I felt bad for the guy who was doing my nails. I was anxious the whole time he was doing my right foot. He kept grimacing and I kept trying to apologize but he just shook his head and smiled.
Rosalie noticed my newfound impatience but other than just raising an eyebrow and sitting smugly in her chair, she didn't comment.
As we were pulling out of the nail salon, I began to wonder if it was even from the Sergeant. But then again, who ever uses snail mail anymore? And he would have said something if it was from a college. It was still a little early for that anyways.
After I dropped Rosalie off at her house, I started to push the speed limit just a little bit. Translation: I was doing 40 in a 25.
Carlisle and Esme were both home when I arrived. I pulled up along side Esme's pearl Escalade, pulling my jacket close before getting out of the truck and going through the garage to the mud room.
I had been wearing flip flops so I just kicked them off and took off my jacket before going to the kitchen where they sorted the mail. I didn't even have to ask; Esme who was reading a bill didn't even glance up as she handed me the letter.
I thought I had gotten out without any questioning, about to bolt up to my room, when Esme stopped me. Evidently, Esme was physic.
"You realize I would like that to be explained once you've read it, right?"
I held back a groan. "Uh, yeah."
Sitting down on one of the bar stools, I began to carefully open the letter. A simple white notebook page came out, just like the one I had written him on. I unfolded it and began to read.
Dear Bella,
I was very surprised to receive your letter. The confusion dissolved once you explained it was the AnySoldier program. I had forgotten that I had even made one of those. Thank you for taking the time to write. It was very nice to receive mail, and I enjoyed reading your letter quite a lot as I don't get much.
My name is Edward Anthony Masen, as you already know. I suppose because you gave me your little autobiography I should give you one as well. I'm 21 years old and have been in the army since I was 19. I will be here until June of 2009 (so about another year and a half), though I will be a member of the army two years after that. My birthday is June 20th and my favorite color is green even though I don't see much of it these days where I am stationed. I'm originally from Chicago, but I only lived there until I was 12, then we moved to the southern part of the state.
I don't really have family anymore, but the guys out here are all the same types of pain in the asses as family is, so I count them now, I guess. I tried college for a year, and I decided that college wasn't where I should be in life at the time and joined the army a little after that. I have no regrets doing it either.
You certainly asked a lot of questions in your letter. I was in our rec. room when I was reading this and some of the guys were looking at me weird while I chuckled at how plainly ridiculous some were.
So, no, I cannot say my alphabets backwards, but one of the guys can burp them, which is always entertaining. . .I do not know how to salsa, nor do I ever really have the desire to learn to. Do I like Christina Aguilera? No, I'm personally more of a fan of a Madonna, though I haven't heard either of them in awhile. And yes, if we didn't have 80's music there would be no point to life. You can say that I am a big fan of that era.
As for your other questions, life here isn't that bad I suppose. We live in small, 10 by 10 foot rooms and we are the lucky ones. Most of the other guys on base are living in large tents with tons of bunk beds. I share my room with a huge guy, Emmett, who is one of the most annoying people I have ever met and complains about everything. He's always good for a laugh. . .though, mostly inappropriate ones. We have electricity, but if you try to get an Internet connection, you're fucked. (Sorry if you are innocent and don't speak like that. . .I wrote it in pen and can't erase it.) Our hours and shifts are fairly decent. We have one of the strongest units here with our operating power.
To your other question, yes, we only have one female here in our unit, though she's tougher than half our guys. Her name is Alice, and she's like sister to us (those of us she tolerates that is). The rest of us are all guys, which is way too much testosterone for her to handle if you ask me, but she's a great sport.
I know you asked for a list of things to be sent, and I have to say that I feel extremely demanding making a list, and that is uncomfortable for me. But it seems like you just want to help; and it would be just annoying for me not to help you I guess. Please don't feel obligated to get any of these things, just ignore it if you want. I won't be offended, trust me.
As you probably read on that website, hygiene products are difficult to come by, such as shampoo. I'm getting very grizzly because of the lack of razors and shaving cream, though I happen to think it makes me look tougher. . .all of us could use some Tylenol for the headaches you get out here, and Alice is always out when it comes to her time of the month. Some new pillow cases would be fantastic, though we're good on sheets.
We usually have spare time on base so most of us like to go the recreational room where there are books, poker, and a TV that only works with DVDs. It would be cool to get some new books; most of us like James Patterson or some hunting/outdoor magazines. One of the things that a guy on base suggested was to get a season of episodes of some of the hit TV shows; we're not picky at all. Though we already have seasons 1-9 of Full House. . .don't ask. And candy and sweets is always good, especially with the Christmas season upon us.
I feel like that's too long of a list, I'm sorry. . .
Thank you again for the letter you sent. In this country of despair I enjoyed the small light that it brought. It actually does bring comfort to know there are people like you out there that are thinking of us. Always feel free to send me a letter, I can't say I'm a pretty good ear to listen given the distance, but I enjoyed reading about you very much. You seem like a very nice girl. You don't know how much I appreciated the mail, it couldn't have come at a better time.
Sincerely,
Sergeant Masen
I smiled to myself as I finished the letter and folded it back up, as if it would get better the next time I read it.
Sergeant Masen.
So, he wasn't a 40 years old with children. Or at least he isn't 40, I guess he could have kids, but he didn't say anything about being married or in a relationship. Normally people put that kind of thing in an informative part of their writing.
The Sergeant seemed like a good man. It was the last paragraph that really made me feel giddy. He was also very humble and proud, it was apparent that he didn't like asking for things, things that he really did need.
"'Kay, I want the who and why please. Well actually I know the who, but I am extremely curious of why you are writing to an army Sergeant," Esme said as she sipped her apple cider, looking pointedly at the letter.
I didn't particularly want to explain to her how I found him. It just would make me feel awkward telling her that I wanted to do something good. I don't know how to describe it; I just didn't really want to give her the exact story, not that there even really was one. But I wasn't really worried about judging, just her acknowledging the act. That made me slightly uncomfortable.
"Um, I found a website that gives you soldier's addresses, and you can write to them or send packages as a way of saying thanks, I guess." I rose both my eyebrows nervously, hoping that was a good enough answer.
Esme nodded and took another sip from her mug. "So what can you tell me about this Sergeant Masen?" I blew out my breath in relief that she wasn't going to ask more about 'the why.'
"He's 21, been in the army for almost three years. Um, he doesn't know how to salsa dance and likes Madonna," I confined. Then I gave her a look as I realized that was an awful description.
Esme returned the look with a raised eyebrow before nodding, "That's always good."
I nodded. "Yeah. . ."
"Anything else?" Esme asked after a strange silent moment.
"I kinda want to go shopping and get him some things to send for Christmas," I told her, biting my lip.
"That sounds like a good idea! Do you want me to go with you? I have some cash that I really feel like spending! It's been sitting there for more than two days!" She clapped her hands together in excitement.
I looked at her for a moment before laughing, "You're right, I would go insane if you were like that," I agreed.
"I know right? I just felt like trying it out." She grinned as she took her empty mug to the sink and rinsed it. Esme's thing was to mock the women she met for a book club every month. Carlisle and Esme liked to mock those around them in upper class society who didn't appreciate anything.
"But seriously, do you need some money? I know you used some of your babysitting cash on the dress for the dance," she asked, going over to where her purse was sitting.
"I have some, but…" I trailed off, picking at my soccer sweatshirt.
"Here's 50 bucks, feel free to use it. And Bella? I don't want to get 48 dollars back," she told me seriously, handing me some bills.
"Thanks Es," I beamed at her before standing up with the envelope and letter back in hand, going over to where I had set my bag.
I quickly got to the mall and went straight into Target. Because Target is the best store in the world. It had everything! Need some dog food, a swimsuit, and an iPod? Yeah. Go to Target.
I made a mental list of things that were on his list, and then added some of the things that a majority of soldiers had put on their profiles. It had been about three weeks since I was on that website though, so I was a little foggy.
I got him a nice razor – well it looked pretty nice – and then I got a pack of 5 cheaper ones because if he didn't have one, some of his friends were probably in need too. Then I grabbed a large container of Tylenol for them, and since I knew from experience that it didn't really help with periods I got some Midol for the Alice that he had mentioned.
Then I was at a bit of a bind. I wasn't sure what to get for the shampoo. So as I stood in the health/beauty aisle, I took out my cell phone and dialed Carlisle's number.
"Hey Carlisle."
"What's up, Bells?" he asked. I was glad he wasn't in the middle of something at the moment.
"What shampoo do you use?" That was definitely up there with most awkward moments of my life. The pause over the cell phone was just. . .uncomfortable, for lack of a better word.
"Crew?" He answered in a very baffled voice.
"Kay. . .thanks. . .bye," I hung up and shuddered a little bit. I suppose it was better than him calling and asking what tampons I used.
I found the Crew bottle and grabbed a large one and dropped it into the bright red basket I was carrying. I went to grab some normal pillow cases that I picked out without difficulty. How? I got white ones. Crazy, right?
Then, I went over and picked out a set of three murder mystery books. I had read one of them last year and they were all by the same author, so I assumed the other two were enjoyable. Then I got a hunting magazine, a Sports Illustrated and then just an outdoorsy one that had a bear on the cover. I figured you couldn't go wrong with the bear one.
I grabbed a People for Alice.
I went to the movies, wondering what the hell army guys liked to watch. Probably not any movies about the army…or maybe they loved it? I grew increasingly frustrated.
I decided on Troy, the movie about the Trojan War starring three of my favorite men on the planet; Eric Bana, Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. If they didn't like it Alice sure would. And then I grabbed Dodgeball too, because anything Ben Stiller was in was pretty great.
I had already grabbed 10 different boxes of candy and, now I just had the TV episodes. I could see why they would want that – it wasn't like you could really watch TV like you would be able to at home so it made sense. I just didn't know which show they would want.
But it only took me about three seconds to find it. I found House season 1. If they liked the murder mystery then they would love this. It was one of my personal favorite shows. Actually, Carlisle and Esme even like it too. I was surprised we didn't already have the first two seasons. I would have to suggest getting it for Christmas.
After picking out the last of their toiletries, I was done and went to pay for everything. I was very happy after I had my two bags full of stuff. The 'Tis better to give than receive' shit that I've never really thought of really was taking meaning now.
As I was walking through the mall to get back to my truck, I walked past a little store for young teenagers and found a pillowcase that I thought he might like. I smirked the entire time I was paying for it.
After I got home, Esme was there to see what I got. I had only been gone for about an hour. Power shopping; something that Esme had taught me the first year I lived with them. I had no doubt that it would serve much purpose in my life.
"I have a box that will fit this in it," she suggested helpfully. She didn't wait for my response as she went to go to the closet, coming back with a medium sized cardboard box.
"Why are you sending him Midol?" She held up the medicine with the most confused look that I had to burst out laughing. I explained it was for the girl in his unit and she was good again.
"I can take this to UPS tomorrow while you two are at the salon if you want to write a letter tonight?" I smiled and nodded before thanking her for her help and going upstairs to grab my notebook and write a letter back to Edward Masen.
The next day Elliot picked me up for the dance in his truck. Trucks were very popular in this state if you hadn't caught on. . .
"You look really good," he grinned as I opened the door for him. I shivered fiercely as I did this because the cold air stormed in with him. I would like to have a word with the idiot who started this tradition. Who wants to wear a dress in the middle of December?
"Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself." He rolled his eyes as Esme came in with her camera. I grimaced as she smirked at me. I hated pictures, especially in the winter when I was extremely pale.
"Okay, get together. Pretend like you like each other." Elliot chuckled at the irony while I rolled my eyes. We posed for some pictures on the staircase before Esme gave us the approval to go.
When we got to the dance. . .well, it was interesting. I had forgotten that nobody knew we were going to the dance together. So in turn, everyone stared at us in shock, wonder and a lot of jealousy. It did amuse us at first and we were both laughing under our breaths about it, but after the first 9 minutes it was getting old fast.
"Should we dance?" Elliot asked smirking as a girl walked by gapping at me.
"Might as well. . ." I shrugged as he took my hand and we walked over to where everyone else was dancing to an old song.
The night just kept getting more interesting even after all the stares, glares, and slightly awkward dances with Elliot. Halfway through the night, Mr. Cox, my Economics teacher, got onto the stage next to the DJ. I was sure he was going to announce the Ice Royalty. I had voted for two seniors.
"The Ice Queen is. . ." Mr. Cox paused, opening an envelope. I took the moment to look over at Rose who was taking her camera out of her black little bag. "Bella Swan!"
I started politely clapping while rolling my eyes at the girl who had won. . .oh wait.
I might not have even been able to handle how ridiculous it was. But then they actually made me get on the stage. Cox gave me a bouquet of white roses and then placed a silver tiara on my styled hair. I was trying to smile. . .well, trying not to grimace or glare at Rose who was cheering obnoxiously and taking several pictures.
Then, not only did I have to stay on stage, standing there awkward as hell, but to add to that, Elliot won the Ice King. I had a feeling that people thought we were the new power couple of the school.
And still after that, they made us dance together in the middle of a giant circle of people. What song did they play? Forever Young. It was like I was starring in Napoleon Dynamite. But, then again, that's the irony I appreciate.
Elliot was thinking the same thing and all we did was laugh the entire song. Eventually the others joined on the dance floor and I started to feel some of the irritation subside.
"Well, you've kept the girls away. . ." Elliot grinned at me as I put my hands around his neck for a different slow dance.
"And none of my followers have approached either," I grinned back at him.
"Want to fake date?" He suggested. Well, it had already been a weird night, why stop at Forever Young?
"Power couple," I held out my fist in agreement. He smirked before bumping his own to mine.
Ever though I was dancing with one of the most desired boys in the high school, my thoughts drifted thousands of miles away to a soldier in Iraq.
Maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life
What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change
Maybe by Sick Puppies
SimplyDazzling is great. Just letting you know.
What do ya think of Edward? I'm extremely curious!
Happy late Veteran's Day!
Reviews make me happy.(:
