Together At Peace

Chapter 1

Major John D. MacGillis shook his head as he watched his oldest stepdaughter, Elizabeth Cooper go into the house angrily.

He said to the private that was going to change the oil in the family's car, "Tommy, I think you should leave now. I thank you for wanting to help with the car but as I've said, you know the rules. We'll keep this between ourselves, son. "

The private nodded and said getting up from the porch steps. "Yes, sir. I'll see you later. "

As he left Polly came out and said, "What happened to Elizabeth? She's in a mood and she won't talk to me. She went upstairs. "

John sighed looking at his wife. "Aw, hell, Poll! She got mad because I wouldn't let Tommy change the oil on the car! Being military, it would look like personal servitude." At her confused expression he added, "I'm a major, he's a private-like I ordered him to do it. Understand? "

Polly Cooper MacGillis looked at her husband incredulously and said shaking her head. "Geez, John. Can't the military take a backseat once in a while?! He was obviously just being nice and wanted to save Elizabeth some money! You could've let it slide this one time-. "

John said, "And be brought up on insubordinate charges? No thank you, ma'am! I've seen too many times in my career where people let one rule slide and pay the ultimate price for it. I'm sorry, but that's how the military is. "

Polly said quietly, "Well, I happen to disagree with you, John. Right now, I'm going to see Elizabeth and try to calm her down and make her see that you do understand the situation but that there are rules that frankly make no sense but that we have to abide by while you're still in the Marines. "

Sighing, she went into the house and went upstairs. Knocking on Elizabeth's door she said, "Elizabeth? Honey, can we talk? " Getting no answer, she went downstairs and found Robin and Casey in the kitchen with the family photos.

She said to Robin, "Where's your sister? "

Robin gave her a funny look looking at Casey. "Right here, Mom. Are you okay? "

Polly sighed, "I meant Elizabeth. Where is she? "

Robin said, "She was outside and then went up to her room. What's wrong? "

Polly said, "Well, maybe she just went for a walk..."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth went to the Camp Hollister office and found Gunny. "Have you seen Lt. Holowachuk, Gunny? "

Gunny noticed the purse and overnight bag but didn't comment. She said simply, "He's in the office working on some reports. Can I help you? "

Elizabeth said tiredly, "No thanks. I'm just gonna go say hi. Thanks. "

Gunny watched her leave and had a funny feeling the girl was planning to go somewhere, but why with an overnight bag and why did she really want to see the Lieutenant?

Elizabeth came into the office where Lt. Eugene Holowachuk was working. He stopped when he saw her. "Hi. If you're looking for the Major, he's-."

Elizabeth shook her head disgustedly. "Uh, no! Definitely not! You can help me though. I need a ride to the airport. I'm going home. I've had enough of this military crap!"

Eugene was puzzled. "Uh, Elizabeth, you are home. Your house is-."

Elizabeth yelled, "I mean, home! To my dad! "

Eugene shook his head in confusion. "Sorry. I thought your dad was-? "

Elizabeth groaned! "Oh forget it, Eugene! I'll get to the airport somehow! If my mom asks where I am, tell her I'm spending the night at a friend's. That I just needed some space. She'll know the reason! "

Elizabeth slammed out and Eugene thought for a moment. He was stuck. If he helped Elizabeth, the Major would have his head on a platter! But if he didn't and something happened to her, he'd have her mom on his case!

Eugene got his keys and ran out the door yelling, "Elizabeth, wait! "

TBC