Chapter 17

They exited the cafeteria and headed to the garage. They drove their tanks for a few hours and ended practice. Naomi, Kay and Alissa went to a nearby dinner for dinner after practice. They hung out for a bit then went to a local hobby shop that had airsoft gear, models, and other things that would appeal to a hobbyist. Kay purchased a couple models for herself while Naomi and Alissa looked at the airsoft gear. The model she bought was a Churchill Mk. VII and a Sherman Jumbo. They returned to their dorm rooms and Kay changed into her night clothes and decided to open up the Churchill box to start building the model. She knew she wouldn't be able to finish that night, but knew she could in the next few days. Naomi knocked on her door. "Hey commander can I come in?"

"Sure, What's up?"

"I just wanted to ask you about Friday."

"Sure, what about Friday?"

"Can I come with you? I have been wanting to talk to Assam about something."

"Sure. As long as you don't interfere with me and Darjeeling."

"Thank you." Naomi said. She turned on the T.V. in the room and watched the show that was playing. Kay continued building her model and then asked. "Why so interested in Assam all of sudden?"

"At the party we got into a conversation and she seemed upset at something. I just want to see if she was ok."

"You know she has a girlfriend, right?"

"Yes I do. She is still my friend. I want to help her if I can"

"You know, this is more emotion you've shown."

"Oh shut up. It's late we should probably hit the hay. Mind if I crash here?"

"Sure, see you in the morning," Kay said. She went to her room and laid in her bed and fell asleep. She woke up the next morning and realized that she was dreaming about Darjeeling. As she did her morning routine she realised that Naomi had left a note.

A few hours earlier over at the St. Gloriana ship

Darjeeling had been keeping to herself the past few days and her friends had begun to notice that something was going on with her. Assam Took it upon herself to try and get her commander back to her usual self. She knocked on the door of her friend and commander. "Darjeeling? Can I come in?"

"Sure."

"Are you feeling ok Ma'am?"

"Not really. I'm still trying to figure out if I'm actually in love with Kay or not."

"I can't tell you what to feel or what to think." Assam said as she sat back on the couch. "If you want I could set something up for you two, you only have to promise to return to your delightful self and join us on the field."

"Alright. Let me get ready." Darjeeling said as she stood up. "I also apologize for not telling anyone sooner. I didn't want to make any of you worry about me."

"Unfortunately for you. Your friends got worried anyway, closing yourself off doesn't help anyone" Assam said. Darjeeling went to her room and closed the door. Assam Stayed out in the living room space already trying to find something for Kay and Darjeeling to do.

"Hey, if you're looking for a date, we've got nothing on Friday" Darjeeling said as she finished putting on a clean pair of clothes "I want to use the next few days to make up for not hanging out these past few days. It's just me trying to figure myself out and school has also gotten in the way."

"It's fine Miss Darjeeling, I am sure the others will understand."

"Assam, you know I can't tell the others about this." Darjeeling said sadly.

"Yeah. I know. That will be your decision when the time comes. You can just say that you've been busy with school work." Assam said as she opened the door to her commanders room. She walked in as Darjeeling was finishing getting her shoes on. "Besides, I'm sure that you and Kay will be good together."

"Thank you Assam. It feels nice to talk to someone that understands the situation"

As Darjeeling got her shoe on they left the Dorm room and headed to the garage. Everyone one was waiting for Darjeeling to start practice. Practice went by fairly quickly and Darjeeling asked Orange, Assam, Rosehip, and Rukuriri if they wanted to hang out. They all agreed that would be fun.

"What do you want to do Darjeeling?" Rukuriri asked.

"I was thinking about going out to a café and then to a nearby hobby shop. I also wish to apologize for my absent mood the past few days. I have been thinking about things and busy with schoolwork. I hope I can make it up to you guys."

"Darjeeling it's honestly fine, we understand that you are busy." Rukuriri stated, "It's just that we were kinda hoping you would have come to us instead of hiding."

"Yeah, not only are you our commander, you're also our friend." Rosehip said, Orange silently nodded agreeing with both of them.

"Thank you guys. From now on if anything is bothering me then I will try to come to you guys for help." Darjeeling said as she smiled at her supportive friends. "If only I could explain this to you guys, but I can't." she thought. Her thoughts were soon interrupted by Assam.

"Come on. We want to make it to the café before they close."

"Alright." They all said.