The war had begun.
In the bar, there was a festive air. They had been waiting for this, for one side to fire on the other. It didn't matter who started it, only that now the waiting was over. The waiting that had clouded so much of life recently had snapped with a gun shot. And that was it. The war had begun.
Melanie pulled her cloak tighter around her, trying to escape from the happy mood. She wanted to sink into the ground. State's rights, they said. Free the slaves, they said. Melly understood freedom. Understood it was worth fighting for. It was what both sides wanted.
A drunken old man pushed against her, spilling beer across her legs. Melanie frowned, but forced herself not to jump away. "I wish I was a young man…" The drunk stated, spattering Melly with beer tinged breath. "Could fight those Yankees… You… you kill me one, won't ya, boy?"
Melly cringed. She wanted nothing to do with killing anyone. She felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped.
"Sorry there, boy… might jumpy…" A good looking man took the seat beside her. "What's your name, lad?"
"Mel."
"Just Mel?" He grinned. "Enlisted yet?"
"No sir. I… I'm going to." Melanie stumbled. She had never planned on a war. She had known the news, but it had never made it into the shell around her. And now she was right in the middle of it.
"Really? You looked a might bit young…" He grinned again, roguishly. "Never mind that though, how would you like to join the 3rd?"
"I… well…"
"Three squares a day, just marching. I doubt any of us see any action." He made a tapping motion on the bar, two drinks appear. Melly assumed the bartender brought them, but she didn't see. The soldier pushed on of the glasses towards her. "Come now, Mel… You look like a strong young lad."
Melly doubted she did. Still…. Three meals a day… but how could she hide what she was? And if she was found out… what then? Melly didn't know. It had never entered her head. She suddenly felt like crying. Instead she tasted her drink. It was bitter and harsh on her tongue. She didn't like it. She took another sip.
The man smiled his rogue's grin again. He was used to seeing young boys just like this. No family, no hope… most likely a bastard son of some plantation owner. He could make a name for himself in the army, it would be good for the boy.
"My name is Wesley Fair." A handshake, a pat on the back, Melanie didn't know what to do. Wars were so inconvenient. "Come with me. I'll introduce you to the lads. Then you can make your decision. We'll have a meal."
A meal… Melanie leapt to her feet and followed Wesley.