Hey everyone! I'm back with a shorter chapter! I know, I know, I left off with the start of a campaign mission last chapter. I wanted to make this much longer, but I have reasons why I cut it short. One: I have more planned for the campaign missions and I thought that having all of this would just make it very jumbled and confusing. I don't want to give any of you headaches! :P Two: I really wanted this moment to have its own spotlight and not have to share with any of the others. Yes, this moment is a spoiled brat. Three: It's really late, I'm exhausted, and desperately wanted to get something out to you guys now and not later!
Okay, there's my weekly excuse! Now, onto some Review Responses (There was only two guys! What?! Haha, just messing with you...There was only two though, I was honest on that one...And I made it weird...)
WheresDaBeef: Gah! I hope you don't kill me! You'll have to wait again, I'm sorry! I can't promise that I'll have the next chapter and the rest of the campaign mission out pronto, but I really, really want it to be soon for you guys!
Prettyprincess45: Thank you! I'm glad someone liked it! I was worried that it'd come out very, VERY unprofessional! :P But, I updated with something, so I hope you're satisfied with this!
Okay, that's it for me up here! On to the story!
October 31, 2026
Philadelphia
Master Sergeant Frank "Frankie" Woods
Frankie examined a bottle of shampoo, not even bothering to notice that it was a floral, "girlie" scented brand, as he thought over the past four days. He knew that Michael and Jessica were visiting with their mother right now and everyone else seemed busy with their own lives. When he had prepared for his trip he had everything planned. He was going to surprise Jessica and Roy and visit with them for a while, surprise his other sister, Melanie, and visit with her and the nieces he hadn't seen in thirty years. After that, he was going to travel again and visit his father. He still didn't know how that was going to go down, but he was determined to make it. He was going to reconnect with his family as much as possible, no matter what his emotions and nerves told him. Now that he was here, he wasn't so sure anymore.
Jessica still hadn't given him an answer on his offer. He was starting to get paranoid with all this waiting. What if she didn't accept it? How could he visit his father without some kind of help from the family? What if everything went wrong and his being here was the biggest mistake he could ever make? He just wished she'd accept it already if she was going to! In all the anxiety, he was sure that two or more gray hairs had grown on his scalp.
He sighed and placed the bottle back on the shelf. He could feel the looks he must've been getting. He couldn't blame them though, if they were. What would a grown man want to do with a shampoo that offered him voluminous, shining hair that smelled like strawberries? He chuckled at his own joke and quickly fled from the aisle.
He wasn't sure what was in the next aisle that he slipped in to, but he never found out when he spotted a certain red-haired woman with a certain, familiar charm bracelet dangling from her thin wrist. His heart dropped to his stomach when he saw it and spun around, forcing himself to stare at the shelves behind him, as he contemplated.
He remembered purchasing the golden, bulky chain so many years ago at a thrift store from his home town. He bought it before he was deployed and was saving and decorating it for a special someone. During his tours, he bought little charms to decorate the chain as he travelled to numerous landmarks. He knew that this special someone had always dreamed to travel to those places, but were unable to because of lack-of funds and family drama. Though he knew it could never justify an actual trip, he had prayed it would still be of value to them.
He also remembered the day he finally gave it to that special someone eleven years later. He had originally planned to mail to them, but that person surprised him by meeting him at the base he had been staying at for a couple of weeks. He still smiled when he thought about the reaction his special someone displayed the second she laid eyes on the precious gift. At first, he was scared she disliked it, for she cried and turned away from him, but she reassured him that she absolutely loved it. He also remembered her swearing to wear it until the day she died. That was quickly corrected though; she wanted to be buried in it so it would forever be a part of her. Then, she playfully punched him when he wrinkled his nose in mock-disgust.
Now, there they stood. He knew that, without a doubt, that the special someone from his memories and the woman in front of him -who was scrolling through her phone and glancing at the products in front of her- were the same person. He grinned and glanced back down at the charm bracelet. Everything was exactly the same, except for one charm. It was a smooth, small silver heart with a delicate 'J' carved in the middle of the heart with small pieces of sapphire surrounding the letter. His brows knitted together for he had never given her that charm.
Perhaps this was some other woman with a very similar bracelet? No, it couldn't be. Besides the new, unknown charm was a similar heart but with a smudged 'F+M' written neatly in marker. He was honestly surprised that it was still there considering how long it had been since they had even seen each other. She must've taken immensely good care of it.
The thought warmed his heart. It seemed bizarre that after all these years, about seventeen, that she would even care about and wear it let alone actually take care of it. Surely she had someone else more important in her life by now that wouldn't want her wearing something from an old flame. Did she still feel like she did all those years ago? Or did she just slip it on that morning, not thinking much about it. Did she ever think that she'd be feet away from him again? He couldn't blame her had she. After their last time together, she suddenly vanished from his life. Scented letters from her decreased daily and before long there were non-existent. He was sure that she'd totally forgotten about him.
Once again, he couldn't blame her if she did. It wasn't like he tried very hard to get back in touch with her. His military career starting taking off and he was completely devoted. He no longer had time for anyone else in his life, even family and other loved ones. He had seemed so cold though they were all he thought about during his years of serving. He had tried, at first, to reconnect with her by sending a letter extra that were both numerous pages long. Yet, though his heart had ached for her, he stopped. He regretted it now.
His sorrowful thoughts were interrupted when he felt uneasiness wash over him and he knew that someone must've been watching him. He knew who it was, but he refused to look over. Though his being shouted and screamed for the woman across from him, he remained quiet. No matter what, it wouldn't be worth it. He'd be gone and off to fight again within weeks. He couldn't do that to her. He couldn't hurt her like that. Not again.
"…F…F-Frankie?"
The soft, gentle voice interrupted his thoughts again and brought along a million memories. He could feel his whole body tense at her verbal recognition and he knew he was probably shaking from the strength and force behind it. He knew it must've been so obvious that he heard her, but he refused again to look at her and balled his fists; his knuckles turning white.
"Frankie…is it really you?" The voice was closer and shaky with genuine emotion. He couldn't tell which emotion exactly since it thrived on so many at once. A hand reached out towards him and he took that moment to turn his body to face her, forcing her hand to retreat.
The second he laid eyes on her, he smiled warmly. He knew she was much older, but he still could see the hopeful, optimistic teenager that he had sworn he would marry one day, but that was a wish made from a youthful heart.
Her crimson red hair was still as thick and curly as it had been, but she wore it down this time. He wanted to run a hand through the tight curls to see if she was actually there and to test if it was a dream or not. He kept his hands to himself, though, as he noticed her more prominent features. Her eyes were still the darkest shade of brown he had ever seen, practically black, and freckles riddled her cheekbones. They were different though and weren't in the same place as he had remember. He figured that they were the remains of recent sunburn. There were some wrinkles around her eyes, but he wondered if they were from smiling so much, but the frown lines around her thin, round lips begged to differ.
"Mari?" He finally responded when he realized that he still had a voice and that it wasn't a dream. His voice was shaky and he feared that she hadn't heard him. Every cell in his body was frozen, yet seemed to burn with life. He had never imagined that he'd be meeting this woman, honestly, ever again. After seventeen years of not even knowing if the other was alive, how could they not?
The woman smiled affectionately at the sound of her old nickname. "Oh, God, I haven't heard that in forever!" She exclaimed with a nervous giggle.
Frankie smiled, glad that she wasn't bothered that he had called her that since he had only used it when they were a couple. He was afraid that it would be too much or too awkward, but she hadn't said anything against. Not verbally, at least. "Sorry, Marissa. Hope that isn't too…weird."
Marissa giggled again and nervously tucked a rebellious strand of hair behind her ear. That was pointless since it sprung back and continued to tickle the side of her face. "No, not really…Brings back memories, really."
Frankie nodded in agreement. He had so much he wanted to ask her, yet he was speechless. His mind was full of questions, yet he didn't know if really wanted answers to them. This moment was so spontaneous and random. He had never planned this, not in a million years. He had always thought about what he would say should he ever see her again, but that was completely wiped from his memory the second he saw her brilliant smile.
"Okay, I'm gonna cut to the question we both don't have the guts to voice. What are you doing here?" Marissa questioned, breaking the silence as another shopper passed by after observing the shelves for a good five minutes.
Frankie's throat was dry as he thought about what to say. He knew why he was here, but he couldn't figure out why he was having so much trouble voicing it. "I, uh…I'm visiting…You know, family and…stuff." He said awkwardly as he reached up to scratch the back of his neck.
Marissa grinned half-heartedly noticing the tension and anxiety dripping off his every word. Her heart skipped a beat when she remembered how she used to fall in love with him more and more each time he spoke like that. She had to resist the urge to reach out and cup his chin –which she found out was a very hard thing to do.
"Oh, yeah. I heard about your mom. I really am sorry. She was always so nice to me, both her and your dad, of course. He'd always joke about us getting married. He always thought I was the sweetest thing. He used to joke about getting a grandkid that didn't try to beat him up like your mom did. I think she wanted to sometimes." Marissa day-dreamed when she thought about his family and the times she used to visit after school and during the summer.
Frankie chuckled remembering those days. He used to think that his father was set out to embarrass him every single time Marissa came over, but now he looked back and laughed. Turns out he was right, then. "You were the guest; you never saw what happens after you drive away. She actually did beat him up." He joked with his best poker face.
Marissa rolled her eyes and pushed him away from her playfully. A part of her regretted doing so, but she decided that she was being paranoid and just enjoyed the moment.
Frankie chuckled as he balanced himself back out and leaned against the shelf beside him. "How'd you know about Mom?" He pondered aloud as he crossed his arms against his chest.
Marissa just arched a brow. "It's a small town, Frankie J. News, big and small, spreads like a wildfire."
The two took a moment to laugh at the small joke. Frankie wasn't sure if he should really open up to Marissa about everything that he was feeling. It had been nearly two decades since he last heard anything about her, but there was still a sense of that close companionship they always shared since they were just teenagers. He wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. Once again, he took the fact that he wasn't going to be in town for long. The fact brought him heart ache when he realized that he was probably going to go without seeing or hearing from her for, probably, another decade or so.
"Okay, Mom, you gotta find your own stupid perfume. You do not know my struggle, as a man, going through the perfume aisle with a bunch of little girls spraying perfume everywhere. I swear, if I smell like vanilla or lavender or whatever, I'm gunna sue big time! Also, I am not looking another male of the same species in the eye and asking if they carry 'Soft & Dreamy', or 'Sweet & Flirty'."
Marissa spun around as a teenage boy suddenly appeared in their aisle and trudged towards her. Marissa rolled her eyes and Frankie's brows knitted together in confusion. The boy realized that his mother had been speaking with someone else and halted in his steps. His cheeks grew darker when his mother grabbed him by the sleeve of his jacket and nervously pulled him over.
"Uh…Frankie, this is James…" Marissa introduced nervously as her skin grew pale and gestured towards the boy, James, who arched a brow at his mother.
"Your son, Mom. Thanks for not claiming me." He said sarcastically and shifted his weight to his other foot.
Frankie chuckled at the boy and took the time to get a good look at him. Besides freckles and thin lips, he looked almost nothing like the woman beside him. His hair was dark, nearly black, and shaggy. His eyes were a bright shade of green and were shaded by dark, thick lashes. His jawline was squared, yet he still looked like a child in some ways. Frankie couldn't help but think of himself at James' age, whatever that was.
Frankie grinned warmly at the boy and offered a handshake. James accepted it and looked at his mother suspiciously from the corner of his eye. "Nice to meet ya, Frankie. Even though Mom said it already, name's James. James Dean W-" James introduced himself proudly.
"Where are you staying, for now, Frankie?" Marissa interrupted suddenly and boldly as she pulled James away from Frankie and lightly pushed him behind her. James wrinkled his brows and threw his arms in slight annoyance at his mother's harsh actions. Frankie honestly didn't blame him for overreacting since he was equally confused.
"Um, at my sister's house, Jess." He replied as he tried to shake off Marissa's weird, random actions and interruptions.
Marissa smiled though it never reached her eyes. She was obviously avoiding something more important. "Good, that's great! I always liked Jess. Sweet girl. Hope she's doing well! Well, James and I need to get. Busy, busy!"
"No, we're not. Remember, this grocery run was the highlight of our day." James corrected his mother with an arched brow. He couldn't understand how his mother could be so happy and energetic one second and then the next she's dying to disappear.
Marissa's grin disappeared into a frown as she glared at him for a split second. "Well, now I have to find some perfume since you retreated so quickly. I really hate to leave, but I really need to get going. I'll, uh, speak to you later…Or something?" Marissa said in a softer tone after a sigh. She was obviously overwhelmed by something and just needed a moment to herself to sort things out. He couldn't blame her.
Frankie shrugged. "Or something sounds good." He said with a grin as he glanced in between the two.
Marissa grinned, spun around on her heel, and quickly fled the aisle. James scoffed and stretched his arms high over his head, yawning at the same time. He blew his shaggy, dark hair from his eyes and turned towards Frankie since Marissa had abandoned him with the man.
"Chicks, man. They're so freakin' weird. Especially chicks that are also moms." James huffed and rubbed the back of his neck. He was obviously confused and nervous around this man and the obvious uneasiness he gave his mother.
Frankie chuckled and pushed himself off the shelf he was leaning against. "Yeah, but life would be really borin' without them. Moms are special, though. A special kinda weird, maybe, but special. But, hey, once they're gone you'll wish you could be embarrassed by her. Trust me on that, kid."
James' sarcastic grin faded away once he sensed his solemn tone and nodded. "Yeah, I guess so, man." He agreed as he stared down at his feet.
Frankie grinned at him and turned to walk away, but found it hard to leave his presence. He could sense that was something drawing him towards the boy and his mother, but he didn't know what, exactly. "Hey, kid, how old're you anyway?"
"Just turned seventeen at the beginning of this month. Why?" He answered with a puzzled expression.
Frankie nodded as though he was answering an unspoken question and actually turned to leave this time. "Eh, just wondering. Nice meetin' you, kid. Do me a favor and be nice to your mother," He said as he turned to leave and paused. "You'd be giving her more than I ever did." He finished his thought in a muttered breath so only he could hear.
Hello again! How'd you guys like this? I'm really excited to hear/read some of your reactions to this chapter! I had originally planned to wait on this idea and bring it up later, but I couldn't wait any longer. I had to see what you guys thought!
Creative Question: What do you think is going on with Marissa? She's obviously panicking about something. What do you guys think...?
It might be totally obvious, but I really hope you guys will answer! I'm so excited to see your reactions to this chapter! Please review! :P