Nope, still not mine! Please leave a review!
Chapter 10
Enlightenment
Alex sat on her bed, she lightly sniffled, using her sleeve she wiped the tears that were beginning to fall. Staring at the box on her desk, she sighed. No letters until he makes his decision. She bit her lip wondering how long it would take him to do that. She cocked her head in thought. He didn't say I couldn't write the letters. She glanced at the open door, wondering if she dared. If Mom comes up and sees me, she'll tell dad. Then, he'll be really angry. Her eyes fell on the box again. She could feel it trying to pull her towards it. She glanced at the door again. Maybe one.
Quietly closing the door, she turned the lock. If my brothers come in, they'll definitely tell on me. Taking a seat at her desk, she pulled a sheet of paper out of the box. She paused, listening to the sounds in the house. Smiling, she began writing.
'Dear Bobby....'
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Ten days later.....
Pulling his coat tightly against the winter winds, Bobby quickly made his way to the MPO. The Private spotted him before he opened the door. He held a letter in his gloved hand, as he approached the counter. The Private cleared his throat, giving Goren his most sympathetic look. "Sorry Sergeant, no letter."
Bobby's shoulders slightly slumped as he handed the Private the one he was holding. He nodded, leaving as quickly as he came. She just wouldn't stop writing, would she? He shook his head, wondering how soon they would receive his letter. Maybe that's it, they received it and decided to cut her off from sending them. He stopped in front of the mess hall. Looking up into the gray sky, he sighed. That's what happens, Goren. You like someone, and they end up leaving you.
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John Eames picked up the report and read it again. He sighed. He doesn't come from the best of stock. Father's a drunk, brother is questionable, mother seems to have some mental issues. He looked around the squad room before tucking the report in his pocket. The only thing going for him is his clean record and what little I could find on his service record. Now, you've got the fun job of sitting your daughter down and talking with her. The weight on his shoulders seemed even heavier. There's going to be a fight on your hands, John. Sighing again, he pushed himself away from the makeshift desk and headed out of the room.
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The envelope was a plain one. Mrs. Eames recognized the scrawl as the serviceman that Alex had been writing to. But, it's addressed to us. She furrowed her brow. Why would he write to us? She thumped the envelope against her other hand, deep in thought. She bit her lip. The boys are taking a nap, do I dare read it? It is addressed to both of us. She placed it in her apron pocket, next to the three others that were addressed to Alex.
Leaning against the counter, she took a sip of coffee. It is addressed to both of us. She glanced at the clock. He won't be home for several hours. Reaching in her pocket, she pulled out the plain envelope, staring at the writing. I wonder what he wants to say to us?
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Alex leaned her head against her hand, listening to Ms. Peevy as she presented information on World War II. She jotted down some notes, forcing herself to pay attention. Kristine noticed the struggle Alex was having the past two weeks with her studies. What's going on with her? Usually, she is on top of things, she seems so distant now...even when she was being obstinate, at least she seemed to be having fun, more energetic. What has changed? Is she using drugs? Ms. Peevy shuddered at the thought, but the apparent change in Alex's behavior kept bringing that to the forefront of her mind.
The bell rang, Ms. Peevy quickly gave the class their next assignment. She looked over at Alex, watching her slowly put her book in her backpack. "Alexandra, may I see you for a moment?"
Walking up to her desk, Alex yawned and waited. Ms. Peevy paused a moment. "Alexan....Alex, is everything alright at home?"
The question caught her off guard, she shifted her weight on her feet. "Yes ma'am."
Ms. Peevy pursed her lips. "Are you sure? If something is going on, please let me know."
Alex cocked a brow. "Everything is just fine, Ms. Peevy. May I go now....I don't want to miss my bus."
The teacher nodded. "See you tomorrow?"
She paused at the door for a moment. "Yeah, I'll be here." With that, she disappeared down the hall to her locker. Where else would I go?
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With one deft movement, Mrs. Eames cut the end of the envelope with her scissors. Pulling the letter out, she set the envelope and scissors onto the counter. Unfolding the letter, she began reading.
'Dear Mr. and Mrs. Eames,
I realize that I have been writing to your daughter over the last two and a half months, and have yet to introduce myself to the two of you. My name is Sergeant Robert Goren. I have been with the Criminal Investigation Division for about a year. As you can see by the envelope, I am stationed in Germany, though my 'home' is in New York City.
Your daughter, Alex, was doing an assignment for school, when she obtained my address from my mother. She works part time at her school's library. Mom is suffering from schizophrenia, but as long as she takes her medicine, she is somewhat normal. Unfortunately, from what I could gather, she had missed several days, and Alex had a minor unpleasant experience with her.
I don't receive very much mail from my family, as my father is often absent, my brother is less than responsible, and my mom rarely thinks about writing. So, the letters from Alex have been a breath of fresh air. She has endeared me to your family, the activities that you all do together, something that I had not have had too much of when I was growing up.
I know that you don't know me, or my character. But, I am hoping that you will allow us to continue to write to each other. I give you my word, there is no dark motive, except to get me through the long winter days, so far away from home.
Sincerely,
Bobby Goren'
Mrs. Eames put her hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. Tears filled her eyes, as she realized that this was just a homesick young man, with no contact from his family. Hearing the side door slam shut, she quickly took a hanky out of her pocket and dabbed her eyes.
Alex stepped into the kitchen just as her mom stuffed the hanky into her pocket. She eyed her mom carefully. "Mom, is everything okay?"
She nodded, clearing her throat. "Yes dear, everything is just fine. I, I need to make some cookies for this weekend...you mentioned you wanted to learn how to do chocolate chip?"
The young Eames nodded. Her mother smiled. "Then we'll do it right after dinner tonight."
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Bobby sat in the mess hall with his hands around the cup of coffee. His thoughts drifted back to the letter he had written to Mr. and Mrs. Eames. Maybe they think I'm a pedophile. He laughed sarcastically at that thought. Running a hand through his hair, he stared at nothing. Maybe Alex decided she had enough? He shook his head. No, no from her letters she honestly seemed to enjoy writing them as well as getting them. His mind stopped. Has she been getting them? He took a sip of coffee, wondering if her parents have blocked Alex from receiving his letters.
"I say, Goren!" Higgins took a seat next to him, slightly nudging him. Bobby looked at him blankly. "Hello, earth to Sergeant Goren."
He blinked. "What do you want, Elbert?" His voice was a low growl.
"You still mooning about not getting any letters?" The surprise was evident on the corporal's face. "A bunch of us are heading into town tonight, wanna come?"
Bobby shook his head. "No, no I think I'll call it an early night."
Higgins stood up, sighing. "Have it your way." With that the corporal left, leaving Sergeant Goren to his thoughts.
A/N: Okay, I left you all hanging as to whether or not Alex's Mom and Dad will let her continue to write and receive Bobby's letters. I'm back in evil mode! lol