It’s been about a month since our last mission, and things with Becca and I have become so much more. We seem to write each other almost daily, although I wish the mail came faster. She hasn’t offered to send me a picture yet, and to be honest, I am dying to know what she looks like.

Now when it’s time for mail call I don’t have to wonder if I am going to get anything—my thoughts are interrupted by a new package being dropped on my desk. I couldn’t make it to mail call today because I had an operational report to fill out. The enemy has become a lot more active in the area, the higher-ups are going to want us to put an end to them, and soon. I can feel it.

“Look who got a package,” Brass says with a wink before heading over to his own bunk.

I rip the box open to find a huge container full of baked goods. As I pull out the container, I notice there is a letter at the bottom. I quickly grab the unopened envelope and toss the box to the floor. Carefully peeling it open, I see Becca’s handwriting across the page.

Catwoman, huh? I never would have pegged her for a Catwoman person, but there is a first time for everything. Suddenly an idea comes to mind, but I’m going to need some help. Christmas isn’t too long from now, I’m sure that Becca and Olivia have plenty of people to send them gifts for the holidays, but hopefully a special present from me will make their holiday a little brighter.

To say my letters with Justin are changing is an understatement. I have a feeling that things between us are going to get messy if I don’t put a stop to it soon, but every time I make up my mind to stop writing him, another letter arrives. The cycle is endless, I don’t want to desert him, but I don’t know if I can take losing someone else again.

As if on cue, as I’m checking the mail, a letter from Justin falls to the table. I’m going to do what is best for Olivia and me this time, end this before we both get hurt. I take a seat at the table, ready to write my final letter when my cell phone rings. Running to catch it before it goes to voicemail, I catch Emma’s name flashing across the screen.

“What can I do for my favorite person?” I chirp into the phone.

“Damn girl. You either want something, or you just got laid?” Emma responds. I can hear the sarcasm in her voice. I roll my eyes; not like she can see me or anything, but why is the idea of me having sex so amusing?

“How can I want something? You called me.”

“Fair enough. However, there is something up. I know things so spill the beans.” Emma waits patiently for me to start talking, but honestly, I don’t know where to start. “I don’t have all night.” Man, she can be pushy at times, but I really do need someone to talk to.

“Fine, there is something bothering me.” I go and check to make sure Livie is occupied. This conversation is going to take a little while. Taking a deep breath, I tell Emma everything from the beginning. How I started writing to a single soldier in a war zone, how we have been getting closer in the last few months, and most importantly, how the thought of letting someone, let alone a man, into my life absolutely terrifies me.

“Girl, that’s simple. Open the damn letter and let things happen as they will.”

“Have you not been listening to anything that I’ve said! He could be some lunatic for all I know, and here I am feeling the need to invite him into my life. Not just my life but Olivia’s as well,” I whisper-yell into the phone.

“Stop being so dramatic, I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Some people are put on this earth at certain times just for us. If you don’t take this one chance, will you regret it?” Emma says with conviction.

I take a breath to answer and stop. Will I regret never speaking to Justin again? Just the thought of not hearing from him sends rippling pain through my chest. I wouldn’t say that I’m in love with him, but I do care for him. I want to make sure he is alright and that he has everything he needs. Most importantly, I want to make sure he has a friend.

It’s like a light bulb goes off in my head, bringing a smile to my face. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, you know that?”

“Flattery will get you everywhere. Now go open the letter from soldier boy, but let me know if things get juicy!” Emma giggles.

“Thanks! Oh, what did you actually call for?” I ask before hanging up.

“Actually, I was calling to see if you would want to start writing to my brother. He is overseas as well. He isn’t too keen on opening up to people, but I think he could use a friend. However, I think you may already have that place in your heart filled.”

I shake my head before responding, “Emma, I already said we were just friends.”

“For now,” Emma whispers before hanging up the phone.

It’s funny that of all people to call me right now it was Emma. Ever since meeting her, I have felt like there was a specific reason I walked into her day care that day. It felt like we had finally found a place to belong, and now in reality, we have. Katie, Emma, and the twins have welcomed us with open arms.

It’s time that I put my fears aside and do the same thing. Putting my phone on the charger, I grab Olivia. It’s time to get my little munchkin ready for bed.

After getting Livie tucked into bed, I have a seat on the couch and open up Justin’s letter.

If I would have known my choice in characters were going to become my new nickname or call sign, as Justin says, I would have chosen something else. However, I kind of like being named after one of the first femme fatale, she is a comic book icon. Folding the letter and placing it back in the envelope, I turn on the television.

It’s nice to know that there is someone out there in the world that can deal with my crazy obsessions and still manage to be just as big of a nerd as I am. Seriously Justin, Mr. T from Rocky III? Any line from any movie and he goes with that. I can’t stifle the laugh that bubbles out of my mouth before I quickly look around to make sure I didn’t wake Olivia. I am starting to think that Justin and I have a lot more than our loneliness in common.