In a groan of frustration, Bo slid against the bridge railing and sat. Upham glanced down at her with a curious expression.
"You all right?" he asked, amused.
She nodded. "I just feel bad for you guys. You come all the way out here for one guy, and he doesn't wanna go."
He smirked slightly. "Would you leave?"
"Hell yeah I would! Especially if I had siblings who were KIA. Do you know how low of a chance it is to even find the last one? With a different squad, we tried to locate three guys. All of 'em turned out to be dead. I'd consider myself lucky if they found me still breathing."
"Bo," Jack scolded, "At least try to be subtle."
She rolled her violet eyes. "I'm just speaking the truth."
"He lost his brothers for cryin' out loud," she whisper-yelled, "I don't imagine you clicking your heels if someone told you your family was gone."
Bo stood up and glared at her. Her eyes locked on to Jack's in a death grip.
"There's the difference, princess," she spoke coolly, "I wouldn't know if someone I cared for died. Not everyone has a loving family to go home to after this shit show. No one gives a damn if I end up rotting beneath a pile of French rubble. This guy has some people who love him and want him home. Considering all that, he's choosing to stay for another goddamn battle that may kill him too. I don't see the sense in that, so excuse me for bringing reality in to the mix."
The jet black haired woman spun on her heels, breaking the stare, and walked over to the opposite side of the bridge. Donnie, Montie, and Jo, who had caught the tail end of the conversation, wore a look of shock on their face. Miller's men gave each other quick and nervous glances. Shaking herself out of the trance, Jack let out a labored sigh.
"I'll talk to her," the young corporal spoke.
"Thanks Upham."
The short haired blonde watched him walk over to her friend. The bright blue eyed woman then turned on her soles and jumped over the sandbag wall. Ryan still hung his head in sadness. Jack gently laid her hand on his shoulder. He looked at her with bloodshot eyes. A picture of her brother dying flashed through her mind. Her compassion grew for him as she began to feel a small amount of Ryan's pain. She pulled the young private into a comforting embrace, causing his tears to become fresh and violent. The two clutched each other for some time. Jackson glanced away as if to give his sister some privacy.
Over by the end of the bridge, Bo blew a puff of smoke. Her free hand gripped the side of her stomach. Her legs were crossed as she leaned against the bridge pole. Her violet eyes moved rapidly as if she were dreaming. Old voices filled her ears. Past quarrels invaded her psyche. After a few moments, she shut her eyes and shook her head to get rid of the demons. It wasn't until Bo opened her eyes that she noticed Upham.
"You all right?" he asked softly.
"Just dandy," she muttered sarcastically. She glanced at him to find his curious expression. She blew another puff. "Yeah, what I said is true. The day after the Japs hit Pearl Harbor, I went home. That bombing made me want to see my parents. So, I knocked on the cherry wood door with fear in my stomach. My father opened it," she paused as her eyes began to tear up, "He spit at me, insulted me, disowned me, and ya know what? My momma didn't do a goddamn thing. I saw her watching my Pa with a stone cold glare. All I could do was stand there and take it."
"Then what?" asked the corporal after a moment of silence.
"What do you think happened? I fuckin' signed up for this shit."
She blew another ring of smoke. Upham sighed and hung his head.
"I'm sorry Bo." He laid his hand on her shoulder. "That's an awful thing to go through. If it counts for anything, I'd care if you didn't make it."
She bit down on her lip. "Why? I've known you for what, two days? And after we finish this job, I'm back on the streets."
He chuckled. "It feels like I've known you longer," he paused, "Hey Bo?"
"Yeah?"
"Why don't you come live with me when this is over?"
She gave a scoff. "And why would I do that?"
"So you have a home...Just think about it." Upham glanced over his shoulder. "The Captain is heading back. We should join him."
In a quick moment of vulnerability, Bo whipped the corporal into a tight hug.
"Thanks Tim," she whispered.
Just as hastily, she released him from her grip. The two gave each other slight smiles before heading back to the group. Jack had, by this time, rejoined the group as well. The two reached the group before Miller and Horvath did. Seeing Bo, Donnie laid her hand on the violet eyed woman's back.
"You okay?"
She nodded. The brunette proceeded to ruffle Bo's hair before turning their attention to Miller.
Thank you so much for reading my story! Please R&R!
Enjoy!