Maggie could hear Alex talking to someone from outside of their tent. It wasn't long after lunch and they had some down time now. Not thinking much of it, Maggie stepped in and Alex looked up from her computer.
"Hey Sawyer," Alex said. "Who's that?" Came a voice from the computer. "Oh sorry," Maggie said quickly, "I didn't realize you're skyping. I just came to grab my notebook and a pen." As of recently, more ideas were coming to Maggie for how her novel could continue. To an extent, she supposed Alex had been right and the change of scenery did help.
"No, no, it's fine!" Alex smiled, "come say hi. This is my sister Kara. Kara, say hello to Sergeant Maggie Sawyer." Maggie came over and looked at the screen and was greeted by a very smiley blond woman. "Hi. It's nice to see you. I've heard so much about you from Alex." Maggie said politely.
"Oh I'm so excited to see you! Alex keeps mentioning you and I was hoping that I'd get to meet you soon! You keeping my sister safe over there?" "Geez Kara, relax, okay? I've got her back and she's got mine, right Sawyer?" Alex said quickly knowing her sister could get a little carried away. Maggie smiled showing her dimples, "got that right Danvers. Don't you worry, Kara, I'll keep her in line."
Alex narrowed her eyes playfully, "I out rank you, you know?..." Maggie chuckled and knocked into Alex's shoulder. "I know that. But I can still keep you in line to make sure you stay safe." Alex smiled back at her.
"Kara." They heard someone out of the frame say. Kara turned her head and smiled a little bit. "Hey, I've got Alex on Skype." Another face entered the screen. "Hey sweetie… Oh, hi! I'm Eliza Danvers." Maggie smiled, "it's nice to meet you Dr. Danvers… Um… I'll let you guys chat." Maggie leaned over so only Alex could hear her. "I'll be by the rock at the edge of camp if you want someone to sit with or talk to." Alex nodded her thanks, unsure of what to say about the gesture, but thankful nonetheless.
Alex watched as Maggie grabbed her notebook and pen. Maggie turned back to the family and said, "it was nice meeting you both." They said it in return as well, but Maggie said one more thing before leaving. She hesitated but then said, "and my thoughts and condolences to all of you today." "Thank you," both Eliza and Kara said to her. Alex's look said everything she wanted to convey. Maggie nodded to them all and patted Alex's shoulder on the way out.
"You'll put flowers out for me, right?" Was the last thing Maggie heard while leaving the tent, her voice more small and vulnerable than she had ever heard. Her heart went out to her, it really did.
"Of course we will. Just like last year, I promise. And I'll take a picture for you as well." Kara said to Alex reassuring her. "Thanks, Kar, I really appreciate it. And thanks for skyping with us today, Mom. It's nice to see you." "It's nice to see you too, Alexandra." Alex smiled at the way her mother had said her name. Ever since Alex had decided to enlist and had longer tours, her name was rarely used in punishment or angrily and was now usually a sign of familiarity and motherly affection. She really appreciated the change.
"So what's with that cute girl in your tent?" Her mom asked with a knowing smile and smirk. Alex took a deep breath and ran her hands over her face. "Mom, I'm nearly eight thousand miles away from you, and you're still trying to set me up?"
Eliza chuckled at her eldest daughter. "I'm just curious! She looks really nice and she was kind enough to take a moment to say hello and to mention condolences. Those are redeeming qualities! I'm just saying…"
"Mom, I don't even know if she's into girls, and I really don't want to screw up the partnership we've got going on right now. 'Don't ask, don't tell' right? We make a really great team, and I can't jeopardize our national security by screwing that up." Eliza stuck her hands up, "alright, I can understand that. But you and I both know the policy was repealed… Just saying, she's one to watch out for and maybe pursue if she does happen to be into ladies…"
Alex smiled at her, "thanks Mom." Alex checked her watch. "I need to get going. We're only allowed so much skype time out here. I love you both and say hi to Dad for me please." "We will." Kara said. "We both love you too. And please stay safe out there. You're on the home stretch now." Alex nodded, "I will… See you next week, Kara. Bye Mom." She blew them both a kiss and waved before closing her computer.
She let herself wallow in her grief and sadness for a few moments before taking a deep breath and going to find Maggie.
Alex found her quickly, right at the edge of camp where she said she would be. Alex sat down next to her while Maggie scribbled notes and phrases down, no doubt for her current book or for another one already in the works.
She didn't say anything and Maggie didn't either, respecting Alex's choice. And in that moment, Maggie was able to provide Alex with a silent outlet that only a true friend could provide on one of the loneliest days in Alex's life. In that moment, she felt calm despite being so far from home.