Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
Chapter 2
Rosalie's POV:
When the stranger was gone, I looked down at the sign-in sheet. I had to find out her name. It read 'Bella Swan'. I smiled, such a beautiful name. It fits her perfectly. I read the name next to hers that read 'Mitchell Fane'. This was the person Bella went to see. I smiled, he was my way to her.
Bella's POV:
I was walking down the halls, whistling very softly 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue' by Toby Keith. It was stuck in my head. Not only that, but my mind would not leave that blond. Wow. She was a knockout. No words could do her beauty justice.
I smiled; I was very thankful to her. She helped take my mind off the horrific memories of the war. I fought tears at the memory of my loss of loved ones. I shook it off; I didn't want Mitch to see me sad.
I went up the stairs, ignoring stares shooting at me. Why is it that whenever I'm out in public, I get stared at? Were my wounds that fascinating or is it something else?
I walked down a dim lit hall. Two men came bursting through the door, wrestling. They were laughing and challenging each other. One guy saw me and stopped, letting go of his friend. He looked me up and down and made a sex joke. I shook my head in disgust and continued on my way.
I stopped at door number 204 and knocked. I heard footsteps and Mitch yell, "Hang on." Oh, how I missed that voice. My smile grew as I heard him fiddling with the lock. Mitch opened the door and I have never seen him smile bigger.
"Bella!" He yelled and grabbed me, pulling me into a big hug. I squeezed him just as hard. "Bella! I can't believe you're here." He pulled me back and led me inside, "Come in before you get caught. Women aren't allowed in the men's dorm."
He closed the door and enveloped me into another hug. "It's so good to see you."
"You too Mitch." I said. I felt tears forming in my eyes. When I pulled back, I saw his was flowing down.
"Why didn't you let me pick you up at the airport?" He asked
I shrugged, "I wanted to surprise you."
He nodded, "That you did." He motioned for me to sit down. He sighed before saying, "Wow. I don't even know where to start."
I just kept staring at him. I was so happy to see him.
He nodded, "Okay, I know. Are you okay?" I gave him a look. "Well, you know what I mean. I mean physically?"
I nodded, "Yeah. These are just scratches."
He nodded and looked at my injured arm. "Are you…is it…" He couldn't form the right words. Then it dawned on me. He wasn't sure if I had lost my arm.
I gently smiled at him and lifted the side of my coat, exposing my sling. "I'm fine. It will be healed. He let out a sigh of relief. I could tell he was going to ask me how I injured it so I gave him a pleading look for him not to ask.
"So, what's been going on with you?" I asked.
I looked dumbfounded. Whether it was because I seemed unaffected about the events or that I switched the subject to him, I didn't know. I could tell he was upset that I didn't want to talk about what happened. I never did. I did my best to cover up the pain and sorrow that I felt.
"Um…not much. It's a lot like high school…with more studying." He said.
I chuckled, "Not that you did much studying." I joked.
Mitch tilted his head, "I'll give you that."
"When did you arrive?" He asked.
"Just today; a few hours ago." I answered.
We continued talking for the next two hours. Finally, I asked him what's been on my mind. "Do you know that blond woman that works at the desk in-"
Mitch nodded, "Yeah. I know who you are talking about." He laughed, "Everyone knows her. I don't think that I know a single guy that has tried to make a pass at her. Of course, she denied them all. She's real cold too. Everyone is a little afraid of her. I don't know why guys would ask her out if they were scared, though. Maybe their ego combined with lust gave them courage." He laughed. He stopped and had a look of realization. "Why?"
I shrugged, "No particular reason." I looked at my watch and stood up, "Mitch, it was great seeing you again." Mitch stood up and I hugged him.
"You're leaving already?" He asked, shocked.
I nodded, "Yeah, I'm really tired and I still have to set my things up in my place." I started walking towards the door and paused, "It is still there, right?" I joked.
Mitch shook his head, "Sorry. Teenagers are now using it as a place to hang out."
I smiled, knowing he was joking. I opened the door and said, "I will see you later, Mitch."
He nodded and gave me another hug. I felt his tears wet my shoulder. "I'm glad you're here, Bella." He whispered and kissed me on the cheek.
"Me too." I whispered back.
"Do you need a ride?" He asked
I shook my head, "No thank you. I've got one."
He nodded, "Take care, Bella. Good night."
"You too." I responded.
When the door closed, I let out a sigh and leaned against the wall. That was harder than I thought. It takes a lot of work to act like you're okay mentally and emotionally, especially in front of loved ones. I went down the spiral stairs and reached outside but not before getting lost a few times. I called a taxi and waited.
I arrived home for the first time in two years. I walked up the steps and unlocked the door, closing it behind me. I looked around and gave a little smile. Home.
I felt my emotions come rushing through me again. I leaned against my door and did something I haven't done in a long time. I cried.
When I managed to pull myself together, I unpacked and headed to the bathroom. I decided to take a shower since I didn't get the chance to take a proper one. I undressed myself and took off my dog tags. I went the sink, turning on the faucet and let the water run over them. I scrubbed the dirt, mud, sweat and blood off the dog tags. I watched the residue wash away down the sink.
I put my god tags back on and looked at myself in the mirror. I frowned at what I saw; I had cuts and bruises all over my body. I stared at the burn mark on my left side on my ribs. I then moved my eyes to the holes that had once held bullets. I traced them with my fingers, remembering.
I shook my head and went to the shower and turned it on, waiting for the water to heat up. I stepped in and under the spray and closed my eyes. I smiled when I saw the blond woman's face that I had met earlier. For some unknown reason, when I thought of her, the events that I went through made it more bearable. Strange, I do not even know her.
I reached for my shampoo and began scrubbing my hair.
After my shower, I turned off the water and stepped out. I reached for my towel and began drying myself. I got dressed, ate dinner and got ready for bed.
I got under the sheets and covers and smiled. This was the first time in a long time that I got to sleep in a real bed. It felt so wonderful. I rolled onto my side and closed my eyes, thinking about the blond. I smiled before drifting off to sleep.
The sun was beating down on us, making it even more scorching hot. Sweat was pouring down my face and the sound of machine guns and explosive bombs rang through the air. My adrenaline was going crazy, telling me to fight or flee. I of course without hesitation, chose to fight. My friends, Lance Corporal Joseph Fletcher and Private First Class Tiran Sherwood were beside me reloading.
The enemy ceased fire and the air was dead silent. I took this opportunity to look through my binoculars. All I saw was dust that was kicked up.
"Do you see anything Swan?" Kramer asked.
I shook my head, "Not yet." Tiran got up and went into position.
I waited for the dust to clear. It felt like an eternity. I saw a black shadow moving on the roof of the building and knew it was the enemy.
I felt my heart racing again, "Tiran, how much longer?" I managed to ask calmly.
"It keeps slipping." I see him moving frantically at the corner of my eye. Kramer rushed over to help.
"We've got a clear shot but I need you." I said.
I heard the sniper rifle cock and I smiled.
"Ready Swan." He said.
"Okay. There is at least one on the roof. Go for it." I said.
I heard the rifle go off and saw dust fly off the building where it was struck.
"Seven meters up." I said, annoyed. He was way off.
The rifle went off again and this time it was a much better shot. Unfortunately de ducked before he was struck. "Damn it!"
"What's wrong?" Kramer asked, loading more guns.
"We just missed him." I said.
I was still looking through and saw movement at a nearby window. "Tiran, left upper window."
After a moment I heard him say "I see him."
The rifle went off again and I saw the enemy go down. It was a perfect headshot. I smiled, "Oohrah. Good shooting Tiran."
My team smiled and did the same. We waited for about half an hour before moving from cover. We wanted to make sure no one else was there.
We carefully approached the abandoned building. I reached the front door first and kicked it open, my gun drawn. I signaled my team to stay quiet and to follow me.
I made sure my steps were careful and quiet. I rounded a corner and pointed my gun. The room was empty. I looked to the ceiling and sighed softly. This building was on its last legs. It will be coming down soon. "Living room, clear." I said. This was odd to me. On the outside, this place looked like a building but once you got in, it was a home.
I continued on my way and took notice of everything. I heard Kramer's voice, "Parlor room clear."
" Bedrooms clear." Tiran said
I was about to turn back but saw that there was a basement. I took quite steps towards it and reached for the doorknob, twisted it open and cringed when it creaked loudly. As I opened the door further, it creaked louder and louder. I stepped back and all I saw was pitch black. I quickly stepped aside to make sure I didn't get shot.
I out on my night vision goggles and drew my machine gun at the ready. I went down the steps and searched the room. Nothing.
Just as I relaxed my body, I heard an unusual sound coming from upstairs. I raced up and ran to the source.
"Put your hands up!" I yelled, aiming my gun at the closed door. I wasn't sure if it was a civilian. If it wasn't, I would not hesitate to kill. I heard and felt my team come up behind me.
"Relax Swan, it's me. This room is clear."
It sounded like Joseph but I wasn't sure. I walked to the door and opened it. There stood Joseph, buttoning his pants up. The noise I had heard was the sound of the toilet flushing.
I lowered my gun to my side and raised my hands in astonishment.
"What the fuck are you doing?" I asked
"I can't remember the last time I was able to use a toilet Swan. I want to take advantage of that." He said, washing his hands. I was amazed this place had running water.
I walked to him and slapped him on the head hard. "Don't you ever do that again! First off, I almost killed you, secondly, we didn't know if this room was cleared and thirdly," I looked at him straight in the eyes and slapped him on the head again.
He grabbed his head, "Ow, what was that for?"
"For using the bathroom. Now no one can use it, we all have to wait for the smell to clear. Light a match." I said
I heard Kramer and Tiran laugh.
We walked out of the building and were headed to town. Kramer was talking about his family, more specifically, his little kids. He grunted and fell to the floor and I felt a spray hit me. For a split second, I was confused and them it dawned on me. A sniper claimed him.
"Take cover! Take cover!" I yelled. I quickly tried to pick up Kramer but he was too big and heavy. I ended up dragging him out of the way of bullets.
When we were safe, I checked on Kramer to see if he was okay. It appeared he was trying to talk but all that came out was blood.
"Don't move or speak." I said to Kramer. I looked to Tiran, "Tiran, give me the first aid kit."
I turned my attention back to Kramer and he stood absolutely still. He was no longer coughing up blood. I shook and screamed at him but he wouldn't wake up.
I woke up panting in a pool of my sweat; my sheets were soaked. A noise woke me up. I got out of my bed in lightening speed and opened my drawer for my pistol.
I ran through the house, making sure I was the only one here. I cursed at myself for not having any clothing on. I was completely bare.
After checking the whole apartment, I sighed and put my hands up to my face. I wanted to cry of the dream and memory of Kramer. I took a deep breath and willed my body not to.
I went upstairs and changed the sheets before going back to bed. Again, the last thing I thought of was the blond woman. She took all the horrors away.
Rosalie's POV:
When it was time for me to go home, I rushed. I went over to Alice who was sitting on the couch with Jasper and hugged her.
"You knew. Didn't you?" I asked.
Alice laughed, "Of course. Are you going to thank me now?"
I nodded, "You will be rewarded."
"Will someone please explain what is going on?" Emmett asked.
"Rosalie found her mate." Alice said.
Esme, Carlisle and Edward came rushing into the room. They all had happy expressions on their faces.
"You found your mate?" Esme asked excitedly.
I smiled and nodded.
"Whoa! Rosalie smiled!" Emmett asked, very impressed.
I gave him a death glare and Emmett flinched. "And there it goes." He said.
"What's his name?" Edward asked.
I paused, "Her name is Bella."
Edward had a look of surprise but didn't say anything. I looked at everyone else who looked a little taken aback but smiled.
"I am so happy for you, honey." Esme said, taking me in to a hug.
"This is very great news." Carlisle said, hugging me after Esme.
"Surprising, but great." Edward nodded.
"I'm happy for you Rosalie." Jasper said.
Emmett walked over to me and grabbed me, giving me a big bear hug. "A new addition to the family! That's awesome!"
"Don't you think it's a little soon for that?" Edward asked.
I have him a sharp gaze and he held his hands up in defense. "I'm not saying she shouldn't be. In fact, I'm counting on it."
"Tell us about her." Esme said, grabbing my hand and leading me to the couch. Everyone gathered around waiting.
"Well, I met her at my desk when she was signing in. I didn't really have a chance to talk to her but I can get closer to her friend, Mitchell."
Edward laughed, "Already planning on how to get her."
I nodded, "Well, yeah." I said as if it was the stupidest thing in the world.
"What else?" Alice asked.
"She is in the military." I said excitedly. Everyone looked impressed.
Emmett whistled, "Hot! What branch?"
I shook my head, "I don't know but I will find out."
Emmett smiled, "You will definitely have fun with her. Think of all the role-playing you can do! The uniform will be great during-"
Whatever Emmett was about to say was cut off by Edward's slap against his head.
Alice turned to me and whispered so that only I could hear, "He is right. Jasper and I have lots of fun. You will not be disappointed." I smiled.
"When do you plan on seeing her again?" Carlisle asked
"ASAP. Hopefully tomorrow." I answered.
"How will you do it?" Esme asked.
I sighed, "Not sure yet." I went to my room and started planning and plotting.
Thank you to everyone. I'm sorry this took longer than I thought. I received word that my cousin (he is a Marine) has to go back and fight. It sucks. Also, he just had a baby girl. So, I have been in a depressed mood.
Bella's memories of war will become more and more graphic. I figured I would ease you into them.
In the next chapter, Rosalie sees Bella again. Rosalie will probably knock herself out trying to get Bella's attention. XD (not literally but close) I'm writing the next chapter right now. lol I know this chapter was probably dull but it will get better. I promise. Oohrah!
