The rapport of gun fire could be heard throughout our camp as rebels continue to fight back against the corrupt government. Dead bodies had littered our entire patrol as we scanned for survivors in the villages and on the side of the road.
It was an emotionally draining day. The younger men had finally seen what Gage and I had been trying to tell them since we landed eight months ago. The desert was a brutal killer, whether by gun fire, or the elements was the only question.
Sitting down at my desk to sign off on the action report Gage had handed me I see a package on my desk, and for the first time I don’t smile thinking of reading her sweet words. I actually dread tainting her letter with my morose mood. Shoving the box under my desk, I leave it for now. Waiting for when the smoke has cleared from my mind.
“Captain St. James?” One of the Privates calls from the open doorway.
“Come in,” I tell him. He stands at attention in front of my desk, and no matter how hard he tries to mask the pain I see in his eyes, he fails. This is the privates first tour, and the last twenty-four hours has played with his mind. “At ease Soldier,” I tell him.
He visibly relaxes and sits in the chair beside him. He’s quiet, looking down at his hands. Fidgeting in his seat and I know he’s trying to process what he’s seen.
“I,” he has to stop and clear his throat. Gage walks in quietly behind him with a water bottle, “I wasn’t prepared,” he says, as he’s handed the water.
“No one ever is,” Gage comments, while sitting on the corner of my desk closest to the private.
“Is it always like this?” He asks, and I’m taken back through all of my tours. The blood and violence, and the boring endless days.
“Not always no. But no matter where they send you, it will always be in hostile territory and a possibility. This, what happened today, was unavoidable.” I watch as he nods at my words.
“But the children?” His words are tight.
“Why did you join the Navy private?” Gage asks him.
“To be something bigger than myself, to make a difference in the world.” His answer has more conviction than I’ve seen from him since we got here.
“Then hold onto that and remember it, because shit’s going to get worse before you can make it better.” I tell him.
“Thanks Captain,” he says standing, giving a salute before walking out.
Gage whistles as soon as he’s cleared hearing distance, “You think he’ll last long out here?” He looks back to me.
“Once he sees a bit more action, I think he will.”
“You hear from your girl again?” He changes subjects.
“Got a box from her.”
“And?”
“Nothing, I haven’t opened it yet.” He scowls at my answer. “What about your girl? She still writing to your sorry ass?”
“Touché,” he says, and walks out.
Reaching under my desk, I grab the box and place it on the desk. Whipping out my Swiss army knife I slice through the taping to see what she’s sent me. With her letter on top saying read me first, I smile feeling the lightest I have all fucking day as I open the envelope.
Dear Killian,
Well I guess it’s not all bad I suppose. I love the way it just rolls off my tongue seamlessly. I bet you get that a lot, huh?
Jorja? Juniper? I suppose it could be that bad. Maybe it’s better, I dunno. I’ve got a lot of flak for it all my life. I think it was my parents’ way of getting back at me before I could ever become a pain in their asses.
Has anything interesting happened over there since you’ve arrived? How long have you been there? I mean other than the pranks on poor Gage. How horrible! And disgusting.
Fort Meade isn’t too far from me, I suppose it would be easy for us to meet once you come home. If you really wanted to, that is. Don’t feel like you have to, I won’t be hurt.
Some more weirdness for you, I have this neighbor, he’s nice I guess. In a weird kind of way, like weirder than my weird. Anyway after I read your last letter, he was knocking on my door to ask me out for what feels like the hundredth time, probably more like thirtieth though. I’ve never really led him on or anything, but he just won’t take no for an answer, and keeps asking.
At first, I thought it was cute, now I wish he would just back off. Is this what men are like when they’re on the hunt? Cause if so, I want no part of it. It’s creepy as all get out. I’ll stick to my books and shoes if that’s the case.
How many months until you come home now? Four?
When you see the picture I’ve put in the box, remember you asked for it ;)
As for the contents of the box well I hope you enjoy. There’s a little extra in there if you feel up to sharing.
xoxo,
Jersey…
P.S I’m glad you like the kiss.
P.P.S I’ll be okay with a picture too…
P.P.P.S Please don’t show that picture to anyone.
Ripping through the box on the search for the picture I’m blown the fuck away as I get my first glimpse of Jersey… Fucking Jersey, never would have guessed that as her name either.
Long curly dark brown hair, blue eyes as clear as the Caribbean. Small in stature, fragile almost. But damn her legs go on for miles. The cute little flowered tank and white cut off jean shorts she’s wearing add to her youthful look.
Hell, I’d love to make her mine.