Thanks so much for the reviews! I get so excited when one pops up!
I think Evelyn is in need of a little fluff, don't you?
Renee died holding Evelyn's hand. She didn't move from her spot, not even when the nurse was gone. They sat in silence for a long time, holding onto one another. Evelyn watched the light leave her eyes.
She didn't hear him at first when he entered the hospital. Only the sound of moving stone as he picked up her nurse's cap from the rubble alerted Evelyn that anyone had arrived. She looked up to see Roe's eyes locked on Renee's face. He froze, only his fingers moved over the blue fabric.
"Eugene," Evelyn whispered.
Somehow, he heard her. His eyes shifted to her, breaking from his trance. "Evie," he breathed, immediately moving towards her.
She stood shakily to her feet, after one last squeeze of Renee's hand. Roe immediately engulfed her in a hard hug when he got to her. "Evie, are you hurt, cherie? When I saw the hospital, I thought…"
Evelyn pulled back from him to look him in the eyes. "I'm so sorry about Renee." She waited a beat to allow him to digest it. "Anna too."
A wave of pain crossed his handsome face before he hugged her again. "I am too. But I am so happy that you're alright." They held each other for a long time before he started pulling her towards the exit. "It's not safe here. We have to go."
Evelyn allowed him to tug her along. She wanted to look at Renee one last time, but she couldn't. Not if she was going to leave. They got outside.
The trucks had long since left, but only a single jeep remained in front of the hospital. Welsh was strapped to the stretcher there. The medic in her took over. "What happened?"
Roe also flipped the switch away from emotion to soldier. "Hit in the thigh. Not the artery, but it's bleeding pretty bad."
Evelyn looked at the wound, the lieutenant clearly out. "The tourniquet you used is working well. Morphine?"
He nodded. "Already done, but he needs a doctor. I just don't know where to bring him."
"I do."
She scanned the area until finally finding one last jeep near battalion headquarters, or what was left of it. "Private!"
Sink's personal steward turned to her. "Yes, ma'am?" he stuttered.
"Lieutenant Welsh needs to be transported to the hospital ten miles south near Assenois. Do you know where that is?"
The steward nodded. Evely gave him a smile. "Good. You're coming with me."
He gaped. "But ma'am, the colonel might need me…"
"It's a quick trip, private, and it will be even quicker if you quit arguing with me. Besides, I don't think the colonel would be very happy if his platoon officer bled to death, do you?" The steward quickly shook his head.
Evelyn turned to Roe and the driver that was sitting in Welsh's jeep. "Eugene, get back to the line with Sink's jeep. I don't think this attack is over. You, come back for me in an hour. We'll trade jeeps again once I drop off Lieutenant Welsh."
No one was going to argue with her. Doing as they were told, the drivers switched vehicles quickly. Evelyn turned to Roe, giving him another hug. "I'll see you soon." He didn't say anything back, but he didn't have to. She jumped into the jeep with Welsh, and the young driver immediately began pulling away.
December 25, 1944
It took her longer than expected, but Evelyn did make it back into Bastogne in the early morning hours. Welsh was being taken care of, and he would live, but they wouldn't see him for awhile.
The driver that met her again dropped her off without a word back at Easy. At first, she thought he was angry with her for the strict orders she had no place giving him, but then she caught sight of her hands. If the rest of her body looked anything like they did, she was covered in blood, dust, and smoke.
With a murmur of thanks, Evelyn jumped from the jeep and headed back into Easy. Unfortunately for her, especially since she was still far from the line, Dike found her first.
"Ah, sergeant. Feeling better?"
Evelyn turned to him silently, and she was pleased to see that he was taken aback from what he saw. Whether it was from the daggers shooting from her eyes, or the state of her uniform, face, or something else, she had no idea. "Absolutely, sir," she ground out. "If you'll excuse me, now that I am refreshed, I am going to check on the men." And without waiting to see if he dismissed her, she walked on.
She was found before she could find anyone. "Ev!' cried Luz, stepping up from his foxhole. "It's so good to see..." He stopped when she turned to look at him.
"Hi George," she murmured.
Luz walked up to her, his eyes wide. "Christ, sweetheart, are you alright?"
Evelyn nodded automatically. "I'm fine." His eyes continued to rake over the dried blood all over her. "It's not mine," she added quietly, but she couldn't remember whose exactly it was. She hoped he didn't ask.
He nodded before tugging on her hand. "Frank was boiling some water for coffee. Let's get a rag warmed to clean you up."
"But, I just want to see if everyone…"
He tugged on her hand again. "Everyone will still be there in a few minutes. Come on."
Evelyn frowned, trying not to internally reply, You can't know that. But she allowed him to drag her to a large trench where Perconte, Alley and Liebgott were sitting in, obviously on break from the line. They were laughing together but stopped abruptly when they saw her.
"Christ, Evelyn," breathed Perconte. "You look like…" Luz kicked him in the side. "Ow!"
Luz pulled her down to sit beside him on a log. Without asking, he burrowed into her medical pack until finding a clean rag. He dipped it into the mug of hot water before Perconte could add instant coffee to it.
Evelyn tried to be annoyed by Luz cleaning her up like a toddler, but she found she didn't care. Honestly, she didn't care about much at that moment, but the warm rag on her skin. It felt surprisingly wonderful, that is, until a cold breeze picked up and the wetness on her cheek began to freeze.
Liebgott saw her shiver. He held out a familiar looking handkerchief to her without a word, and she took it gratefully, also silent. She patted her skin lightly once Luz had completed with an area, trying and failing not to ruin the soft fabric. She could only be cleaned so much.
A click of a lighter, and a lit cigarette was held out to her next. She met his eyes. "Thanks," she murmured before taking it. Between the warm rag and the smoke in her chest, she almost felt human.
After taking another deep breath, she looked at the men staring at her. "Merry Christmas, guys."
They all gave her soft smiles and grins. "Merry Christmas, Evie," rang Alley and Perconte together.
Luz brushed his lips on her now clean temple and murmured, "Merry Christmas, sweetheart."
Liebgott's eyes met hers again. "Merry Christmas, Cassidy."
December 26, 1944
The next day started similar to all the others, but it didn't end that way.
The morning and afternoon were busy. The Germans were striking them left and right, mortars blowing what was left of the forest to pieces. The worse casualty of the day was Suerth. He was struck through both thighs, but somehow the bullet didn't hit either artery.
When Evelyn figured it out, she almost cried in relief. "Herb, I know it hurts like hell, and you have a long recovery ahead of you, but you're going to live."
Suerth writhed in pain on the ground as she sprinkled sufla on the wounds, all four of them. The bullet went cleanly through both legs. The morphine had yet to kick in for him. "Christ, Evie, it sure feels like I'm dying."
Tying the bandages tight around his thighs, she pinned the syrette on the front of his jacket. While they waited for the jeep, she gave his arm a squeeze. "Embrace the pain, Herb. Means you're still with us."
Once the jeep took him away to the new hospital on the outskirts of town, Evelyn made her way back to her foxhole. Luz was on the front line again, so she was alone. Before she could settle and watch the sun go down, another jeep pulled into the area. Inside was Colonel Sink.
The colonel didn't visit them often, and she heard that he was with them for Christmas Eve dinner, complete with rancid ass beans, two days ago. Her curiosity got the best of her, and she watched him speak to Winters and Nixon.
She was surprised further when Winters asked them to gather round. Although he ran all nine companies of the 506th, they saw him more often than they probably should, but then again, he had a tie to Easy. And they were always mixed in the biggest battles.
All the soldiers gathered round, except the handful that had to remain to watch the line. Making sure to stay away from Roe and Spina in case Dike had another hissy fit, Evelyn made herself comfortable by leaning against Randleman's side.
He raised his eyebrows. "This ain't a wall, darling."
She smirked. "Close enough, Bull. Plus you give off more body heat."
He chuckled before wrapping an arm around her shoulders, holding her close. They waited for one of the officers to speak.
"Hey guys," called Winters. "Listen up, we have some news." He looked at Sink, who nodded. "General Patton has broken through the German line."
"This mean the battle is over, sir?" someone called from the back.
Winters shook his head. "No, but it does mean the pressure should come off us a bit. Plus supplies will be able to come back in again. And those wounded in nearby hospitals can be transferred to France and England."
A sigh of relief went through the crowd. Although it wasn't the best news, that they were coming off the line, supplies were in huge demand. Food rations were low, and the nights were only getting colder."
Sink cleared his throat. "General Patton has made a statement that I know will not sit well with any of you, because it doesn't sit well with me." He paused, making sure everyone was listening. "He claims that he has saved the 101st Airborne from annihilation."
As he predicted, cries of outrage erupted through the men. Evelyn herself saw red. Saved us? Without us, there would be no line to hold against the enemy!
Sink called for them to quiet. "Settle down, men. Settle down! Like I said, it's bullshit." A wave of snickers went through everyone. "But because he said it, doesn't mean it's true. I know I can expect every paratrooper of this company to keep a level head and an air of professionalism if and when you're asked about it."
"Christ," muttered Heffron. "Bill and Toye are on the line. Who is gonna tell them to keep a level head when they hear this? I ain't doin' it."
Evelyn grinned when she heard that. Not me either.
Sink cleared his throat again and they immediately quieted. "Regardless, I am damn proud of this company. Keep at it. Hold the line. We hope to move on soon. That will be all."
The men began to disburse, but Evelyn stopped when she heard Sink's voice again.
"Sergeant Cassidy, a word."
Evelyn followed Sink to a more private corner of the forest. She could feel the eyes of her friends on them. He turned to give her a hard look. "How are you holding up, sergeant?"
She straightened her back. "I am doing just fine, sir."
Sink continued to study her. "Lieutenant Dike told me that you were sent into town two days ago because you couldn't handle the war zone." He watched her bite the side of her cheek hard and suck on her teeth angrily. He grinned. "I replied that the combat medic I saw take charge in that hospital with no hesitation and who stole my jeep to save the life of her CO could handle the war zone and then some. He won't pull you again, you can count on it."
It took Evelyn a moment to digest this, but when she did, this time she had to bite her cheek to stop the grin from spreading across her face. "I'm sorry for stealing your jeep, sir."
Sink laughed, clapping her on the shoulder. "I shouldn't be surprised that's your response, but I am." He grew serious. "What happened in town was terrible. There were lives lost, but there would have been many more if it wasn't for your quick thinking, Evelyn."
She shook her head. "It wasn't just me, sir. Lieutenant Costello of 10th Armored Division evacuated those we could, and the nurses…" She stopped with a pang before taking a deep breath. "The nurses made the ultimate sacrifice."
He nodded. "I will make sure to alert Costello's CO of his bravery, and to put in honors for those nurses, but right now, I'd like to focus on my own lead medic." She stilled, not sure where this was going. "I'm putting you in for a Silver Star for your actions that night, sergeant. You should receive it once Easy's back off the line." He held out a hand to her. "Congratulations, Sergeant Cassidy."
Evelyn shook his hand automatically. "Thank you, sir."
Without another word, he walked away and back to Winters and Strayer. She caught sight of Winters' eyes and he gave her a nod. She knew in that moment he was aware of what had happened before she had.
She began to walk towards Easy once again. Most of them were waiting for her, their curiosity winning out once again. She almost rolled her eyes, but her affection for them won out. "Come on, guys. Back to work."
Martin narrowed his eyes at her. "What did Sink want?
Evelyn figured that question was coming. She shrugged. "Just letting me know Dike won't send me off the line again. I guess he wasn't happy with the decision."
Malarkey snorted. "No shit."
Martin continued to study her. "Liar." Before she could argue with him, he grinned. "You're gettin' a Silver Star, Evie. Be proud of it."
Evelyn hung her head and chuckled, shaking it. "Christ, guys. You're unbelievable."
"Come on gents," called Muck. "Gather round for Sergeant Cassidy."
Her eyes widened when all the men pushed in close, circling her. Each placed a hand on her before chanting quietly, "Hip Hip Horray. Hip Hip Horray. Hip Hip Hooray." It was a tradition in the company whenever something good happened, something for them to hold onto during the next attack.
Evelyn felt tears burn her eyes, and she tried to tuck her face away so that no one could see it. They couldn't miss the huge grin though that threatened to remain there for the rest of the night.
True to Sink's word, supplies began to come in within the day. Not only were the medics blessed with more morphine, plasma and bandages, but winter coats had arrived. Although not complete winter gear that they needed or deserved, the wool peacoats were a welcomed surprise.
Every soldier in that forest received a coat before the supply officer left for the next company. The problem was if a soldier returned from the hospital or aid station after the jeep had left. They had not received a coat.
Garcia had just returned after needing a round of penicillin and stitches for the bullet wound Evelyn treated. He looked longingly at the thick peacoats of everyone as he shivered in only his OD jacket.
Evelyn pulled hers off and wrapped it around his shoulders. Gaping, he tried to push it back into her arms. "I can't take your coat, Evie!"
She gave him a stern look. "I have another in my foxhole," she lied easily, knowing she could probably scrounge one up when one of the medics went into town later that day. "Take it."
He gave her an unsure look before putting it on. He took a deep breath of the fabric. "It smells like you." His cheeks pinkened when he realized what he just blurted out.
Evelyn laughed. "Then I'm sorry. I probably reek."
As he walked by, Liebgott gave Garcia a wink. "Still better than most of these guys. Amiright, Tony?" He continued on his way, not waiting for an answer.
Garcia looked at Evelyn, whose cheeks matched his own. "Thanks, Evie. You're a lifesaver."
She was right, to a certain extent, about finding another coat. Sometimes it would take a few hours, sometimes a day, but she found another one whenever a trip into town was needed. But her good luck and great scrounging ability only made her give away the next one. And then the next. Pleased that another three men were warm - or warmer - in their foxholes, she attempted to find sleep in hers, but she shivered violently.
"Evelyn Cassidy."
She looked up to see Luz above her, giving her an exasperated look. "What did I say about giving away your coat?"
Evelyn gave him an innocent smile. "Eugene is on his way back with one for me. Promise."
Luz sighed before starting to shrug off his. She immediately stopped him by standing up. "George, no. You're going back on the front until dawn. You need it."
He gave her another hard look. "You need it more."
Evelyn stared him down, and he knew he'd never win. Even if he wrestled her into it, he knew she'd put herself in danger and bring it to him on the front lines again and wouldn't leave again until he took it. He sighed. "When I come find you again in the morning, you better have one on."
She stuck out her tongue. "Scary threats, Luz."
Rolling his eyes, he walked towards the front. "At least find someone to sleep next to!"
"Sure thing!"
Evelyn hunkered back down in her foxhole as soon as he was out of sight. Wrapping her arms around her middle in an effort to get warm, she leaned her head against the side of the earth, and slowly got pulled into sleep.
That's how Liebgott found her about an hour later. He had just come from the front, and he was exhausted. He almost fell into the hole, somehow missing the small figure of her crouched body inside it. "Cassidy," he hissed. No answer.
He shook his head in annoyance and bewilderment when he saw how hard she was shivering, even in sleep, without a coat. Her new OD jacket was already crusted with dirt, snow and blood.
With a sigh, he stepped into the foxhole as quietly as he could. Shrugging off his coat, he placed it over her. Her body was slumped forward against her knees. He watched her to see if she woke up, but still she shivered violently and slept.
Before he could talk himself out of it, Liebgott maneuvered himself behind her, wiggling his legs to go around her hips. He leaned back, the ground cold against his spine, but when he pulled her back against his chest, he instantly felt warmer. Even more so when he draped his coat over her again, trapping their combined body heat in. Unsure what to do with his hands, he placed them on his own knees. Leaning his head back, he fell asleep almost instantly.
The early morning light had just peeked over the horizon enough for Luz to find them quickly after his shift. His eyebrows popped up in surprise.
Not only was Liebgott wrapped around Evelyn, his arms around her waist, but her own arms were placed on top of his, her head tucked underneath his chin. Before he could digest what he was seeing, Liebgott jerked awake.
Luz didn't miss the slight grin on the man's face when he took in the still sleeping woman against him, but it quickly disappeared when he saw Luz squatting next to them. "Luz," he whispered, immediately trying to untangle himself from Evelyn without waking her. "I was just…"
Luz grinned. "Cuddling. I saw."
Liebgott gave him a look before finally freeing himself from her. She sighed in annoyance, but slept on, unconsciously pulling his coat tighter around herself. He stood up and stepped from the foxhole. "Quit it. She was shakin' herself to death. Brain is probably mush by now."
Luz's grin widened. "Nah, can't be. Your cuddling stopped it."
Liebgott pointed a finger at his chest. "Shut it. If you say anythin', I'll deny it."
The smile from his face fell away. "You mean you'll deny that you did somethin' nice for her?" With a hard swallow, Liebgott nodded. Luz sighed. "Fine, I won't say a word that you actually care for her."
"I don't…"
It was Luz's turn to give a hard look. "Don't lie, Joe. You care for her. We all do. It's OK." He sighed again before hopping down into the foxhole next to her. "But I won't say a word if that's what you want."
With a curt nod, Liebgott walked away, leaving Luz to try and make sense of his complicated friend.
When the sun was finally up, Evelyn awoke to find herself in her usual position against Luz. What surprised her was the coat around her shoulders. "George!" She turned to see Luz waking up as well, but clad still in his own peacoat.
He smacked his lips sleepily, closing his eyes again. "Not me, sweetheart."
"Then who?" she cried, looking around. Every man that she saw had one on as well.
"Gift from God? And if you're gonna continue to shout like that, go find us some breakfast. I need more sleep."
Evelyn pursed her lips but left him as he asked. Running from foxhole to foxhole, every soldier had his coat on. She stopped finally at the final one in the far corner, Liebgott sleeping peacefully, wrapped in the wool fabric. She frowned.
Catching sight of Roe near the breakfast line, she hurried to him. When he saw her, he smiled. "I'm glad to see you kept this one. But it would help if you put it on."
Evelyn stopped short. "You gave me this coat, Eugene?" She sighed in relief, pleased that every man was covered. Giving in, she shrugged it on.
He furrowed his brow, confused. "I gave it to Liebgott after…" She didn't seem to hear him, distracted by the smell of food. His eyes followed her before snapping over to Liebgott, who was wide awake, also following her as she made her way to retrieve breakfast for Luz. Roe didn't miss the satisfied smile on his face as Liebgott closed his eyes again, burrowing deeper into the ground.