"Attention all personnel!" the PA system blurted.
Jessie and the nurses didn't even halt from their gossip fest at the breakfast table.
"There is a surprise arriving in the compound. The Colonel has managed to commandeer us some entertainment for the evening. Touring with the USO tour and singing for your enjoyment this afternoon straight from Nashville will be Mark Stewart! The concert will begin at 3 p.m."
Jessie choked on her coffee, almost spewing it across the table on Kelleye.
"What?" Kelleye said, watching Jessie turn green.
"What a minute . . . Mark?" Bigelow said, snapping her fingers. She smiled slowly like a Cheshire cat. "Oh, this could get interesting."
Jessie stood up awkwardly, almost knocking her table over, as trucks pulled into the compound.
"Yeah, interesting is one way to put it," she said as she darted out the door. She skirted past the trucks, wondering which one contained Mark. Too late, she saw him pour himself out of the next truck in line. She stood there, frozen, watching his brown eyes take in the camp. Without thinking, she darted into the next tent she came to, finding a place to hide.
"Well, well, well, welcome to our humble abode," Hawkeye drawled. "How can we be of service?"
Jessie frantically turned to look out the window on the door. Mark was coming for the tent, an expectant look on his face. He had spotted her!
She bolted to B.J.'s empty cot. "You have absolutely, positively got to hide me!" She pulled the covers over her head. She poked her head back out. "Remember, I'm B.J., and I'm not here."
"You certainly aren't all here," Hawkeye said, raising an eyebrow at her behavior. Just then, there came a knock on the tent door.
Mark entered. "Um, excuse me? Did a girl just come into this tent?" He eyed the suspicious lump in the other cot.
Hawkeye thrust a drink into his hand. "Nope, no girls here," he said, taking a sip of his drink. "And trust me, I would know if there were any." Mark absently took a large swallow of his drink.
"God, that's horrible!" he managed to choke, but finished the drink and handed the glass to Hawkeye. "Had better stuff than that come out of a radiator." He stuck out his hand. "Sorry to be rude, but my name's Mark. Just arrived in town to do a little singin' for y'all."
"Oh yes, the USO tour," Hawkeye said, laying the glass down. He grinned devilishly. "So, who did you think had come into my tent, pray tell?"
Mark tipped his hat back on his head. "Oh, just someone from back home I know who's supposed to be stationed here. Jessamyn Callahan."
"Oh yes, Jessie's around," Hawkeye said innocently. "Why don't you try post-op." At Mark's blank look, he pointed towards the building across the way.
"Much obliged," Mark said, leaving the tent.
After Jessie didn't reemerge from the blankets, Hawkeye walked over a poked her with his finger.
"Your ex-prince has gone, Sleeping Beauty."
Jessie reached out from underneath the blanket and swatted at his hand. "Stop it!" she hissed. "I'm not leaving here until after the concert. I'm staying right here!"
Hawkeye pulled the blanket back and tossed it on the floor. "I somehow think B.J. won't be thrilled with you come bedtime tonight."
Jessie sighed and sat up. "Do you think I can manage to avoid him until this silly USO thing is over?"
"No chance."
She sighed. "Well I can at least try." She jumped up, peering cautiously out the tent before she escaped.
"Remember, you didn't see me!" she yelled back into the tent.
She snuck into her tent, locking the door. But, it hit her. Realizing someone could point him to her tent, she threw open the door, only to see Mark walking around the corner of the neighboring tent, sauntering along with his hands in the pockets of his jeans.
She bolted, running straight across the compound into Radar's office. She leaned against the door, peeking outside. He was following her!
Radar was sitting at his desk, watching Jessie strangely. "What's wrong?"
She rushed towards his desk, shoving him lightly out the way.
"What . . .?"
"Now, pretend I'm not here," she hissed as he peered curiously at her now scrunched up underneath his desk.
The door to his office was thrown open. Mark's eyes adjusted to the darkness as he saw Radar, who had greeted him when he arrived at the camp.
Radar hadn't realized who he was, but had an idea now, since Jessie was nervously picking at the hem of his pants underneath his desk.
"Excuse me? I was just looking for someone who I thought just ran into here. Have you seen a little lady about so tall with red hair?" Mark asked, peering around the empty room. "It's someone I knew from home who I think is trying to avoid me."
Everything clicked. Radar narrowed his eyes, but remained polite.
"Nope, haven't seen anyone," he said, crossing his arms. He felt Jessie pat his leg from underneath the table.
Mark scratched his head. "Dern, I could have sworn . . .must be seeing things," he smiled. "Well, if you see her, tell her Mark Stewart's looking for her." He offered his hand to Radar, who reluctantly took it, and left the room.
"He's gone," Radar said, moving to help Jessie out from underneath his desk.
She plopped down on the side of his cot.
"That's Mark, isn't it? The Mark?" he asked, watching her closely.
Jessie nodded and gulped. "I plan on avoiding him as long as I can."
Radar put his hands in his pockets. "Why do you need to avoid him?" he asked hesitantly. "It's not like you – well– still like him." He looked at her. "Do you?"
Jessie sighed and remained silent.
Radar sat beside her on the cot. He wasn't too thrilled with her silence.
"Not anymore. Finding someone in bed with your father's maid has that affect on some people," she finally said.
Radar slumped a bit in relief. "Then what's there to be afraid of?"
"Honestly?" Jessie said, picking at fuzz on his pants leg, "I'm afraid that I'll actually fall for him again if he keeps poking around here. He can be charming, that one."
Now it was Radar's turn to be silent in thought.
Jessie squeezed his hand after a minute or two. "Don't be mad at me."
Radar chuckled. "Oh, I'm not mad. And I really don't think you'll find yourself with Mark again. He's not your type."
"And just who is my type?" she asked playfully.
"Well, I am," he replied innocently.
Jessie kissed him. "I've got to be in post-op in ten minutes. Guess I have to face him at some time, don't I?" She gave his hand one last squeeze before she left. "Hey, thanks for believing in me!"
Radar watched her run across the compound. Yeah, I just hope I'm right.
***********************************
Sure enough, Jessie wasn't in post-op for 15 minutes when she felt someone watching her. She looked up from the letter she was taking for a soldier and saw Mark with his eyes on her from across the room, a huge smile on his face. Jessie ignored him and took a huge breath.
"Hey, you alright?" the soldier said. "You look a little sick."
Jessie patted the wounded soldier's bandaged arm. "You're one to talk. Especially since you're in the hospital bed, and I'm not. Now, where were we?" she said, posing pencil on paper.
After finishing the letter, Jessie rose from the bed and walked down the center aisle. Mark met her halfway.
"I heard you were in this part of the woods," she said, trying to brush past him. "Never thought you'd have the guts to get anywhere near a war."
Mark reached out and caught her arm, pulling her into a bear hug. Jessie struggled in his grasp, but he was stronger. "I've missed you, you know. Even the smart-ass comments."
He finally let her go. Jessie straightened her coat and remained silent.
Mark crossed his arms in front of him. "This is the part where you're supposed to say you missed me, too."
Jessie shrugged, also crossing her arms in front of her. "So, when do you leave?"
"Oh, we do a concert this afternoon, then fly out of here tomorrow morning," he drawled. Jessie looked up into his eyes – he was a good few inches taller than her – and felt nothing. Except maybe a little bit of contempt.
"Good, I'll be counting the hours. Now, excuse me, but I have work to do." She brushed past him, but he grabbed her arm again.
"Mark? It is Mark, isn't it?" Charles had watched the exchange from across the room, and this man's behavior was galling, to say the least.
"Yeah?" Mark eyed Charles suspiciously.
Jessie took advantage of Mark's momentary distraction and yanked her forearm out of his grasp, glancing at Charles appreciatively.
"Well, Mark, you're going to leave a mark if you keep doing that. The Army doesn't take it lightly when you damage their goods. The doctors don't take it lightly either. Good nurses are hard to come by in this lovely part of the world."
"Look, I'm sorry," Mark said, managing to actually look sorry.
"Just don't let it happen again." Charles nodded in Jessie's direction before heading back to his post.
"I'm sorry I slept with that girl, and I'm sorry I treated you badly," Mark continued, looking at the floor.
"I think it's more like you're sorry you got caught. Now, these wounded don't take care of themselves, so please excuse me." Jessie turned around and started her rounds on the other side of post-op, knowing she couldn't brush past him again.
************************************************
"Hey, guys, mind if I join?" Mark said, entering the Swamp. Hawkeye, B.J., Col. Potter and Radar were playing poker.
"Got any cash?" Hawkeye asked. Mark pulled a wad of bills out of his pocket, and Hawkeye grinned and moved over. "We always like a fresh face around here. Have a drink," he said as he pushed a glass of homemade gin Mark's way. Mark drank it without shuddering, and Hawkeye and B.J. made a surprised face at each other.
Mark sat, and they played a few hands in silence.
"Hey, you're pretty good," Col. Potter said, eyeing Mark as he raking in another pot. "Jessie didn't take to poker like I thought a good Texan should."
Mark chuckled as he organized the bills. "She never was good at bluffing. Always could tell what she was thinking." He took another slug of gin. "You know, I think she's really mad at me this time."
"Oh really," B.J. said, trying not to be too sarcastic. "How could you tell?"
"Well, I can't seem to charm her like I used to," he dealt the cards. "Deuces and sixes wild. One touch from me, and she used to go to putty. Now," he shrugged. "Army must have made her hard."
"Or she got some common sense," Radar mumbled, but Mark didn't hear.
"But, guys, I think I have the way to win her back this time," Mark said, swilling down another slug of gin and not noticing the tension in the room.
"Well, if it's drinking everyone under the table, then you'll probably win," Hawkeye said.
"Nope, I got this," he said, reaching into his back pocket and pulling out a box. He opened it and an engagement ring glittered enticingly back.
"Now, I don't know about that. Jessie's actually . . ." B.J. started, but was interrupted by a kick under the table. "Ow!" he said, wondering what had gotten into Radar. He was glaring at B.J. from across the table.
Mark missed the exchange.
"I plan on getting her onstage and proposing to her during the concert tonight," he shut the box and put it back in her pocket. "When she sees how honest I am, and that I truly am sorry, she'll take me back." He threw back his final glass and gathered his winnings. "Hey, thanks for the booze and the company," he said, sauntering out the door. "Got to practice a bit."
"What in the world are you doing?" B.J. asked, still rubbing her sore shin and glaring at Radar. "Why didn't you tell him?"
"Yeah, Jessie was right when she said he was full of himself," Col. Potter said, rubbing his eyes. "That boy could start the Conceited Hall of Fame." He also eyed his company clerk. "And why didn't you want to tell him?"
"Well, I want this to play all the way out," he said, fidgeting with the cards in front of him. "Jessie's a little nervous that she'll have some sort of feelings for him again, and I want her to be sure she doesn't. But, I don't think she will."
Hawkeye patted Radar on the shoulder. "Takes a brave man to put that oaf in the path of his woman. But, if it makes you feel any better, Charles told me that she did an ice queen impression today in post op that would make you proud."
Radar chuckled half-heartedly.
*****************************************
Reluctantly, Jessie allowed herself to be dragged to the make-shift stage in the middle of camp by Kelleye and Bigelow. Mark was already into his first song when she took her seat in the back. He spotted her immediately.
Jessie had forgotten how good he was. Not only could he sing, but he could perform, too. He had all the women practically eating out of his hands.
All except for Jessie, of course.
"Now, there's someone out her tonight that I know you all know real well," he said, finishing up another song. "I've also heard that you know she can really belt one out, too." The crowd erupted into cheers. "Come on up here, Jessie!"
Jessie shook her head no, but the crowd cheered louder. Finally, she sighed, shrugged and walked onto stage.
Mark helped her up the stairs and gave her a microphone. "What shall we sing, pretty lady?" he asked, grinning at her.
Jessie couldn't help but smile back.
************************************
Hawkeye and B.J. walked up behind Radar, who was leaning on some crates near the stage, watching the pair intently.
"Sure this is a good idea?" Hawkeye asked. Jessie looked mighty happy to be up there with him. Although he wasn't a country music fan, they also sounded quite good together.
Radar never took his eyes off her. "She enjoys the singing. Not the company."
****************************************************
Jessie was practically breathless after a few songs. When Mark suggested another, Jessie shook her head.
"I'm way out of shape," she said, handing him back the microphone. The crowd booed, and Jessie caught sight of Radar, Hawkeye and B.J. at the corner of the stage. Radar's troubled look disturbed her.
"Don't go just yet," Mark said, handing over Jessie's mike to a member of his crew. "Now, all of you might not know this, but I've known Jess here for awhile, actually since we were about this high," he said toward the crowd. "We actually used to play in the creek together when we were five. Skinny-dipping that is." The nurses in the back cheered. Jessie glared at the crowd, but kept quiet. She didn't dare look at Radar.
"Now, I don't think they're interested in all that," Jessie said, trying to back off the stage.
Mark held up his hand, and she stopped. "OK, no more personal stories." The crowd jeered in disagreement, making Jessie blush.
After the crowd quieted, Mark continued. "Now, I've also come this close to marrying this girl, but I screwed it up when I screwed around." Now, it was the nurses turn to boo. Jessie wished the stage would swallow her up and crossed her arms protectively in front of her.
"Here it comes," Radar whispered to Hawkeye and B.J.
"I've come all the way from Texas to Korea, not only to apologize for my actions, but to ask this fine lady if she would once again consider being my wife." Mark whipped out the ring and got down on one knee.
Jessie froze as the crowd tittered.
"Mark, I really don't think this is the time or place for this," she hissed at him, trying to make him get up from the stage. "Let's talk about this somewhere else."
He grinned at her. "Oh, I see, you want a little privacy to show me how much you missed me. I get it."
Jessie rolled her eyes.
"Excuse me audience, but I'll be right back," he said, jumping off stage. The band immediately launched into a tune. He offered Jessie his hand, but she ignored it and walked down the steps herself. She stalked off behind the nearest tent ahead of Mark.
***************************************
"You think we should go over there?" Hawkeye asked, watching a very pensive Radar.
"She'll be OK," he said, hoping he was right.
********************************************
Jessie stood there with her hands on her hips when Mark finally made it behind the tent. He pulled her in his arms.
"Nice touch, getting away from the crowd. Here, let me put this on your finger," he said, grabbing Jessie's left hand. She snatched it away and struggled out of his grasp.
"First of all, you are the biggest ass I've ever seen," she said, keeping her voice down. "You only want what you can't have! Once you get me back, you'll be up to your same old tricks again."
Mark put his hands in front of him, looking hurt. "Wait a minute."
"No! I don't know what stunt you were trying to pull out there, but the answer is no. N.O. As in never!"
Mark's eyes narrowed. "There's someone else isn't there."
Jessie snorted. "The last time I checked, I didn't have to ask your permission to date. You lost that privilege after you screwed around."
Mark watched her closely. "It's that Hawkeye Pierce, isn't it? That bastard, I played cards in his tent after lunch . . ."
Jessie rolled her eyes. "Dating Hawkeye Pierce would be like dating you. And it's still none of your business."
Before Mark could respond, the sound of choppers filled the air.
"I believe we're finished here," Jessie said coldly.
*************************************************
It was past midnight when they came stumbling out of the OR. Jessie walked to the mess tent. She and Radar always met there to have coffee after a long OR session. She wasn't surprised to see him already there, sitting alone at one of the tables. There were just a few other people in there this time of night.
Jessie sat wearily across from him and grabbed the second cup of coffee he had fixed. She took a weak sip and watched him closely, so tired, she didn't mind the quiet.
"You said no, didn't you?" he said, finally breaking the silence. He smiled, and she returned it.
"You know I did."
**********************************************
"Of course, she said no," Hawkeye said, clapping Radar on the back. "Taste, the woman was raised to have taste!"
"Congratulations, kid, you're not in the dating pool again!" B.J. said, grinning at Radar from underneath his mustache. "Did you just find out?"
"Yeah, she just told me," he said, turning down a glass of gin from Hawkeye. "Of course, I knew it all along."
"Sure you did," Hawkeye said.
Charles rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the entire conversation.
************************************************
Jessie hummed to herself as she walked back from the showers. She had a long, tiring day and was actually looking forward to her rumpled cot.
Before she reached her tent, a figure loomed before her. She stifled a scream until she realized who it was.
"Mark!" she hissed. She hadn't even given him a second thought since the concert. "What are you doing out here?" She wrinkled her nose at the smell of alcohol.
Surprised, she gasped when he grabbed her arm roughly.
"I can't believe you said no," he said, whispering in her face. The stench of booze rolled over her as she tried to struggle free. "I came all the way to this damn country to make you my wife, and you said no."
Mark usually held his liquor well, but once she saw him have too many drinks. The guy that picked a fight with him was in the hospital for a week. She tried to twist free, but his grip tightened. She looked frantically around, but the compound was empty this time of night.
"Mark, why don't you get some sleep, and we'll talk this over in the morning," she said, trying to sound calm. "This place can get to anybody, and you just need some rest."
She tried to lead Mark in the direction of the VIP tent, but he had other ideas. He jerked her roughly and quickened his pace.
"Oh, I plan on going to bed, just not alone."
Her blood ran cold at his suggestion.
"I'll scream," she threatened as they neared the tent. If she could talk him out of his rant, no one would know anything. She tried to wriggle her arm free, but he held fast.
"Oh, and who will come save you? That corporal I saw you gettin' cozy with earlier?"
Mark stumbled, and Jessie saw her chance. She tripped him. He loosened his grip, and they both fell to the ground. She wriggled free.
But, before she could get out of his reach, Mark grabbed her foot, and she fell.
Now, she started screaming.
*********************************
"That's Jessie!" Radar rushed out the door of the Swamp with B.J., Charles and Hawkeye on his heels.
*********************************
Mark yanked Jessie from the ground, grabbing a handful of her hair. "Shut up!" he hissed in her face. He loosened his grip, backhanding her across the face.