Chapter 4: December

A/N: So you could understand better the story, I'm going to say a bit about myself. My name is Caroline and I'm 23 years old. I'm originally from Puerto Rico but I recently moved to Alaska. I serve in the army, so that is my reason to move. I met my ex-boyfriend here, he came with me from PR. The story about us, well…you're reading it. It's 100% true. Any questions, feel free to ask. Hope you enjoy.

It was Christmas Eve and I was working while everyone was off. And to think I also had to work during Christmas day. I need some time off from this place. I look to my left; my partner is sleeping, bastard. It gets worst every time. Why the hell I came to this place? What the hell was I thinking? Can't wait to get off shift and see Rei.

But if you think the worst part is over, you have no clue…that's when I herd the radio go off.

"Aino, head down to my office right away"

I knew that smelled like trouble, "Roger"

I walked down the hallway towards my boss' office, "May I come in, Sir?"

"Go ahead Aino, take a sit", I did as he said, "I have some good news for you, we were able to get a spot for you on the next training school. You'll be leaving on January 1st at 0700"

I was to surprised to speak. That was less that two week from now, and to add that my birthday was on January 4th!

"Sir, but my birthday is on the 4th"

"Doesn't matter, it's not a choice for you to make. You're going like it or not"

Ouch, now that sucked. That means I have less than 2 weeks to be with Rei before I leave for a whole month! Why I wasn't notified before!

"Yes, Sir. I'll be getting my stuff ready ASAP", I answered sadly, "Would that be all, Sir?".

"Yes, you're dismissed"

I stood up and left the room. How I'm gonna tell Rei about this?

Two days later…

A friend of ours, John, was having a Christmas Party at his house. Thank God no alcohol was involved or Ami would have gotten me really drunk. We were taking lots of pictures, laughing, dancing, and enjoying every moment I had left with my friends. All the sudden, the four couples on the party gather around for a group picture. What was so special about it was that we all kissed in the picture, some legendary picture we took. We all looked so happy, we all felt so happy, we all didn't want this to end.

New Year's Eve…

I had everything packed for the school. Rei helped me go through the checklist to make sure I had everything I needed. After we double checked everything, we closed all bags and placed them on my Jeep. Rei got all her stuff for her shift that starts at midnight on the car and turn it on. I was still saying goodbye to my home and closed the door.

"You ok?", I herd Rei asked from the car.

"Yeah, let's go", I got in the car and left for John's house. He had a new year's party at his house, it also served me to say goodbye to all my friends.

We went to his house around at eight at night. Everyone was there and all were going to work the midnight shift. I went with my camera and took the last pictures of the year. Ami got the camera from me and took a picture of me and Rei. In the picture, Rei kissed my forehead and wished me a good time at school.

At around ten in the evening, we all got in our cars and went to the office. Everyone was walking towards the building except Rei that stayed in the car with me a while longer.

"Have fun at school, ok?", she said holding my hand, "You're gonna kill that school, I know you will"

I smiled at her and hugged her tight, "Thanks for believing in me Rei, I love you"

I felt her tensed after I said those words, why the hell did I said that! I mentally slapped myself, "I don't need an answer, I just needed to say it"

I gave her a long kiss and smiled.

"Good luck", she said with a big smile, "And hurry up and come back"

She kissed me again, grabbed her stuff and left the car.

Why I have the feeling that this wasn't a good sign from her. Why does it feels like a goodbye instead of a farewell? I drove back to John's house and welcomed the new year wishing that January passes quick so I could see Rei once more.

A/N: A short one once again…but January is the most difficult month and I hope to update soon. Remember to review and let me know what you think.