haha don't worry its DEF not even close to being over are you kidding? haha glad you're so interested though! and so we move on...minor disclaim-the "historical" event that is soon to occur i made up so dont tell me its not historically accurate or ill blow a fuse k? haha chapter 10....

Chapter 10: All I Can Paint Is You...

The next several months proved hard for Gabrielle. Even her aunt noticed she was complying with everything she was told-not like her at all. She and Mush wrote back and forth to one another as often as possible. Gabrielle tryed to pass the time faster by attempting to push him out of her mind. She would go out to paint a landscape or a scuplture, but would finish and find she had painted Mush instead. Rosie eventually joined her for the remainder of her trip-her parents knew she would never make it this way without the only other person she trusted.

"How many is it now?" Rosie asked, taking another painting from Gabrielle.

"I've lost count myself. Twelve maybe?" she walked out onto the terrace.

Her Aunt's house in Spain was larger than Joseph Pultizer's. Not to mention more beautiful. While she was having tea a servant brought her an urgent telgeram on a platter. She thanked him and opened it-it was from Claire.

My Dearest Friend,

I do not even know where to begin. My parents have now found out about Kid Blink, and they even threatened to send me away, saying your parents were smart in what they did. However, they have changed their minds...Gabrielle-we are going to war. I was unsure of whether or not you had heard yet. I am unawre of any details, but I do know that you are not safe where you are. Spain is not one of our allies. Neither is Italy. They have already drafted all eligable young men. Gabs-Mush and Blink are at the top of the list. As are Race, Jack, and so many others. I believe any of them that are 16 and older are being sent over-seas. They are sure they are all being sent right to you.

I am so terrified I cannot even find the correct words to explain. I heard my mother telling my father there was no possible way for you and Rosie to come home at this time. I am scared Gabrielle! Not only are our boys and loved ones on their way, but you are there as well. Please, I beg of you, do not be foolish. Stay out of danger. If you happen see Blink, please-tell him I love him. He has promised to marry me when he returns! He even gave me his mother's oldengagement ring that he has been saving for years. I snuck out the night before he left and we said our good-byes. I hate to admit it, but I fear the worst. Stay strong, I know you can help. Write me as soon as you find time.

Yours Truly,

Claire

Gabrielle folded the letter and tryed to focus her thoughts. War? For what? What had happened? She turned to Rosie, unable to speak, and held out the folded paper. Rosie read, then quickly turned and ran into the house. Several hours later the entire household was scrambling to prepare for whatever lay ahead. There was nowhere for them to go. Troops were already marching on their borders, blocking their way to allied countries. They had no choice but to pray and hold fort.

Within the week war was upon them. Gabrielle had taken to the hospital. They were constantly short on help, and she had some knowledge that allowed her to stand as a nurse. Rosie did what she could to help her, but she herself was in charge of bigger things. Soldiers never ceased to enter through the double doors of the emergancy room. The entire hospital became an emergancy room. She could hear screams, buildings collapsing...Her surroundings were so chaotic she could barely stand she was so exhausted. Her apron was no longer white-dirt and blood stained the fabric as well as her own skin. She was not prepared mentally or physically for any of this. She should have been home, with her family. They had sent her here, in the middle of a war. Part of her almost wished she would just die so her parents would feel the guilt the rest of their lives.

Suddenly something not to far off was hit. Within minutes new arrivals stumbled through the doors. Another nurse in her twenties had be-friened Gabrielle and pulled her along with her to the hallway, saying the new injuries needed immediate care. She stopped and stood in the middle of the hallway. She couldn't see a place that wasn't occupied either by a staff worker, hospital bed, or bloody soldier waiting to be treated. She couldn't hear anything but the sound of her own heart pounding out of her chest. What had gone so wrong in the world that things had succommed to this? Thoughts of the men's lives-their families, friends, jobs-all gone penatrated into her mind. She hated war, with every fiber of her being. She wanted to stand in front of the leaders of every country involved and ask them if they truly understood what they were doing. The sounds of the hallway still faded at th back of her mind, she heard a familiar voice shouting her name. She turned-it was Jack-and he was carrying in Kid Blink...

A/N: next one coming now-i'm on a roll...