Ignoring Docs orders I decided to jump with the rest of Easy's officers later that week. I stood at the planes doorway waiting for the go to jump off. "Go, Go, Go ," the instructor shouts in my ear. I jump with out hesitation. It feels absolutely amazing. My hair whips around in the wind. I'm careful to land as softly as possible. With a smile plastered to my face, I wrap up the parachute.
"That was absolutely spectacular !" I shout to no one in particular. With a smile still plastered to my face I walk back to camp, when see a young woman with dark hair, probably the same age as I am.
"Excuse me, miss are you lost?" I ask her.
"Actually I'm looking for E-company," she says in a heavy Scottish accent.
"Well today must be your lucky day cause I'm actually 2nd lieutenant."
"Well then i suppose i should follow you then," she says with a wicked smirk which I suppose would make all the boys go crazy. I was kinda getting jealous of her.
"So what brings you to the states?" I ask with raised eyebrows.
"Well I thought I'd try to contribute to the war you know, my father also told me I should go fight along side my cousin, though he never mention whether they were male or female."
"Well what's your status."
"I'm still a private mam," she says.
"You better watch your back Private, the CO is quite a handful," I say cautiously. As we pass Lew and Dick she sends them both smirk.
"Ash!" Lew shouts rather loudly.
"Hey Lew. Dick," I say with a curt nod. "I'll take you to Colonel Sink. He'll know what to do with you," I say to the women.
"Oh and what is your name private?"
"Dawson, Luna E. Madam." She replies with a solute. "I dare ask Madam, what is your name?'
"Lovato, Ashlynn G., friends call me Ash Ashley or just Lovato."
"Mm I see. My mother was a Lovato," She says.
"She was?" I ask.
"She died in an automobile accident when I was 16," she says, like it was the most casual thing in the world.
"Mmm I see." When we reach the the place uncle Sink staying at, "Well this is where I go," I say.
"Thanks madam, I appreciate your help," she says with a smile. I swear to god, I know that name. Luna Dawson. It just sounds to familiar. I swear I had an Aunt in Scotland who died 11 years or so ago.
"Hey, Ashley!" Talbert shouts.
"Hey it's Talbert!" I say smiling.
"Who's the new girl?"
"Private Luna Dawson," I say.
"Her names Dawson?"
"No dip shit, her names Luna."
"Ohh," he exclaims.
"Yah," I say rolling my eyes. I don't know but something about this girl is ticking me off. "Wonder if the boys would like to hear a story." I say to myself.
"That'd be amazing," Tab says grabbing my arm and leading me to what I'm guessing to be where the others are.
"Heyyy look who it is!" George shouts.
"Hey George," I say ruffling his hair as I walk by.
"You gonna tell us a story Ash," Tab questions.
"Shut up Tab," I say smiling. "I don't even know any stories you guys might like."
"Funny childhood stories,' Webster shouts.
"Alright how about I tell you boys stories later tonight," I say. They all mutter something under there breaths under the lines of "Sure whatever."
"Who's in for a game of poker?" I ask. George, Bill, Malarkey, and Tab all form a circle.
While still playing the game I decide to sing a song ik the boys will absolutely 'love'.
"I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves, everybody's nerves, yes on everybody's nerves, I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves and this is how it goes" I kept on repeating the song about ten times. "...I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves, everybody's nerves, everybody's nerves, I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves and this is how it-" thnxs for that one jas.
"Will you please stop singing that annoying song!" George shouts, pointing a cigarette at me.
"Fine!" I shout back, crossing my arms. "I'll sing another song."
"This is the song that never ends! Yes it goes on and on, my friends! Some people started singing it not knowing what it was, and they just kept on singing it forever just because..." I did the same thing with this song and kept on repeating this song. "this is the song that never ends! It just goes on and on, my friends! Some people started singing it not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because this is the song that never ends! Yes it goes-"
"Shut-up," Webster says glaring at me. That's When Dawson stomps into the room.
"That CO can suck my ass, 'cause I am not going anywhere, anytime. Fucking son of a bitch! " she says.
"Woah that girl's got a dirtier mouth then Joe," Bill jokes.
"Private Dawson, watch your mouth," I say staring at her. "Care to introduce yourself to the men?"
"Well boys, my names Luna Dawson. I grew up in Aberdeen, me mum died when I was 16, and she just so happened to be a Lovato like lieutenant here," she says with a smirk that I just want to slap off her face. I don't need her breaking the men's hearts.
"Wear the fuck is Aberdeen?" someone asks.
"Well, brainless, if you can't already tell cause of my accent, its in Scotland," she retorts. I try not to laugh as I think, this girl has got some spunk. The boys and I continue our game.
"Lions make you brave, Giants give you faith, death is a charade," I sing.
"What did u say lieutenant?" luna asks.
"The lieutenant sings whatever pops into her head, get used to it," Jo says.
"Speaking of which I think I owe you boys a song, am I correct?" The room fills with cheers and hoots. "Keep it down! Are you trying to bring Sobel in here?" I hiss. They all shake there heads no.
1 [laughs], 2, 3, 4
Now Old Dan Tuker was a fine old man
Washed his face in a fryin' pan
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel
And died with a toothache in his heal
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
Now Old Dan Tucker come to town
Ridin' a billy goat, leadin' a hound
The hound dog barked and billy goat
jumped
And landed old Tucker on a stump
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
Now Old Dan Tuckergot drunk and fell
In the fire and kicked up holy hell
A red-hot coal got in his shoe
An oh my Lord the ashes flew
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
Now Old Dan Tucker come to town
Swinging them ladies all round
First to the right and then to the left
Then to the gal that he loved best
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
Get out the way, Old Dan Tucker
You're to late to get your supper
"Yah Old Dan Tucker your to late to get your supper," George says in an odd voice. Every one laughs.
"Well boys I'm afraid I gotta go," I say getting up.
"Where are you going?" Luna asks
"Just to see an old friend," I say limping to the door. "You coming?"
"Sure," she says. I wait until we are out of hearing distance.
"I see Liebgott ogling you," I say with a smirk on my face.
"Really?" she states.
"I think he was checking you out," I say wiggling my eyebrows. She blushes I say this. "I really need to get me some crutches," I say as I continue limping to where Ann is staying.
"What happened to your foot," Luna asks.
"I hammered it," I say
"How?"
"Well remember the guy with brown hair form earlier?"
"If you mean the one standing next to the red head who was checkin you out then yes."
"Well I was hitching up a tent with him, and I ended up missing the wooden stake thing and I hit my foot full force. Let me tell you something, it isn't a pretty site."
"I bet it isn't," she says. We ended up giving up on our search for Annie, cause my foot has started to hurt like a bitch. As I go to take a seat on my cot I feel something wet. I glare at Nixon, the shout "Your such a fucking Saukerl." Jo who just so happened to be passing by sucked in his breath.
"What did you call me?" Lew asks.
"I called you a pig in in..." I start.
"Forget it Ashley. I don't want to hear your stuttering," he says turning away from me. I know he didn't mean it in a rude way but it still stings.
"Ouch Nixon that really hurt. At least I'm not always fucking drinking every fucking minute of the day!" I shout back walking as fast as my foot wills me to. On my way to 2nd platoons barrack I bump into the person I wasn't ready to meet.
"Hows that foot of yours," Dick asks.
"Just fine Dick,"I say trying to limp past him, but he grabs hold of my arm.
"What about those nightmares?" he asks.
"There ok," I lie looking at my feet. he lifts my chin up so that I'm looking him in the eye. "Fine, they've gotten worse," I admit.
"Ash you know you can come to me for help."
"I know," reply. That's when the emotions fall over me like a rock rolling down a hill. I wrap my arms tightly around him and let the tears flow. "I missed you," I say into his chest.
"I missed you more," he whispers kissing the top of my head. "Why don't we go back to our barrack?"
"Ok," I sniff. We walk back the direction I came from hand in hand. The only ones there nix and Harry Welsh.
"I'm sorry nix," I mutter.
"It's fine," he grumbles. A smile spreads across my face when a song dings in my head. Should I do it? Just for practice so I'll be all set for the paratrooper wings party that is if I get my wings. Okay i'll do it. I'll even add in dance moves.
"1,2,1,2,3,4!" I start before singing
Because you know I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass... bass... bass... bass
Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two
But I can shake it, shake it, like I'm supposed to do
'Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places
I see the magazine workin' that cartoon porn,
We know that shit ain't real, come on now, make it stop
If you got beauty, beauty, just raise 'em up
'Cause every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top
Yeah, my mama she told me "don't worry about your size"
(Shoo wop wop, sha-ooh wop wop)
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night"
(That booty, uh, that booty booty)
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone doll
So if that what you're into, then go 'head and move along
Because you know I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass... Hey!
I'm bringing booty back
Go 'head and tell them skinny bitches that
No, I'm just playing, I know you think you're fat
But I'm here to tell you...
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top
Yeah my mama she told me, "don't worry about your size"
(Shoo wop wop, sha-ooh wop wop)
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night"
(That booty booty, uh, that booty booty)
You know I won't be no stick figure, silicone doll
So if that's what you're into, then go 'head and move along
Because you know I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass...
You know I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I said I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass...
Because you know I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass... Hey!
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass... Hey!
I'm all about that bass
Bout that bass...
Hey!
Yeah yeah... ohh... You know you like this bass... Hey...
I look over at a bright pink Dick, a very embarrassed horny looking Harry, and a smirking Nixon. "If you boys'll excuse me, I need to check on the replacement from Scotland," I say limping towards the exit.
"I'll come with you," Dick says standing up and approaching me.
"Alright, lets go." He walk, and I limped, to 3rd platoons quarters. As we near their quarters, shouts can be heard from inside. I run as fast as my foot wills me to. Luna is screaming her off at Jo, shouting out words that probably sting.
"Hey! What in the world is going on?" I ask Luna, pulling her way from Luna.
"That fucking son of a bitch tried to kiss me!" She shouts.
"It was just a fucking kiss, calm down," Jo says.
"Just a fucking kiss huh? Fucking Jew!" She shouts in his face as she slaps him. Oh no. She didn't just go there.
"What did you call me?"
"A Jew," she says smirking to herself. That was when all hell broke loose. Nasty comments were thrown left and right over and over again.
"Hey that's enough!" I say trying to separate them. They still don't stop. "Quiet," I some what yell. Still they continue. "I said Quiet!" I shout. They still don't Listen. "SHUT IT!" I scream at the top of my lungs. Everything went silent, so silent you could hear a pin drop.
"Do you want me to bring Sobel, cause I will," I say pointing at the two of them. "Now all of you go back to whatever you were doin'. Actually you know what? 2nd platoon change into your Pt. gear, we're running laps around the camp then I expect 50 sit ups from each of you you hear me! Two wrongs don't make a right, you all ought to learn how to forgive and forget." There's a bustle of noise and murmurs along the lines of, 'she isn't even our platoon leader'. "I want you all to change in silence! if anyone makes a peep Lip you let me know." I turn away to go change into my own pt gear. "If anyone complains I fucking swear I won't sing at the party, that is if we get our wings."
I run with the rest of the boys even though my foot hurts like a bitch. Near the end of the run Sobel spots us and comes over. We all stop and salute him.
"Is this the entire company?" he asks.
"No sir, just 2nd sir."
"What are you doing to these men?"
"Two of these soldiers disobeyed direct orders. By punishing them all I thought it would teach them all not to disobey orders even though one of their officers has once, or twice. They are after all suppose to train hard right? Why not push them a bit further." I lie. The true reason why is because they need to get moving if they want to survive the war. And I have a feeling its going to be an experience of a lifetime.
"Alright then, carry on but expect everyone back by 2100, got it?"
"Yes sir." As soon as he was gone I decided that its was enough. Besides I have things I need to take care of. "Alright boys you are dismissed, that is accept for Dawson." Luna came to my side as they all went in their own directions. "We got some unfinished business to handle and I'm afraid we don't have much time."
"W-Where are we going?" she asks face pale white.
"I'm just going to ask Sink for some passes into town to buy some dresses," I chuckle.
"oh okay," she say relief filling her voice. "are we going to grab Annie form the aid station?"
"Yes of course,' I say.
"Come in" Sinks voice bellows. We all file into the room. "What is it?" I take a step forward.
"Well we were wondering if we could have some passes into town, to go and buy some dresses?"
"Well I supposed women have to be women sometimes, here you go," he says reaching into a drawer and handing me 3 passes.
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, Uncle!"
"Yeah, yeah now get."
As soon as Luna closed the door behind her we all squealed in delight and I swear I heard sink laugh. "Come on girls before Sobel gets a hold of us," I say moving down the hall.
"Jesus it's gonna be a long evening girls," Ann says.
"Hmm you don't say, might as well buy a few baking materials and make some cake," I say.
"You really think Sink is gonna let you make a cake," Luna asks.
"Hey, its just a thought," I say.
"Mmmhm. You know sometimes you remind me of my younger cousin Gracie," she says rolling her eyes.
"Whatever." I say opening the door to the shop. My eyes widen at the site in front of me. Right there staring me in the face is my sworn enemy.
"Alex?"
"Ashley?"
"What the hell are you doing here!" I shout.
"Shopping with my sister. She still picky."
"Whatever," I say moving past him, but he grabs my arm. "Let go of me!" I say struggling to get out of his grasp.
"Come on Ash, what do you say we get back together for petes sake, like old times.'
"Old times my ass. Now let go of me."
"I put you in the hospital once, I can do it again Ashley." Fear runs through my entire body. Just as he starts twisting my arm I hear luna shout "Let go of her you monster!" As she lunges at him. I watch as she almost beats him to a pulp. It takes Three people to get her off him. Annie, Jen his siter, and me.
"If you ever lay a finger on her ever again, I swear you'll never see the light of day again. I'll put you somewhere, where not even the crows can land their droppings on you!" Luna threatens him. He scrambles unto his feet grabs his sister and runs out the door.
"Who the hell was that?" Ann asks.
"My ex boyfriend," I say, heart still beating with fear.
"What did he mean, when he said he'd put you in the hospital?" luna asks.
"He beat the living shit out of me when I said I didn't want to have sex. He was already abusive before that happened to." I pulled down the hem of my shirt and showed them the burn scars right underneath my collar bone.
"He did that?" Ann asks in horror. I slowly nodded my head yes.
"You know what, lets just carry on," I say. I start flipping through the racks looking for a perfect dress when all of the sudden Ann screeches. "What, what is it!" I shout limping over to her.
"I found the one," she says holding up a yellow dress, that has a v neck lined with ruffles. As she moves it, the light seems to hit it and for a moment it looks as if its shining.
"That is so beautiful," I say running my fingers over it.
"Shes right you trying that thing out," Luna says pulling Ann into the dressing room. I panic What if he comes in again? What will I do? I hear the door open and whip my head to look at who has entered. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, I realize its just a young girl and her mother. "Hey Ashley come and take a look," Luna says beckoning me over. I walk over where Luna standing.
"Look at what?" I say. Just then Annie steps of the dressing room. My mouth falls open. She looks gorgeous. "Twirl for me," I command. She twirls. As she spins it looks as if her dress is going up in yellow flames.
"Woah," Luna says gawking at Ann.
"Well how does it look?"She asks swaying from side to side.
"How does it look? How does it look?! I'll tell you how it looks, it look absolutely marvelous!" Luna exclaims. I chuckle.
"Honestly Ann, I think this is your dress. It's clearly meant for you."
"It's settled then," she says going back into the small room to change back.
"Now to look for the dress for you
"Luna!" I say pushing her towards the racks. She hasn't even been here for more than 24 hours, and it feels like she's been here for the past few months. After a half an hour of searching Luna finally finds a teal dress, that had a beautifully embroidered neckline. When she put it on it fit perfectly around her curves. When Luna went back in to change, I spotted something pink out of the corner of my eye. I turn my head to get a better look at it and low and behold there it is. The dress I would cherish for the rest of my life. Its a beautiful lemonade pink, that was basically all ruffles. It was plain but gorgeous, and innocent. Luna, and Ann follow my gaze. Ann takes it off of the racks, and Luna pushes me into the dressing room.
"It's your turn now," Ann says handing me the dress. I strip myself and throw on the dress. Loosening my hair from the French braid it's been in the entire day. I step outside, preparing my self for the screams that were sure to come, but there aren't. They stand there mouths gaping open. I look at myself in the mirror. I can see why there gaping. My golden hair sweeps onto one side. The dress hugs my body, and it looks good with my paratrooping boots. I look like myself. I feel like I'm glowing.
"I'm taking this one." I say still looking at myself.
"Are we all finished?"
"Yup i'm pretty sure," I reply, stepping back in the fitting room. I quickly put my clothes back on careful not to damage the dress. I find Ann and Luna at the front of the store. We place the dress on the counter waiting for the women to finishes calculating the prices.
"You girls, go ahead and keep this for free, the dresses are on me."
"Oh no, really it's no big deal miss we can pay," Ann says slapping a wad of cash on the counter.
"No really I insist. Y'all are so inspiring! I hope my daughter becomes as brave as you yu'uns."
"It's our pleasure, miss, but at least let us pay half?" Luna Suggest.
"Certainly not! just take them and go," she says.
"How about quarter?" I ask.
"Oh alright I suppose."
We got back extremely late, since I stopped by the grocery store to get some shit. When I walk into the barack there's a package on top of my bed. I quickly look around the room. Everyone's still asleep. I pull out my pocket knife and cut the tape. Inside the box is my old bear Jenny, a harmonica, and a letter. I place my dress under my covers. I open up the letter and I immediately know who its from I smile uncontrollably. In the letter Jesse asks how I'm doing, and that so much happened. He says that will came back, and he and Julia are having a baby. He tells me how excited he is that he's gonna be an uncle, and that I'm going to be Aunt Ashley. He tells me that he got caught taking cookies from the cookie jar. I giggle. Then, the letter's writing changes into something a lot more readable. It's Maddy. She tells me that Rachel's getting married to John, and that Natalie just went to school for the first time ever. She goes on to ask if any guy caught my attention, and if so did I lose it to him? Typical. I fold up the letter, and put it in my pocket. I put harmonica and the bear in my bag. I tap Dicks shoulder. He turns around to face me. I gesture for him scooch over, and he does. with my back pressed up against his chest I soon fall asleep.
Well that was some chapter Huh? Special shout out goes to one of my bestest friends, who the character Luna is inspired for. And Also to My other bestest friend, who the character Annie is inspired by. It's taken me some tie to write this chapter. I have to start studying harder in school in order to get into a really good high school. I'm interested in getting your thoughts about Ashlynn's ancestry. What country do you think she's from, and why is she so afraid to even say anything about? Please feel free to PM what you think. I'm willing to answer any questions you may have, unless they require spoilers.
I can tell I'm going to really enjoy writing the next chapter, as much as y'all will like reading it! (I hope!)
-Toodles