A.N -Hey you guys.. just got back from my trip It was awesome.. soooo whats up with you guys? Lol... I know i'm really late on update but it seems like everytime I get done with one thing another just pops up so anyways heres chapter 11. Oh and i'm jumping(no pun intended) to the jump day where they all get their wings. I don't know exactly when that is so i'm just going to trust you know how far I jump into the future with this..

Jump day. Those two words struck fear into my soul as I sat up in my bed. I was going to jump out of a plane today. We had packed our parachutes last night. I asked Nix to help me and he did, and George helped Dottie. They were going steady now. Me and Eugene were going no where. Since that night he has been avoiding me. I've managed to corner him, but only got a weak excuse. He had said that he was really busy, and that's why he seemed so distant,but he slowly faded into the background. It's not like I put him there. I wanted him to be here with me. I kept asking where he was and if I could speak to him, but he just kept avoiding me. It had caused a tear in my already damaged heart. As our training progressed,I slowly began to stop asking about him, and that was just that. It upset me because he didn't give me a reason for stopping so abruptly. I guess I should stop worrying about stuff I can't change.

I got up quietly so I wouldn't wake Dottie. I got dressed in my P.t gear. It was a bout 4:45, and I was meeting Joe at 5:00 at the bottom of curahee. Joe and I have become closer. Dottie was right when she said he liked me,but he had explained to me that after he got to know me a little more. He liked me more like a friend and not like girlfriend boyfriend. He is my best friend here, next to Dottie of course.

Another guy I had gotten close to was Shifty Powers. He was so shy at first. The sharp shooter had twisted his ankle when he was running curahee. He came to the medical unit and I just happened to be there. I helped him out. He is so sweet and kind. We fit in nicely together. I don't like him romantically but as good friends we are great.

I pulled on my boots and put on my necklace with my key and ring on it. I headed out to Curahee. Stretching my arms up above my head as I went along the deserted camp/base. I was at the base of Curahee, 10 minutes later. I saw Joe and the bottom stretching.

"Hey, you actually got here before me" I told him sticking out my tongue.

"Well personally I think your getting a tad bit lazy" He said with a small smile. One thing I had learned about Joe is that his eyes show all of his emotions, and his eyes danced with hyperness. I smiled big at him. His eyes turned serious.

"Are you ready for the big jump today?" He asked me.

"As ready as I will be." I told him with a small smile. I tried to make it seem that I thought it was so easy and I'll be fine, but in reality I was scared out of my mind.

"So lets get to it." He told me before starting up the slope. I grinned before following him. I quickly caught up and we kept up a steady pace. We were at the top soon enough and then we were at the bottom. Then Joe walked me to my room.

"See you at breakfast?" He asked.

"Like I would miss it." I laughed. We said our goodbye's. I unlocked my door and swung it open. Dottie stood there getting dressed.

"Ahhh! Close that door right this instant." She yelped as she dropped to the floor behind her bed. I laughed, and I shut the door behind me.

"You can get up now" I said still laughing. She got up and glared at me. I shot her a look. "Oh you know that was funny, so stop looking at me like that and get dressed." She glared one last time before smiling widely.

"Alright as long as you go wash off and change." Dottie told me.

"Why?" I asked as I sat down on my bed and took off my boots.

"Because you stink" She said while pinching her nose.

"Oh shut up!" I said playfully. I flung my pillow at her and it hit her square in the face. "Direct hit!" I yelled, before making a mad dash to the bathroom. I slammed the door behind me. I laughed real hard for a little while. Then I jumped in the shower and washed off. I got out of the shower and wrapped a big fluffy towel around myself. I walked out of the bathroom and changed into my jumpsuit. I dried my hair as quick as I could and I put it up in my usual messy ponytail. I brushed my teeth and pulled on my jump shoes. Dottie stood by the door tapping her foot impatiently.

"I'm coming. I'm coming." I told her. She smiled. I took on last look in the mirror before putting on my necklace. Dottie looked at it with a look on her face. She probably saw the ring. This would be her first time seeing it. I quickly tucked the necklace under my shirt, out of sight. I didn't feel like explaining it to her. It was still very painful to talk about, even after such a long time.

"Are we ready to go?" I asked. Dottie nodded. We walked to the mess hall. We got in the line and got our food. Dottie headed off for our usual seats. I followed after her. She sat next to George, like always, and I sat in between Joe and Shifty, across from Dottie and George.

"Good Morning" Shifty said happily.

"Morning" I replied.

"How did you sleep last night." He asked me while stuffing some eggs in his mouth. I personally wouldn't call them eggs. Just poor excuses.

"Good. No night mares tonight." Ever since that first night, I've been having the same nightmare over and over again. I cant remember it though.

"That's good." Joe told me. Shifty nodded unable to speak because of his mouth full.

"Yeah" I muttered pushing the food in my plate around. I wasn't very hungry.

"Kayla can I ask you a question." Dottie piped up randomly.

I nodded. "Of course."

She looked down at her plate for a second, like she wasn't going to ask me anything. Then she looked back up at me.

"Kayla who's Danny?" I had been looking at my plate, but as soon as she said that name, my head snapped up and I stared at her. I shook my head and looked back at my plate. Everyone at our table had got quiet and were undoubtedly listening in on our little conversation.

I looked back up at her. "Where did you get that name?" I asked quietly.

"Well, last night you were talking in your sleep, and you called out for someone named Danny." She said explaining her actions. I smiled.

"No wonder I didn't have a nightmare last night." I laughed.

"And that ring on your necklace. Its an engagement ring right?" She said to me. I nodded.

"It sure is, but I'm not engaged. At least not anymore. At one point yes I was. Danny Walker was my fiance, and I loved him very much. His birthday is coming up and I've been thinking of him a lot lately. That's why I dreamed of him last night." I explained.

"Ohh... What happened? I mean why didn't you two get married?" She asked. I almost laughed. You would think she would have figured it out already. I mean with a war going on and all.

"He died." I told her. Dottie looked really guilty.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

"It's alright, you didn't know." I gave her a small smile. "I think I need some fresh air." I said getting up in a hurry. I grabbed my plate and begged the tears not to come. I had lied about it being Danny's birthday. That was still months away, but talking about Danny had reminded me of something that would have happened if he were still alive. Today would have been my wedding day.

I threw away my plate and put the tray back in the pile to be washed. I felt so guilty. I mean this was my wedding day I had forgotten. If Danny could see me know. I am so disappointed in myself. I walked out of the mess hall bumping into people as I go, not caring. Tears started leaking out of my eyes. I headed to the back of the camp. There was no people there. The tears sprang out freely. I welcomed them. I haven't cried in such a long time. They poured out.

"Kayla?" I heard a voice say behind me. I turned around wiping tears away and looked into Joe's dark brown eyes. "Are you alright." he asked me. I didn't know what to say. I shook my head no.

"No." I said softly sobbing even more softly. I looked down at the ground slightly ashamed. Then Joe did something unexpected. He took a hold of my arms and pulled me into his warm embrace. His arms tight around my form. I was surprised at first. Then I relaxed and buried my face into his shirt. Holding onto him as if I was drowning and he was my only lifeline. I sobbed and sobbed for I don't know how long. He stroked my hair and kissed the top of my head several times. I finally quieted it down. I pulled back out of his embrace. Joe still had a hold of my arms. I wiped my eyes dry and looked at Joe. Concern still evident in his eyes.

"I'm sorry Joe. Look at your shirt." I said patting the wet spot on his shirt from where I had cried. Joe's hands fell from my arms and he took my hand.

"Its not a problem. It will dry." He cracked a small smile. I couldn't help but smile back. His face turned serious again. "Two things." He said. I nodded. "One. If you ever need to talk to anyone about anything .I'm here. If you need a shoulder to cry on I'm here for you. Understand?" he asked.

"Yes." I nodded.

"Alright. Now that that's out of the way. Two. I heard that we were going to have a party tonight, and I was wondering if I could escort you?" He asked.

"I would love it if you escort me to the party tonight." I smiled.

"Good now lets head back and get ready for the big jump" He said pulling me along.

(A.N- I was seriously thinking of stopping here but since I haven't updated in such a long time I will be continuing. :) Enjoy..)

Later that day...

We had just heard the sergeant telling us about our jumps and all and now we were sitting on planes waiting to get to the correct height so we can jump. I was sitting in between Nix and Dick. I fiddled with the strap to my helmet. I thought they were ridiculous when I saw them on tv but they were ten times more ridiculous in real life. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared out of my mind, but I know I have to do it. The red light came on.

"Get ready! Stand up!" I heard the sergeant yell. We all stood.

"Hook up!" We hooked up.

"Equipment check!" I felt Lew check my equipment behind me, and I did the same for Dick. I was glad Nix was behind me because I trust him to check my equipment correctly.

"Sound off!" I guessed I was to wrapped up in my thoughts because I didn't hear everyone else but I did hear Nix.

"Two okay!" I heard Nix call out from behind me.

I found my voice and yelled. "One okay!" Dick stepped up to the door, and the green light flashed. The sergeant said something to Dick and started yelling go go go. Dick jumped and I moved forward. Then I heard him yell go and I jumped. I felt the parachute release. I looked up at the canopy and down and the ground. It was so fun! It wasn't scary at all. I guided the parachute down to the ground and my feet hit the ground with a thud. I then wrapped up parachute and walked back to the camp. One down four more to go I thought to myself.

That evening...

We had just got our wings pinned on and the party was set to happen in about 45 minutes. The guys didn't really have to get ready, but Dottie and I decided that we wanted to change from our class A uniforms into party dresses. So that's what we are doing right now. Joe and George were going to be here in about 30 minutes. So we were in a hurry. I carefully unpinned my wings from my jacket and place it on the bedside table.

"Hey what are you wearing?" Dottie asked.

"You'll see." I said. She nodded and went into the bathroom. I quickly undressed and put on my strapless bra. I then slipped on this awesome strapless bright red dress. I had painted my nails the same color yesterday and I had the same color lipstick too. The dress was strapless and it clung to my upper body. The skirt flared out at the waist, and it came down to my knees. The top of the dress,the part covering up my breast was heart shaped and it was beautiful. The material was pretty and soft. I put on a black choker, and black bracelet. I let my hair out of its ponytail and shook it out. I brushed my it and curled it. My dark hair went well with the red dress. I clipped part of my hair to the side of my head so it didn't fall in my face. I left the other side down. I then put on some mascara, eyeliner, and red lipstick. I didn't have time for eyeshadow. I pulled on my black flats and prayed that Dottie was ready. My prayers were answered when Dottie walked out in a green halter styled dress. The bottom of the dressed looked similar to mine, but the it came well below her knees. Her blonde hair was in her usual curls, but she had a green headband in her hair. She wore little makeup and she wore black heel's. She looked stunning as usual.

"Kayla!" She said her eyes lighting up.

"Dottie!" I mocked her.

"Stop playing around. You look gorgeous!" She exclaimed.

"No.. Your the one that looks stunning. Well anyways George and Joe should be here any moment, so you better be ready to go." I told her. Her eyes got wide, and I knew she was up to something.

"Joe? As In Joe Toye? As in the man that is in love with you." She asked me.

"Yes as in Joe Toye. He is not in love with me. He is a good friend, and he and I are going to this party as friends." I said firmly. Dottie just shook her head and tried to hide a small smile. Their was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it!" Dottie said practically running me over to get to the door. She opened the door and I heard her say hello to Joe and George. "Kayla come on." I rolled my eyes, and headed for the door. I saw Dottie talking to George, well more like George talking and Dottie giggling. I smiled when I saw Joe he looked very handsome in his suit. He stood there with his back to me. I locked the door behind me and that's when Joe turned. I swear his eyes almost bugged right out of his head. I laughed behind my hand blushing slightly.

"You look amazing." Joe told me as he took my hand.

"You look good too, Joe." I said, and we just looked at each other.

George cleared his throat. "I look good, Dottie looks good, and you two look good. Now that it has been established that we all look good. Can we go, before we miss our ride." He told us before him and Dottie walking ahead of us. Dottie giggling right beside him. Joe offered his arm and I took it. We got to the party about ten minutes later. Joe and I were quiet all of the way up there. We went to the same club as last time. We came into the room. There was everyone letting loose smoking and drinking and laughter. This was my kind of a party. George and Dottie went off and Joe went to go get drinks. I made my way over to where Dick and Lewis were standing.

"Hey you guys." I said smiling.

"Hello Kayla." Dick said politely with a smile. "You look beautiful like always"

"Thank you." I told him smiling.

"Beautiful is an understatement. You look amazing. If I weren't married I would go after you myself." Lewis said laughing. I laughed.

"I'm sorry but your not my type anyways." I giggled.

"I'm hurt." I stuck out my tongue.

"And I care why?" I said playfully. His jaw dropped and then he went to grab me. I jumped behind Dick hiding.

"Leave her alone Lew." Dick said protecting me with his arms. I peeked from around Richard and stuck my tongue out at Lewis again. He finally gave up, crossed his arms and pouted. Richard put his arms down and I came out from hiding.

"Thank you my good sir." I said to Dick while reaching up and giving him a friendly peck on the cheek. He nodded smiling. I looked at Nix. He was still pouting.

"I'm sorry." I gave him the puppy dog look, and held out my arms for a hug. He stood there for a minute like he wasn't going to hug me. Then his face broke out in a smile and he wrapped me up in a big bear hug. He picked me up.

"Aahhh... put me down." I said laughing. He put me down and smiled. I kissed his cheek too. I smiled. "Well I'm going to go mingle. Have a good time." I said giving a little wave. That's what I did most of the night. Joe came back with our drinks and we were having a great time. Bill was drinking, and the boys were counting down. I was leaning on the bar next to Dottie. We were laughing and having a grand time. George was behind the bar serving drinks. The good thing about this party is that Sobel isn't here giving us hell. I heard Bill yell High ho sliver. I laughed. Swing music playing in the background. Everybody was letting loose and having a great time. Joe came over for a drink and was leaning on the bar beside me.

"There will be no leaning in my company." George told Joe in his Sobel voice. "Are those dusty jump wings?" George asked. Joe looked at his wings and blew on them and wiping them off. I giggled. "How do you expect to slay the huns with dust on your jump wings?" He continued.

Joe grabbed George's coat and said. "Luz just give me a drink." George smiled.

"Hell of an idea Joe." He said reaching under the bar for a drink. "There you go." He gave the drink to Joe. He gave me and Dottie a drink too. We raised our glasses in a toast.

"Three miles up. Three miles down." We smiled and drank.

Then we heard. "Ten hut!" we all stood up in attention. Colonel Sink and two other head officer walked in and went up on this stage.

"Well at ease paratroopers." We stood at ease. Sink then gave us a little speech about how para trooping is a new concept and how we were going to set good examples for the rest of the American military. How we are going to be the best of the best, and then we toasted to him saying Curahee! We drank to it.

It was really stuffy and hot so I decided to head outside for a moment. I walked outside and I welcomed the cool night air. I began to think of what was to come. I thought about D-day and Carantan. I thought of Bastogne and Foy. I thought about Hoob and that damn luger of his that would cost him his life. I thought about about Joe and Bill loosing their legs, and I began to cry. I sobbed. My vision blurred.

Then for the second time today I felt someone wrap their arms around me. He pulled me close and whispered soothing words in to my ear. He stroked my hair and kissed the top of my head. I held on tight and cried. It was just like earlier today with Joe, but one major thing was different. I wasn't wrapped in Joe's arms.

A.N- And you'll get to see who the guy is in the next chapter. Haha If you think you know who it is tell me in a review. Please review. Review's keep me motivated. I'm so sorry for not updating all summer but a lot of stuff has happened. I tried to make this chapter a little bit longer, and i'll try to do the same next chapter. There was a death in the family, so it'll probably be a week or so before I can update. We have so much to plan for the funeral so yeah.. Also School is coming up so yeah. Lol.. Oh joy.. haha well review and tell me what you think! :)