December 9th, 1924 is Suzie's birthday. Happy Birthday, Suzie! Hope you enjoy! :)
Chapter Seven: Whatever Floats Your Boat
Suzie shipped out early that morning. She barely had time to say goodbye to Bucky and Steve. She packed her few belongings and went in search of her brother and friend.
Bucky was alone in his bunk cabin. He was clearly moping around while he took his gun apart and put it back together again. Bucky always busied himself with useless tasks whenever he was upset. Suzie knew from experience that it helped take her mind off of whatever was bothering her.
Suzie knocked on the side of the cabin door. Bucky looked up from putting his gun together for the fifth time.
"Suzie? What are you doing here?" Bucky asked.
Suzie walked over and sat next to her brother on the bed. She dropped her baggage next to the bed. "I wanted to say goodbye. I'm shipping out in an hour. I was going to tell you…."
"I already know. You are the sniper for the 100th Regiment," Bucky interrupted.
"How?" Suzie asked.
"Steve told me," Bucky explained.
"Bucky, I was going to tell you but I was just told about it yesterday."
"I understand. Things move so fast in the army. You must be really good if Colonel Phillips chose you so quickly."
Suzie smiled. "I'll never be better than you. I heard some stories of how accurate your aim is."
"Yeah, well, most of them are exaggerated. You can't believe everything these men tell you. We're quite sufficient liars," Bucky joked.
Suzie laughed and pulled the gun from Bucky's grasp before he took it apart again. She turned to face him. "I know that you don't want me in the army…"
"I don't," Bucky interrupted and turned to look at his sister.
"I know, but I need to do this. America and our allies need all the help they can get. It doesn't matter if its a man or a woman who is fighting. All that matters is that someone is fighting."
"Suzie, I never told you that you couldn't do something just because you are a woman. I fully understand your decision, but there are people out there who don't agree with you. They think that women belong at home, taking care of the children and cooking and sewing. I have told you several times that breaking the social norms and being a rebel is okay, but it's also dangerous. It's especially dangerous overseas. People won't stop and let you live just because you are a woman. The Nazis don't care. They want control and they are so biased against certain people to a point where it is considered insane. Suzie, I hope you realize how dangerous your decision is. If the army catches you, there's no telling how much trouble you will be in- that Steve and I will be in," Bucky explained, his blue eyes full of concern.
Suzie attempted a smile, but it quickly faded. "I know, Bucky, I know. But it's worth the risk, right?"
"I guess we are related," Bucky muttered.
Suzie laughed and punched Bucky's arm playfully. Bucky grinned and pushed Suzie over. She fell on her back on the bed and giggled.
"Now, you started it," Bucky said.
The laughter died down as the seriousness of the situation settled in. Suzie wrapped her arms around Bucky and buried her face in his shoulder.
"I'll miss you," Suzie whispered.
Bucky pulled her closer and rested his chin on her shoulder. "I know. I'll miss you too."
The two sat in silence, soaking in each other's presence. None of them wanted to break the embrace, but the hour was ticking down.
Suzie reluntly pulled away. "I guess I should going," she said and got up. She grabbed her bags and headed for the door.
"Hey sis," Bucky called after her, causing Suzie to turn around. "Be careful out there."
"I will if you do too," Suzie replied.
"And come back alive. I don't care if you are missing limbs or whatever, I just want my sister back," Bucky said.
"I will."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The coast soon disappeared as the ship pulled away from the harbor. Suzie stood on the top deck and watched the land fade into the horizon. The water splashed against the side of the ship in a continuous rhythm that was almost memorizing. A few members of the 100th Regiment wandered around the top deck as well. They were given the first couple days to settle in, and Suzie tried to make the most of her little break.
Suzie couldn't help wondering what Bucky was doing know. He had told her that he was going back since he was cleared from the infirmary. He didn't say where, but she figured it was somewhere more dangerous than where she was going since the 107th Regiment was disbanded because a majority of the regiment was killed long before the remaining were captured.
Suzie stepped away from the railing and wandered back down to her bunk. The close confinements was something that she had to get used to, but at least she didn't have to share a bed with anyone. That was one thing that she was nervous about, but at least that part never came true. There was no one else in her bunking area expect for a ginger-haired man that was about her age. He looked up as Suzie came in.
"How ya like the ship? It's a new one," the man said.
Suzie shrugged and climbed onto her bed that was beside the ginger's own bed. She unzipped her bag and dug around until she found her journal. She opened the cover and stared at the family photo that she had taped to the inside of the front cover. It was a black and white photo of her brothers, mother, Steve, and herself. Steve was all but adopted into the family since he sent pretty much all of his time with Bucky. Her father had his own photo taped below it because he died before Corbin was born.
Suzie didn't notice that the man was staring at the photo as well.
"That your family?" the man asked.
Suzie nodded and sighed.
"It's alright to miss them. I've got a girl at home who probably misses me. I miss her too. I was planning on proposing to her once I get back," the man explained. "That you?" The man pointed to Bucky.
Suzie blinked and then nodded. Golly, she must look a lot like her brother.
"It's alright. They'll be alright."
"I hope," Suzie thought.
"Not much of a talker, huh?" the man asked.
Suzie shook her head. She couldn't risk talking since her voice wasn't as deep as the average man's.
"That's alright. I'm Richard, Richard Miller." Richard extended his hand and Suzie shook.
"Riley Barnes," Suzie said in a voice that was deeper than her normal voice.
"Well, nice ta meet ya, Riley," Richard said. "You're a sniper, right?"
Suzie nodded and tucked her journal back into her bag. Richard seemed like he wasn't going to stop talking any time soon. Usually Suzie didn't have a problem socializing or talking with anyone, but right now she just wanted to be left alone.
"That's great! I'm the other sniper. We can be sniper buddies!" Richard exclaimed, breaking out into a wide grin.
"Yay…," Suzie muttered. "How exciting."
Richard took this as a sign to continue talking. "We can hang out and work together! We can also keep an eye out for other shooters. I've got your back, you've got mine, right?"
"Sure," Suzie said. She wished that Richard would shut up so she could write.
"Where are you from?" Richard suddenly asked.
"Brooklyn," Suzie replied. "Born and raised."
"Aw, that's nice. I'm from New Hampshire; Greenland, New Hampshire. It's not as big as New York City," Richard explained. "It's a nice little town. My parents went to New Hampshire for their honeymoon, but they fell in love with the state, so they stayed. My sister and I were born there. I've lived there all my life. Once this is over, I just want to go home and visit, propose to my girl, and start a family." Richard fell silent and stared at the opposite wall.
Suzie didn't know what to say, so she gently patted him on the back.
Richard's silence passed and he continued talking about everything from his life to the weather in Europe. Suzie sat and listened. Richard was talkative, yes, but he seemed like a good person. It would nice to have someone to talk to during her time overseas. At least she didn't have to do this alone anymore.
I ship no one in this story except Peggy and Steve. (Peggy is not in this story, but it may be implied or referenced in future chapters.) Please review! I want to know what you think about this story so far. Is it good? Are there any suggestions? Leave a review so I can hear what you are thinking about this story. :)
