Author's Note: I had a thought today. I was browsing other stories when I came across one called Just A Dream (I didn't read it though). This made me think of that Carrie Underwood song of the same title. I watched the video and I cried. That's when I thought, what if this happened to Spashley?! That would be messed up, right? Well, here is what I have thus far. Chapter 1 Awaits.

Ashley always knew she was different. She always knew she was destined for greatness. Ever since she was a child, she just knew her life was meant for more than that of a typical American.

Ashley only knew one person in the armed forces before her Freshman year of high school, and that was her cousin in the Air Force. Every year King High School has a Club Day. It just so happened that this year the different branches of the military would have tables set up along side the school sanctioned clubs.

Ashley wandered around the different tables until she stopped at the one for the Marines. Looking over the pamphlets and handouts, she felt someone put a hand on her shoulder. Looking up she saw a kind looking man looking down at her, smile on his face. Ashley smiles back then turns back towards the papers.

"You interested in the Marines?" the strange man asks. Ashley just nods and continues reading. The uniformed Marine squeezes her shoulder a bit to get her attention. She looks back up at him with a questioning look. "Well, I was just going to ask you a few questions and give you a take home test if you were serious."

"Alright." That's the only word she speaks to him because she takes the papers handed to her before adding them to her backpack and moving on to the next table. At the end of the event, school is over for the day.

At home, Ashley goes through the papers, careful to keep them from her parents. Although she thought the Air Force might be good and she can follow her cousin's footsteps and he could even help get her prepared, she kept going back to the Marines and that kind man earlier. She couldn't help but think that was her path. The Marines.

Going through the pamphlets for what seemed like the 100th time, she made her decision. She would start training now for the Marines. She took the take home test then put it back into her backpack. Before finishing up for the night, she noticed a phone number scrawled on her paper. She smiles before going to sleep.

Once she's at school, Ashley goes through the motions of the first half of the day. Once lunch arrives, she takes her test out and dials the phone number.

"This is Staff Sergeant Carliln."

"Umm, Hi. This is Ashley Davies and I think we met yesterday. I found your number on my paperwork and wanted to let you know I finished that take home test."

"Oh, yes! Thanks for calling! I was hoping you would. Do you want me to meet you on campus to pick it up or we can meet where ever you want."

Although Ashley was always cautious, she knew he was a good guy from the kind eyes he has and wouldn't try to rape her or anything. "Well, how about I drop it off to you?"

"Even better! What time do you think you will stop by?"

So, Ashley told him she'll meet him at the recruitment office at about 4pm. That would give her enough time to find a cover and find a ride. She takes her phone out and calls her dad.

"Hey daughter of mine!" He sounded like he was having a good day at work so far.

"Hey dad! I was wondering if I could go over to my friend Shelly's house after school. We just got assigned a project in English and it looks like a doozy so we want to get started as soon as possible."

"Sure sweetie! Shelly's mom will drive you right? What time you expect to be home?"

"Yeah Shelly's mom will drive us to her house, then her brother Chad will have to drive me home because her mom starts work at 4pm. I should be home by dinner, okay?"

"Sounds fine Ash. I'll see you then. Love you!"

"Love you too Daddy!"

She texted her other cousin Aiden, he agreed to cover for her and have Chad drive her where she needed to go. School ended and Ashley met Chad by his car.

"Hey Ash, where to?"

"Umm to the Marine Recruitment office."

"What why?"

"I'm thinking about joining."

"But your not even 15 yet! They won't let you!"

"I know that. I'm going to sign up when I turn 18. But, I took a take home test and I'm going to turn it in and get the results. I'm planning on beginning an exercise regiment in order to get in shape as well."

"Damn, seems like you know what your doing."

"I do. I know I'm not supposed to be an average American. No offense Chad."

"None taken. I'll be back around 5:30, yeah?"

Nodding as she exits the car, she turns and taps on the window before he pulls away. "Thanks Chad. It's good to know not everyone in the world is evil."She backs up and he pulls away with a smile. She walks the short distance to the lobby.

"May I help you?" Asks the nice lady at the desk.

"Yeah, Ashley Davies to meet Staff Sergeant Carlin."

"Let me check he's free." She calls him and exchanges a few words before leading her to his office.

"Ashley! It's good to see you again. Come in, take a seat." She does. "So, first thing I want to do is grade that test." She takes it out and gives it to him. He takes it and takes his time going through it. "Okay Ashley, two things. 1) You did really well on that test. I'd like to congratulate you on that." He pauses so she nods for him to continue. "2) While I see you have a birthday coming up, you still are only 14 right now. What are you trying to accomplish here?" He takes out a digital recorder and she nods that it's okay to record.

"Well, ever since I was a kid, I knew I was destined for something more than an average American life. I've never seen myself as normal. All I've ever known is the average life and I can't stand the thought of having that forever. I guess what I'm saying is even though I'm young, I know what I want. And, I'm willing to work hard to achieve it."

"So, what is your plan until you turn 18 Ashley?"

"I was hoping you could help me with that actually. I've gone through mounds of paperwork and read countless pamphlets. The Marines seem like the best fit for me mentally, physically, and for what I want out of my life. For me, The Marines are it. I just need some help getting ready while I wait to turn 18."

"Well, I think that can be arranged." They talk until about 5:30pm when she notices she has to get going. They arrange to meet at the local gym to work out a few times a week.

For the next 3 years, they develop a routine and schedule. Working out steadily, training her mind for The Marines, and getting her ready for what's to come. If only she knew what was going to happen next.