to see you all as well." The smile was evident in her tone. "Its time for you women to be getting up. You've got a busy day ahead of you." Jacqueline sighed angrily. Mornings had never been her favorite, and this moment was no exception. Her thoughts didn't translate well when she first woke up and she had a tendency to be grouchy, bitter even. A murmured string of profanities escaped her lips, muted by the pillow beneath her face. After a few drowsy seconds, her eyes fluttered open and she sat up slowly, dragging both hands across her face. In the following few minutes, most girls did the same, though none were willing to remove themselves from the comfort and warmth of their bed just yet.
The Headwoman clapped her hands together, urging them further. "Come, come. You've got clothes for the day over there"--she pointed towards a table--"and breakfast waiting in the cafeteria." She smiled warmly, but her eyes held the faintest hint of impatience. It seemed as if the promise of food was what ultimately forced them out of bed; perhaps the clothing. Either way, sheets went flying into the air and girls swarmed the room not even a breath's time after the Headwoman stopped speaking. Jacqueline was one of the few still having trouble waking up. She stood unsteadily, mumbling inaudibly under her breath, and crossed the room slowly towards the frantic girls surrounding the table of clothing. Though the stacks had been reduced to unorganized mounds, there was lots to choose from: khaki pants, jeans, form-fitted t-shirts, jackets [both heavy and light], and long sleeved shirts. Jackie struggled through the barrier of bony elbows and decided upon a deep scarlet colored jacket and a pair of dark jeans. She'd wear her own black camisole underneath.
When Jacqueline finally freed herself of the mass of young women, she rushed into the bathroom. As was to be expected, all of the stalls were full, with girls waiting outside each of them. After a few seconds of contemplation, she sighed, reluctantly deciding that it would be far easier to simply get dressed by her bed. We're all girls, Jackie told herself as she unbuttoned her pajama shirt, attempting to convince herself that no one would notice but failing to do so. She changed into her new clothing quickly, vaguely aware of the awkward glances cast her way. Unfortunately, she'd only roughly estimated the sizes of the clothing, so it came to her great dismay, but as no surprise, when the jeans literally fell to her knees. She gnawed at her bottom lip, gaze flicking from her old jeans to the group of girls eager for clothing, and back again. It was then that someone tapped her shoulder.
Jackie turned swiftly and found herself face to face with a very pudgy, younger girl. She had dark hair and wore an anxious expression across her brow. In her hands she held a pair of jeans that were obviously too small. For a few moments, the girl was silent. When she did speak, her voice was nasally and trembled. "I-I saw you having trouble. W-Wanna trade?" Jacqueline stared at her for a moment, eyes wide. She didn't know what was more disturbing: that the girl had managed to eat so much food during the famine, or the fact that she'd been watching her change. After a few seconds of awkward silence, she nodded. "Uhm, sure. Thanks..." The girl handed Jacqueline the jeans, then turned her back while she changed. They were a perfect fit- or at least as perfect as she'd expect. Jackie handed the larger pair of jeans to the dark-haired girl wordlessly, still uncomfortable, and she scurried off.
Now adorned in decent, or more importantly, clean clothing, Jacqueline sighed, somewhat content. Though she did not appear to have any impending worries, the Hatching and all it held lingered at the edges of her mind. Whether she thought on it or not, it was there, whispering deception, spoiling her thoughts. She shook her head, running her fingers through her hair as a makeshift brush. The texture was soft, despite the chemicals in it, and she smiled, glad of the momentary distraction. Before too long, the Headwoman showed up at the doorway again. By now, most of the girls were at least partially changed into the new clothing, though a shower could be heard running from the washroom. She smiled again, though her expression made it obvious that she'd expected more of the young women to be ready. "All right, girls. Food's getting cold! Let's hurry up, now." Jacqueline stood and walked slowly towards the gathering of girls by the door, but not before shoving her cigarettes and lighter into the new jacket.
Just in case...
featherbee Community Member 
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