They arrived in Aldbourne, England in September. She wasn't used to the rain and fog that settled around them most days. The wet muddy ground made their training more demanding. The worst part for Elsie was waiting so long before she could have a shower. It was Friday night and most easy company men were on base. Sobel was still revoking weekend passes for no real reason. She had been invited to a poker tournament in the mess hall but decline in favor of a hot shower.
She kept it short as usual, enjoying the few minutes under the running water. She was dressed and just finished drying her hair with the towel when Harting walked in.
"Oh well look who it is." He walked over to her and she took a step back. He just laughed. "Why so nervous?"
"I'm not." She lied. She'd never run into him one on one before and it frightened her. She'd seen that look in his eyes before, just not on him. She tried to think of the combat moves James and Tony taught her but all she could picture in her head was Phil. Harting took another step closer and she took another step back. This move didn't work out for her though, her back was now against the wall. He had his hands on the wall on each side of her to trap her in.
"Liar." He leaned in closer. "I'm gonna show you why you're still here."
She tried to push past him but he slammed her back against the wall and smiled. She tried again. This time he grabbed her by the hair and pushed her back forcing her to look at him. He crushed his lips on hers. She tried turning her head but the grip he had on her hair kept her in place. She tried pushing him back with her hands but his body was push tightly against hers. He let go of her hair only to grab both of her hands and pinned them above her head.
The movement gave her just enough space and her knee collided between his legs. He let out a howl of pain and his arms dropped. She took the opportunity to throw a right hook. He staggered back and she ran. When she got to her barracks her heart was pounding and her breath was heavy. She smoothed her wet hair and took a few deep breaths before opening the door with a shacking hand. Six pairs of eyes fell on her when she walked in. The men were quiet. Shit, they know somethings up.
"What?" She asked a little harsher than intended.
"You look different with your hair down," Tipper answered. She sighed inwardly. None of the men here had seen her with her hair down before. That's all it was.
"Oh." She didn't know what to say so she just walked to her bed. She rubbed her aching hand, not realising how much it hurt until then.
"Did something happen?" Guarnere asked standing up. The six men in the barracks were watching her intently. She was standing between hers and Liebgott's beds, her back to Guarnere, whose bed was across from hers. Liebgott, who'd been sitting on his bed, stood up and was now beside her, she flinched at the movement.
"I'm fine," She said turning around. The men weren't buying it, the looks on their faces told her as much.
"What happened?" Liebgott asked. For once he wasn't smirking at her. He looked angry.
"It was nothing," She said. She took a couple of breaths to calm herself. "I just had a run in with a private from fox company, but I took care of it."
"Why the hell you so scared then?" Toye growled. She knew he wasn't angry with her. None of them were, and yet their eyes were all narrowed and they were all scowling. It was a look she'd seen from Tony and James numerous times.
"Brought back memories." The words came out before she even thought about it. She groaned inwardly at her stupidity.
"Of what?" Guarnere asked walking up to her. She didn't want to talk about it.
"It's a long story." She shifted her feet. She didn't like everyone staring at her.
"None of us have weekend passes, I think we have time." Liebgott retorted. Well she couldn't argue that. Dammit. She grabbed a smoke and lit it, and noticed her hands were still shaking. She passed the pack around. Everyone in the barracks were now gathered around her. Malarkey and Hoobler were standing on the other side of her cot and Tipper was sitting on Liebgott's. Liebgott was still standing beside her and Guarnere and Toye were in front of her. She took a deep drag of her smoke before she started.
"My birth father left when I was two. My mother couldn't have any more children and I wasn't the son he wanted. She couldn't stand staying in a town where everyone pitied her, so we moved. We moved around a lot; until I was ten and she remarried. Phil was a business man, put most of his time into work. They didn't really love each other. I think my mom just wanted a stable home for us ya know. It wasn't what she had in mind though. He hit her a lot."
She took another drag of her smoke before continuing.
"She was killed in a car accident when I was fourteen. My mother wasn't there for him to take his anger out on anymore, so he turned to me."
"The scars on your back?" Liebgott's eyes were soft. Elsie wasn't used to seeing concern from him, or any of the men.
"Yeah, his belt." She crushed her cigarette out. She heard them all mumble "Fuck" or "Jesus Christ".
"That's not the worst part." She continued, though she wasn't sure why. She could have left it at that and it would have satisfied their curiosity. It was the look in their eyes she supposed. They were angry on her behalf and generally concerned. The only people who ever cared for her like this before were Tony and James, and maybe even Robert.
"What do you mean?" Hoobler asked.
"Well I had a birth father who didn't want me." Her voice was quiet but steady, and her eyes were focused on the ground. "And a step-father who wanted me a little too much."
"Son of a bitch," "Jesus Christ," and "Fuck!" echoed in the room. Tipper stood up angrily. His quick movement made her flinch but she instantly calmed down when Liebgott put his arm around her.
"I moved in with my Godfather a year later." She explained.
"I'm gonna kill him!" Guarnere spat.
"My godfather?" She raised a single brow.
"No, your step-father." He was angry and didn't laugh at her joke.
"You're going to have to get in line Bill." She smiled as she laid her head on Liebgott's shoulder. "I've never told anyone that before. They only people who know are James, Tony and Robert."
"Who's Robert?" Tippers eyes narrowed.
"My godfather's best friend." It was quiet for a moment.
"That wouldn't happen be Colonel Sink would it?" Toye asked.
"Yes, it would."
"That explains a lot." Guarnere said. It was quiet for a moment. She felt calm and relieved and her hands had stopped shaking. She looked over each man in the room. She felt safe, being around them. It wasn't a feeling she was used to. She never felt this way about anyone other than James and Tony. She smiled at them.
"If any of you repeat this, I will shoot you."
This put a small crack in their anger, Liebgott even smiled. Not his usual smirk though, but a genuine smile that made her stomach dance. She untangled herself from his arm, plopped down on her bed and kicked her boots off. She had her back against the wall and her feet sprawled out in front of her. They were still staring at her as she lit another smoke.
"Seriously guys, I'm fine." She said. "Promise."
"If anyone messes with you again Imma rip their balls off." Toye growled.
"I can take care of my self Toye." She said. He was going to protest but she cut him off. "I appreciate the concern, I really do. But I don't need you guys fighting my battles for me."
"This isn't about you being a broad," Guarnere said. "It's about you being part of easy company. We take care of each other."
"Even if you don't think I'll make it?" She joked. They were still all so serious. "Guys lighten up. What happened to me happened along time ago. Sometimes the memories sneak up on me, but I really am fine. James and Tony taught me how to fight. They wouldn't have let me sign up if they were concerned about me being surrounded by men."
"One of us is with her at all times." Tipper said to the boys. They all agreed.
"Not a chance!" She said. "I don't need bodyguards."
"Too bad princess," Liebgott said sitting next to her. He pushed her over to make room on the tiny bed. He put his arm back around her shoulders and took her smoke. She narrowed her eyes at him. He just smirked. Elsie and Liebgott were asleep by the time the rest of the men came in.
"Damn, wiped clean again," Luz said as he walked in. He was quickly hushed by Malarkey and Toye, whom pointed to Elsie's bed. She had her head on Liebgotts chest and his arm was around her waist.
"You want me to be quiet so Liebgott can cuddle with our girl?" Luz questioned, but his voice was softer.
"What if one of the officers walk in huh? She'd probably get kicked out." Johnny vented, though his voice was also quiet.
"She had a run in with some guy after her shower tonight," Malarkey explained, and their faces softened. "She was a bit freaked out."
"Yeah, we don't like the fact he's sharing her bed either. But I don't think he'd be there if she didn't need comforting." Guarnere added.
"She kept saying she fine, but you didn't see the look in her eyes," Tipper was still angry. "She's scared of what happened."
"But Liebgott?" Luz exasperated, then pointed at Malarkey and Hoobler. "Why couldn't it be one of you two?"
"She gonna be alright?" Alley asked walking past her bed.
"Yeah, she will be," Tipper said looking over at her. Her hair was still down and flowed perfectly around her face. It made her look so feminine, and it wasn't something he was used to. Tipper wasn't the only one in the room with their eyes on her. Guarnere couldn't take his eyes off her either0.
"Sorry to disappoint you boys but looks like he might win." Skip said nodding towards Liebgott, which brought Guarnere out of his trance. He just walked into the barracks and missed the conversation. He was hushed by half the room.
The men made good on Tippers word, and she never found herself alone. The word that she was "attacked" had spread to the rest of easy company. When she showered at least one of the men were standing guard outside. That part she didn't mind too much because she didn't have to rush anymore. But they followed her around and were always on guard when someone from another company talked to her. Even if it was Becker.
"Seriously, what the hell is the problem with your company?" He asked her. He was walking by when she stopped him to say hello.
Guarnere and Tipper were standing at the door of their barracks watching them. A few other easy men were lingering outside of their barracks not so subtly staring at them.
"Long story." She waved it off.
"Shorten it."
"I took care of it already." She assured.
"did something happen?"
"I had a little run in with someone from fox company, but I handled it." She said. "My men are overreacting and haven't let me out of their sight since."
"You're okay though?" He asked.
"Yes, I'm fine." She smiled. "And since when do you care? I stole your motorcycle remember?"
"That is true, but we're from the same town, Practically makes us siblings." He said causing her to laugh. "Gotta look out for each other."
"Deal," She smiled, then snorted. "Just as long as you don't act like my company."
"They care about you." Becker smiled. "It's nice to know they'll protect you."
"I don't need anyone's protection."
"No, no you don't." He laughed. "But don't push them away because they care. I've known you since I was sixteen, and I don't think you've ever had any real friends."
"But it's so annoying." She complained. He let out a bark of laughter which gained the attention of Liebgott who was walking back to barracks. He headed towards them instead.
"Becker." He nodded to him as put his arm around Elsie's shoulder. Becker laughed again.
"See you around Elsie." He said. She frowned at him. He found her situation far too amusing, guess he was like a brother- she thought.
"Was he bothering you?" Liebgott asked noting her frown.
"No! But you guys are." She stalked back to the barracks. Liebgott shrugged at Guarnere and Tipper as he followed her in. "You guys are smothering me and it's driving me crazy."
"We're just looking out for ya." Guarnere defended.
"And I appreciate it, I really do but back off a little will ya?" She snapped. "You don't have to stand watch every time I talk to someone."
"Okay, okay, we'll back off." Tipper said raising his hands in front of him. He was smiling though. "We're still standing guard when you shower though."
"Fine." She was happy about that.
Elsie was sitting on Luz's bed and couldn't stop laughing. She had asked if anyone knew why there were a bunch of cows wandering around the day before. A few of the men in the room laughed at the inside joke. Luz told her how Sobel had messed up another maneuver and he impersonated Major Horton to get him to cut a fence to make a shortcut.
"You're lucky you didn't get caught George Luz." She said with a smile.
"Why? Would you have missed me?" He smiled sheepishly.
"Not a chance."
"you wound me." He placed his hand over his heart.
Bull slammed the door open which caused her to jump. She raised single brow at him.
"Lieutenant Winters is being court marshaled." He growled. "Thanks to Sobel."
"Jesus Christ." Elsie said lighting a smoke.
Elsie noticed a change in easy company. Like her, the men were worried about jumping into combat with Sobel and without Lieutenant Winters. It was a few days after Winters got court martialed, and the men were all trying to keep busy to keep their minds off what was happening. Bull said he would teach her how to play basketball, so finding herself alone and overthinking the situation, she sought out to find him.
"Hey Perconte?" She shouted across the street before walking over to him. "Have you seen Bull?"
"He's down there." He pointed to a barn down the hill.
"Thanks." She shouted over her shoulder. The barn door was open slightly so she walked in.
"I don't want to think of what's going to happen if we have to follow that man into combat," Christenson said. No one had noticed her yet.
"Hopefully this works," Tipper said.
"Hopefully what works?" She asked.
"Shit, princess, what the hell are you doing here?" Liebgott asked.
"I was looking for Bull," she said.
"Well he ain't here," Toye said.
"So it would seem." She looked around the room. Toye, Tipper, Liebgott, Christenson and Cobb were standing around table. She didn't leave.
"You should go," Cobb told her.
"Clearly there's something going on." Everyone was silent. Did it have something to do with her? "Somebody better tell me what it is."
"It's not a big deal okay," Liebgott said. Her eyes narrowed at him and he sighed. "The non-coms came up with a plan to get rid of Sobel."
"What kind of plan?"
"They're resigning as non-coms if they have to serve under Sobel," Tipper said quickly. Cobb smacked him upside the head.
"They what?" She shouted.
"Keep your voice down." Liebgott said.
"That's treason!" The anger quickly turned to fear. "What if it doesn't work? They could be shot for this. Did anyone think of that?"
"It's gonna work fine." Liebgott assured her.
It didn't help the sinking feeling in her stomach. She might lose a part of her family. Her eyes were big when that realization sunk in. She'd only known these men about a year but she'd spent every day with them. She did what she said she wouldn't- she got close to them. She couldn't imagine what it was going to be like when the got to combat. She heard footsteps coming in the door and saw the non-coms enter the barn. Before she realized what she was doing, her arms were around Guarnere. He returned the hug but looked questioningly at the men by the table.
"What the hell are you doing here princess?" He asked as she pulled away.
"What am I doing?" She asked incredulously as she hit his arm. "What the hell are you guys doing? Undermining the chain of command! You could have been killed."
"Worried about us?" Talbert joked.
"Yes!" She admitted. "And if you ever do something so stupid again I'll shoot you myself."
They were taken aback by her outburst, and the hugs that followed. Tab had his arm around her shoulder when Christenson asked,
"Where's Harris?"
"He was transferred," Ranney answered. "I was demoted to private, but I'm lucky I'm still here."
"We all got lucky," Lipton said. "Let's just hope something good comes from it."
"It will," Gaurnere said.
"It better!" Elsie's eyes were narrowed. "These men need you! I need you!"
She left the barn without another word. She let her emotions get the better of her, it wasn't something she was used to doing. She knew it was because she had gotten close to the men.
"Stupid! Stupid" She mumbled to herself. "How on earth are they going to think I'm capable of fighting a war when I act like this?"
Maybe I'm not- she thought. She sighed at the realization that maybe she wasn't emotionally strong enough to handle this. Maybe everyone was right. But these were her boys, no matter how hard it was going to be on her, she couldn't let them go without her.
A few days later they got the news that Sobel had be transferred out and Winters was back. They also had a new CO. Elsie was pleased when she met Lieutenant Meehan for the first time. He put an effort in to talk to her and each of the men of easy company. She was worried he was going to treat her different than the men, but he didn't. Now that she thought about it, Sobel didn't either, he hated them all the same.
It was the first weekend every member of easy company had a weekend pass, and they all took advantage of it. Elsie walked into the crowded pub with Talbert and Luz. It took a lot of convincing on their part, but she finally gave in. Most of her company was already there and were surprised to see her. It was the first time she'd gone out since being part of easy company. She'd celebrated and had some drinks when they got their jump wings, but she'd never gone out with them.
"Princess!" Tipper shouted, half cut already. He threw his arm around her shoulder. "What a wonderful surprise."
"I'm full of surprises Tip." She smiled. "Now who's gonna get me a drink?"
"I got this one princess," Guarnere said as he pushed his empty glass away. "Waddaya drinkin?"
"Whiskey and gingerale," She answered as he stood up.
"Definitely full of surprises," Liebgott laughed.
"Someone dance with me!" Elsie shouted a few drinks later. No one volunteered, they just looked at her amused, curious as to what she would do. She scanned the men standing around her and her eyes landed on Sizemore, who had been walking by.
"I'll dance with you doll." His smile was charming. The men around her started protesting, saying they'd dance with her, but she grabbed Sizemore's hand and let him lead her to the dancefloor. He spun her around and she laughed, she found his smile contagious. She was so caught up in how much fun she was having she didn't notice easy company staring at her. Becker was also watching them as he walked over to where she left her men.
"You're letting this happen?" He asked glaring at the pair on the dance floor.
"He's your friend," Guarnere huffed. "Go make him stop."
"And deal with her?" Becker scrunched his face. "No thanks." Everyone around him laughed.
"Yeah she's scary when she gets mad." Liebgott said.
"Yeah, you and Wild Bill here would know." Luz laughed.
Sizemore and Elsie walked back to the group hen the song was over. She raised a single brow at Becker. He just glared at Sizemore.
"It was just a dance." Sizemore said with a grin.
"Becker." Elsie glared at him. "I swear to god if you start getting all overprotective, I will shoot you."
"I told you I'd have your back and I meant it." Becker said. The group of men, including Sizemore, all watched in amusement.
"Fine! But save for a time I actually need some protecting." Then she smiled. "Which will be never."
Becker cracked a smile. Sizemore through an arm around Elsie's shoulder and grinned. "Bec, Have I ever told you how much I like this broad."
Elsie always limited herself when she drank, not wanting to make herself vulnerable. Tonight, however, she'd lost track of how much she had. She stood up from her seat only to drop back into it. She was sitting with Becker, Sizemore, Tipper, Luz and Talbert who were all nearly as drunk as she was. She looked at them dumbfounded, then they all started laughing.
"Okay princess, I think it's time we get you back to barracks." Tipper said when the laughter died down. Tipper and Elsie managed to stand up and stumble their way outside.
"Which way?" She asked. She had her arm over his shoulder while his was placed firmly around her waist to hold her up.
"That way, I think." He pointed to the road that lead out of town. Seems right- she thought as they started walking. There was a fence that ran along the side of the road, she remembered it from her walk there. The walk was slow going and Tipper was struggling to keep her up. They were both staggering and every time she stumbled, she would burst out laughing.
"Okay I need stop," she said between breaths. She was laughing so hard her stomach hurt, so they leaned up against the fence for a break. She was trying to stifle her giggles but was having no luck. Every time she looked at Tipper they would both laugh. "I don't think we're going to make it back."
"Better dig a fox hole." Tipper joked, which set her off on another uncontrollable outburst of laughter.
She got her laughing under control just in time to feel his lips on hers. At first, she was too stunned to do anything. But then she was kissing him back. The kiss didn't last long and when they pulled apart, they were both taken aback.
"Was that…" He trailed off.
"Weird?" She finished. They looked each other in the eyes and burst out laughing again.
"Yeah," he said between laughs. "It's like kissing my sister."
She slid down the post of the fence and was now sitting in the grass. Tipper sat down next to her but stayed silent. She looked over at him.
"You know Tip, I'm glad I'm here." She smiled. "I've never really had friends before."
"What about Becker?"
"I stole his motorcycle, what does that tell you?"
"Good point." He laughed. "But he doesn't seem to be holding a grudge."
"Nah, he's not a bad guy," she explained. She laid her head on his shoulder. "Plus he says because we come from the same town it practically makes him my brother. But mostly I think he's just afraid of my uncles."
"They can't be that bad."
"No, but they are highly respected men, with lots of connections. "She said. "Plus they're very protective of me."
"I can understand why." Neither one said anything after that. They just sat together, on the ground on the side of the road. Elsie didn't know how long they were there for, but she was starting to doze off. "C'mon we should get you to bed."
"No, I don't want to move." She opened her eyes but shut them instantly. Everything had started spinning.
"C'mon princess, I'm too damn drunk to carry you." Tipper said, although he didn't move to get up either.
"I guess we're stuck her forever." She said. They heard voices coming down the road. One particularly loud voice that sounded like Guarnere.
"He's just lucky Lieutenant Meehan was there."
"We get it, you would have kicked his ass." Elsie thought that sounded like Toye. There was more laughter as they got closer. Definitely Liebgott's laugh- she noted.
"Hey guys," Tipper said as they were right in front of them.
"What the fuck you two doin?" Liebgott scowled. The others -Toye, Guarnere and Grant- had similar looks on their faces.
"She wanted to take a break and now she won't get up." The guys realized how drunk they both were and started to laugh. Elsie still had her eyes closed.
"Is she asleep?" Grant asked.
"No, she's not," she said without opening her eyes. "But everything is moving too fast to look at."
"C'mon, lets get you to bed." Liebgott laughed. He grabbed her arms and pulled her up. She stumbled as she stood so Liebgott picked her up and headed towards the barracks. She had her arms around his neck and her head rested on his shoulder. She opened one eye and looked at him. He was smirking at her, as usual.
"Thanks," she said then closed her eye again. She re-opened her eyes just before they got to the base. "Put me down Lieb."
"Why? You can't walk." He snorted.
"I can't be seen being carried onto base, especially by Sink." He put her down and if his arm hadn't still been around her waist she would have fallen to the ground. She smiled at him sheepishly.
"Never thought I'd see you drunk, princess," Guarnere laughed at her.
"This is your fault." She pointed her finger at him dramatically. He just laughed again.
"how is this my fault?"
"You kept handing me drinks!" She shouted.
"You didn't have to drink them." Toye pointed out.
"You stay out of this." She stumbled again so Grant took her other arm.
"He's got a point." Tipper said.
"shut up Tip, you're no help." She grumbled. "Last time I ever drink with you lot."
The boys were all laughing at her despair when they reached the barracks. Grant said good night at the door but before he could leave Elsie threw her arms around him and gave him a tight hug. He was surprised at the gesture but returned it with a blush. Liebgott helped her inside and lead her towards her cot. She sat down and kicked off her boots, then threw her jacket on the floor. She stared at it for a moment before grabbing it and hanging it up. The boys were watched her stumble around and tried to stifle their laughter. She grabbed her bed clothes- a white tee shirt and black shorts, much like their PT gear. She started unbuttoning her shirt but stopped and turned her head around.
"I might be drunk but that doesn't mean you lot get a free show." The men laughed but turned away to change out of their uniforms to. When she was done changing she crawled onto Liebgott's bed to grab the pack of smokes on the other side. She was lying on her back with her feet hanging off the side of the cot. She had her head tilted up so she could see Tipper, who was almost passed out already.
"Thanks for walking me back Tip." She smiled and took a drag of her smoke. "even though you didn't do a very good job."
"Any time princess." He mumbled.
"Not that I mind you in my bed, but if this is where you're gonna sleep, at least lay the right way." Liebgott chided.
"Yes sir!" She kicked her feet onto the bed and maneuvered herself so she was now laying the proper way. Liebgott crawled in next to her and stole her smoke.
"This is starting to become a very bad habit," she stated.
"What? Me stealing your smokes? Or us sharing a bed?" He took a drag of the smoke and handed it back.
"Both." She answered.
"Yeah, princess why don't you come share my bed tonight." Guarnere snickered.
"Eh, you didn't carry her back here." Liebgott bolstered.
"He's got point Bill." Elsie chuckled as she puffed on her smoke.
The men continued talking as she snuggled into Liebgott. She was asleep almost instantly, and didn't stir when the rest of the men staggered in.
"Jesus, again?" Talbert half shouted when he saw Elsie. Liebgott took a puff of his cigarette and gave a smug smile.
