Artemis-
It was late and dark out. We had stopped to pick up something to eat for my dad and brother.
"School shopping is done. Are you ready for your last year of high school?", my mom asked me.
"Not really, Apollo is though", I said.
I had gotten use to the names my mother picked out for me and my twin brother. She teaches Greek Mythology and had told us that ever since she was in middle school she loved reading up on Greek Gods and Goddesses. It wasn't so strange in elementary school, but once we hit middle school, that was another story.
"Is there anything you guys want to do? A trip we can take before Summer is officially over for you", she said smiling.
I shrugged.
"Is uncle Seth coming home?", I asked.
"He should be soon, Paige misses him like crazy", she said.
My uncle Seth had joined the Marines, he was my dad's little brother. The baby or as my dad and aunts called him, Surprise. My grandparents didn't think they could have another baby. By this time my dad was old enough to marry my mom, they didn't plan on having kids yet but like my uncle, surprise. Apollo and I looked at Seth as more of an older brother than uncle.
"I miss him too", I said.
My mom nodded, next thing I know she gasps and the car swerves. I catch a glimpse of the car that caused it. Our car rolls once and the side of my head hits the window.
"Mom", I screamed.
I sat up in bed, breathing heavy and covered in sweat. I know my eyes are open, but it's still pitch black. The accident had caused me to lose my eyesight, that was seven years ago. I heard heavy footsteps and my door being pushed open.
"Artemis", my dad said.
I felt him sit beside me and rub my arm.
"It was only a dream", he tried to sooth me.
I shook my head no and let the tears fall.
"But it wasn't, it was real. She's gone", I said.
He wrapped his arms around me. I've had nightmares of that night.
"Artie, you okay?", my brother Apollo asked.
I nodded and wiped my cheeks.
"Just had a nightmare", I said, before laying back down.
I felt my dad kiss my forehead.
"Need anything?", he asked.
I shook my head no.
"Okay, if you need anything call for me ladybug", he said.
I nodded. The side of the bed moved and I knew he stood. The bed dipped again and I heard a sigh.
"What do you think you're doing Apollo?", I asked.
He yawned.
"Sleeping, now hush", he said, his arm gently pushing me.
I moved over.
"Apollo", I sighed.
"No buts, I'm staying", he said.
I nodded. My parents said that ever since we were born we were attached at the hip. The nurses separated us at birth and after doing so, we both screamed our heads off. No one understood why till my dad said to put us back together. They did as he said and we stopped. Everyone always said we looked alike, duh we were twins, but we didn't see it.
He was taller, almost everyone thought it was cute or funny how we had our own language or finished each other's sentences. Others found it annoying and confusing. He was my best friend, even before we were born. I felt horrible, he had gotten a football scholarship to Wisconsin. I had gotten into that school as well, like I said we didn't like being far apart from each other but after my mom died and I went blind. He stayed behind to help my dad with me and the bills.
"Apollo", I said.
He hummed a yeah.
"Never mind", I said softly.
I closed my eyes.
"I chose to stay Artemis. It was my decision, please stop feeling like it's your fault I stayed. I know you've been wanting to say that since I dropped the scholarship. Remember we are twins Artie, I feel what you feel or at least how you feel", he said.
"I forgot about twin magic", I said.
He laughed. Our twin aunts Brie and Nikki called it that, they were the only ones who got us and our weird ways.
"I wasn't gonna leave you behind Artie. It's too far away and you know what it feels like if we are too far apart from one another", he said.
I did, it felt like I was missing an arm or a leg, a kidney. We had tried summer camp one time, he went to an all boys and I went to an all girls. Our parents hoping the weird connection would cut, but it didn't. We had both called them crying and wanting to go home. Our aunts explained it as best they could. It was a twin thing, they said to our parents.
"Yeah", I said.
"Am I dropping you off at the library tomorrow?", he asked while yawning.
"Yup, Paige wants some help with this pen pal stuff. Have the kids in the after school program write letters to soldiers who don't get much mail, hopefully it will brighten their day", I said.
"Good idea. Hey maybe one of those kids will get uncle Seth. God knows he doesn't write or call us", he said.
"He's busy, he calls when he can and you know that ever since he and dad got into that fight, they haven't spoken much", I said.
"Dad shouldn't have gone out and gotten drunk. He left us alone", he said, his tone sounding angry.
"He misses mom", I said.
"We miss mom too Artemis, but you don't see me going out and getting shit faced. Uncle Seth paid all our bills, bought food, and made sure we didn't lose the house after dad went on his drunken bender", he said.
"I know, but also see where our dad is coming from. Mom was his high school sweetheart and he lost her in the most horrible way. I'm not saying ignore what uncle Seth did for us and forget what dad did, but just don't be angry with him", I said.
"No promises", he mumbled.
I nudged his side and he returned it.
The next morning I woke up and showered. I got dressed and was brushing my hair before my brother knocked.
"I don't know how you do it Artie, get from point A to point B in the dark", he said.
"That's the great thing about living in a house you've lived in your entire life. You remember where everything is, it also doesn't hurt to count my steps", I said.
He chuckled.
"Ready?", he asked.
I nodded.
"My dress isn't inside out is it?", I asked.
"I wouldn't tell you if it was", he said.
I laughed. I stood and took his arm, helping me downstairs I heard my dad in the kitchen.
"I gotta get to work. Have a good day at the library and Apollo have a good day at work", my dad said.
I knew my brother rolled his eyes at him and I nudged him.
"You too dad", he said, leaving my side.
My dad pressed a kiss to my forehead.
"Be safe Artemis", he said.
"You too dad", I said.
I heard the front door close and I glared. I didn't even know if I was glaring in the right direction. I heard my brother sigh.
"I hate being twins sometimes", he mumbled.
"I heard that", I growled.
He chuckled.
"You were meant too", he sang.
He handed me a bag that held my lunch.
"Phone is in your bag", he said.
I nodded and took his arm. Getting in his truck. Once at the library, he walked me in.
"Good morning twins", Paige greeted.
She was suppose to be our aunt, but Seth had called off the engagement. No one knew why. She still loved him though, she's had the same amount of contact with him as we have.
"How many fingers am I holding up?", she asked.
"Four?", I asked.
"Close, three", she said.
"Not funny", my brother growled.
Paige and I laughed.
"Hush and get to work before you're late", Paige said, probably pushing him out the door.
"Dad's picking you up Artie", he called out.
I sent him a thumbs up. I heard footsteps coming towards me, they were light so I knew it was Paige.
"So we need to go over this pen pal thing. Basically we match a volunteer with a soldier and then they write them a letter, give it to us, and we send it off", she said.
"And these soldiers agreed to this?", I asked.
"Yes, your uncle sent me a list of names and he'll basically be handing them out. These guys need someone to talk too", she said.
"How is he?", I asked.
"Doesn't tell me much, just about this. I try and ask, but he ignores that part in our emails", she said.
I nodded.
"Anyways I have someone picked out for you. Initial's are RR, remember not to give out your name, initials only", Paige said.
I nodded.
"I'm sure he's gonna have a good day hearing from someone", she said.
I heard her stand and walk away. She came back with a sheet of paper and a pencil, placing it in my hand.
"Have at it Artie", she said.
I started writing. Paige would fix it for me later.
Roman-
I was in the cafeteria when Sgt. Rollins walked in. He looked around, he had a stack of letters in his hand. Finding who he was looking for he went over to them and handed them a white envelope. Other men did the same, going around the room. SSgt. Swagger handed Dean a letter. Dean looked surprised, seeing as he never got anything. I smiled, then a white envelope landed in front of me. I looked up to see Sgt. Rollins.
"Got one LCpL. Reigns", he said, before walking away.
Didn't even look me in the eyes. He couldn't or maybe I couldn't look him in the eyes, not after what my family did to his.
"Thank you Sgt. Rollins", I said.
He stopped for a second and then continued walking. We use to be friends, but after what happened, we cut off ties with each other. I don't remember who cut first.
"He's such an ass. He must have cheated to move up ranks quick", Dean mumbled, wiping his hands on his napkin before opening his letter.
"Watch how you talk about higher ranks Ambrose. You could get in trouble", I whispered.
"Yeah yeah", he said.
I placed my letter in my pocket and finished my food. That night in my bunk I pulled it out. Opening it.
Dear RR,
I know this is probably the weirdest thing in the world, having someone write to you. Someone you don't even know. Its weird writing this, I just hope it brightens your day some how. I know it has mine. Set rules for this pen pal stuff, no revealing names or where you actually live. Where should I start? I'm twenty five, I know so old.
I laughed, funny. I needed a laugh.
Anyways my favorite color is blue. I hate watermelon and cucumbers, yuck so gross. I love the sun, but I don't mind a little rain and I just remembered you're stuck in the desert, way to go me, sorry. I have a twin brother and he's annoying. I use to love reading, but I don't have much time for it anymore. Which is weird because I work in a library. Oh and I'm a woman, but I will answer to dude thanks to my brother. Hope to hear from you soon, if you don't write back I totally understand.
Your friend, AR