Chapter 5

It's about 25 minutes till lights out. We are going through our routine of getting ready for bed. I haven't even mentioned anything about the showers. Think of a shower scene from any prison movie and that will give you the basic idea. It's an open room with showerheads on the wall.

It's still Red phase so we only get about 5 minutes per platoon. A Drill Sergeant stands outside the door keeping track of the time. All this openness was new to me, I can be somewhat shy when it comes to being naked. However, you tend to focus on the fact you're worn out from the day and this is your only chance to get clean.

"Benson! Move! I need to rinse" Ace says

"What the hell! You've been in for 3 minutes already" Benson fires back

"Girls!" Davies interrupts "We're all in this together, literally. Can't we all just get along?"

"Yeah. Get your hotspots." Oaks says to ease the tension

"Will you check my back for ticks?" Nelson asked Woods

"All clear" Woods replies as we file into the changing room to get dressed.

You really do learn to rely on others to help you out. We may bicker every now and then, but there isn't anyone I'd leave high and dry if they needed help. For the most part the other girls in the platoon are pretty squared away. This is good because when one person messes up, we all mess up. Actually we have more to worry about than the guys do. If our males mess up, we get to do PT with them. If other females in the bay mess up, we get to do PT with them. It's just a vicious cycle.

I walked back to my bunk to find a letter sitting on my pillow. My dad must have written the letter the minute I gave him my address. I rip it open as quickly as I could and start reading.

Dear Spence,

Basketball is amazing. I get along great with all the guys on the team and we should be pretty good this season. My classes are easy so far. Beth is in one of them. She's been keeping me company since you've been gone. Your dad gave me the address after you called him. Maybe you can call me sometime. Don't miss me too much. Well I have another workout to get to.

Love,

Aiden

What the hell! That's so disappointing. I thought I got a letter from my dad. I looked at the envelope and it has stupid Aiden's school address. Beth and Aiden hanging out, as far as I knew they never got long. I know she's my best friend back home but she always said he was nothing but a stupid jock. He didn't ask if I was ok. He wants me to waste my 1 phone call a week on him. Fat chance on that one happening buddy. I just don't know what I saw in him. Have you ever gotten to the point with someone where anytime something comes out of their mouth you just want you punch them? Maybe it's a good thing I got out of Ohio when I did.

"It's a BOY!" Sams yells as she runs up to me "My sister I told you about, the pregnant one, well was, she had a boy!"

"I'm so happy for you" I say with a smile. "What's his name?"

"Ethan Douglas. They said they'd send me a picture with the next letter" Sams has the biggest grin on her face

"Sams, that's amazing" Davies says

"I know…I don't know how I'm going to sleep when I'm this excited" Sams adds

"Well you know if you want to take my fireguard shift I wouldn't mind" I state as I receive a hard punch in the arm

"Just because I'm a new aunt doesn't mean I'm ready to clean up others shit Miss Ohio" she slightly pauses and whispers "I wouldn't want to make you jealous by spending time with your battle buddy." Sams says before running off to tell someone else she is a new aunt.

What did she mean by that? Sure, I like spending time with my battle buddy. I mean I just want to get to know her a little better, we still have 8 weeks to spend every waking hour together. Besides I bet if anyone would be jealous it'd be Woods. They are always having private conversations on the side. Maybe I should just ask.

"Hello! Earth to Ohio" Oh shit what did Davies say

"Oh sorry did you say something?" I ask

"What did your letter say?" She asked with a raised eyebrow

"Nothing much really" Stupid Aiden "Stupid boyfriend is all" I say frustrated

"Boyfriend eh?"

"Yeah. I'm not sure why I've been with him as long as I have. Maybe it's just there was no one else in the small town" Why do I feel like I have to defend my relationship. It just annoys me to even think about him.

"Well I don't date g…" The yelling of Drill Sergeant Hunter cut her off

"Females…Lights Out"

"Don't worry battle" I hear her whisper, "we'll talk more on fireguard"

I just lay in my bunk trying to force my mind to stop racing. I keep thinking about the letter. Not the fact that Aiden is hanging out with Beth, not the fact he's having a great time with school and basketball. My focus is how the whole letter is about him! To be honest, a letter from my mother would have been more welcomed. At least her letter would have been about how I'm messing up my life.

It may seem selfish, but being here almost feels like the outside world has forgotten you. It would just be a nice if I knew someone still cared. My thoughts keep me awake a little while longer before I drift off to sleep.