Two Heats, One Soul Part 8

Michelle

She hardly slept at all that night. Instead, she lay awake for hours, thinking about the men, how they had moved out so fast without any supplies, about Dick and how he was doing, when she'd get to see him again, and how her family was holding up, and whether or not they had been touched by the war at this point.

Rolling over onto her side, she pulled the blankets up around her neck and stared out the window at the gently falling snow. It was beautiful, big, fluffy flakes that drifted down slowly and settled on the windowsill.

She wondered when they'd be moving out or, more accurately, if they'd be moving out at all in the near future.

The thoughts continued to float through her head as she let herself doze off.

Winters

He'd just finished seeing to it that the men were somewhat settled in for the night when he returned to his hastily prepared makeshift CP. He found Nixon and Strayer both huddled there, talking in low voices.

As he approached, Strayer turned to him.

"I don't have anything new for you, Dick. We're just going to hold the line until they tell us to move out. No attack has been planned as of yet; we're at a standoff of sorts with the Krauts. Which, considering the lack of supplies, may not be an entirely bad thing," he said.

"Well, I'm off to HQ, good luck here, you all will do fine." And with that, he turned and left, heading over to a waiting Jeep.

He started after him in disbelief.

"How the hell does he expect to run the Battalion when he's not even here?" he wondered out loud.

Nixon just shrugged his shoulders and began digging in his coat for his flask.

"Beats the hell out of me, Dick. All I can say is HQ is warm and this isn't. He doesn't want to be freezing his ass off out here any more than we do."

He sighed and gazed out toward the line. Snow was starting to fall more heavily now, accumulating on their coats and helmets.

"Might as well get dug in; there's nothing else we can do tonight."

Michelle

It had been four days since the 506th had moved into Bastogne and she was still where they had left her. There was talk about moving closer to the line in a day or two, but no one seemed to be in a hurry to do so.

She was bored out of her mind with no work to do and was left with countless hours where all she could do was think.

She worried about Dick even though she told herself she was being silly. However, the more she tried to force thoughts of him out of her mind, the more she ended up thinking about him. It was a no win situation.

They'd had very little intelligence come in in the last few days and few reports of any enemy activity outside of Bastogne. The higher ups all around her were concerned with the supply problems they were having and were attempting to resolve the issue to no avail. The clouds were so low that the possibility of an air drop had been ruled out and there was no way they'd be able to move enough necessities into the area by truck without being targeted by the Germans.

As she listened to the sound of the officers talking in low voices in the next room, she pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen, attempting to write home, She felt guilty that she had been so poor with her correspondence but as they had moved from place to place and the situation worsened, she had found less and less that she wanted to write home about.

Nevertheless, she decided she was going to try; she owed her family that much at the least.

Winters

They had been on the line for about a week at this point. He could swear it was the longest week of his life. Nothing but sitting, watching, and waiting, interspersed with the occasional walk to keep from freezing to death.

The Germans had shelled them a couple of times, but that was it. They hadn't taken any MG fire, any mortar fire, or any rifle fire the entire time they were there.

As he went from foxhole to foxhole, checking up on the men, he became more and more concerned with their dwindling supplies. They had hardly any rations and nowhere near enough ammo to withstand an attack. He had been pressing Battalion and Regiment about the issue but hadn't received an answer yet. He couldn't figure what was taking them so long; either they could be resupplied or they couldn't, all he wanted was a definitive answer so he could decide on a course of action.

He wiggled in his foxhole, trying and failing to get some feeling back in his feet and legs. It was so quiet and still out that night; he would bet that he could hear a noise if it occurred over five miles away, it was that calm. The snow still refused to let up, though it came down lighter now.

He worried about the men on the line; he knew this was taking it's toll on all of them. Already, he was seeing signs of despair in some of them. He'd been trying to pull at least a few men off the line for a couple hours every day, but that only did so much good in the long run.

He felt helpless and hated it. His men were suffering and there was nothing he was able to do to help them out. To ease their situation even a little.

Leaning back against the wall of the foxhole, he closed his eyes and let his mind begin to wander. Before long, his thoughts turned to Michelle. Oh, how he missed her. He supposed he should be thinking of other things at a time like this but he couldn't help it; he loved her so much. He hoped she was staying out of harms way, but had no idea if it was true. He hadn't heard anything about HQ relocating but then again information didn't always trickle down to him.

He couldn't wait to get out of this place and back where he and his men would be warm and dry and where he could see her again, talk to her again, hold her again.

When Nixon came by an hour later to talk, he found Winters fast asleep with a smile on his lips.

Michelle

Finally, after more than two weeks, the word had come that they were to move out that day. They weren't going into Bastogne itself, but rather several miles outside of the town. Apparently, an attack was being planned on a place she'd never heard of, Foy, she believed it was, and with HQ closer to the front, it would be easier to handle and interrogate any prisoners that might come their way.

It didn't take long to leave as there were only very few people present there to begin with. She, along with all her gear, rode in the back of a canvas covered truck that bounced and shook its way down the road.

Eventually, they lurched to a halt and she climbed out. She was surprised to find herself surround by large tents but them quickly realized they were at the 506th combat HQ. She followed the others she was with into the nearest tent, dropping her gear where she was told to. Hot coffee was quickly passed around and she was grateful as she felt the warmth spread through her. Her fingers burned where they touched the metal cup but there was no way she was going to pull them away and subject them to the harsh cold at the moment.

Before she realized it, the tent began to clear out, the officers heading to a meeting in another area of HQ, and Sink telling her to stay put for the time being.

Alone for the moment, she glanced around the tent, taking everything in. Suddenly, the flap behind her jerked open, light poured in, and someone stepped inside. Looking at the figure closer, she recognized Captain Nixon, whom she had met several times before.

"Hello, Captain," she said.

He looked startled to see her at first.

"Hello….Michelle, is that you?" he asked.

"Yes, it is. How have you been holding up?"

He released a heavy sigh and she could smell the whiskey on his breath.

"As well as can be expected, I guess. Things aren't great but they could be worse."

"Have you seen Dick? I mean, Captain Winters? I didn't know if he'd be with you or not?"

"Yeah, I've seen him. He's doing alright, I guess. Won't come off the line until all the men do, so you probably won't be seeing him around here for awhile. I'll tell him you're here, though."

"Oh, if you would that'd be very kind."

"Yeah, sure thing. You happen to see the Colonel anywhere around here?"

"He just left before you got here; think he headed a couple of tents over, but I really couldn't tell you."

"Thanks, I'll take a look around. Take care of yourself, alright?"

"I will. And you too. Tell Dick I'm looking forward to seeing him again."

Nixon nodded and ducked back outside. She stood there for a moment, frozen in place, blinded by the light and just thinking.

Winters

He'd gotten the orders the night before to prepare for an attack on Foy. He was almost grateful for the order, since it meant they would be moving out of this place and hopefully off the line once all was said and done. However, that didn't mean he was without his share of problems.

They were still critically undersupplied, located in an undesirable position, and he still had Dike in his Battalion. Out of all the above, it was Dike who, without a doubt, worried him the most. The man was never around and he had serious doubts about the man's ability to actually lead troops into battle. His only consolation, small as it may be, was that Easy Company had some excellent NCO's still in it. He knew they'd look out for the men once things started to get bad, but they shouldn't have had to, that was supposed to be Dike's job.

Frustrated, he began going through the plan in his head again. They were going to be moving out in the early afternoon, heading down the slope of the hill, across several hundred yards of flat, open ground and into a German occupied town.

He prayed that night he wouldn't get them all killed.

Michelle

Part of the problem with being located at the HQ was that she never found out what had happened until after the fact. Strictly speaking, that was probably a good thing, but she still liked to know what was going on.

She didn't find out about the attack on Foy until the day after it had taken place; even though she had heard in advance that it would likely take place, she had forgotten about it until now. She had heard they'd taken some pretty heavy casualties and tried her best not to think the worst. Her heart leapt when she heard the 506th was moving of the line and into Haganeau, where she and the rest of the Headquarters element would meet up with them.

She had written two more letters home while the 506th was at Bastogne and had not gotten one letter back. She knew that was to be expected, considering they were in a combat zone, but it twisted at her heart nonetheless.

Winters

About the only thing good that had come about from the attack on Foy was that he was now rid of Dike for good. Finally.

They were moving into Haganeau that very night; him and his men were loaded into Jeeps and trucks and making their way down the muddy road that led into town.

He was so tired and he knew everyone else was also. He hoped fervently they'd be able to get a bit of rest before being shipped out again, but he wasn't going to hold his breath to find out.

It wasn't until dusk that they reached the edge of the town. They moved in quickly and set up patrols, OP's, and took over the houses that were still standing after being shelled. The conditions weren't too bad, the 4th ID had been there before them and left some stuff behind they could out to use.

He made short work of ensuring the men had rations and a place to sleep before returning to his own quarters and collapsing on his bunk.

Michelle

She had already been in Haganeau when the men arrived from Foy. She watched the trucks roll by slowly, mud and ice sticking to the tires and slowing their progress.

She had hoped to run into Dick that evening but wasn't able to spot him anywhere. Giving up after awhile, she turned and headed back inside. She'd ask around and look for him tomorrow, she thought as she climbed into bed.

The next morning, she wore to a loud crash downstairs and quickly moved to the door to peer over the railing of the stairs to look. The staff officers in the house hadn't noticed the noise and were asleep, or rather, passed out from alcohol in various spots around the house. Keeping her eyes focuses on the lower level she waited and saw figure cross the floor before long.

"Captain Nixon," she called out softly. "What are you doing?"

His head snapped up and he looked startled to see her.

"Michelle. Didn't realize you were staying here. I was just looking around for something but it's not here, so I'll be going. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Have you seen Dick? Is he okay? I looked for him last night and didn't see him anywhere."

"Dick's fine. He's probably still asleep, but who knows. I'll show you where he's staying if you want."

"Would you? That would be wonderful. Please, just let me get my shoes and coat."

Ducking back into her room, she finished dressing quickly and headed down to meet the Captain. He headed toward the door and she followed.

Making their way down the deserted street, they traveled a few hundred meters to what much have been the officer's quarters. Nixon stopped by the front door. Dick's room is at the top of the stairs to the right. You'll see it. I'll see you around. Okay?"

She nodded and watched him walk down the street. Quickly, she took the knob in her hand and pushed the front door open, not sure who she'd find inside.

Taking a quick look around, she found the downstairs to be deserted. Heading for the stairs, she made her way to the first room on the right. Stopping in front of the door, she knocked softly, receiving no response.

Opening the door a little, she called out quietly.

"Dick? Are you in here?"

No one answered, but she could hear the deep breathing of someone fast asleep. Opening the door a bit further, she saw tousled red hair on a pillow and smiled, slipping quietly inside and closing the door behind her.

Carefully, she made her way over to where he slept. She knelt be the bed and took a long moment just to watch him. He looked so exhausted, it broke her heart. Reaching out, she gently smoothed his hair. Unfortunately, that small movement was enough to wake him. Before she knew it, she found herself staring into a pair of blue eyes she hadn't realized she'd missed so much.

"Hi," was all she managed to say.

His face lit up as he recognized her.

"Hi," he replied, reaching out for her, wrapping his arms around her and tugging her onto the mattress with him.

"I missed you so much," he said, kissing her softly.

"I've missed you too."

He yawned then, eyes beginning to close.

"Go back to sleep, Dick. I'll be here when you wake up."

"Alright," he murmured, already mostly asleep.

"I love you," she whispered softly.

Winters

It had been a busy couple of days. He had been delighted to wake up to the sight of Michelle there next to him, he'd missed her so much. Unfortunately, they hadn't been able to spend much time together and he'd been busy with the two combat patrols Sink had ordered.

Though the first on could have gone off a lot worse, he was still I bitter about losing a man in such a senseless way. That was part of the reason he couldn't bear to send out another patrol, even though those were his orders.

However, it looked as if no one would ever know the patrol had never happened; he was sure none of the men were going to say anything and he knew Nix and Speirs wouldn't either.

It was things like those that made him realize the Army wasn't the place for him. He couldn't handle having to follow such senseless orders for such little gain.

What did please him, though, was that they had orders to move out for Germany in the morning. It finally looked as if the war may be over before long, a thought which cheered him immensely..

Michelle

They had moved into Germany with little resistance from the German Army. It was a beautiful place, that much she had to admit. The houses and landscape were beautiful and the weather was warm. It looked as if the war was almost over.

Winters

They had moved into and out of Germany rather quickly, securing several strategic locations as well as Hitler's Eagle's Nest. The best news came on their second day in the country-the German Army had surrendered. The war in Europe was over. They had lived and he couldn't believe it.

Within several days, they'd received orders to move into and occupy Austria.

Once again, they were moving out, but this time, there wasn't an enemy to fight.

Michelle

If she had though Germany was pretty, there was no way she was going to be prepared for the incredible natural beauty of Austria. It was picture perfect and if she hadn't seen it for herself, she would have had a hard time believing such a lovely place existed.

They had been there for a week or so as an occupation force when Dick came up to her one afternoon and pulled her away to take a walk.

He seemed nervous and when she called him on it, all he could do was blush.

"Dick, what's on your mind? Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine, I didn't mean to worry you. I just have something to ask you. If you want to say no, it's perfectly fine, but I just was curious."

"What is it?"

"I know your family isn't here and we're not home yet, but would you consider getting married here? It's such a beautiful place and the Chaplain, Father Maloney, could do a quick service….."

She felt a smile spread over her face.

"Dick, that's a wonderful idea. How soon do you want to do it?"

"I talked to Father Maloney earlier today and said he could do it this afternoon if we wanted."

"This afternoon? That's fast." Seeing the look on his face, she quickly continued.

"It's also perfect. Let's go find him now."

He grinned at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze as they headed slowly back to town.

Winters

He had been so relieved when Michelle had agreed to go ahead with the service here; it seemed like such a perfect place to do it that he couldn't pass up the opportunity when it came along.

He had been fool enough to mention his idea to Nix and was now slightly afraid half the Battalion would show up to watch the ceremony. Oh well, to late to worry about that now. He smiled over at Michelle as they neared the edge of town.

Michelle

Less than an hour after Dick's proposition, she found herself and Dick standing in front of Father Maloney with a good number of enlisted men and officers gathered around to watch. As the Chaplain pronounced them husband and wife, she heard whistles and shouts from the crowd behind. The noise intensified as Dick leaned in to kiss her, lips gently meeting hers and pulling her close.

Slowly, the hoots and hollers faded away, the only sensation being that of Dick, his mouth, and his arms, a beautiful combination to be sure.

Winters

He felt himself blushing as he pulled away and the men were still cheering. Suddenly, a voice called at ease and Colonel Sink stepped out of the crowd.

"We'll, I hate to interrupt this little scene here, but I've got some news which I think will make this day even better. The Japanese have surrendered. The war is over."

No one moved a muscle as they all let the news slowly sink in. The war was over. They were going home. They had lived.