I have thoroughly enjoyed my punishment, it has made my days go by quickly. Today is the practice charge, and tomorrow we head out and have to be at the docks ready to leave by 5 in the morning. The whole regiment is buzzing with excitement, even the horses! After weeks of training we're finally going to see some action. I have to say, I've never been in better shape in my whole life!
I bet I could run a 5 minute mile in gym class now! It used to take me over 10 minutes, and I'd be huffing and puffing by the end. Now, I can not only run for a long time, but I can shoot a gun with decent accuracy and I can wield a sword better than anyone else in the whole regiment. As for my riding, I think I'm ready to ride dressage in the Olympics. Two days ago Sparks and I performed some airs above the ground, and it was the greatest thing I'd ever done on a horse! However, I believe this charge today is going to be the greatest thrill ever.
Sparks is practically prancing in place as I tack him up, his white coat spotless and gleaming in the sun. I have to say, I think I look rather dashing myself today. We got our ceremonial uniforms a few days ago, and they were all custom tailored so they fit perfectly. I really wish I had my ipod touch and a mirror right now. I'd take a picture of myself and post it on Facebook so all my friends could see how awesome I look. Sparks nudges me and I pat him "Sorry Sparks, I haven't got any treats for you right now. Do well and perhaps I'll get you something" I tell him. I finish tacking him and mount up, heading towards Salisbury field with everyone else. Jamie is leading the way, but I can't see Charlie or James anywhere. I wonder where they are, aren't they going to practice with us?
When we reach the field we all line up in one long line, every person in the regiment. Anyone who wasn't able to ride well on their first day, now rides as though they've been doing it their whole lives. Sparks stands quietly under me and I look up at Major Stewart, who seems to be waiting for something. After a few minutes two horses pass through our lines and I realize it's Charlie and James. It's about time they showed up!
The three officers back into line and say some remarks to each other before Captain Nicholls gives the order to draw swords. I reach down and pull out my blade, holding it against my right shoulder. I can feel Sparks growing excited under me and I tighten my grip on his reins. "Give Point!" comes the next order, I thrust my sword forward, alright, this is it! I hold my breath and wait for the order.
"Charge!", that word sends us all forward is a rush of energy. I have to hold onto a portion of Sparks' mane to keep myself with him as he gallops ahead. I've been in a few practice charges, but not with so many people! There are horses everywhere! I look ahead to see Joey and Topthorn battling it out, miles ahead of the rest of us. I know Sparks can't catch up with them, but he can stay ahead of the rest of the pack. I urge him on, there is a horse on our right and I keep Sparks ahead of him. A glance up shows that Captain Nicholls has gotten the blue ring at the end of the field.
I let Sparks continue running on for a while before pulling him up. He tosses his head happily and I pat him "Ah, you enjoyed that huh? Good boy!" I tell him. Charlie trots up to us "Great run there, didn't know that horse could run so fast" he says. I smile and rub Sparks' neck "Yea, he's earned his name. I quite like your horse though, he's handsome" I say. Charlie grins "Indeed! Blenheim's the prettiest horse in the whole yeomanry I'd say" he tells me.
The two of us ride back together, and Charlie tells me excitedly that he's going to be getting a new hat today. I can't help but laugh "What makes it so special?" I ask him. He gives me a look of shock for a moment before saying "It'll be silk lined!". I take my hat off and show him the inside of it "Don't think it matters much, I'd say my hat is pretty good".
When I reach the barn I untack Sparks and give him a carrot before heading towards my tent to change out of my uniform. Before I can get there though the group of Privates that have been harassing me surround me. Their leader grins at me "Oi lads, lookie here! It's our favorite private! Private Shrimp!" he says, the other men laugh and I shrink back. I really don't want to get into a fight, I really don't. The leader of the group grabs me by the shirt collar "You know shrimpy, I was the best rider in Ireland, and I really don't like a little shite like you riding better than me" he says. I swallow, this man is from Ireland? That explains a bit.
He shoves me up against a wall and I begin struggling against him "I'm not going to let you ride better than me, this aught to fix you!". I am definitely not going to let him hit me! I lash out at him, managing to kick him below the belt. He keels over and I take off running, the first place I see that is safe is Captain Nicholls' quarters. I don't even knock as I barge through the door, slam it shut behind me, and lock it. I lean against the door and close my eyes, trying to catch my breath. Suddenly I hear a voice "Are you alright Private?", it's James.
I look up at him, he was just in the middle of changing out of his ceremonial uniform. I swallow and move to the window, peaking out, the men are still standing there "Those lads, I'm sorry Captain, I didn't mean to intrude, but I didn't want to cause any trouble. Those privates out there have been after me for months! They're the ones who released Sparks that day, and they're the reason I am late to training sometimes" I explain.
James looks out the window and sets his jaw in a firm line before pulling on a shirt and walking out. The men immediately straighten out, saluting him. He speaks to them, but I can't hear a word he's saying. They look incredibly uneasy though, one or two of them even look scared. After about 3 minutes of talking they walk off and the Captain comes back inside "They won't bother you again Private" he says, sitting down at his desk. I sigh "thank you sir" I reply, he smiles slightly "Head back to your tent and change, you can start cleaning the tack in here" he tells me. I thank him again before leaving and walking back to my tent. I make quick work of changing, carefully folding my uniform and tucking it away with my other belongings before returning to polish tack.
As I'm walking I am stopped by Major Stewart, who tells me not to polish any of the tack in the tack room. I shrug and go into James' quarters, grabbing a collar off the wall and sitting down to polish it. As days went on for my punishment, the officers got more and more careless about my punishment. James even lets me prop my feet up while I polish tack. The two of us work quietly as his phonograph plays, I polishing tack and he working on his horse drawings. I'm starting work on a bridle when Jamie comes in, picking up the bottle of alcohol on the table and pouring himself a glass.
"What are you up to?" he asks James, completely ignoring me. He knows what I'm doing anyway, so I let it go. Still, I listen to their conversation, because I've got nothing better to do! The Captain doesn't even look up as he answers "I'm righting a letter". Jamie gives him a funny look "With a picture in it?" he asks curiously. James finally looks up "It's to the boy who owned Joey, I want to show him how wonderful he's looking" he said. Jamie raises the glass "Before we take him across the channel to face a million German guns?" he asks, taking a sip. James looks down "Yes before that" he answers flatly.
After a moment Jamie launches into the plans for tomorrow. Tomorrow we're starting at 4 in the morning, and it takes all my self discipline not to groan at that! I hate early mornings! We'll be traveling with some other regiments, and we have to be at the dock by 5. He also explains that the reason he didn't want me to polish anything is because he doesn't want anything to flash in the sun and give us away. That makes sense! Suddenly Charlie enters, taking a drag on his cigarette before snuffing it out. Jamie acknowledges him casually before leaving.
Charlie walks over to the mirror and puts on a cap, straightening out his uniform. "What do you think of the new cap?" he asks, I roll my eyes and look at him with a smirk. James also looks slightly amused, but he tries to keep a straight face as Charlie continues "Silk lining, I quite like it!" he declares. James tells him that it probably won't make much of a difference to the Germans and Charlie immediately gives him a scenario, saying that the Germans won't shoot him because he is wearing a 'stylish cap'.
"Or alternatively think, I fancy that cap, and kill you first of all" James tells him. Charlie's face falls and I can't help but laugh at his realization. He takes the cap off and quickly tosses it aside "Hadn't thought of that!" he says. Now that Charlie is finished, James goes back to drawing and Charlie turns to me "You wouldn't shoot me would you?" he asks me suddenly. I stand and hang up the bridle, picking up another one "That depends. It wouldn't make much sense to shoot you because you're on my side and you're my friend. But if I was a German, I'd have to say that your hat would not stop me from shooting you" I tell him.
He looks saddened by this and I nudge him "Hey, I'm not a German though right?" I ask him. He smiles "No, you're not a German" he says, I'm glad I got his spirits back up! The two of us chat casually until I've finished polishing the tack, then he offers to go to the mess hall with me. When we enter the air is filled with talk over the things that are going to happen tomorrow. I get a very sad looking piece of chicken and sit down with Charlie, away from the other privates.
Charlie picks at his food before asking me "Are you scared?". I look up at him, his question honestly caught be off guard! To be honest, I feel a lot of things about the coming events, but I'm not sure if scared is one of them. I shake my head "I'm not scared, I'm a little anxious, but not scared. Why, are you?" I ask. He lowers his voice and nods "I'm terrified, I don't think I'm ready" he admits. I smile "James didn't scare you with the hat thing did he?" I ask. He shakes his head and chuckles "Well maybe he did a little. I suppose he made me think about it more than I was before anyway" he finally says.
I take a bite out of my chicken and decide it is revolting, so I push it to the side and swallow the bit in my mouth "Don't be afraid Charlie, we're mates right? I'll watch your back, and you'll watch mine. Nothing will happen, we'll be home by Christmas" I reassure him. I know that last part is a lie, I know for a fact that this war will last four years, but I'd like Charlie to believe that I'll be over by Christmas. His smile makes me feel a little better about lying "Yes, I suppose you're right" he says. I poke the chicken with my fork "Your dinner taste as disgusting as mine?" I ask him, he smiles a big goofy grin "Doesn't it always taste revolting?" he asks.
"Well tonight it tastes more revolting than usual" I declare. He shrugs "Well I'm hungry, so I suppose I'll have to deal with it" he replies, taking a small bite of mashed potatoes. I stand up "I think I'll just settle for an apple. I'll see you tomorrow Charlie" I say. He swallows a mouthful of food "Alright, goodnight!" he says. I toss my food in the trash as I walk out, keeping only an apple. I crawl into my tent and begin packing everything. Tomorrow's going to be a big day, I'm really going to do it! No turning back now, I'm going to France, and I'm going to fight in the war!
Another day, another ship! Sparks tosses his head nervously as I try to lead him onto the ocean liner "Come on Sparks" I say "It's only for a little while!". He paws the ground, trying to pull the rope out of my hand. Privates and their horses are lined up behind me and I pull on Sparks again "Come on bonny boy! You've got this! Walk on!" I tell him, trying to speak as soothingly as I can.
He won't budge, and it takes Perkins, Major Stewart, and myself to force the white stallion up the ramp and onto the ship. Once he's on, I lead him and tie him up next to Blenheim. With a final pat I head to the upper decks to find my stateroom, it seems I'll have to share a room with someone, which might be a problem, considering I'm a girl!
Entering the room, I see there are two beds, one for myself, and one for whoever my roommate is going to be. I pray it be someone friendly, someone I know! Suddenly the door opens and Charlie comes strolling in, tossing his bags on the bed "Nice place we got here eh?" he asks. I laugh "I'm sharing my quarters with you?" I ask. He looks at me undignified "No, I'M sharing my quarters with you!" he says, I roll my eyes "Like it matters!" I tell him. He huffs, but I know he's just playing "Who's the lieutenant here?" he asks. I sit on my bed and lean back, putting my arms behind my head "I don't know about that, all I see in front of me is a big fluffy chicken!".
He gasps, clutching his head "Oh! That insult hurt me deeply" he tells me. I stand up and shove him playfully "You just proved my point you big softy!" I tell him. Suddenly I hear the whistle blow and head the familiar sounds of the engines starting up. I sit back on my bed and Charlie begins unpacking his things "How long do you think it will be until we get to France?" he asks. I toss my bag of possessions under the bed before replying confidently "Less than a day". He looks at me "How do you know?" he asks curiously. I glance over at him "I was on a ship that sailed from Southampton to Cherbourg in 8 hours" I tell him.
Charlie begins asking me about the ship and I tell him all about it, however I don't mention two important things. I don't mention that I was traveling in first class, and I don't tell him I was traveling on the Titanic. After a little while the two of us settle into our own little things. Charlie is reading a book he brought with him, and I'm trying to take a nap. However, there seems to be a storm raging outside, and the ship is rocking a bit uncomfortably. Finally after two hours of unsuccessful napping, I reach under the bed and pull out my bag, beginning to go through my things, looking for something to keep me occupied.
Suddenly I hear Charlie gasp "Is that a dress?" he asks. I look down, sure enough, the beautifully beaded hem of my dress is sticking out of my bag. I quickly stuff it in, trying to hide it, but it's too late. Charlie stands up and walks over, pulling the dress all the way out of the bag. The dark purple evening gown still look just as I remembered it, I almost forgot I had it in my bag. It was the gown I'd been wearing when the Titanic went down, and I hadn't parted with it ever since the disaster.
"Why do you have this in your bag?" he asks me suspiciously and I stammer, what can I say? I've been caught red handed! Charlie can keep a secret though can't he? Can't he? He wouldn't turn me in, he wouldn't send me back. I'm so close, and yet far enough away that they could send me right back the way I came. I stand up and take the dress from him, tossing it on the bed "Listen to me Charlie, I have a very important thing I have to tell you, but you have to swear to me, promise me, that you will never tell anyone". He looks slightly scared, but he nods and I take a deep breath. No longer disguising my voice, I tell him I'm a girl.
He stares at me with wide eyes and I feel very hurt, I believe I've just officially ruined our friendship. He swallows "A girl?" he repeats, as though trying to convince himself he'd heard me wrong. I nod "I'm a girl Charlie, a girl who, who..." I try to find the right words "A girl who isn't from this time" I tell him. He shakes his head, confused "What do you mean?" he asks. The two of us sit down and I begin telling him everything, in many ways it feels wonderful to get this off my chest, but in others, I'm deathly afraid of the consequences.
When my story is done he runs his fingers through his hair, looking up at me and smiling "Wow" he says "A girl can ride better than a whole regiment of men. Who would have thought". I lower my voice almost to a whisper "I want to do this Charlie, I want to fight in the war" I tell him. His face suddenly changes and he shakes his head "No! I won't let you! I'm going to tell Jamie, you have to go back to England". I shake my head, I can feel tears welling in my eyes "Charlie please, please! Keep this secret! For me?" I ask.
There's a long moment of silence before he stands and takes my hands. His eyes are so sincere and sympathetic, but his words tear my heart to shreds "I'm sorry, but I have to tell Jamie. Perhaps he'll let you stay? What if we both went together?" he asks. I stand up with him "I hope you're right Charlie" I say. He smiles "How can he refuse such a devilishly handsome officer and such a pretty young lady?". I shove him towards the door roughly "Oh sod off! Jamie doesn't fall for your charms" I tell him. He looks at me, grinning "No, but when he finds out the truth he might fall for yours" he says, winking at me. I feel myself blushing furiously and I open the door, pushing him "Let's just go!" I tell him.
Uh oh, she's been found out! Will she be allowed to stay, or will they send her back to England? Actually, why am I asking you this, I'm sure you know the answer. Or maybe you don't, I don't know! Anyway, I'm on a writing spree, so expect another chapter soon! After that though, this story will be on halt until hurricane Sandy is over!
Thanks for Reading peoples! And DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!