Well look what it is, another chapter. This one is my longest yet! It's almost 9,000 words! (9,932 if you include all my intro and ending narration haha) Crazy right?
And what about Damian Lewis winning that Emmy? YAY Damian! I've been on the hold list at the public library for like WEEKS to get Homeland and I think I'm still like, #22 or something. Thank God I did it all that time ago though, with all the awards it won the list of people is probably up to 100! I watched the first couple episodes online to see if it was worth staying on the list and it definitely is! I can't wait to watch it all!
So this past week has been almost as crazy as last week. Almost. I always feel like I live a boring life because I have no friends nearby and am currently stuck living with my parents (ugh) and my sister is away at college so I don't even have her to hang with. Anyway, I feel like my life is depressing and boring, but I seriously have had like no down time all week. I can't even find time to go to the gym! WTF am I doing!? Seriously, I have no idea.
Anywayyyyyyy...here it is woot woot. I guess technically this is the "Christmas Special" but since it's not even October yet, just try and force yourself to get into the holiday spirit...
Chapter Eleven
Meg smiled at the sound of the snow crunching under her feet, glancing up as the snowflakes danced around her head. It certainly was going to be a white Christmas in England.
Her duties at Westminster had finished the day before, allowing her to return to Aldbourne as she'd hoped. General Montgomery's orders that no one work over Christmas had gone so far as to tell Meg she would not be required until after the beginning of the new year.
She had been worried at first that his willingness to dismiss her so easily had meant that she had done something wrong. Over the past few weeks she had been working directly with the General on reorganizing Morgan's plans for Operation Overlord. She had been surprised at first when he'd requested her personally, meaning she would be able to give her opinion more freely and without fear of being shot down by one of the officers. While they had been getting along perfectly well in her opinion, she was concerned this was his way of brushing her off, feeling as if his first choice hadn't been his best choice.
After seeing her face and hearing her fears, the general had laughed and patted her somewhat patronizingly on the head, telling her she was a better worker than most of the officers there and he expected her to use the small break to relax and recuperate before they continued with the plans. Although he didn't come right out and say it, the underlying message was that the new year was going to bring them even more work and even less rest.
Now Meg found herself walking along the snow covered path to the familiar mess hall. She had hoped to arrive back at the military base earlier in the day, planning to spend Christmas Eve day with all her favorites. Unfortunately London transportation had other plans. It seemed everyone was eager to get home that day and so she had had to wait her turn. As she stood at the bus depot, she had suddenly wished she was an official member of the military. They always seemed to get special treatment in these kinds of situations.
She had arrived at dusk, knowing all the men would be eating dinner. Stopping outside the door, she took a deep breath and peeked in, spotting the Easy men sitting over in the corner. Pulling open the door, she walked in and blushed when everyone slowly caught sight of her and stopped talking. Even the men from the other companies recognized her from around Aldbourne, especially because of her little experiment she had done when she first arrived. It was slightly endearing to know that all these men knew her but she knew less than half of them.
"Meg!" a familiar loud voice shouted and before she knew it, there was a blur of khaki and she was being lifted in the air and spun around in a circle by George Luz.
"George!" she cried with a laugh, holding onto her things tightly so they wouldn't go flying into an innocent bystander. The private finally set her down and put his hands on her shoulders, holding her out to look her over, similar to what both Lew and Harry had done when she'd met up with them in London. However, from George's facial expression, he did not seem as happy with what he saw as they had.
"You look sickly," he said and she frowned at his accusation. "I don't think they took care of you in London. I hope you're back for good, we're gonna have a hard road ahead of us if we plan to get you back to normal."
Rolling her eyes, Meg linked her arm through his and allowed him to lead her back to the tables where the rest of the Easy men were. After saying hello to each of them, she sat down, smiling when she was immediately offered a plate full of food. Accepting it from Bull with a thank you, she suddenly realized she hadn't eaten anything all day. As she very formally 'tucked in,' the boys around her chuckled with amusement at the sight of her properly stuffing food into her mouth.
"So, I hear you've all got some mistletoe for me somewhere," she said after she had eaten a good amount of turkey. A few of the men blushed but her favorites just smirked, glancing around the table at each other with open mirth.
"Of course we do, but we can't tell you where," Muck finally spoke up. "You'll just have to hope you step under it."
"Or don't, whichever the case may be," Bill added and Meg laughed, beginning to realize just how much she had missed this group of men.
"Uh oh," George said suddenly, a sly tone lacing his voice. Meg looked over at him, following his arm up to where it was dangling above her head, a sprig of the offending plant between his fingers. The rest of the men had noticed it too, chuckling silently until she had acknowledge it. Then they all burst into loud laughter, causing paratroopers from some of the nearby tables to glance over at them.
"George Luz you rascal," Meg said with a roll of her eyes before leaning over and placing a lingering kiss on his cheek. "There, that's all you'll get from me," she said before turning back to her food. George seemed to find this response acceptable and, with a shrug, he put the plant back in his pocket and returned to his food as well.
"So how was London?" Malarkey asked her a few minutes later when her eating had calmed down.
"Boring as hell without you boys," she admitted, noting the pleased grins that were plastered on their faces. "I swear I've never noticed it before but the British military men are so stuffy compared to the Yanks."
"Damn right!" Bill shouted, earning a couple 'hear, hear's' from the other boys at the table.
"We heard you had a couple visitors," Joe Toye said, his deep voice sending a chill through Meg. She had forgotten his voice could do that. "How come we weren't invited up?"
"Honestly?" Meg asked, using the time to think fact. "I told them not to. Lew-tenant Nixon wrote and basically informed me that he and Lieutenant Welsh were coming up. I had absolutely no say in the matter, one way or another." She silently thanked God that Lew's name could flow so easily into the word Lieutenant. The last thing she needed was these boys seeing just how close she was to their charming superior officer. "My nose has been to the grindstone every day, practically since I arrived. I would never have had the time to entertain constant visitors, no matter how much I would have wanted to," she finished, giving them all a sweet smile to prove her point.
"Alright," George seemed to decide, setting his arms out across the table. "We'll let it slide, this time."
"Why thank you," Meg said sarcastically, grabbing her fork and placing her last piece of turkey in her mouth.
Stuffed and feeling as if her dress was now too tight, She leaned back and looked around the room, quickly spotting the three men she was looking for.
"Excuse me gentlemen, it's time for me to continue saying my hellos," she said as she stood from the table and walked over to where Lew, Harry and Dick were sitting.
"Always with the higher ups," she heard Joe Toye moan as she left, but the only acknowledgement she gave his statement was a small smile and blush that he wasn't lucky enough to glimpse.
"Gentlemen," Meg said in greeting as she slid onto the bench next to Dick, silencing the men's conversation as they all looked her way.
"Meg!" Harry cried, reaching over to shake her hand since the table prohibited anything else. "We were hurt when we saw you eating with the boys instead of over here," he told her, forcing a fake pout to cover his face.
"What can I say?" she said with a casual shrug. "I've gone longer without seeing them than seeing you."
"Not Dick you haven't," Lew said, pointing at his ginger friend with his spoon. Meg turned to the man next to her and gave him an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry Dick," Meg teased before her eyes widened in realization. "And now I can finally say congratulations in person!" she cried before pulling him into an awkward hug, knowing without looking that he was blushing. "I knew Sobel couldn't really hurt you."
"Is that why you asked Nix about me in every letter?" Dick asked with one of his rare smirks.
"I just can't win with you boys," Meg said with a shake of her head as she turned back to the whole table. "Where's Adam?"
"You just missed him," Lew said. "He was sitting with the rest of the Easy boys."
Meg chose not to ask why Lew was keeping tabs on her brother, instead throwing him a warm smile. She had missed the charming Lieutenant; a lot more than she'd dare admit to anyone.
The two of them had written plenty of letters to each other in the past few weeks. Every morning Meg would check for mail and every time she had an envelope with Lew's name on the return address, she had to hold herself back from squealing in delight. Such a girly reaction would not help her attempts to make the British officers look at her with more respect.
Sometimes Lew's letters came as often as four times a week. It made her wonder if perhaps she was the only one he was writing to, but she never let that question linger for too long.
With each letter their friendship grew, and with each letter she found herself falling for him more and more.
At first she had scolded herself; had tried to make it go away. He was married afterall, and she may not follow every rule given to her, but that was a pretty big one to break. However, as the stack of letters on her desk grew, she found it harder and harder to keep him from her head or from her heart.
And now here he was, sitting in front of her and grinning widely. It was enough to make her heart stop.
"Now that you're back, I'll have to see if I can scrounge up some of that mistletoe," he added, tossing her a wink. "Give you that kiss I promised." She had to keep her facial expression indifferent, but inside she was giggling like a silly school girl.
"George Luz has some," she said casually. "He already used it on me."
"Of course he did," Dick said with a laugh. He knew his men well.
"So, anything fun planned for tonight?" Meg asked and the three men shook their heads.
"Just heading to the pub I'm sure. Probably do some loud obnoxious singing and all get rip roaring drunk," Lew said and Meg gave him an evil grin.
"In other words just a typical night for you then?" she asked and out of the corner of her eye she saw Dick and Harry lock eyes, smirking. However they were the only ones who found her comment humorous.
"I'm gonna get you for that," Lew said under his breath and Meg leaned forward, locking eyes with him and ignoring the voice in her head that was practically shouting at her to stop flirting.
"Not if I can run faster," she replied before gracefully standing up. "Well gentlemen, I think I shall be calling it a night. See you all in the morning," she announced before throwing a smirk at Lew and heading for the door, not even tossing a glance back.
She had barely made it ten feet from the mess hall when she heard the door open again. Turning, she caugh the familiar silhouette of Lew against the light from inside. Giving a girlish giggle, she took off through the snow, running in the opposite direction.
As far as a stereotypical floozy was, Meg was pulling out all the stops. However the happiness and excitement of being back at Aldbourne, back with her lads, and away from the stuffy Brits made it impossible for her to prevent her behavior. Instead she let out a loud laugh and dodged around a patch of ice in the poorly shoveled path.
Heaving footsteps were heard behind her and before she knew it, arms wrapped around her waist and her whole body was spun around before being pushed down into the snow.
She would be the first to admit she may not have been running her fastest.
Meg landed backwards with a soft thump, her back end dipping into the snow. With a louder oompf, Lew landed ontop of her. Although being so close to him would normally send her heart a flutter, Meg moaned at the impact and on reflex her knee shot up, causing Lew to moan louder in pain.
"Fuck," he said as he gasped for breath. "Jesus Christ woman!" he cried as he rolled off her, curling into the fetal position in the snow. It didn't take long for Meg to realize what she had done and she covered her mouth with her hand, hoping he wouldn't see her laughing at his distress.
"Hey now," Meg said, eyeing him with humor in her eyes, "don't blame it all on me."
"True," he gasped out, "I may not have planned that the best."
"That's one thing we can agree on," Meg said just as two figures approached them from the direction of the mess hall.
"What happened?" Harry asked, motioning to the prone form of Lew on the ground. As he waited for her answer, he reached his hand out, pulling Meg to her feet.
"We had a little accident," she replied as she brushed snow off her coat and legs. Lew let loose a sadistic chuckle.
"That's an understatement. She kneed me in the Goddamn balls!"
After a sympathetic wince from both Harry and Dick, the two smirked as they looked down at their friend in obvious pain.
"You gonna be alright?" Dick asked as he leaned over and offered his hand. Lew took it, standing to his feet and immediately dropping to rest his hands on his knees.
"Yeah I think so," he said breathlessly and Meg sighed.
"Don't be such a baby," she scolded with a roll of her eyes. "I made less of a fuss when I was shot."
She hadn't been thinking when she made the comment, but when all three men's heads snapped to look at her, she realized maybe she should have kept that part quiet. She kept forgetting that these weren't fellow IIA agents; they had yet to see actual action so they weren't used to battle wounds being mentioned casually in passing.
"You were shot?" Lew asked, looking up at her with his hands still on his knees, still struggling to breath evenly.
"Yeah, it wasn't a big deal," she said, trying to brush it off.
"I've never heard someone describe getting shot as not a big deal," Dick said as he turned to her, crossing his arms.
"Alright so maybe it was a big deal," Meg finally gave it, "but I certainly didn't whine as much as this one when it happened."
Realizing she should stop before she said anymore, she reached down and grabbed her bag that she had dropped in the snow when Lew had grabbed her. She brushed it off lightly before tossing it over her shoulder.
"I need to go find Adam, I'll see you boys later." And with a spin of her heel she was gone.
"How come when I'm around that woman I feel like less of a man?" Lew asked and both Dick and Harry burst into laughter, Lew soon joining in.
"I feel like we haven't celebrated Christmas together in years," Meg said as she handed Adam a cup of tea, sitting on his bed next to him. She had arrived at their quarters two hours earlier to find him reading over one of his codebooks. Handing him her copy of A Christmas Carol and requesting that he read some of it aloud, like their father used to do when they were children.
He had read for a while before asking to take a break for some tea and the chance to talk in person for the first time in weeks.
"Because we haven't," Adam informed her with a roll of his eyes. "Our job doesn't exactly give us holidays off."
"True," Meg agreed, leaning over to rest her head on his shoulder. "But I'm glad we get to celebrate this one together."
"Me too," Adam said, turning his head to place a kiss on her hair. "I got you something," he said and she leaned back to look at him with a soft smile.
"I got you something too," she said, getting up and walking over to pull a small wrapped package from under her bed. When she returned to him, he was holding a similar package.
The two exchanged the gifts, tearing the wrappings open at the same time.
"Seriously Meg?" Adam asked, looking down at the pistol and leather pistol belt in his hand. "What is this?"
"A Browning M1911. That specific belt however, was only made for generals in the US Army. I got my hands on one and thought you might like it. Especially if we continue to stay in Aldbourne; it'll help you fit in with the American men if you wear a pistol belt with the United States seal on it."
"This is a ridiulous present," Adam informed her, strapping it around his waist and looking at himself in the mirror.
"Well look at what you got me!" Meg said with a laugh as she held up a brand new copy of Wuthering Heights.
"Eh," Adam said with a shrug, not looking up from his reflection. "You've read Gone With the Wind too much. The lady at the bookshop recommended that someone of your taste might enjoy this one. Besides, I'm sick of seeing you carry that ridiculously large book everywhere," he said and Meg shook her head before punching him lightly on the shoulder.
"Ass," she said under her breath as she placed her new book down ontop of the old one. "It's a nice present though. And it actually is a book I've been meaning to read," she said with a smile and Adam nodded.
"Your present's nice too. Thanks."
The exchange done, the siblings snuggled in closer together as Adam picked up A Christmas Carol and began reading again.
"'Your own feeling tells you that you were not what you are,' she returned. 'I am. That which promised happiness when we were one in heart, is fraught with misery now that we are two. How often and how keenly I have though of this, I will not say. It is enough that I *have* thought of it, and can release you.'
'Have I ever sought release?'
'In words. No, Never.'
'In what then?'
'In a changed nature; in an altered spirit; in another atmosphere of life; another Hope as its great end. In everything that made my love of any worth or value in your sight. If this had never been between us,' said the girl, looking mildly, but with steadiness, upon him; 'tell me, would you seek me out and try to win me now?'"
Suddenly Meg stood up, cutting her brother off as she walked over to the other side of the room.
"Adam," Meg said softly as she lay down on her bed. Adam made a noise of response, set the book down, and looked over at her to show he was listening. "I miss him."
The specific name wasn't spoken but Adam knew she was talking about Christian. Despite the fact that Adam was her hereditary brother, Christian had always had a soft spot where the younger girl was concerned, making them almost closer. Recognizing her downcast mood and understanding that it would probably never go away completely, Adam sighed, wishing he could do more to help his sister.
"I know Meggy," he chose to reply, realizing too late that he'd used Christian's pet name for her. Meg didn't seem to care though, instead rolling over on her side so her back was to him.
"Happy Christmas Adam," she said softly, hoping he couldn't tell she had started softly crying.
He could.
"I can't believe you," George practically shouted in Meg's ear the next morning as she was making her way to the mess hall, tightening her coat around her to ward off the freezing morning air. "You haven't shown your face here in over a month, a month Megan, and then you come back and don't even join us at the pub for a Christmas Eve celebration!"
"Happy Christmas to you too George," Meg said with a smile as she turned and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Does that make up for it? I didn't even require mistletoe."
"Yeah I guess," George said with a shrug, his cheeks reddening slightly.
With the new, perfect Christmas morning all Meg's sorrow from the night before had slipped away. In fact, it was impossible to tell that this same girl had cried herself to sleep hours earlier. She had a skip to her step as she walked to the mess hall, hoping to run into all her favorite boys despite it being so early in the morning.
She should have known better.
Other than George, not a single member of Easy Company showed himself before noon. Meg went back for lunch and greated Malarkey, Muck, Liebgott, and Perconte, all four of them looking a little worse for wear. They forced smiles as they wished her a Merry Christmas and she took pity on them, bending down to place a kiss on each man's cheek. At least they were well enough to react accordingly to her gesture.
After eating a somewhat silent meal with them, Meg excused herself, hoping they would be in a better mood by suppertime.
"Lieutenant," Meg said with a mock salute as she passed Dick on her way out. "It's nice to see one member of Easy looking awake enough to enjoy the holiday."
"Yeah well that's what happens when you don't drink," Dick said with a smile. "I take it you didn't join in the Christmas mayhem last night either?"
Meg shook her head with a wide grin. She was definitely in a good mood.
"I spent the evening in with Adam. I figure I'll go out tonight whether they all go too or I'm by myself. Christmas is my favorite day of the year and I didn't want to celebrate it hungover."
"Glad to see you're making good decisions," Dick said as he went to walk past her. "Oh, our favorite intelligence officer is still asleep by the way. I tried waking him but gave up. Maybe you'll have more luck."
An evil smirk graced Meg's lips as she turned and headed in the right direction.
Five minutes later found her standing over a prone Lewis Nixon, trying to decide how best to wake him up. Hands on her hips, she stood there, a small wrinkle creasing between her eyes as she thought.
It had briefly crossed her mind that this situation completely crossed the line to inappropriate. Not only was she in the quarters of a man, but he also didn't seem to be wearing much more than an undershirt and whatever was hidden below the covers. Judging by the fact that his trousers were tossed in a heap on the floor, she was guessing his clothing below the waist might be seriously lacking.
But Dick had asked her to wake their friend, so tossing aside any misgivings she had, she squared her shoulders and accepted the challenge.
"Lew," she said softly, reaching out to pat his shoulder.
No response.
"Lewis," she said a little louder, grabbing hold of his shoulder and shoving it back and forth.
Lew groaned and rolled over onto his stomach.
"Go away Meg," he said, his words muffled by his pillow. Meg let go of him and stepped back.
"At least you didn't call me Katharine," she said with a sigh of relief. That would have been completely awkward for both of them.
Making a decision, she hitched up the skirt of her dress and climbed onto the bed so she was kneeling next to him. Reaching over, her fingers curled around an extra pillow, pulling it toward her. Standing up on her knees, she lifted the pillow above her head, ready to strike.
"Lewis Nixon if you don't get up right now I'll-"
But Lew never got to hear what she would threaten to do. In less than two seconds he had grabbed her around the waist and flipped them both over, elliciting a shriek from her as the pillow flew from her hands. She landed on her back, head sinking into his pillow as his body flattened against hers. Unlike the night previously, when they had found themselves in this position and she had ruined it by kneeing him, now there was no pain. Immediately, her heart sped up, her pulse quickening.
"I could get used to this view every morning," he said, his voice still gravely with sleep. He looked down to where she was pinned between him and the bed, throwing her a very suggestive and inappropriate smirk that only made everything feel hotter to her. Surely his bed must be on fire; there was no explanation to how stuffy and hot everything suddenly felt. Knowing she had to get away fast, she forced a scowl to her face, beginning to push him away.
"Well I couldn't," she responded as she struggled to get free of his grip. She knew she was blushing; she had to get away from his touch before her face stayed a permanent hue of red. He let her go with a laugh, rolling off of her and she pulled herself up, walking away from the bed quickly.
"Liar," Lew said but Meg wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing he was right.
"Dick sent me to wake you up," she said, running her fingers through her hair to fix any flyaways having her head buried in a pillow may have caused. "He's at the mess."
She turned to leave and was almost to the door when he called out her name.
"Hold on a second," he said and she stopped, keeping her back to him when she heard the distinct sound of him pulling on his pants. "Alright you can turn around," he said and she could tell from his tone that he was laughing at her.
Ready to scold him for mocking her attempts to keep some propriety between the two of them, she stopped when she saw a small box in his hand.
"Merry Christmas," he said and she frowned, not moving any closer. "Are you going to come see what it is? I swear it won't hurt you," he said after a few minutes of silence between the two had elapsed.
"But I didn't get you anything," Meg said softly, suddenly feeling dreadful. She had assumed their relationship, whatever it may be, was to be kept somewhat of a secret. She hadn't even thought there was a chance they might be exchanging gifts.
Lew brushed her comment off, walking forward to hand her the package since she had still made no motion to move toward him.
"Don't worry about it. I saw this and immediately thought of you, so I figured I'd get it."
Meg listened to him and she unwrapped the package, revealing a square jewelery box.
"Lew," she said in a tone that hinted she was part excited, part nervous, and part angry about the gift. Opening the box, she gasped lightly.
Nestled inside was a silver necklace. The charm of the necklace was a silver dartboard with what she suspected was a ruby in the center.
"Because the first night we knew who you were, you played darts with the boys and I couldn't take my eyes off you."
Meg was shocked by his statement. She remembered he had been watching her that night but she didn't realize how intently. The gesture was almost...romantic.
Her stomach dropped. She felt like she couldn't breath as panic began to set in. In all her wildest dreams she had wished this would happen, but never once had she believed it might actually come true; that Lewis Nixon would actually act romantically toward her. Sure, he flirted a lot, but this was taking it a step further.
"And where in God's name did you find a dartboard necklace?" she asked with a forced laugh, trying to calm herself down from the situation before he noticed.
Lew reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, smirking awkwardly as his cheeks reddened. Lew blushing? This was a new development.
"Alright so I may have gotten it custom made in town," he explained and she looked at him with wide eyes. This was definitely a romantic gesture.
Not knowing how to take it, she took another deep breath and tried to pretend it was a friend she was talking to, like George or Harry. As long as she imagined Lew; handsome, charming, romantic Lew; as someone else, maybe she could make it through this exchange.
"Now I feel awful for not getting you anything," she said and again he brushed it off. However, she ignored him as she suddenly realized she did have something to give him. Something her brother would absolutely kill her for giving him.
She debated it for a second, trying to decide if she was making the smartest choice in the world. Glancing up at Lew's face, Meg was startled to see a strang look in his eyes. Was it compassion? It was certainly deep, whatever it was. Coming to her decision, she gave a little nod to herself. Reaching for her right ring finger, she slipped the ring off, both of them looking down at it silently. Then Meg stepped forward, locking eyes with Lew as she reached her arms up, wrapping them around his neck. The two stared at each other as she undid his dog tag chain and slid the ring onto it, stepping back when she was finished.
Lew took the chain in his hand, ignoring his dog tags as he touched the ring, holding it up to look at.
"It was my mother's wedding band," she felt the need to suddenly explain, mostly because the room was becoming too quiet for her to bare. "It was the only thing the French sent back to us after they-" she cut off, feeling her throat begin to burn. "After they killed her," she finished, fighting back against the tears that were threatening to fall. Apparently no emotion was free from her today.
Realizing exactly what the ring in his hand meant to the girl before him, Lew shook his head, glancing up at her.
"Meg you can't give me this," he started but she cut him off, stepping forward to wrap her hand around his hand that was holding the ring.
"I want to. This way you'll always think of me when you're off fighting and I'm stuck here in England."
She had meant it as a joke, her statement about being stuck in England. Something to lighten the mood. However one glance back up at him had told her that it had done exactly the opposite.
"Meg, I don't need something to think of you," Lew said, his voice suddenly sounding husky and it was definitely not from just waking up.
Locking eyes again, Meg was startled to realize how deep chocolate Lew's eyes were. His face was covered in stubble and she had the sudden urge to tell him he should shave. However that seemed to be the last thing on his mind at that moment so instead she focused on the fact that they were getting closer.
Closing her eyes, Meg tilted her head up, using all her willpower to keep from shaking with excitement. This was Lew, whom she had been wanting to kiss for weeks. She couldn't believe it was finally going to happen.
"Hey Nix," a voice suddenly called from outside and the two of them jumped far apart as the door opened.
Ronald Spiers walked in, looking surprised at Meg's presence before glancing between the two suspiciously.
"Well Dick will be waiting," Meg finally stammered out before turning and walking as calmy as possible past Spiers. He tipped his hat to her as she went past but she was too embarassed to notice.
"Stupid girl!" she said under her breath as she walked back to her quarters. "Stupid, stupid girl!"
What had happened to her willpower? What had happened to her being an independent woman? Were all those strong characteristics going to disappear whenever she was around that infuriating man?
"Excuse me," a voice said as she bumped into someone. Too engrossed in her internal ranting, she barely threw Floyd a glance as she stepped around him and continued on her way. "Merry Christmas!" he called after her but she didn't hear him, still mentally yelling at herself for giving into temptation much too easily.
"Are you going out tonight?" Adam asked as soon as she walked into their room. When he saw she hadn't heard him, he repeated the question louder.
"What? Sorry," she said, jumping and looking at her brother.
"What's gotten into you?" he asked as he came over to take her face in his hands. "You're not getting sick are you? Montgomery working you too hard?"
"No, no I'm fine," Meg protested, swatting her brother's hands away. "Now what had you asked me?"
"I asked if you were going out tonight."
"I was planning on it," she said, silently wondering if it would be possible to avoid Lew all night if they were both at the pub. If she didn't go, there was always the chance he'd come looking for her, and surrounded by a crowd of people was better than being found alone in her quarters.
"I think I'll come with you. The lads always talked about how much fun you all had at the pub."
"Adam," Meg said, suddenly able to put her entire focus on the conversation. "Are you telling me you haven't gone to the pub once? Not once since you've been here?"
"I don't mesh with the lads as well as you do," he argued and she sighed, shaking her head.
"You're a disgrace to the Myeroff name," she teased as she walked over to her closet. "What will you wear?"
"I have no idea. I need you to help me!" he practically whined and she shook her head with a small smile.
"Well we certainly have plenty of time."
"You don't think this is too much?" Adam asked, examining himself in a mirror. He had on a nice black suit with a white shirt and red tie. Meg had specifically picked the bright tie because it went well with the green velvet dress she was wearing.
"Christmas colors," she had explained to her brother's rolling eyes.
Now he seemed to be having second thoughts, eyeing himself in the mirror critically.
"Adam it's fine. The men are all going to be in their Class A's. You'll look foolish in anything less," Meg stated as she shoved him sideways with her hip, leaning over to look in the mirror while she put her earrings in.
"Well you certainly look nice," he said with a huff. "So does this mean that not only do I get to watch you chat with everyone, I also have to make sure no one makes a move?"
"Of course not," Meg said with a tittering laugh, silently wondering what he would do if Lew treated her like he had been of late.
Adam took one last look in the mirror before glancing up at his sister.
"Are we ready to go then?" he asked, holding his arm out like a gentleman. Meg grinned, grabbing her coat to put on before looping her arm through is.
The walk seemed to take twice as long as usual. Meg knew it was because she wasn't used to doing it in the cold, but she still couldn't believe it took her the same amount of time to walk it in the autumn weather. She decided to blame it on Adam walking slowly.
When they stepped into the pub, Meg glanced over to the usual corner, pleased to see Easy Company there.
"Come on," she shouted to Adam over the sound of talking and music. Pulling his arm, she led him over to the table, taking off her coat and tossing it on a nearby chair.
"Meg!" Bill cried, standing up to give her a kiss on the cheek. "S'good to see ya doll. Merry Christmas."
"You boys sure seem more chipper than this afternoon," she said with a laugh as she made her rounds, placing kisses on each cheek and calling out 'Happy Christmas' to each of them.
"That's what happens when you get the evening to sleep," Joe Toye told her, standing up to pull her into a rather tight hug. When he released her, Meg glanced over to see Adam eyeing him with a sort of annoyance.
"Now boys," she said, smirking before settling herself down on Malarkey's leg. The boys chuckled, tossing a few comments to Malarkey and making him blush. Meg waited for them to quiet down before continuing. "What's this I hear about my brother not coming to the pub at all? None of you went over there and dragged him out here?"
The boys all glanced around at each other before shrugging. Apparently none of them knew the answer. Meg was just about to reprimand them when she was cut off.
"Hey Meg!" Adam's voice called above the rest of the noise. "Gin?"
She nodded and he turned, heading to the bar.
Her brother gone, Meg turned and smirked when she saw Malarkey still had a hint of a blush on his cheeks. Deciding there was no need to scold them for forgetting her brother, instead she reached her hand up and lightly pinched the Irishman's cheek.
"Can somebody find me a chair before Malarkey's face catches on fire?" she teased and the guys laughed as they quickly produced an extra chair for her to sit on. Settled in, she leaned back and merely listened, enjoying the sound of all these friendly voices after such a long time.
It took her a moment to notice it, but when the sound of Bing Crosby's voice drifted toward her, she glanced over at the jukebox in the corner.
"I love Christmas music," she said softly, thinking no one would hear.
"It's fucking depressing," George said next to her before making a face. "Sorry," he apologized for his swearing and Meg didn't have the heart to scold him. When the song changed to I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm she turned to the shorter paratrooper and held her hand out.
"Care to dance?" she asked and he nodded with a grin, pulling her from her seat and over to the empty dance floor. Usually local girls would show up to fraternize with the Americans but it looked like their families were keeping them inside on Christmas, making Meg the only female in the building.
As the two swayed to the music slowly, Meg found herself sighing.
"What's on your mind babycakes?" George asked, causing her to chuckle at the nickname.
"I'm just happy," she finally decided to say. "It's been a long time since I've been so happy."
"Well that's good ain't it?" George asked with a quizical look. "That sigh didn't sound too good."
"It's complicated," Meg tried to explain and George pulled her a little closer, their eyes level.
"Explain it all to Uncle George," he said in a fatherly tone and she smirked and shook her head. "Seriously Meg," he said suddenly, his humor seeming to disappear. "What's eatin' ya?"
"What do you think about cheaters?" she asked quickly, instantly regretting saying anything. This wasn't like her, blurting out personal problems to people who weren't Adam. She often found herself pondering this question since coming to Aldbourne: what were these Easy men doing to her?
"You mean like, at a game?" he asked, seeming confused. When she shook her head bashfully, he caught on. "Oh like married cheaters," he said with a nod. "Well, I guess it depends on the situation, but for the most part I'd say they're scum." When he saw the disappointed look in her eyes he frowned. "Why? You ain't married are you? We ain't talkin' bout you right?"
"Well, not entirely..." Meg trailed on, now wishing she'd said absolutely nothing. "Nothing, forget I said anything," she said, a false smile gracing her lips. With a sigh, George turned and grabbed her hand, pulling her across the room and over to a quiet, unoccupied corner. Meg didn't understand how he could have found such a place in this crowded bar but he did, practically shoving her into a chair before sitting down and scooting closer to her.
"Alright, explain," he said, his tone suggesting no nonsense.
So Meg told him everything. About how she was falling for Lew. About how he didn't seem to want to talk about his wife but he seemed more than willing to start an affair with her. About how she was angry with herself because she didn't care that Lew was married. About the fact that if Lew walked up to her and planted one on her right now, she'd return it, no question.
When she had finally finished ten minutes later, George stayed quiet, rubbing a hand down his face.
"I need a drink," he finally spoke, making her pale.
"Is that all you're going to say?" she asked, feeling awful about her revelations.
"Shit Meg, you're so deep in this I don't know what to say," he said before closing his mouth, realizing that was a bit harsh. Sighing, he threw on a smile. "I know I said I think cheaters are scum, but I also said it depends on the situation." He leaned back, shrugging. "Who knows, maybe you and Lieutenant Nixon just met at the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe he's supposed to be with you instead 'a her."
"You really think that?" she asked, hopefullness laced into her words. Seeing how much it meant to her, George reached out and squeezed her on the shoulder.
"Of course I do," he said. "It just stinks about the wife part."
"Yeah," Meg trailed off, looking out at the room for the first time since she had started telling her story. Her eyes were instantly drawn to Lew and she decided she could draw him out in any crowd. George turned, following her line of vision and smirking.
"Let's go dance yeah?" he asked, not waiting for her answer before picking her up off the chair and leading her back onto the dance floor. They didn't make it very far however when Adam appeared, a drink in both hands.
"Where did you go?" he asked harshly, openly glaring at George.
"To talk," Meg said firmly, telling Adam there would be no room for discussion. "George is a friend and we were just catching up. Sorry, I didn't realize I had to stay in your line of sight all night."
Adam seemed to feel guilty then, dropping his eyes before holding her glass out.
"Here's your drink. Sorry the glass is covered in condensation; I've been holding onto it for a while," he said, before turning and nodding an apology to George. The paratrooper accepted it, turning and winking at Meg before motioning that he was going back to his seat with the boys.
"We'll dance again later," Meg called after him before turning back to her brother. "What the hell was that?"
"What?" he asked, shocked at her tone. "So now I'm the one in trouble?"
"Yeah," she said before turning away for a second. "George is just a friend. A friend alright? He saw something was bothering me so we stepped aside to talk about it."
"What's bothering you?" Adam asked immediately, folding his arms across his chest. Meg was about to shoot back a sharp reply when she paused. All Adam was really doing was trying to be a good brother. It may have been annoying, but could she really fault him for that?
"Let's go back to the lads and finish our drinks," she said, ignoring his question and instead wrapping her arm through his and weaving toward the table.
For the next two hours she and Adam laughed at almost everything that came out of George's mouth. Meg and Bill beat Adam and Muck soundly at a game of darts, earning themselves another round before Shifty swept in, asking for a dance.
Meg had a soft spot for the quiet paratrooper. She didn't know him very well but the interactions she'd had with him had all been completely polite and proper to a fault. Recognizing a good Christmas waltz, she asked him if he knew how to do a basic step. When he informed her that his mother had taught him, she smiled and allowed him to lead the way.
Shifty knew the dance better than he let on. As the two of them waltzed around the room, Meg was suddenly very glad she was the only girl here. Otherwise there wouldn't have been enough room to enjoy the song.
"You dance real well ma'am," he said, ever the gentleman. Meg grinned as she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek.
"So do you Shifty," she replied, trying to tune out the cheers and yelps coming from the table of Easy men. Looking at Shifty, she could tell he was embarassed by them too.
"Give 'im another one Meg!" she heard Bill's distinct voice.
"Yeah, on the mouth this time!" That was Malarkey's voice and Meg's eyebrows rose and she glanced back at the usually subdued private. Obviously the men were enjoying their alcohol.
"Private," a voice suddenly said and both Meg and Shifty turned to find Harry standing there. Shifty saluted and Meg smirked.
"Happy Christmas," she said as Harry took her in his arms, dancing to a more upbeat tune.
"Merry," he informed her, a glint in his eye. "It's Merry Christmas ya Limey."
"Yank," she shot back, knowing they were just teasing. "So how's Kitty? Send her anything good for Christmas?"
"A package of lace doilies," he said and she looked at him with a confused smirk. "What? She's always going on about how Brits make lace doilies better than Americans do. A shop in Aldbourne makes 'em so I had a bunch shipped over to her."
"Aren't you just the sweetest," Meg said, letting go of his hand to reach up and pinch his cheek affectionately. "I'm sure she'll love them."
"And what about your presents?" Harry asked, giving her a knowing smirk. "Get anything good?"
His question struck Meg as odd, the cogs in her head turning. He couldn't possibly know about the necklace from Lew could he?
"Uh, Adam got me a book," she said, trying to bring her focus back to the conversation.
"What book? Just in case I want to borrow it when I get bored."
"Wuthering Heights. I don't think it's your type of book," she said with a chuckle and he wrinkled his nose.
"I think I agree with you," he replied before nodding to her neck. "And where did you get that?"
The twinkle in his eye was back and, on reflex, Meg's hand shot up to cover the dartboard charm.
"Old friend," she said frantically and Harry pulled her in closer.
"Old friend my ass," he whispered in her hear before pulling away. "Are you planning on avoiding him all night or are you going to go talk to him?"
"I can't," Meg said, skipping over the embarassment that she had been caught. "Harry he's married."
"That didn't seem to bother you in London," he winked at her before his face turned serious. "Unless...don't tell me you've fallen for the man!"
Her silence was his answer and he chuckled once in disbelief.
"Harry you can't tell anyone," she said quickly, pulling his attention to her face. "It's wrong and I'm ashamed, so please...no one can know."
"You know he's crazy about you right?" Harry chose to respond with. His statement caught Meg off guard and she looked at her friend, speechless. "And speak of the devil..." Harry trailed off as a shadow covered them both.
Immediately, Meg felt her heart rate speed up. Her palms felt sweaty and so she pulled them from Harry's grasp, hoping he wouldn't notice.
She knew exactly who was standing there.
"Mind if I cut in?" Lew's deep voice asked, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine. She looked up at Harry pleading, begging him to help her and say no but the short lieutenant mearly smirked and took a step back.
"She's all yours," he offered before throwing Meg another wink and walking away.
Realizing she was standing awkwardly sideways, she took a breath before turning to face her new dance partner. Lew was giving her an inquisitive look, his hand held out for her to take. She slowly did, allowing him to pull her close. As soon as his hand touched her's, she felt the cold medal of his wedding band, slamming her into equally cold reality. However, instead of pulling herself away, she stayed in his arms, weak and vulnerable.
They swayed there in silence, his right arm around her waist, his left hand wrapped around her's, pressing it between their bodies. Her nose came to just his shoulder so she kept her face there, staring out behind him.
"Meg say something," Lew finally spoke, breaking her away from her silence.
"Adam's keeping a close eye on me tonight," she said, still refusing to make eye contact.
Lew laughed at her comment, pushing her away from him just a smidge.
"That's what you chose to say?" he asked, giving her a skeptical eye. "What about 'Merry Christmas Lew' or 'Thank you for asking me to dance Lew' or 'I'm glad to see you haven't lost my mother's ring yet.'?"
Meg tensed at his statement, hoping no one would hear.
"Christ you're jumpy. What's gotten into you?" Lew asked, scowling down at her as if he were trying to figure out his own answer.
"I'm not feeling particularly well," she responded. It wasn't exactly a lie; she did feel rather faint in Lew's arms.
"Meg..." he pleaded softly and then she did look up at him, catching his eye.
Immediately her knees felt weak and she gripped his arm tighter on instinct. He noticed the movement and scowled, trying to figure her out.
"Maybe I should sit down," she said softly, pulling away from him.
She knew he had been watching, but when Adam arrived by her side in an instant she knew he had been watching too closely.
"What's wrong?" he asked, looking between the two. Meg could tell Lew was rather put out, annoyed at being interupted.
"I just feel a little dizzy," Meg responded. "It must be from all the dancing."
"C'mon, let's go home. It's well after midnight anyway," Adam said as he turned to go get her coat.
"Meg..." Lew said again, turning her attention back to him. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," she replied, suddenly feeling tears well up. He was apologizing for that afternoon. For the necklace...for the almost kiss. She didn't want him to apologize for those, they had been perfect. She was just confused. "Please don't be sorry," she all but begged, hoping he would understand what she meant. Before she could find out though, Adam returned, practically throwing her coat over her shoulders as he simultaneously dragged her out of the pub.
"You better make it home," Adam warned. "I'm not carrying you."
And for the rest of the walk Meg's mind was filled with the image of a certain lieutenant who would willingly carry her home whenever she needed him to.
So what's going to happen with Meg and Lew? There's a bit of tension yeah? Hopefully it'll get ironed out soon...especially since she doesn't know when she's leaving again!
I got 5 reviews on the last chapter, and six on the chapter before that! That means a good number of review responses. YAY!
paintmyworlddarkblue - Yeah Harry is ridiculously adorable where Kitty is concerned. Especially when you think about how much of a hot head he is haha. And yeah, I have a thing for gingers lol. I'm actually shocked that Lew's my main Easy guy in this and not Dick. But I do like Lew and Meg together haha. And yup! She's back at Aldbourne! What did you think? Thanks for reviewing both chapters!
LauRa-ReaDinG-XoX - Glad you liked the chapter! No discussion between Meg and Lew in this one, but it is coming! It's certainly building up, isn't it? And I'm glad you like the scenes between Lew and Meg! (Secret: I do too haha) Don't worry, there will be plenty more! Thanks for reviewing!
LovingBOBThePacific - I hope you liked my little nod to Joe Toye in this chapter :) When I went to reread this chapter for the first time (after I mentioned trying to put him in more) I came across that part about his voice and I laughed! I guess I already had him on my mind lol. And stop! You're making my head big with all your gushing about loving every sentence hahahaha. Soon I won't fit out the door! Thanks for reviewing both chapters! Let me know what you think of this one!
SparkELee - Thanks so much for your reviews! I'm glad you think they're perfectly written, with being spot on with the characters AND with the pacing. I always worry about both those things more than anything else when writing so it's great to hear a reader things they're perfect! And yeah, Harry's just a hoot hahaha. And I'm happy I could brighten your day :)
IceColdInAlex - That's cool that you're a RAF cadet! I've never met/known anyone who was one so that's awesome! And yeah, hopefully she can ditch away from him soon haha. What an annoyance! And yes, their relationship is certainly developing. Sometimes I feel like it's going too slow, then I remember he's married, so anything faster would be quite a scandal! haha. And yeah, I like stories written in just letters. I've always wanted to write one, but I don't think I'm good enough at creating a plot via letters to do more than what I did in the last chapter. I'll definitely have to check out that book you mentioned... Thanks for reviewing the chapters!
onebyone - Thanks so much for your review! I'm glad you like Nix as the love interest, I do too haha. I hope you're happy with how I handle the whole married thing. It was definitely tricky because I just wanted to jump right into the romance and my roommate/editor was all "Slow down! He's MARRIED!" hahaha.
Tegan Ganmore - Your review made my day. Like seriously. Day = Made. First, I didn't really understand the beginning part about a Brevet year (?) but I"m going to assume that it's a very scholarly thing you're doing that sounds hard and exhausting and I know I could never do it. Ever. I do understand being away from home though, and that sucks. At the same time, it's an adventure :) But seriously, reading about how you get a cup of coffee and read the story in an accent made me feel so happy I wanted to giggle with glee lol. In fact, I'm sure I grinned like an idiot when I read your review. I'll say it again: Day = Made.