Chapter 37
Brittany's POV
Sweat drips off my forehead as I hiss at my troops to get down with the gesture of my hand. Taking out the guard who was shielding the tunnel was easy, I didn't even have to use a bullet, eliminate any noise is important. A knife into the side of his neck works just as well as a bullet in his neck. The harsh light from the sun peaks through cracks throughout the dusty passageway. I drag my hand across the wall, picking up dust and grime. It has an odour like a stagnant pond but with an undercurrent of sewage, but it's not like there are public conveniences down here. It's not a place I want to be caught without a flashlight, that's for sure; but then it's not a place I want to be caught at all.
Descending down the Tunnel, I turn right with my rifle aligned naturally to my eye sight as I look from left to right searching for anything that could harm me and my troop. I come up to a left corner in the tunnel and notice light at the bottom, this is the way out and into enemy territory. Looking over my shoulder, I point to the exit and nod. Our boots smack against the ground as we slowly charge towards the exit and I take a deep breath before slowly stepping out whilst crouching and surveying the area. By the looks of it we're in some sort of basement that is practically falling apart, although it looks like there is no Taliban inside, just yet.
We shuffle in and look around, searching for weapons or anything that will come in hand. A banging above alerts us and I frown at the ceiling, looking over to my fellow soldiers. "Enemy movement above, Corporal Becker take my left, Private First Class Todd take my right. We go in and clear!" I command before bringing my rifle back up and slowly heading up the stairs with my troop behind me. Behind this broken door is a room full of Taliban and the question running through my mind is, Can I do this?
With one swift kick I barge through and pull my trigger at the guy with the balaclava wrapped around his face on the opposite side of me. The gunfire behind me lets me know that my soldiers have took out the other enemies in the building, signalling that it is safe, that is what I assume. Letting out a breath, I narrow my eyes and scan the room. There's opportunities for any enemy to pop out from behind one of these doors. "Check the room" I order and watch as the soldiers stomp towards the doors and peak behind them, turning around and nodding.
"Clear"
I move towards the large square hole in the wall, usually classed as a window but here there's no glass or wooden panes, it's just a square that hasn't been filled in with cement or whatever the fuck these Afghans use. Just as I expected the town is destroyed. It has less charm than a graveyard, at least those are places built out of sentimentality and love. This was a place built by greed and abandoned without a backwards glance. Just to stand amid the rotting town was enough to make me feel like a ghost, an unwanted spectre of the humans that came to take and never give, never to love the land or the nature, not to make a home or be respectful.
The homes and derelict stores are clustered close together, arranged down two single narrow street, though the reason for such proximity isn't clear given the thin soil stretches in every direction until the land rises to low hillocks.
My eyes narrow as I scan, specifically searching for enemies and it doesn't take me long to find men dressed the same, The females and Males all wear Shalwar kameez, it's like their tradition tunic of their country and are usually seen on terrorists and normal civilians in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They're spread out across the perimeter holding Ak-47's, meaning that there is no easy way to eliminate them.
I back away from the window and turn to my troops. "They're situated around the town, the best way of approaching this is to go left from right—"
"Why don't we just bomb them? If they're spread out then we drop a bomb on the whole town and boom!" Private Johnson suggests with a tone that sounds like its obvious, causing me to tilt my head and chuckle breathlessly.
"You think it's that easy Private?" I ask with a venomous tone, slowly stepping forward towards him. "Did you not hear a fucking word Sergeant Major Mercer said? He wants the civilians out of this place, sent to somewhere safe and you want to bomb this shit hole?!" I add with raised eyebrows, watching as he swallows and looks to his fellow colleagues who just watch. "We don't kill innocent people Johnson! And if you have that mind set then you best fuck off because this isn't the right job for you" I bite, invading his personal space before slowly backing up when Corporal Becker touches my shoulder.
"We don't want to alert them" He reasons and I look at him, nodding slightly.
"Uh Sergeant Pierce, we have a problem" Says Specialist Scott from the window. I turn to him and see that he is aiming at something, someone.
"What is it?"
"Enemy target on the second floor of the third house along, directly opposite us. He's holding an RPG—"Specialist Scott informs as he exhales and aims at the target. An RPG could wipe us out now if he spots us. "Sergeant, I've got visual on 3 enemies, but the target with the RPG is—"
"Take the shot" I interrupt, making my troop look at me. "Take the shot now and let's get moving, we are wasting time." I command and go for the door on the right, knowing that it will lead us out into the town. I wait for the shot and when I hear the loud crack I don't look back, Specialist Scott reloads and joins me as I bust open the door.
The harsh sunlight blinds me momentarily before I bring my rifle up and head out. The shot rang out throughout the town and now the Taliban know we're here. Just as I expected all of them are alert so as we run into a building a bullet whizzes by my head and into the wall next to me, I swiftly raise my gun and send a bullet into the man's head causing him to pummel down the stairs.
That's when my adrenaline kicks in.
"Clear, stay tight" I shout as we explore a derelict house, checking every corner of every room, searching for Taliban or civilians. Heading up stairs, I glance left from right noting that there is three doors. Taking the one closest, I kick open the door and Corporal Becker charges in, firing at the male with his face covered aiming an AK-47 at us. I take the right and peer over the wall to see a wardrobe slightly moving.
Private Johnson aims at the wardrobe but Specialist Scott stops him by putting his arm up to his chest and signalling for me to check it out. Nodding, I aim at the wardrobe and slowly step forward mentally cursing when the floorboards creek beneath me. The wardrobe doors shake and with a hesitant hand I throw open the door to reveal two small children curled up in clothes with tears running down their faces.
Exhaling deeply, I shake my head and kneel down to their level keeping my gun by my side and my finger gently resting on the trigger. I've been in situations like this before they seem innocent and a lot of them are but you get the 15% that trick you. They get you to lower your gun and look into their watery eyes before they withdraw a knife and stab you wherever they can, or press a button to make them and yourself explode.
My eyes run over the two kids, one boy and one girl with their arms wrapped around each other as protection. I watch as they glance at my gun and then into my eyes, slowly raising their hands up in surrender. Sighing, I clear my throat and rummage through one of the pockets on my Jacket, humming when I take out four crackers. The kids eyes widen and I can practically see their mouths watering at the first bit of food they've seen in god knows how long. By the looks and smell of them they have been in this wardrobe for longer than a week.
"Hungry?" I ask, extending my arm out and smiling gently when two shaky hands take the crackers. Standing straight, I turn to my troops and rub my face. I knew there would be civilians in this town but they're not here on their own terms. Corporal Becker sends a smile to the kids who are scoffing down the crackers like no tomorrow before looking at me.
"Now what?" He questions and I press the two buttons on my signaller strapped to my left shoulder which allows me to connect with soldiers back on base, specialists who will send out airstrikes or ammo drops if we need it.
"Sergeant Pierce, assigned Operation Moshtarak. Civilians found, request for vehicle to take them to safety-Over!" I request into the mic attached on my headgear. It's crackly but a soldier talks back into my left ear and I squint and try to hear what they're saying.
"Come in- How many civilians Sergeant-Over" The male voice says and I glance at the two kids muttering quietly to each other whilst sharing crackers.
"Two Children so far, we still have the perimeter to search" I announce and hear chatting.
"Request for vehicle denied, Sorry Sergeant but if you can secure the perimeter they will have to stay put until we locate a safe haven and a vehicle-Out!" they dismiss and cut off causing me to growl and sigh angrily
"Fuck!" I curse alerting my troop and the kids in the wardrobe. Corporal Reid who is guarding the door way with Private First Class Larsen glance at me before going back to guarding. I meet Joe's questioning gaze. "Permission Denied. They said if we can secure the perimeter they have to stay here until they find somewhere to put them" I explain and Joe groans as Private Carr and Private Parker interact with the Afghanistan Children.
"What are we going to do just leave them here?" He asks and I'm at a loss for words because we can't take them with us, it's not safe for them to wonder out there with the Taliban alert and willing to kill anyone. I dejectedly shrug before squatting down in front of the children with a tight lipped smile on my face.
"You-"I point, hand signals are easier since they probably don't speak English "Stay here, we'll be back to get you" I say clearly whilst pushing my palms out and patting the wardrobe floor. Private Amy Carr passes them two packs of biscuits and two bottles of water with a smile.
A crack of bullets sends us springing into action and I turn to the doorway where CPL Reid and PFC Larsen are firing at the Taliban springing from corners and coming upstairs. The children let out a little cry and I quickly shut the wardrobe doors before raising my gun. "Fire! Corporal Reid Lead us out!" I shout as my troop rush out of the room, all besides one. I look at Private Parker who seems to be frozen with fear written over her face. "Private Parker Move" I command and she swallows, her hand tightening over her rifle as I watch her move out of the room.
The rest of the house was empty and we move down the road, leaving bullets scattering the ground as we shoot enemy after enemy. Blood coats the grounds we walk on and splatters the walls we take cover on. We come up to a semi large building, the walls made of the same rock and dirt we stand on. Corporal Wolfe takes a step forward and jumps back, startled when a dead body drops down in front of him.
"Don't worry. It's our over watch" I reassure, turning around and sending a thumbs up to Specialist Scott who's undercover and watching over us with his sniper. Corporal Wolfe laughs before leading us towards a door that leads us into the building. I take position at the front and look at my troop over my shoulder. "Get ready!" I warn before taking a deep breath and barging through the door with all guns blazing.
Instantly I fire at two Taliban rummaging to get their guns by what looks like a crate of ammo. The bullets hit the target with extreme precision. They tare effortlessly through the soft human tissue, allowing the arteries to split. Screams of the men and women pierce my ears as my troop and I shoot at them.
"KEEP PUSHING FORWARD!" I shout over the noise of bullets and screams, moving forward as my troop shoot whilst taking cover behind tattered couches and crates of weapons and ammo. I know there's enemies ahead and if we don't move fast we will get ambushed which could result in injuries and death. "MOVE NOW!" I roar, my rifle shaking as I run forward scanning left and right, firing at any enemy I see.
I gesture for my troop to go up the stairs and I head back so I can make sure no enemies fire at us from behind. PFC Larsen runs up first with PVT Johnson behind him, my eyes land on PVT Parker whose cheeks are flushed from the scorching heat and the pressure of killing and keeping safe. She's trying to be strong, trying not to break. After shooting two Taliban I head up the stairs and raise my eyebrows. The place is crumbling and I don't think it's safe but screams at the end of the building snaps us out of it and we head towards the metal door.
Just as we're about to reach the door, keeping out eye out just in case an enemy pop's up, the ground violently shakes beneath us causing me to get down until I realised that the floor we are standing on is collapsing. Jumping to my feet, my heart pummels in my chest as I see PFC Todd trembling on ground that is just about to fall through. "TODD!" I shout and hastily run to him, alerting the others as the ground collapses. My hand just grabs onto his saving him from pummelling through the roof and being crushed by brick and rubble. My eyes squeeze together as I try to pull him up but all that weight is too much to handle.
It wasn't just PFC Todd who is currently in danger, half of the troop is stuck on the other side of the building as the ground that myself and PVT Parker rumbles. "PARKER! HELP ME!" I groan loudly as I throw my other hand out to him causing my rifle to dig into my ribs painfully. Private Parker dives next to me and grabs PFC Todd by his Armor, helping me heave him up slowly.
Just as I think this couldn't get any worse, enemy fire breaks out behind me just missing my head by an inch. CPL Becker fires from the other side whilst yelling "BRITT! Stay down!" I'm preoccupied with PFC Todd that I can't fire back at the enemies behind me. My arm snags on a sharp piece of brick and metal as I pull PFC Todd up and cover him as my troop fire over our heads at the Taliban behind me.
"We're Secure" Shouts CPL Wolfe who reloads. Exhaling in relief, I stand up carefully still not sure if the floor I'm on is safe and look behind me to see a stack of Taliban coated in red with their weapons resting by them. PFC Todd groans as PVT Parker and I lift him up, looking down at his right leg that seems to be bleeding badly.
"Todd can you walk?" I ask him and he puts pressure on his leg but hisses loudly making me curse. "Shit!" I look over to Specialist Shaw who seems to be sweating buckets whilst aiming outside a window. "Shaw?" I shout causing her to look at me with raised eyebrows "We have a casualty, Todd's right leg" I inform and she comes closer but stops because there is a massive whole in the premises, separating PVT Parker, PFC Todd and myself from CPL Becker, CPL Reid, CPL Wolfe, PVT Carr, PVT Johnson, PFC Larsen and SPC Shaw. There's no way over to the other side of the building.
"Lay him down and push up his trouser leg" She instructs loudly, squinting slightly as the smoke from the floor collapsing floats in the air. I do as I'm told and lay him down, carefully but quickly pushing up his trouser leg and hissing at the state of his calf. The skin has been completely cut open to the point where bone is visible, coated in thick scarlet blood amongst the hairs of his leg, matting them together before it soaked into his tanned sock and boot. The mud and grit has become enmeshed with raw pink flesh and spotted with blood. One thing was for sure, it was going to be very painful to clean and bandage.
I glance up at PVT Parker and see that she has paled a little. Her eyes lock onto his leg as he moans in pain. "Private, go into your bag and withdraw your first aid equipment" I order and she snaps her eyes up to me before rummaging through her rucksack. We get equipped with a small first aid kit in case we have to attend to any casualties or any member of the troop gets severely injured to the point where they are on the verge of death. Private Parker kneels next to me and opens the first aid kit to reveal Bandages, dressings and adhesive tape, clotting agents, diazepam injection syringe, Abdominal wound trauma kit and chest wound dressing, Atropine injection syringe, intravenous equipment, Water repellent heating blanket or survival blanket, Shears, scissors and splints, Eye shield, Nasal trumpet and Alcohol pads.
"Disinfect the wound and bandage it quickly, enemy contact ahead!" Shouts Specialist Shaw who is aiming out of the window at two cars that have just pulled up. Specialist Scott is already on it as I hear loud cracks that can only be described as a sniper's shot. This casualty has put us back a step and it can't stop us from completing the mission so I look up at my troop who are standing guard and clearly wondering what to do now.
"Corporal Becker take lead and secure the rest of the premises. Any civilians, keep them safe. Eliminate all targets and stay safe" I command, looking at my troop and nodding them goodbye as they head off over the building. I look at Private Parker and see that she has no idea what to do now. "Open up those bandages and get ready to wrap them around his leg" I tell her as I pop open the cap off the bottle of alcohol sanitizer. Private First Class Todd looks down at his leg and whimpers. "Todd look at me-"I order and he looks into my eyes "Don't think about it, we're going to get you out of here and back to the FOB okay?" I reassure him and he nods, letting his head rest against the rubble of the floor. "This is going to sting a little" I add before putting some of the alcohol on a pad and placing it on the raw flesh.
Private Parker's eyes shut tightly when Private First Class screams out in agony as the alcohol burns his flesh. I grimace lightly but suck it up, taking the dressing out of Private Parkers hand and placing it on his leg before wrapping a bandage around to secure it. I pop him some pills to make the pain bearable and grab my rifle. Private Parker goes to stand up but I place a hand on her shoulder.
"Watch Private First Class Todd, I'm going to see if there's enemy movement outside and try to find a way to get us out safely and securely" I inform, nodding at her before raising my rifle and stepping over the bodies and making my way down the stairs. The building we once went through is now destroyed with brick and rubble from the upper floor and the bodies that were scattered around are now covered and squished. With a grunt, I vault over a large piece of brick and quickly duck down, taking cover behind a broken piece of wall when four Taliban poke inside and scan the debris.
"شما فکر می کنم هر سرباز در این سوراخ گه وجود دارد ؟" they speak and I curse under my breath, not understanding a fucking word they're saying. They talk again but this time I hear a little laugh so I peer over the rock and see the one wearing a red balaclava pull a RPG launcher towards his chest. My eyes widen when the Taliban next to him withdraws the rocket propelled grenade and goes to pass it to him. I raise my rifle and look through ACOG scope and exhale before shooting the Taliban with the grenade straight through the head and then the other enemy.
Slowly, I drop and sit down with my back leaning against the barrier and my rifle in my hand. I'd say my troop and I have been here for about 4 and a half hours now and we've been under enemy attack every single second. I thought I could just get back into the routine easily, but I've realised it's a lot harder than I thought. I have Santana now I'm on good terms with my pop, I have people to go back to, people who love and care for me, and they want me to return. It's just made my life whole lot harder knowing that.
I love Santana, my pop, Olivia, Martin and Charlie. I can't let them down like I can't let my troop down. They have a family, a girlfriend or boyfriend, a husband or wife—I need to do this for them and myself.
Inhaling deeply, I push myself up off the debris and change the magazine, pulling back the bolt and preparing myself for going out there again. My calves' burn from the continuous running, my uniform is sticking to me uncomfortably and my arm stings with a burning sensation, probably where I scraped it on a sharp bit of debris. All of that is nothing. If I have a strong mind and strong heart then I will get through all of this and make it home.
I'm going to make it home runs through my mind as I block out the bullet fire and screams. I'm going to make it home.
Santana's POV
I place my keys on the side table and brush my windswept hair out of my face with an aggravated huff. Instantly Charlie is at my feet bringing a smile to my rosy cheeks and I bend down to ruffle her ears and wipe away some snot before heading to the kitchen as that's wear James spends the majority of his time. I've only been here like a day and I've learnt so much, the Chinese restaurant down town actually has the lowest hygienic rating out of all of them but because James delivers his food there it is the most popular. James is seriously an amazing chef, I mean my papi knows how to cook but James, he just takes it to the next level.
As I enter the kitchen I'm hit with a wave off mango and other tropical fruits being blended into something that looks like a smoothie. He spots me and turns around wearing a pink apron and a bright smile. "Santana!" He chimes, moving his hips to the Hawaiian music that he's got playing on his iPod. "I made you something, I don't know if it will be any good but—"He grins and pours the smoothie into a glass and passes it to me. I smile and look down at the yellow/orange smoothie and then back into his eyes. "I've heard that the fresh fruits make a better smoothie" He adds and I raise a playful eyebrow.
I raise the glass to my lips and take a large gulp and hum at the taste of cold fruits. It's fucking delicious but I decide to play on it and slowly lower the glass, looking into his eyes and trying not to laugh when a look of dread washes over his face. "What? Oh no is it bad? Don't tell me, it's lumpy isn't it?" He rants and I laugh, shaking my head with a smile and a smoothie tash.
"It's the best thing I've tasted! Seriously" I exclaim, taking a seat on the stool as he pours himself a glass. "I can get used to this, you know the whole healthy thing" I comment with a grin. It's surprisingly not bad and I haven't even had a cup of coffee today. James smiles and slides a plate of chocolate buns across the counter with a teasing look.
"Help yourself" He comments and I shake my head with a laugh, the bastard. I however do grab one and eat it silently as Charlie rubs herself against my leg. My phone vibrates on the side and I glance down to see that it's my pop. I don't answer it because it's probably another call of him asking me to come home, saying that he'll deal with my mami. I've heard it all before and I'm not giving in, I want my mother to realise that she is poison and she has walked on me for the last time. I cancel the call and huff into my bun. James looks at me with a small smile before glancing down at my phone and clearing his throat a little. "Shut me up if I'm crossing any boundaries, but how come you are not returning your pa's calls?" he asks so kindly that I couldn't bitch at him even if I wanted too.
"It's difficult. All he talks about is how he wants me back and that my mami and I could just stay out of each other's way. Kinda hard when you live in the same house" I scoff and shake my head, angry that he has took her side again for the fifty millionth time.
James sighs and runs his finger over the rim of his glass, looking up at me with an understanding look. "It's a tricky situation sweetheart, trust me. Your pa doesn't want to upset you but he doesn't want to upset Maria either. I know what she did was in the wrong and you are very angry but your pop shouldn't be shunned" He explains with a small smile and I sigh because everything he's saying is right… Again.
"He always takes her side though, I mean she knew I was gay before I did yet she still forced me into- She made me feel like I wasn't normal" I swallow, looking off to the side. "She was why Brittany and I broke up back then, I was scared of her and everyone's opinions." I confess and feel a warm hand on mine making me look at James.
"She'll come around sooner or later when she realises that she's probably lost the best thing in her life" He compliments and I smile gratefully at him for making me feel better.
"Thanks James, I don't know what I would do without you" I laugh a little and he winks playfully at me, backing away and grinning at Charlie who comes to his leg. I slowly run my finger over the counter top and stare at my phone, my papi's name with a number five next to it. I sigh, wishing that I could just talk to Brittany or see her beautiful face. I want her to wrap me up in her strong arms and squeeze me until I can't breathe, I want her to kiss my lips so hard that they tingle.
I just want her here.
James, sensing my sadness, looks at me with the tilt of his head and a smile "Why don't you ask that girl, um Olivia—If she wants to meet up?" he suggests and I look up at him with raised eyebrows, it's not a bad idea. "She's probably missing Brittany and you could benefit by mixing with a lady of your age and not an old man like me" He laughs causing me to grin.
I ponder for a couple of seconds and straighten my back, spinning my phone between my hands. "Yeah, you know what that's a good idea" I breathe and excuse myself politely, dialling Olivia's number on the way out to the living room. It rings and rings causing me to let out an impatient sigh before I hear her voice.
"Santana! Hey" She exclaims happily and I smile slightly.
"Hi, I um—I was wondering if you'd like to grab a coffee?" I ask casually "I'm bored and in need to get out of the house, so…"
"Yeah of course, I get off work in like 10 minutes. If you come to Starbucks I'll have your drink waiting" She hums and I know she's smiling because that's the sort of person she is. I honestly can't believe I ever hated her, I guess jealously blinded me. There will always be thought of Britt and Olivia kissing, I mean that first night I saw them at the singles event at Puck's bar. The dancing reminded me of when we used to dance, Brittany and I. I don't think I have nothing to worry about now though—Olivia's got that girl she's currently trying to graft and me, well I've got Brittany. "Santana? Hello, are you still there?" She asks and I silently curse myself for zoning out on a conversation, especially over the phone.
"Hey yeah sorry" I laugh and clear my throat "That'd be great, I'll see you soon"
"See you soon Santana"
…..
I pull open the door and let out a breath as I step inside the warm coffee shop, instantly being greeted with a pleasant smell of fresh brownies and coffee. My eyes scan around and stop when I see Olivia waving at me from a circular table wearing a smile and holding a coffee. I smile and head over to her, taking a seat and thanking her for my coffee.
"How are you?" We both say at the same time and we laugh, shaking our heads. I take a sip of my coffee before clearing my throat with a smile as she asks me the question again but with a playful grin. "I'm fine… coping—How about you?" I ask, looking up into her green eyes that are sparkling.
Olivia smiles, showing off her straight pearly whites as she holds her coffee in her arms "Eh I'm good, the usual" She chuckles to herself and I nod understanding whilst taking a sip of my coffee. "Work is very shitty but at least I look hot doing it in this get up" She smirks, gesturing down at her green Starbucks polo shirt with a grin. I laugh and hum, looking down at my cup and thinking about Brittany.
I wonder what she's doing right now at this precise moment, she could be washing in lie freezing cold water or in between a gun fight, it kills me not knowing how she is. Then there's me, here sitting with one of her best friends who I hated at first enjoying a nice coffee. Olivia looks at me and purses her lips. "Why the long face girl?" She asks and I shake my head, looking up at her and seeing that she already knows the answer. "Britt's fine San, honestly that girl is tough as a brick wall!" She exclaims and I smile, my baby is pretty strong. "Speaking of the devil, have you heard from her?" She inquires and I hum.
"Yeah she rang me, she was going out on an assignment and she wanted to ring and say she loved me" I recall and smile.
"Well lucky you, I ain't even got a text message" Olivia sasses playfully and I laugh, sipping my coffee.
"I am the girlfriend" I retort with a grin and she 'pfft's'
"Best friend tops gf babe"
Olivia and I talk about random things for a good half an hour and I can't believe how easy she is to talk too, how easy she's made me laugh and actually took my mind off everything. For a split second I forget about the troubles at home with my mami, I forget that my girlfriend is out fighting in a dangerous war—I just laugh. I spread my hands out on the table and laugh to myself, gaining Olivia's attention. "What?" She asks with a smile and I shake my head with a grin.
"I can't believe I ever disliked you" I comment and she laughs, placing her hand on her chest for a dramatic effect.
"I know right, how could anyone dislike me?!" She cries and I laugh, punching her hand gently as to say that I'm serious.
"Seriously. You're actually a really cool person" I confess and she smiles, a flattered smile and she looks around before slowly leaning over the table causing my eyes to widen as she comes closer. She covers the corner off her mouth and grins.
"You know, I see a friendship blossoming" She whispers like it's some massive secret and I snort, shaking my head and chuckling. I decide to play on it and I scan from left to right before nodding and covering my mouth.
"Me too!"
We finish our coffees and Olivia tells me that she has to get back to work. We both stand up and just as I pull back my chair I stop and place my hand on my stomach, swallowing down a lump of nausea in my throat. Olivia notices and places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You alright San?" She asks and I look up at her and nod with a breathless sigh.
"Yeah, I've just been—Feeling really sick lately. I don't know, maybe I'm just tired" I breathe and miss the look that Olivia gives me as she looks me up and down with a knowing look. She pats my shoulder with a concerned look.
"Get some sleep, you big shot lawyer—" She grins and I smile breathlessly "Seriously, you need it. We don't want our Britt to come back, seeing you with bags big enough to carry my shopping in." She jokes and I gasp, laughing when tears pool in her green eyes from laughing too hard. Shaking my head, I bid goodbye and walk out of the coffee shop.
I take a slow walk back to The Pierce residence and smile because that little meet up was good, it's cleared my mind for the time being. Until I have to go back to work tomorrow and work on this big case to do with some fat guy who is suing his local McDonalds for putting salad in his burger. Pros and Cons of being a lawyer, a con is definitely dealing with idiotic cases like this. Put it this way though, the more I work the more time I waste meaning that the less time I have to wait until Britt comes home….
Not long now.
SORRY Guys for the late update! How was this chapter though? I want to say thank you for all the reviews! They were all so nice. So here we saw some action/Soldier Britt in actual warfare and that's what it's like guys. And we also saw Santana and some Olivia—Yay! Like they said, their friendship is going to blossom and before you know it they'll be going out partying together. Right, so what do you want to see in the next chapter? Another mixed POV? Anything you want to happen with Brittany in afghan? Or her troops? Maybe some interaction with Parker. Or Santana, what do you want to see with her? She'll be at work at some point so… Thank you guys and till next time :]