Chapter Seven
Kaden
We’ve been non-stop for the past few months. I haven’t had a chance to even breathe. I haven’t had any instances, which is good. I think the reading helps. I’ve been out of touch, though. Every place we went had no internet. As soon as we landed in Germany, I high tailed it to the barracks and connected to the wi-fi. I loaded my email and sat there for a while when I saw that I had a few messages from Alyse. I was upset that I missed them and hoped to God that I hadn’t missed an opportunity.
I find myself smiling as I read through the emails. I almost drop my laptop when I read the last one. I can’t believe she met Rigs. What are the chances? When I saw there were photos attached, I almost couldn’t control myself. Images instantly popped into my mind of the night we shared. Her beautiful green eyes seemed to be looking right at me.
I immediately click to respond, but I don’t really know what to say. My awkwardness starts to rear its ugly head. I feel so stupid, but I need to tell her something. I feel like she may think I don’t want to talk to her or worse, I’m dead.
Alyse,
Sorry that I haven’t responded. I’ve been to a few countries over the past few months and without internet access. It’s so good to see your beautiful face. I’m safe. Just a few more months and I’ll be stateside again. My first stop will be to that little diner to load up on carbs. I think I’ve lost twenty pounds. I cannot believe that you met Rigs. That’s unbelievable and incredibly awesome. I’ve been trying to get hold of my brothers from my last unit. I’m really excited to think that I’ll be able to see him again. Tell him I said hi and if you can give me his contact information, that would be awesome. Hope to hear back from you soon. I miss you.
Thinking of you too,
Kaden
I can’t stop looking at her picture. I almost forgot what she looked like. I still see her eyes every time I close my eyes, but now that I see her entire face, it brings those images into my head again of that night. It’s bad being confined into a huge room full of bunks with several other men. It’s not like you can just reach under the covers and jerk off. Although, I really don’t care. I’ve actually jerked off in the shower with people coming in and out. That’s what I tell people about how I got my nickname. I tell them I got it because I spank the monkey whenever I want. Of course, it’s not reality, but the real reason is lame. I don’t like feeling lame.
Fuck it. Other guys do it all the time. I’m hard and I’m uncomfortable. I need a release. It takes me only a few strokes until I’m emptying into my hand. I take one last look at Alyse’s beautiful face and immediately fall asleep.
♦♦♦
Alyse and I have been emailing back and forth now almost daily. She sent me Rigs’ contact information and I’ve corresponded with him as well. It feels like a little bit of weight has been lifted. Not only do I have Sporto back, I have Rigs as well. Now I just need to find Beast. Rigs keeps avoiding the barrage of questions, it seems. I’m not sure what that is all about. However, I feel like my life is finally getting back on track. My current unit has even made comments about the smile that seems to never leave my face.
I wanted to video chat with Alyse the other night, but she said she was dealing with some things at the deli and couldn’t. She seemed sincere, but self-doubt kept niggling at my gut. I wonder if she’s found someone else. From her emails, I wouldn’t think so. At least she seems to be very interested in me and what I’m doing. Still, I get the feeling like she’s hiding something. I emailed Rigs about it and he was just as cryptic. He told me she just has a little something going on that is taking up the majority of her time. He also said that I will understand when I get home.
Home. That’s a funny word. I don’t feel like I have a home. It’s certainly not at the base. I really do need to look into more permanent housing. It’s not like I can’t afford it. I just don’t see any use in having something more permanent when I’m constantly getting deployed. It’s easier to have all my life possession fit in a rucksack.
One more month. Rigs says that he’s going to bring Alyse to the base the day I land. It seems a bit surreal that I’ll have someone there waiting for me other than my folks. They usually try to make it, but they will actually be out of town this time. I’m freaking out a little about seeing them both. There’s an excitement to see Rigs again, but I’m nervous about seeing Alyse. We met once and although we were very intimate, it wasn’t like there was a whole lot of conversation between us. Outside of the grunts, moans, and few words of passion.
The emails have helped though. I feel like I know her. I know her schedule. How she loves grilled cheese paninis. How she has to sleep with a fan on with one leg sticking out of the covers. I know she doesn’t like shellfish but will eat frozen pizza on any day of the week. I know she loves to come up with new recipes and that she started offering high protein/low carb choices at the deli. Small things that make me feel like I know enough to know I want to know more.
One more month to endure, a few more flights. I’ll then have six months before my enlistment is up and I can decide if I sign on for two more years or become a civilian and settle down and make some roots.
♦♦♦
I’m heading back. My stomach is in knots and I feel like I’m going to lose my lunch. I barely got through my mid-flight check when we stopped to refuel in the Azores. In a few more hours, I’ll be reunited with a military brother and possibly the woman of my future.