Defence Medical Services Whittington
Whittington, Staffordshire
United Kingdom
"You requested to see me, Sir?" Sergeant Georgie Lane stood at attention in front Brigadier Bryant with the Royal Army Medical Corps.
"As you were, Lane," Brigadier Bryant directed. "You have a visitor waiting for you in my office. I suggest you make the most of this opportunity. It is not every day one has the occasion to meet with an esteemed Lieutenant General, such as Lieutenant General James."
"Lieutenant General James?" Georgie parroted back in surprise. She had not come into contact with Charlie's father since she'd been in hospital after the cliff jumping incident in Bangladesh.
"I suggest you do not keep Lieutenant General James waiting any longer than necessary."
-X-
"Sir?" Georgie hesitantly entered Brigadier Bryant's office to find Edward James waiting for her as promised.
"Georgie," Edward rose from where he was seated and greeted her. "Please sit down," he invited. "I had Brigadier Bryant's adjutant arrange tea for us."
"Thank you, Sir. I hope you do not find it too presumptuous of me to inquire as to the purpose of your visit?"
"Not at all, Georgie," Edward assured smoothly. "I hope you don't mind me calling you Georgie. Lane seems overly formal given our history."
"Not at all, Sir," Georgie acquiesced.
"How do you take you tea, Georgie?"
"With milk, Sir," Georgie responded carefully.
"I hear your most recent tour in Afghanistan was without incident," Edward began, as he handed Georgie her tea. "I'm sure this was a welcome change for you."
"It was, Sir."
"It's also my understanding that since your promotion to Sergeant you have shown greater discipline, and have demonstrated strong leadership skills to the newer members of 2 Section."
"I would like to think that, Sir."
"Would it be correct on my part to conclude that you have put your past reckless behaviour behind you?"
"I have, Sir," Georgie confirmed.
"Very good," Edward nodded. "I also understand that you recently applied for a two-year secondment to the Australian Army's 17th Combat Services Support Brigade."
"Yes, Sir."
"May I ask what prompted your interest in such an opportunity?"
"I believe that my experience can be of significant benefit to the Health Battalion training programs," Georgie explained. "I also think it would provide me with an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally away from the ghosts of my past."
"I agree whole heartedly, Georgie. What happened to Harte was a terrible business. He would want you to move on with your life both personally and professionally."
"Thank you, Sir."
"In speaking to your superiors, there seems to be some hesitance on their part to approve your secondment. Given your involvement in Harte's death, and your past reckless behaviour, they have their doubts as to whether or not you have professionally matured enough to conduct yourself accordingly."
"I had hoped that staying out of trouble and focusing on my job would have helped to alleviate their concerns, Sir."
"It's unfortunate that some of my former colleagues have chosen to overlook your recent accomplishments."
"I'm surprised you do not agree with them, Sir, especially after Bangladesh."
"While I do not condone what happened in Bangladesh, I understand the circumstances that triggered your part in it, which is why I took the necessary steps to ensure that you received psychological help and support from the Army. You're not a bad soldier, Georgie, you just lost your way for brief period of time."
"I thought you only helped me because you wanted to protect Charlie?"
"I would be lying if were to say that was not a factor, but there were other factors that came into play," Edward disclosed. "I believed then, and still believe, that your talents are of use to the Army and when channelled appropriately, can have a profound impact on the lives of others."
"Thank you, Sir. I honestly don't know where I would be if it had not been for your intervention."
-X-
"I had a pleasant visit with your mother a few days ago," Edward revealed, much to Georgie's surprise. "She is a lovely woman."
"Why did you visit my mum, Sir?"
"I wanted to obtain her opinion as to whether she thinks you have recovered from the PTSD, and are emotionally ready to put the past behind you."
"What was her opinion?"
"She thinks you're doing extremely well and that this most recent tour in Afghanistan has helped alleviate certain anxieties resulting from Harte's death."
"It has," Georgie confirmed. While she was less than pleased that Charlie's father had pried into her affairs, she was relieved to hear that her Mum believed in her recovery.
"Good," Edward noted. "I have been thinking about your application, and it seems unreasonable on the part of my former colleagues, to deny you an opportunity that would clearly benefit all of the parties involved. With this in mind, I am prepared to resolve any doubts that they may have, and provide the necessary support and assurances they may require. I am optimistic that you could be in Australia by September."
"You would do that for me, Sir?" Georgie eyed Edward sceptically.
"That, Georgie, depends on just how committed you are to leaving the past behind you…"
-X-
Birmingham
United Kingdom
"I'm chuffed as nuts to have you home," I gave my best mate a warm smile. Jackie had insisted we go out for drinks on her first night back from Kenya. Which is how we found ourselves at The Lost & Found, which happened to be Jackie's favourite cocktail lounge in Birmingham.
"It's good to be back, Molls. There's nothing better than enjoying a summer evening with my best mate and an endless supply of tart fuel."
"Aww, thanks," I appreciated having Jackie in my life and was so very fortunate to call her my best mate.
"No need to get all soppy on me, Dawesey," she chuckled. "Now that I'm back, I think it's time you stopped being so bloody cagey about a certain Special Forces Captain. I know you Molls, better than you know yourself at times, and I have an inkling that your penchant for getting into trouble has once again reared its ugly head. How about you stop hiding, whatever it is you've been hiding, and tell me what's really going on between you and Bones?"
"It's all so bleeding complicated, Jacs," I sighed, not having a clue as to where to even begin.
"When is it not with you?" Jackie gave me a knowing smile. "After everything we've been through together, you know I've got your back, Molls," she assured.
"I know, I just wish you didn't always have to be my agony aunt."
"You've had to play a similar role many times," Jackie reminded, having had her share of heartbreaks over the years. "Isn't that what best mates do for one another?"
"It is," I nodded, knowing she had me on that point.
-X-
"That is one hell of a cock and bull story, Molls. It certainly takes the biscuit," Jackie observed with astonishment, after I had finished revealing the true nature of my relationship with Bones to her. "Are you sure Bones isn't off his rocker?"
"Of course, he's off his bloody rocker," I rolled my eyes.
"You have to admit, this seems a bit extreme for a promotion."
"He only does extreme," I chuckled, before taking another sip of my drink.
"Are you sure he doesn't have an ulterior motive?" Jackie speculated.
"Why would he have an ulterior motive?"
"I get taking you to a few Army events as his 'pretend' girlfriend, but lying to his family takes it to another level."
"I thought so, too, but his mum, as lovely as she is, is a force to be reckoned with."
"You hinted that Bones has a history with he who must not be named."
"Bones loathes him and thinks he is a complete and total Rupert."
"He's right on that one," Jackie agreed. "Has Bones mentioned why he despises him?"
"It turns out that Bones was part of the Special Forces team sent into Belize to recuse him. I'm not entirely sure what transpired between them, but Bones blames him for cocking up his promotion. Bones implied that he dropped him right in his mess, and left him holding the bag."
"No wonder Bones hates him."
"Oh, it gets worse," I warned. "Something happened in Bangladesh. Bones has been tight-lipped with the details, but from what I am able to ascertain, things went all Pete Tong with 2 Section and Bones was sent in, yet again, to rescue them. He implied that he was to blame for his torn ACL. He also revealed that he'd been fucking her in Bangladesh."
"Unbelievable. I know we suspected it, but still, hearing our suspicions confirmed, makes want to chunder. He's absolutely detestable," Jackie declared with revulsion.
"Bones thinks he is an absolute disgrace to the Army, and resents the fact he's had to rescue him not once, but twice. If Bones had his way, he would have him court martialled and dishonourably discharged. He thinks that Edward has protected him from any repercussions. He's currently in Brussels doing a secondment with NATO."
"Bloody typical," Jackie rolled her eyes. "To think I actually thought he was a decent Captain at one time."
"You and me both," I sighed with regret.
-X-
"I haven't told you the weirdest part of this whole mess," I confessed after Jackie and I ordered another round of cocktails.
"There's more?" Jackie stared back at me in disbelief.
"Bones is extremely close to Edward," I revealed.
"Come again?"
"It turns out that Bones attended Gordonstoun, which is where Edward went."
"What is it with you and Public-School boys?" Jackie chided.
"I'm sticking to my lot in the future," I promised. "Edward was apparently his mentor at Gordonstoun, and they have been extremely close ever since. This only complicates matters when it comes to him. Bones thinks he has squandered the opportunities that Edward has provided for him. It really gets Bones's wick that Edward has bailed his arse out of trouble on more than one occasion."
"Blimey!" Jackie shook her head in disbelief.
"I had no idea that Bones even knew Edward until we saw Edward and Jacqueline at Lieutenant General White's garden party."
"I think you failed to mention that important detail to me," Jackie scolded me.
"I know, and I am sorry," I apologised. "It was all very awkward at first, but you know how lovely Jacqueline is. For five years, she was more of a Mum to me than Belinda ever was."
"How does Jacqueline seem to be coping with her son's sordid mess? I'm sure it has not been easy for her after what he did to you."
"Obviously, she's devastated by what he did. However, she was gracious enough to reassure me that it does not change how she feels about me. She was adamant that she still loves me and has missed having me in her life. She had wanted to reach out to me previously, but Edward encouraged her to give me time to heal."
"What was their reaction to you being there with Bones?"
"Jacqueline seemed fully supportive. Bones told me that Edward warned him not to hurt me," I gave a small giggle. "As awkward as it was, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to see them again. It has served as the catalyst I needed to resume my relationship with them."
"I know you love them, but are you certain that resuming your relationship with his parents is a good idea?" Jackie challenged.
"Why should I be forced to forgo having a relationship with his family?" I protested. "I lived with them for five years, and am closer to them than my own family."
"I know, I just don't like the thought of you being in a position where you're constantly being reminded of what that prick did to you."
"I appreciate your concern, Jacs. As for being reminded of the prick, I saw him for the first time two weeks ago," I disclosed.
"You what?" Jackie looked aghast.
"I saw him."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I've been feeling a bit numb from it and needed some time to process it," I offered by way of an explanation.
"I understand. It cannot have been easy," Jackie empathised. "Where did you see him?"
"It was at Andrew's passing out. Bones was invited to speak at the luncheon and I accompanied him as his date. Emily had assured me that he was not going to be in attendance, but Edward arranged for him to attend as a surprise."
"Bloody hell!"
"Tell me about it. It didn't help that it was bleeding hot out and that I was recovering from a stomach bug. Naturally, I made a complete clot of myself and sparked out in front of him."
"You didn't?" Jackie looked horrified at the prospect of me fainting in front of him.
"I did," I cringed at the memory. I was dehydrated and the shock of seeing him for the first time, in nearly twenty months, obviously compounded the situation. Apparently, he carried me to the Medical Reception Centre."
"Was he there when you regained consciousness?" Jackie looked at me with concern.
"Yes," I nodded with a grimace.
"Fucking hell!" Jackie was furious on my behalf.
"Let's just say I was less than thrilled to see his face when I awoke. The bloody bastard was hovering over me like he actually gave a damn about me."
"How could he even think that you would want to be in the same vicinity as him?"
"I honestly haven't a clue, Jacs. Fortunately, Jacqueline came to my rescue."
"At least she had the sense to know that her son's presence was neither warranted nor welcome," Jackie observed.
"I literally thought Bones would beat the living daylights out of him when he discovered what had transpired, but he impressed me by maintaining his composure."
"Bones strikes me as the type to bide his time and strike when the right opportunity presents itself. You know how calculating Special Forces types like him are," Jackie pointed out.
"True," I agreed. "Jacqueline was kind enough to stay with me while Bones attended the luncheon. He was reluctant to leave me, but I insisted that he carry on with his speech. Fortunately, I completed my drip shortly before his speech was due to begin, which enabled me to be in the audience for it."
"I hope the man had the decency to appreciate it."
"He did," I confirmed. "Bones insisted that we leave shortly thereafter as he did not want me to overexert myself any more than necessary. Unfortunately, while I was waiting for Bones to exchange farewells with the top brass, he decided to make another unwelcome appearance."
"Can't the man take a bloody hint?" Jackie shook her head in disgust.
"He insisted that he needed to talk to me. I, of course, wanted nothing to do with him. Luckily, Bones saw that he was bothering me, and immediately let him have it."
"I hope Bones gave him the rollicking he deserved."
"He did," I assured. "Can you believe that in the middle of their argument, he had the audacity to say that he loved me?"
"What a bastard," Jackie shook her head angrily. "I'm appalled that he would even dare to say such a thing."
"I was in no mood to stand there and listen to his pathetic lies. I told him in no uncertain terms that I would never forgive him for what he had done to me, and that I never wanted to see him again."
"Good for you, Molls. It's time you moved on from that tosser. He had his chance, and he chose to fuck it up. There is no way in hell that man deserves a second chance," Jackie declared with great conviction.
"I'll drink to that," I raised my glass to Jackie, proud to have a best mate who always had my back.
-X-
"Have you ever stopped to think that maybe Bones is the right man for you?" Jackie proposed a few drinks later.
"You must be getting pissed if you're suggesting that," I deflected with an awkward laugh.
"I know you claim that your relationship is 'fake', but it does seem that he has a tendency to go a bit overboard where you're concerned."
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it. He's taken you home to his parents, invited you to Hereford, introduced you to his mates, and took care of you when you were ill. Blokes don't do that for just anyone."
"Anything he's done for me, has been solely for the sake of his promotion."
"Are you sure?" Jackie challenged. "I think he might fancy you."
"The man does not fancy me in the slightest."
"What about you? Do you fancy him?" Jackie probed. "You would have to be blind not to notice how scrummy he is," she pointed out.
"I dunno, maybe," I blushed.
"I thought so," Jackie gave me a smug smile. "Remember, I know you better than you know yourself at times."
"Jacs, there is no use in pursuing this," I sighed. "He's not into me."
"Why are you so bloody certain that he does not fancy you?"
"I, umm, made a pass at him in Sierra Leone," I confessed with great embarrassment.
"You what?" Jackie stared back at me in shock.
"It was after the rescue. I had been released from hospital and was waiting to fly back home the next day. Bones was staying at the same hotel. I was feeling very low due to everything that had happened. I knew of Bones's reputation, and thought that he might be receptive to having a one off with me. I felt so alone and wanted desperately to feel wanted, even if it was just for a meaningless shag."
"Oh Molly," Jackie reached for my hand, clearly hating that I had felt this way.
"I surprised Bones by coming to his room. I don't think he grasped why I was there until I started to take off my clothes. He looked absolutely horrified, and immediately asked me to stop. Bones proceeded to tell me in no uncertain terms that I had merely been a job to him and that he was not attracted to me in the least. I was so humiliated, Jacs. I never felt lower than I did at that moment," I confessed in a mortified voice.
"Oh, Molls, did you ever stop to think that Bones was being cruel to be kind?"
"Why would you think that?"
"Bones had to know that you were at sixes and sevens from everything that had happened. He might be a manwhore of the highest rank, but he strikes me as someone who knows what's what. He likely thought that by taking you up on your offer, he would only add to your trauma."
"He implied something similar when I asked him about it recently," I admitted. "I thought he was just trying to pacify me so that I would continue going along with his crazed scheme."
"See, I'm right," Jackie gave me a self-satisfied smile.
"You're not, Jacs. He's in love with someone else," I divulged.
"In love with someone else?" Jackie looked at me with incredulity.
"Yes. He told me as much."
"Does she have a name?"
"He hasn't said."
"What else has he said about her?"
"Bones told me that it would never work between them because she is in love with someone else."
"Does she know that he has feelings for her?" Jackie wondered.
"No. Bones seems reluctant to act on his feelings. He is convinced that even if she knew, she would not return his feelings," I explained. "Bones also told me that he is not cut out for real or permanent relationships because he believes that he is going to die in action. He does not think it would be fair for a woman to invest in a relationship with him only for him to die."
"I suppose he does have a point being Special Forces and all," Jackie conceded. "However, that does not necessarily mean he is going to die in action. Perhaps Bones does not think the woman he is in love with could handle being with someone who is in a high-risk profession."
"I think his unwillingness to be in a relationship stems from the fact that his uncle was also in the SAS and was killed prematurely in action."
"For someone, who for all intents and purposes, is extremely reserved, Bones has been rather forthcoming with you," Jackie observed.
"I would hardly say that. Getting him to talk about himself is worse than pulling teeth," I muttered. "His first name is a lost cause. Even his four-year-old twin nieces call him Bones," I rolled my eyes.
"That would be priceless to see," Jackie grinned. "Did you ever find out about the Victoria Cross?"
"Like everything else I have told you tonight, this one definitely falls under the Best Mates Code of Secrecy," I indicated.
"The last thing I need is for my best mate to kill me for spilling her secrets, let alone her barmy 'fake' boyfriend," Jackie chuckled.
"He is a recipient, but it was made classified."
"How did you find out?"
"Bones certainly didn't tell me, if that is what you are asking. I found out from a rather precocious twelve-year-old at his Uncle Andrew's passing out."
"Sammie?" Jackie looked surprised.
"Yes," I nodded in confirmation.
"How is the little scamp?"
"He's grown unbelievably tall in the past two years and is still as footie mad as ever," I smiled. "Bones and I ran into Sam and Emily before the ceremony. Sam recognised Bones's name from stories Edward had told him about Bones. Sammy then proceeded to tell us that he had done a report on Edward for school and that when he had asked Edward what his proudest moment during his Army Career was, Edward told him that it was when he accompanied Bones to Buckingham Palace for his investiture. Sam revealed that Bones had won the Victoria Cross, but that Edward had instructed him not to include it in his report because it was a secret."
"Unbelievable. Bones must have wanted to kill both Edward and Sam," Jackie laughed.
"He was less than thrilled. I tried to ask Bones more about it, but all he will say is that he was just doing his job."
"Now, that sounds familiar," Jackie smirked at me.
"Piss off," I rolled my eyes at my best mate. The topic of my Military Cross was still a sensitive one for me. I firmly believed that I was unworthy of such an honour, especially when in the end, I had failed to save Smurf's life.
-X-
"You know, I'm not surprised that you might have a thing for the gorgeous, barmy, action man, Dawesey," Jackie was not going to let me escape my earlier confession.
"Why is that?"
"Well, to start with, he's fit as fuck," Jackie smirked. "Then there's the fact he is mysterious, is highly skilled at his job, does not suffer fools gladly, is intelligent, and appears honourable."
"He's also complicated, moody, secretive, controlling, and annoying," I added for good measure.
"There is that, I suppose," Jackie conceded. "Although you must admit, he's been remarkably candid with you in some respects. He also seems to have a healthy dose of respect for you. Are you really certain that it would be impossible for him to share your feelings?" Jackie asked sceptically.
"Believe me it's impossible," I asserted. "Besides, every time I think I am making progress with him, he either freezes me out or does something to make it abundantly clear that he does not find me even remotely desirable."
"What if it were deliberate on his part?" Jackie contested.
"It's not," I assured. "Case in point. It's been two weeks since I last saw him, and I have not heard a bloody word from the man."
"You know, the Molly Dawes I used to know, wouldn't sit back and let any man, even a 'fake' boyfriend, get away with this type of behaviour."
"That was before the Molly Dawes, you used to know, was repudiated and ceremoniously discarded by the love of her life."
"Have you ever stopped to think that maybe he wasn't the love of your life, and that your real soulmate is still out there, waiting for you to claim him?"
"I think you've had enough to drink for one night, Jacs," I chose to ignore her suggestion. "If we have any hope of walking out of here upright, we had best quit while we are ahead," I announced, having had my fill of discussing the pathetic state of my love life for one evening.
-X-
New Street Station
Birmingham
United Kingdom
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Jackie probed, as she pulled up in front of the train station.
"I'll be fine, Jacs," I assured. "It's just Sunday lunch." Jacqueline had telephoned me a week ago to invite me to Royal Crescent for Sunday lunch. She had insisted I attend and promised that only Edward, Emily, and Sam would be in attendance. I sensed that she wanted to make amends for what had happened at Sandhurst and I did not have the heart to decline her invitation.
"I know, but this will be the first time you've been there since…"
"I appreciate your concern, but I will only be there for a few hours. Jacqueline has promised me that there will be no surprise guests this time."
"Does Bones know about this?" Jackie wondered.
"Why would he?"
"Is this your way of telling me that you still haven't heard from the infernal man?" Jackie quizzed me. "I thought you were going to stop procrastinating and text him?"
"I'll text him on the train," I promised, not wanting to reveal my disappointment that I still had not heard from Bones. "I suppose I had best crack on or I'm going to miss my train," I reached over, gave Jackie a quick hug, and exited her Mini.
-X-
Once on the train, I decided to take Jackie's advice and began composing a text to Bones. He'd been incredibly reserved on our last day at Mulberry Lodge and had hardly said more than two words to me. It was obvious that he was attempting to freeze me out, which had me wondering at the status of Operation Bellend.
Me: Even 'fake' boyfriends don't go more than two weeks without contacting their 'pretend' girlfriends.
Bones: Have been busy at work. Got snookered into supervising this summer's Fan Dance.
Me: Fan Dance?
Bones: It involves taking a group of unskilled muppets and Special Forces wannabes on a 24 km load bearing march up Pen y Fen in Brecon Beacons, Wales.
Me: I bet you loved listening to a bunch of moaning minnies huffing and puffing up a mountain.
Bones: You know me well, Dawesey. Are you working this weekend?
Me: No.
Bones: Have you been keeping out of trouble?
Me: Jackie arrived home from Kenya on Friday. She likes to say that trouble always has a way of finding me.
Bones: She's right. I'm surprised you're up this early on a Sunday. I would have thought you and Jackie would have gotten yourselves bladdered on tart fuel last night.
Me: That was Friday night. Last night we watched Netflix and chilled.
Bones: What are you doing now?
Me: I'm on the train.
Bones: Where are you headed?
Me: Bath.
I looked at my phone, waiting for Bones to respond, only to find the minutes pass without a response.
-X-
Thirty minutes later, I felt my phone vibrate and saw that I had an incoming text from Bones.
Bones: Bath? Why the fuck are you going there of all places?
Me: Jacqueline invited me for Sunday lunch.
Bones: Why the fuck would she do that?
Me: Perhaps because she actually gives a shit about me, unlike someone else I know.
Bones: Have you lost the bloody plot? The last place on earth you should be going to is Royal Crescent. It's an absolute minefield for you. For all you know, this could be a set-up. Do you have any idea of what you're potentially getting yourself into?
Me: Keep your hair on, McClyde. Paranoia does not suit you. I can take care of myself.
Bones: Suit yourself, but you should know that I think this is a TERRIBLE idea.
Me: Noted. Now please do us both a favour, and piss off.
-X-
Royal Crescent
Bath
United Kingdom
"You should have brought Bones with you," Jacqueline commented as we sat with Emily and Edward in the James's back garden enjoying a glass Pimm's, and watching Sam kick a football around.
"He's been busy in Wales on a training exercise with new recruits."
"It is that time of year, isn't it?" Edward observed.
"Are things still going well between you and Bones?" Emily asked.
"Yes," I confirmed, not wanting to elaborate further. I still found it uncomfortable discussing Bones in front of my ex-fiancé's family, even if Bones was my 'pretend' boyfriend. "How is Andrew fitting in with his new Regiment? I know from experience the first few weeks can certainly be a challenge."
"He's doing quite well from what I understand," Edward replied. "Andrew, takes after his Mum in that he can get along with just about anyone," he gave his wife a fond look.
"I texted him yesterday and he told me that he is on a special assignment this weekend, but he wouldn't elaborate further," Emily added.
"How is Matthew, Emily?" I asked.
"Brilliant, Molls. Matthew's been assigned to Lucknow Barracks at Tidworth Camp, which means we can see one another frequently."
"That's great news," I smiled at Emily. "Will it be possible for Andrew and Matthew to join you in Lake Garda in August? I know it is probably difficult for them to take leave right now."
"They are still trying to work it out with their superiors. Hopefully they can join us for at least part of the time we're there," Emily replied.
"You should join us, Molly," Jaqueline invited. "We know how much you love it there."
"Thank you, Jacqueline, that is extremely kind of you," I smiled. "Let me think about it and I will get back to you. Jackie and I were thinking about taking a holiday to Spain in August."
"That sounds like, fun," Jacqueline remarked. "You must be very happy to have her home from Kenya."
"I am," I nodded in confirmation.
"How is your current rotation at the RCDM?" Edward inquired.
"Good. I am learning a tremendous amount from it."
"Have you considered doing another tour?" he asked.
"Possibly. It would depend on what it was. While I have missed being on tour, I also like the fact that I have been learning new skills daily. I have also thought about doing a master's level degree. I'm supposed to meet with my Chief Principal Matron in a few weeks for a career discussion."
"Have you thought about becoming an Officer?" Edward suggested. "You're still young enough to apply before Army Officer Selection Board."
"I think that would be getting a bit ahead of myself, Edward," I blushed. There was no way in hell a gobby thing like me was Officer material. Sure, I had come a long way since I had first enlisted, but I wasn't some lady muck who thought she had what it took to be an Officer.
"Rubbish," Edward interjected. "You would make a brilliant Officer. The Army would be lucky to have you as an Officer. I can also assure you, that it would be virtually impossible for the Army Officer Selection Board to deny your application. You have an impeccable record, you graduated at the top of your nursing class, and don't forget, you're one of only four women to have been awarded the Military Cross."
"Edward, does have a point, sweetheart," Jacqueline gently pointed out.
"As a nurse, you would be eligible for the Professional Qualified Officers course which is designed for doctors, nurses, lawyers, pharmacists, veterinarians, and chaplains. It is only an eleven-week course as opposed to the normal forty-four-week course that Charles and Andrew completed. I think you would find that with all of your previous experience you would excel at Sandhurst."
"I appreciate your confidence in me, Edward, but I don't think Sandhurst is for me."
"There's no need to decide now, darling. We know that you will be brilliant at whatever you decide to do next," Jacqueline assured.
"Molly!" Sam suddenly called out to me. "May I show you some of my new footie moves?"
"Of course, mate," I smiled, relieved for his interruption.
-X-
"This was absolutely wonderful, Jacqueline. I have missed your Sunday lunches," I complimented, as I started to help Jacqueline and Emily clear the plates from the dining room table.
"I'm so happy that you could make it today," Jacqueline beamed at me. "Now, you must remain seated," she took my plate out of my hand. "You're our guest and I know that Edward would like to have a little chat with you while Sam and Emily help do the washing up."
"Are you sure that you do not want my help?" It felt incredibly strange to be a guest in the house I had called my home for five years.
"I'm absolutely certain, sweetheart," Jacqueline affectionately ruffled my hair. "Edward, I expect you to follow through with what we discussed," she gave her husband a stern look before heading into the kitchen.
-X-
"Molly, I wanted to apologise for causing you any distress at Andrew's passing out," Edward began. "I must confess that when I invited Charles, I did not stop to consider the impact seeing him again would have on you. I'm afraid, I was only concerned with ensuring the family came together in support of Andrew. As I am sure you are aware, things are still unsettled between Andrew and Charles, and I did not want Andrew to later regret his decision to exclude his brother from the day's festivities," he explained.
"Edward," I shook my head at the man I had come to view as my own father, "Haven't you learned by now that I'm not going to fall for a load of cobblers like that. You and I both know that you never leave anything to chance."
"I see you're still too clever for your own good," Edward chuckled, not the least bit embarrassed that I had caught him out.
"I think your desire to keep the family together and to avoid having Andrew later regret his decision are genuine. However, you had to have known that it would be unavoidable for Charles and I not see one another. Just what were you hoping to achieve with this?" I questioned.
"While the British Army may have over 81,000 trained regular personnel, you and I both know that the Army can be a very small place. It was only a matter of time before you crossed paths again, and I felt it best, for both of you, that your first meeting be outside the confines of your professional roles. It would have been challenging for you to meet again in a professional capacity after everything that occurred between you two."
"While you have a point, I do not appreciate the heavy handedness of your actions," I remonstrated.
"I know, but it was the only way," Edward indicated.
"I beg to differ, but will leave it at that. It's over and done with. I suppose now I don't need to worry about seeing him again," I shrugged, not wanting to contemplate the matter any further.
-X-
"All sorted?" Jacqueline entered the dining room with her antique, nickel plated tea set that had been in her family for generations.
"Yes," I gave her a warm smile. I didn't want to disappoint Jacqueline by telling her that I had seen right through her husband's lies.
"Brilliant," Jacqueline set her tea set in the middle of the dining room table. "Now, Molly, sweetheart, do you think you could close your eyes for a moment?" she requested. "Sam and Emily have a surprise for you."
"A surprise?" I was taken aback by this announcement.
"I promise it is one you will like," Jacqueline assured, prompting me to close my eyes as instructed.
-X-
"Happy Birthday!" Sam cried out. "You can open your eyes, now."
"Blimey!" I opened my eyes to see a cake lit with twenty-seven candles in front of me.
"You didn't think we would forgot about your birthday, did you?" Emily chuckled, referring to the fact that my twenty-seventh birthday was only four days away.
"I don't know what to say," I felt my eyes well with tears, as I was touched beyond belief that they not only remembered my birthday, but also wanted to celebrate it.
"It's time to sing happy birthday, Molls," Sam announced, leading the James family into a rousing chorus.
-X-
Jacqueline had made my favourite cake from scratch, which was a lemon sponge, layer cake with lemon and raspberry filling, and buttercream frosting. Sam had entertained us all by devouring, not one, but two pieces of birthday cake. He was clearly going through a growth spurt. It moved me that even though I was technically no longer part of their family, the James Family still insisted on treating me like I was.
I had almost forgotten how special birthdays were in the James household. Dave had always been too consumed with drink and Mum with looking after the little bleeders, that birthdays were often overlooked in the Dawes household. There had also been next to no money for presents. Which is why I had never made a big fuss about my birthday. The only time I had made a fuss had been my eighteenth birthday, which had ended in complete shambles. The only good thing that had come of it, had been vomiting in front of the Army Recruitment Office.
After dessert, Sam insisted I open presents. Again, I was heartened by the fact that James family had gone to the unnecessary expense of purchasing me birthday gifts. Emily had given me a gift set containing my favourite body wash and lotion from Jo Malone, which was extremely fitting, as Emily had been the one to introduce me to the upmarket brand. Jacqueline had given me a black Stella McCartney tote bag. When I tried to protest that it was too expensive, and completely unnecessary, she insisted that I accept it. She knew full well that I would never indulge in such an expensive bag for myself. Edward gifted me a book on the history of QARANC.
Sam's gift had been surprisingly thoughtful, considering that he was still only a twelve-year-old boy. He had opted to give me a beautiful sterling silver necklace with an elephant pendant on it. Sam had explained that he remembered all the stories I had shared with him about seeing elephants in Africa, and how fond of them I was.
Everything had been going extremely well, until Sam accidentally reminded me of the trip I had taken with his father to the Serengeti, and how we had ridden an elephant together. He was obviously embarrassed, once he realised his mistake, and had quickly apologised. I had done my best to assure him it was fine and that he did not need to apologise to me.
-X-
"Edward? Is someone at the door?" Jacqueline turned to her husband as we were finishing our tea.
"Let me check," Edward excused himself from the table.
"I should be leaving for the station soon," I checked my watch. "I don't want to miss the last train back to Birmingham."
"I can drop you at the station," Emily offered. "It's on the way to Rebecca's. Sam has football practice early tomorrow morning, and we promised to have him home at a decent hour."
"Thanks, Em."
"So, this is where everyone is hiding," Andrew drawled, causing us to stare back at him in shock.
"Andrew! What are you doing here? I thought you were on a special assignment this weekend?" Jacqueline eyed her son with surprise.
"No kiss hello for your favourite son?" Andrew joked, before walking over and pecking his mom on the cheek. "Save any birthday cake for me?" he sauntered over to me and gave me a warm hug.
"Barely. Sammy here, has developed a ravenous appetite," I smirked.
"I can't help it that I'm a growing boy," he protested before giving his uncle a hug.
"Em," Andrew gave his sister a hug before taking a seat at the dining room table and allowing his mum to pour him a cup of tea while Emily sliced a piece of cake for him.
"What are you doing here, Andrew?" Jacqueline inquired.
"Dad needed my help with something," Andrew replied cryptically.
"Speaking of your father, where did he go off to?" Jacqueline questioned.
"He's in his study. He told me that he will re-join us shortly," Andrew explained, before giving me an awkward glance.
"I hope he returns soon," Emily remarked. "We need to leave for the station shortly."
"He will," Andrew promised. "Now, Sammy," he turned to his nephew, "why don't you update me on your football team?"
-X-
"You're just in time," Jacqueline remarked, as Edward re-entered the dining room. "Emily was just about to leave with Molly and Sam."
"Emily," Edward looked to his daughter, "I think it would be best if you drove Sam home now. I will see that Molly gets to the station."
"Are you sure?" Emily eyed her father suspiciously. "It's no bother for me to stop at the station."
"I think it is best. Why don't you go with Sam to gather his things? Your mum and I will meet you in the foyer to say goodbye to Sam."
-X-
After saying goodbye to Sam and assuring him that I would not miss his football match in Birmingham, I found myself alone in the dining room with Jacqueline, Edward, and Andrew, wondering why Edward had insisted that Emily and Sam leave without me.
"Molly," Edward carefully took a seat next to me, before reaching for my hand.
"Edward, what are you doing?" I suddenly felt a large wave of uneasiness crash over me.
"You know that I love you as if you were my own daughter, don't you?" he began carefully, causing my stomach to churn with discomfort.
"O-of course I do," I nodded, sensing that something was very wrong.
"Edward, what is this about?" Jacqueline demanded. I could sense, that she too, was beginning to feel extremely uncomfortable.
"You know that I only want the best for you, and for you to be happy," Edward continued, ignoring Jacqueline's demand.
"Edward, you're scaring me," I began to panic, looking to Jacqueline and Andrew for support.
"There are things you need to know," Edward continued.
"What t-things?" I interrupted in a fearful voice.
"Things that will help you bring closure."
"Edward, I swear if you…"
"Please, Jacqueline. Give me a moment to explain," Edward entreated.
"This had better not involve Charles," Jacqueline gave her husband a stern warning.
"Molly, I know that there is nothing any of us can do to change the past, but there's so much you don't know. While I do not want to hurt you, any more than you have already been hurt, there are things that you should know. Things that may help you understand what happened with Charles and why he did what he did."
"Please tell me that this is not some sick attempt on your part to justify what that bastard did to me?" I demanded in an incredulous voice.
"I promise you it is not. I will never condone what Charles did to you, but if I can help bring you closure, I will. I failed you, Molly. We all did. If I had been more understanding and willing to listen to your concerns, I could have potentially stopped the entire mess from occurring. It pains me greatly that I chose not to intervene. This is why it is so important to me that you learn the truth once and for all. I know that this is the last thing you want to hear right now, but trust me when I say that I am doing this because I love you and that I want you to be happy again."
"What have you done, Edward?" Jacqueline interrogated as she stood up from her chair and walked over to stand beside me.
"I asked Andrew to bring someone here to see Molly. Someone who can give her the answers she so desperately needs."
"For the love of God, Edward, please tell me that you did not bring Charles here," Jacqueline implored, placing a protective arm around my waist.
"No, Charles is not here. I asked Andrew to escort Georgie here," Edward revealed, causing me to recoil in horror.
"G-Georgie?" I started to shake uncontrollably. I could not believe that both Edward and Andrew would betray me like this.
"Edward, do you mean to tell me that you asked Andrew to bring that woman into our home on the same night that we had planned to celebrate Molly's birthday?" Jacqueline exploded at her husband.
"It was the only way," Edward attempted to justify his actions.
"Bollocks!" Jacqueline swore at her husband. Swearing was something she rarely, if ever did. "I cannot believe that you would stoop so low, especially after the stunt you pulled at Andrew's passing out."
"Jacqueline," Edward took a deep breath, "I understand that you are angry with me, and you have every right to be angry with me, but now is not the time for us to argue. Not, when Georgie is waiting in my study to speak with Molly."
"Do you honestly expect Molly to speak to her after what she did to her?" Jacqueline demanded.
"Mum, please," Andrew tried to reason with Jacqueline. "I know that this is not what you had envisioned for tonight, but Dad is right. Molly needs to hear what Georgie has to say."
"Do I?" I looked at Andrew angrily.
"None of us wants to hurt you, Molly," Andrew assured. "I know she is the last person you ever wanted to see again, but I really think listening to her side of the story could help you."
"Molly, you don't have to do this," Jacqueline gave me a concerned look. "Just say the word and I will throw her out of the house," she promised.
"I know this is difficult, Molly, but please, be the courageous and compassionate woman that you are inside, and give Georgie the chance to explain," Edward pleaded. "She knows that she carries a great deal of blame for what happened, and deeply regrets her actions."
"I know you hate her, Molls, but she's worth a listen," Andrew offered in an encouraging voice.
"Fine," I sighed. "I'm not doing this for either of you," I glared at Edward and Andrew, "and I am certainly not doing this for her, let alone him. I am doing this, because I am sick and tired of living what feels like a never-ending nightmare," I declared, thinking of Jackie's reminder that the 'old Molly' was brave and not afraid to face her deepest fears. "If listening to her is what I must do to put this sordid mess behind me, then I suppose I have no other choice…"
-X-
"I honestly didn't think you would agree to see me," Georgie hesitantly rose from where she had been seated before the fireplace.
"It's not like I had much choice," I murmured, taking in her immaculate appearance. Part of me had secretly hoped that she had lost her looks since I had last seen her. "Apparently you have something you would like to say to me?" I raised a sceptical eyebrow at her.
"I wish this wasn't all so complicated," Georgie paced in front of the fireplace. "I've rehearsed this conversation at least a half a dozen times in my head. Yet, now that I am in front of you, words seem to fail me."
"Aside from the fact that you're bang out of order for showing your face here, perhaps you could clue me in on what possessed you to come here?"
"I'm leaving the UK, Molly. I've been given a two-year secondment with the Australian Army."
"You what?" this was the last thing I expected to hear from her.
"I need a break from the UK. I want to go somewhere where I can move on with my life away from the ghosts of my past."
"You think running away to Australia will accomplish this?"
"Yes," Georgie nodded. "There's so many things you don't know, Molly. I found that I could not leave before I talked to you. I know that you hate me. You have every right to hate me. I would hate you if our situations were reserved."
"Stop mucking around, Georgie, and get to the bloody point," after everything that had happened between us, I found myself having zero patience for my former mate.
"All right," she agreed, prompting me to take a seat in Edward's armchair. There was no sense in standing there watching her pace. "I remember hearing about how your mate, Smurf, dropped dead in front of you on the pitch at Upton Park. I imagine how helpless you must have felt seeing him there, knowing there wasn't a single thing you could do to save him…"
"What does this have to do with anything?" I bristled. The last thing I wanted to be reminded of was that horrible moment from my past. Nearly seven years on, I had yet to fully come to terms with what had happened.
"Imagine seeing the love of your life blown to bits in front of you, and not being able to do a bloody thing to save him," Georgie's eyes welled with tears. "The only thing I could do was hold him in my arms as he laid there dying. Smurf may not have been the love of your life, but you know what it is like to lose someone close to you and to feel completely helpless."
"What happened to Elvis was horrible, Georgie. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, not even you," I couldn't help but feel a small sliver of empathy for her.
"Thank you," Georgie wiped a tear from her eye. "The one thing I have always admired about you, Molly, is the fact that you have such a big and generous heart. Even though Elvis was your friend first, you were so caring and compassionate to me after he jilted me. You always made an effort to check-in with me and to keep in touch. You even paired me up with 2 Section when you could have recommended a dozen other medics. You trusted me, and it pains me greatly to know that I betrayed that trust."
"It pains me as well. I thought you were my mate," I accused in a bitter tone.
"After Elvis died, I was an absolute mess. I felt completely hollow inside. I couldn't eat, and every time I tried to fall asleep, I would awaken from terrible nightmares of me holding his battered body in my arms and watching him die. I kept having flashbacks of Elvis during my waking hours, so much so, that I could no longer function, Molly."
"I know. This is why I thought it was too early for you to go back on tour."
"You were right," Georgie conceded. "Unfortunately, I had convinced myself that the only way to feel normal again was to carry on with my life. I thought Elvis would have wanted me to get back to work, and not to grieve for him."
"He would have wanted to you to move on, but he also would have wanted for you to get the support you needed. Elvis loved you, Georgie. He didn't want to see you suffer."
"Thank you."
"Am I correct that you went back to work as a way to escape from the beginnings of PTSD?"
"Yes," Georgie gave a grim nod. "It shames me that, as a medic, I failed to recognise what was clearly happening to me."
"And Charles? Did you fail to miss that, he too, was showing signs of PTSD?"
"I'm sorry, Molly. I know that you expressed your concerns to me privately that he was showing symptoms of it, but I was so deep in denial about my own situation, that I was oblivious to what was happening to Charlie. Perhaps if I had been a better medic, I would have realised what was happening to him before it was too late."
"Even if you had recognised what was happening to Charles, it is unlikely that you could have changed anything. He was so deep in denial, I don't think anyone was capable of helping him."
"I think the signs were there before Elvis died. I was just too distracted with my own issues to see them. I let my personal life get in the way of my judgment." Georgie confessed. "I think that after being injured in Afghan, Charlie was desperate to prove that he was not only fit for active service, but in better physical and mental condition than before. He pushed himself hard in Kenya and continued going at a relentless pace in Nepal. I think he felt he had something to prove, not just to himself, but to his father, to you, and to all the naysayers in the Army who think he has unfairly benefitted from having a father who is a Lieutenant General."
"What could he possibly have to prove to me?"
"Think about it, Molly. He's ten years older than you are, and after being shot in Afghan, he didn't want you to think that he was fit for the knacker's yard. He also worried that you would not want to deal with the baggage that came from with first marriage. It was important to him that you saw him as being successful. It terrified him to think that you might find someone younger with better prospects while you were at Uni."
"Did he tell you this?" I was horrified to think that he had confided this to Georgie.
"No, he told Elvis," Georgie revealed. "Please don't think that I am implying that you are to blame for any of this. You are not. I am just trying to explain Charlie's state of mind and why I think he pushed himself too hard prior to Elvis's death."
"What happened in Afghan?"
"While we were in Nepal, we discovered a sex trafficking ring, that was trafficking underage children. It turns out that it was linked to the Taliban. We wound up going to Afghan to support the SAS with covert mission to break-up the ring. Elvis was leading the operation, and was being supported by Captain Aziz from the Afghan Army. Charlie was so pegged out by this point, that I think it messed with his judgment. Elvis and I became entangled with one another again and let our personal involvement cloud our judgment. All of us missed the signs that Aziz was bent and in league with the Taliban. We were ambushed by the Taliban shortly thereafter. During the firefight, Elvis climbed onto a roof only to discover too late that an IED had been placed up there. It was detonated remotely and the impact sent him flying off the building. I tried desperately to save him, but there was nothing I could do," Georgie choked, before breaking down in front of me.
-X-
"I'm sorry," Georgie wiped her eyes with a tissue, after taking a few minutes to compose herself.
"No one should ever have to see their fiancé die in front of them like that," as much as I wanted to hate Georgie at this very moment, I could not. No one deserved what had happened to her.
"I still wear his ring," Georgie revealed, reaching into the collar of her shirt to reveal a delicate silver necklace with her engagement ring attached. "I honestly think I will never love anyone the way I loved Elvis."
"Thank you for telling me about what happened to Elvis. I know that it was not easy. Charles refused to tell me what happened, but I suspected that something had gone dreadfully wrong, and that he blamed himself for it."
"It's the least I could do, considering what I've done to you," Georgie conceded.
"Why did you do it?" I couldn't help but ask her.
"It's difficult to explain, but I think you need to understand everything that led up to it. After Elvis died, I felt that Charlie was my only link to him. I was traumatised by what had happened, and I had convinced myself that no one could understand how I felt inside except for Charlie. I think he was experiencing similar feelings."
"It wouldn't surprise me," I acknowledged.
"It started in Nigeria. I think we were both trying so hard to be stoic and not to let on to anyone that we were both a mess inside. We saw that the only way we could cope was to become co-dependent. At no time in Nigeria, did I have any sexual or romantic feelings for Charlie. Rather, I viewed him as my lifeline. He was the one person who truly understood how I felt, and could see me through the nightmare that my life had become. While he was concerned for my welfare, he never gave any indication that he was attracted to me in any way or that he had any feelings for me other than friendship," Georgie assured. "I think we both thought, that after completing our mission in Nigeria, we could continue functioning in Army as long as we had each other's backs. It didn't seem to matter that both of us felt dead inside."
"I confronted Charles with this the night before 2 Section departed for Belize. I told him that he had PTSD and needed to stop hiding behind his uniform. I begged him to get help, but he refused to listen to me," I divulged with reluctance.
"If only he had listened," Georgie lamented.
"What exactly happened in Belize?" I questioned, my desire for answers growing stronger.
"We had split into two teams for the training exercise. I was with Kingy and Rab, and Charlie was with the others. From what Brains told me, Charlie was leading the way, and failed to spot the boar trap."
"So much for staying focused and alert," I mused. The Charles I knew would never have made such a school boy error.
"His injury was horrific. I did the best I could, but I honestly thought he might lose his leg," Georgie admitted. "Then when his fever set it in, I worried that he would succumb to sepsis before we could be rescued. It took everything in me not to think of how I had failed Elvis, and how I was destined to fail his best mate."
"I'm sure it was a very trying experience for you, Georgie, especially given the circumstances under which it occurred."
"It was while we were hiding in the cave, waiting for rescue, that things started to get weird," Georgie disclosed. "Charlie was delirious with fever and kept calling out for you. He started to confuse me for you. I didn't think anything of it until he started to confess that there were problems in your relationship. He said that you had accused him of hiding behind his uniform and had demanded he seek help. I tried to assure him that everything would work itself out and that you would be waiting for him when we returned to the UK. I thought that I had pacified him, until he started to imply that he had feelings for me and asked me if I could ever love him the way I loved Elvis. I thought he was hallucinating, Molly. It honestly never occurred to me that he might be serious."
"Do you know that he once told me that when he died, he wanted me to be the last thing he saw. Yet, here he was, on the verge of death, and all he could think about was his feelings for you," I felt a renewed sense of betrayal take hold of me.
"It wasn't like that, Molly," Georgie protested.
"Then what the hell was it like?" I demanded.
"His mind wasn't right. I don't know how else to describe it."
"Tell me, Georgie, when did you go from being devasted over Elvis, to deciding you wanted nothing more than to get off with the man I was supposed to marry?" I could no longer hold back my anger.
"It's complicated, Molly," Georgie could barely look me in the eye.
"I don't give a monkey's arse that it's complicated."
"After Belize, Charlie started texting, e-mailing me, and telephoning me from hospital. He insisted that he had not been delirious with fever when he had told me that he had developed feelings for me. He was desperate to know if I could ever return his feelings. I told him that he couldn't have feelings for me and that he loved you. I advised him to work on resolving his problems with you. I swear to you, Molly, on Elvis's life, that I did nothing to encourage him."
"Do you mean to tell me that the entire time I was at his bedside in Queen Elizabeth, imploring him to get help for his PTSD, he was chasing you?" I felt absolutely gutted inside to know that while I had been desperate to save the man I had loved, his only thought had been to pursue another woman.
"I'm sorry, Molly. I wish it wasn't like this, but it was," Georgie reached to touch my arm in a show of compassion.
"Don't touch me," I recoiled.
"I'm sorry," Georgie apologised. "I just hate seeing you this way."
"Do me a favour, and just continue with your bloody story," I wrapped my arms around myself defensively.
"Charlie continued to pursue me while he was at Headley Court. I finally became fed up with his endless attempts to contact me, and went to see him. I told him in no uncertain terms that I did not return his feelings and that I could never love him. I demanded that Charlie stay away from me. It was so bad, that I even contemplated requesting a transfer to another section."
"So, that's why he asked me to stop visiting him at Headley," I realised. "He didn't want me in the way, in case you chose to visit him."
"I had no idea," Georgie looked appalled.
"To think how pathetic, he must have thought I was," I shook my head in disgust. "Do you know that when I accused him of becoming obsessed with you, he told me that I was paranoid and that I was allowing my lack of self-confidence to fuel my doubts? He actually had the audacity to tell me that if I continued to lob such ridiculous accusations at him that maybe he would be better off with someone like you."
"Oh, Molly, I honestly do not know what to say. I know that this is no excuse for what he did, but he wasn't well."
"Don't make excuses for him. He knew exactly what he was doing."
"I honestly don't think he did. I'd like to think that I knew what I was doing at the time, but I didn't. I too, was hiding behind my uniform, and was using Charlie as a crutch. I started to panic as it got closer to your wedding date. I worried that you would keep Charlie away from me, and that I would lose him as my only connection to Elvis. I was so numb inside, and was desperate to keep my feelings for Elvis alive. I was not thinking rationally. I started toying with the idea that maybe the only way to keep Elvis's memory alive was to embrace the only piece of him that I had left. Shortly before the wedding, Bones was recalled to his regiment, and 2 Section was due to deploy to Bangladesh. I was desperate to see Charlie again. I hated working under Bones, and needed Charlie to keep me sane. When our Brigadier informed us that he had reached out to Charlie to see if he was fit to join us, I used the opportunity to my advantage."
"What are you saying?"
"I contacted Charlie and he asked me to meet him at the Gainsborough Hotel the evening before the wedding," Georgie confessed, causing me to turn white. "I told him that I had developed feelings for him, and asked him to reconsider marrying you, and to come to Bangladesh with me instead."
"Do you mean to tell me that you asked him to jilt me?" I exploded with anger. "How could you do such a thing, when you of all people know what it is like to be jilted?"
"I'm so very sorry, Molly. I know it was horrible of me, but I honestly never even stopped to consider your feelings. I was only focused on my need for Charlie."
"That was it, then? All you had to do was bat your fake eyelashes at him and ask him not to marry me?"
"He told me that he had already decided not to marry you and that he was planning to come to Bangladesh because he could no longer be parted from me."
"Of course, he did!" I found myself reeling from their despicable behaviour. "Tell me Georgie, was it then that the two of you first fucked, or did you at least have the decency to wait until Andrew told me that the wedding was off?" I demanded.
"I-I…" Georgie hesitated, as her eyes filled with shame.
"Don't bother answering," I muttered. "The look on your face says it all."
"I'm s-sorry…"
"Don't fucking apologise to me again," I seethed. "Your apologises are meaningless to me. Tell me, Georgie, was gallivanting off to Bangladesh worth it in the end?"
"No, it was not worth it. There's not a day that has gone by since I have returned from Bangladesh, that I have not deeply regretted my actions. The only thing I can say in my defence is that I was so deep in the throes of PTSD, and so obsessed with keeping Elvis's memory alive, that I lost all perspective on reality. It pains me to think of how much I hurt you, Molly, and I can only imagine how disappointed Elvis must be in me. If I could take it all back, I would, but I can't, Molly, and for that I am terribly sorry."
"When did it finally occur to you, that you were seriously ill, and had done terrible things to those around you?"
"We were sent to Bangladesh to assist with a local refugee camp for thousands who had fled their war-torn villages. We worked with the local police inspector and his wife. It came to our attention that they were using the refugee camp as a front for prostitution and drug smuggling. Charlie and I were so far gone by that point that we both made some significant errors in judgment. We came under attack by the smugglers and found ourselves trapped, with our only option for survival being jumping off of a 30 Meter cliff into the river below."
"You jumped off of a bloody cliff?" I looked at Georgie aghast. "That is tantamount to suicide."
"I honestly didn't care at that point and I'm not sure Charlie did either. All I knew was that being with Charlie had only made me feel worse, and that he was a poor substitute for Elvis. I could never love him the way I had loved Elvis, especially when I knew deep down that you were the one he really loved."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"I wasn't blind to the fact that he often pretended I was you when we had sex just as I pretended, he was Elvis. He also called out your name multiple times during sex. You were the one he dreamed of, not me."
"Are you sure that wasn't just wishful thinking on the part of your conscience?" I argued.
"After the cliff jump, we were both in a very bad way. It didn't help matters that Bones led the team that was sent in to rescue us. Charlie and I were not only physically battered, but also mentally broken. Charlie was severely concussed and refused to allow Bones to rescue him. He attacked Bones and the two fought on the riverbank. Charlie shoved Bones into a rock and Bones landed at an awkward angle, which caused him to tear his ACL. I thought Bones might kill Charlie, but he showed what a true professional he was by knocking Charlie unconscious and dragging him down the riverbank to the waiting rescue boat, torn ACL and all.
"And after the rescue?"
"Charlie and I were taken to hospital with the remainder of 2 Section. Brains and Fingers were furious with us, as they were not oblivious to the fact that we had broken several Army regulations and that our reckless conduct had nearly cost us our lives. Neither have spoken to me since the cliff jump. Charlie's father arranged for my Mum to fly in. From there, he arranged for me to be placed on medical leave and sent to a private clinic in Northern Ireland which specialises in treatment for PTSD. I spent six months there doing intensive treatment. It was while I was there, that I came to terms with Elvis's death and the enormity of everything I had done. I'm not proud of what I did to you, Molly, and I will regret it for the rest of my life."
"And Charles?" I didn't want to ask, but I knew deep down that I needed to know.
"The last time I spoke to him was in hospital in Bangladesh. We both realised that we had made a spectacular cock-up of our lives, and that any feelings we'd had for one another, were a result of misplaced grief."
"That's it? You're not lying to me?"
"I swear, Molly, it's the honest to goodness truth. I have not spoken to Charlie since then, nor has he contacted me. There is no reason for us to see or speak to one another again."
"You're very lucky that you still have a career," I observed. It was no wonder that Bones thought he should have been court martialled and dishonourably discharged.
"Lieutenant General James and Colonel Beck sorted things for us. I'm not proud of the fact that they did, but it was outside of my control."
"I hope you realise that you are extremely lucky to have a second chance. While I am not sure I can ever forgive you for what you did to me, I know that you have been through a horrible ordeal, Georgie, and I am glad that you have received the help that you desperately needed. Perhaps a fresh start in Australia is what you need."
"Thank you, Molly. You should also know that none of what happened is your fault. You were right from the beginning, and I deeply regret that I did not listen to you. I cannot speak for Charlie, but I sensed even from my first night with him, that there was a part of him that deeply regretted what he did to you and that he loved you just as much as I loved Elvis."
"I appreciate the sentiment, Georgie, but I am no longer the young, naïve girl, that believes in fairy tales. If Charles truly loved me, we would never have done what he did to me. At least you spared me from marrying a man who was incapable of loving me the way I deserve to be loved."
"Please don't tell me that you think Bones is capable fulfilling your needs?" Georgie challenged. "I was surprised to return from my most recent tour in Afghan to hear that you two were in a relationship."
"My relationship with Bones is none of your concern," I wasn't about to accept relationship advice from Georgie.
"I know I'm the last person you would ever listen to, but Bones is no good Molly. He's using you. That I can promise you. He loathes Charlie and would do anything to get up his wick even if it meant getting off with you. Bones knows that this would infuriate Charlie and make him mad with jealously."
"Bones is nothing like that. He's the most honourable man I know," I defended.
"If you say so," Georgie shrugged. "You should ask him what he thinks of me?"
"I already know what he thinks of you. Let's just say that he has a less than favourable view of you."
"Really?" Georgie had the audacity to look surprised. "You should ask him about all of the times he propositioned me. His apparent dislike for me, clearly didn't stop him from trying to shag me."
"What?" I looked back at Georgie in complete shock.
"So much for Bones being the most honourable man you know," Georgie observed. "I should probably take my leave now," she decided. "I truly hope you find happiness, Molly. If anyone deserves it, it is you. However, before you discount Charlie for someone like Bones, you should probably know one final thing."
"What is that?"
"There was only one name Charlie screamed when we jumped off of that cliff, and it wasn't mine or Sam's. It was yours. You, Molly, were the last thing he wanted to see."