Or rather, time to “get to know each other.” We weren’t to be given any beer, of course, but we had been told we’d get to listen to music, play games (video, virtual, and pool), and eat tons of food. Good-for-us food, but that was better than nothing.“Get to know each other,” Mia repeated when we reached the threshold of a crowded but spacious room. Already I could hear the bump, bump, and grind of rock. “Get to know the older girls and get to know the boys. But don’t forget, even for a second, that we’ll be watching you. You know the rules.” Having said her piece, she was off, leaving us in an open doorway.My shock that we’d get to spend time with the male trainees—and instructors?—barely had time to register before the girls surged forward. One of them grabbed hold of my arm and tugged me inside. All too soon I was standing on the fringes of the party. The room was dimly lit, filled to capacity, and cracking with laughter and conversation.I experienced a shiver of nervousness.Everyone around me seemed to know where to stand, how to stand, and what to do.
