I hope you all enjoy this chapter :)
The briefing hall was a makeshift building positioned in the centre of Camp Bastion. It was a relatively large space, enough to accommodate 350 soldiers at any one time. She hadn't been in there since RSOI when they'd first arrived in Afghanistan, a fact that she was rather grateful of. Row upon row of seats filled the room, all facing towards a large projected screen. It was like being back at school, only on a much bigger scale.
2 Section all sat clustered together at the front, leaving a vast empty space behind them. They sat patiently, awaiting the arrival of Major Beck. Every second longer that they were sat there, made Molly more and more nervous. She dreaded the thought of seeing herself on the screen, all too aware of how humiliating it could potentially be.
"Boss," she called out. Both Captain James and Kinders looked at her. Just as she was about to speak, Major Beck strolled in and everyone immediately sat up.
"As you were."
"Good morning, sir," Captain James greeted him before turning back to Molly. "Was it urgent, Dawes?"
"No, sir." She sunk down into her seat, hiding her face in her hands.
Once Major Beck had taken a seat, Captain James pressed play. He made his way towards the back of the group, taking the seat directly behind Molly. Nobody paid any attention, most assuming that he was sitting there so that he wasn't blocking anyone's view. Molly soon realised the truth however, when she felt his foot rubbing against the back of her leg.
She ignored what he was doing, keeping her eyes fixed firmly forwards. The screen turned black and to everyone's surprise, the first thing that started showing was footage filmed during their New Year's Eve party. Everyone instantly leaned forward at the same time.
There was a clip of some of the boys badly hammering the nail into the wood, as well as the drinking competition. They all watched on as Baz was attempting to down the cans of drink, before pulling away, leaving the liquid spilling out of his mouth and tears in his eyes.
"You fucking wimp," Brains remarked, giving him a quick elbow in the ribs.
"I had something in my eye!"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."
The video continued, showing 1 Section as they spectacularly fell to the ground during their tug of war match; and Smurf beating the lad from 3 Section in the arm wrestle. Everyone cheered loudly as though watching it for the first time.
The final scene of Kinders' - drunk on non-alcoholic beer – dancing, tipped the last of 2 Section over the edge, and they were all crying with laughter by the time the film reached the countdown for the final moments of 2012.
Suddenly Molly spotted herself in the distance, following Captain James behind the container. She took a sharp intake of breath, feeling a nervous heat rising from within. She felt his foot swiftly move away from her leg and immediately knew that he'd seen it too. She wasn't sure if anyone else had, but remained hopeful that they were too distracted by what was happening at the forefront to have noticed.
The laughter continued as everyone watched Dangles and Fingers air kissing one another before the camera panned back; now capturing Smurf and Molly's New Year kiss, but failing to show her reaction straight after. She slowly sunk further into her seat.
"Wahey!" The lads were all shouting out their own cheers. "Nice one, Smurfy!"
She took a cautious look backwards, thrown by the mixed look of jealousy and anger that confronted her. She wasn't sure what to do, wanting to grab his hand and take him outside to explain everything, but knowing that she couldn't. The now wounded look on his face was horrible for her to see.
The Grease music starting drew her attention back to the screen. The footage started with a shot of Molly, wig in position, throwing her jacket off of her shoulder and jumping on a box. Smurf was behind the wheel of the jeep, lip-syncing his lines flawlessly. So far so good, she was relieved to see.
They all started jumping on the car to dance, but Dangles slipped and fell off the bonnet, landing on his backside. He jumped up, rubbing his sore behind.
"No way did you include that." Dangles folded his arms in mock tantrum.
The dancing continued, Molly rolling underneath the car on her back and being pulled out on the other side. It was a shame they didn't have a different car to appear from, she thought. They all continued watching, pleased with the result so far. But soon after that scene, they all saw the moment that Brains smacked Nude-Nut in the face.
"That proper hurt as well."
"It's not my fault you've got such a big head, it was hard for me not to hit it!" Everyone except Nude-Nut started laughing.
The video progressed with minimal mishaps, just a few occasions of people forgetting their moves or losing balance. Smurf re-appeared on the screen; this time he was sat on the car bonnet, running the comb through his hair.
"Spending hours on your hair, nothing new for you, eh Smurf?" Baz shouted over.
"Just cos I care about my appearance… unlike you."
"You just got rinsed, mate!" Nude-Nut said, hi-fiving Dangles.
The video drew to a close with everyone dancing forwards, before standing close together and waving into the camera. It was the perfect finish. The group immediately started reaching out and patting one another on the back.
"Well, well, well," Major Beck walked to the front of the room. "I'm surprisingly impressed by the effort all of you put into the making of that. It will be sent to your families straight away, so hopefully they will enjoy viewing it. Now I think a round of applause is in order for your Captain for arranging that excellent video." 2 Section all stood up and turned to face Captain James, clapping him for a job well done.
"Thank you, but let's not forget that Major Beck is responsible for the New Year shots as well." 2 Section turned back to the front and continued with their applause.
"Now I'm sorry to bring this to such an abrupt end but this room will be needed shortly. I believe Corporal Kinders has some tasks lined up for you this afternoon."
Everyone made their way outside, awaiting Kinders' instruction. "Molly," he turned to look at her directly. "I believe you're already aware that you're needed at the hospital later?" She nodded in response. "You can go and have some free time until then. Lads, I'm afraid we'll be transferring everything to the new R&R area. Now the sooner we start, the sooner we finish; so let's go! See you later, Dawes."
The lads all said goodbye to her, leaving her alone with Captain James. He stood some distance away, his arms folded tight to his chest.
"Are you ok?" She hesitantly asked him.
"I think it's time we had a chat."
I've got a rough outline for at least one more chapter, possibly two; but I would love to know where all of you would like to see this story go. As always I will do my best to incorporate all of your brilliant ideas.