Hello, my darling readers! Coming up next... chapter 22 :)

But, firstly, I have to thank my reviewers: bethrodrigues.77 (Your review really made my day! Thank you! I'm happy to hear that you like the part involving Gene's hangover :) I wanted to write a little more about the relationship between Jess and him. And I also wanted to show how they support each other in difficult times. As for Neve, I'm sorry if that part scared you. She doesn't usually act like that, does she? Although she went ballistic in the Aid station, she actually deeply cares for Jess. And, you're right, she is scared that Jess might not come back home next time. As for Mike... he'll come back in the next chapter. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I can tell you this - he will do something about Denham. And I think "crazy" would be a better word for describing it. You'll find out soon what I mean ;) ), ScarletLeon (Oh, thank you so much! :) I'm more than glad that you like Neve's character. I promise that she'll appear in a few more chapters. As for the "romance next to the toilet", I couldn't stop smiling when I read that part of the review. It's lovely to hear that you liked that moment between Jess and Gene :) ), dustori (Hello and welcome to the story! I'm really glad that you enjoy it, and that you love Jess's character. To tell you the truth, I didn't think of a sequel yet. But, expect more chapters coming this way :) As for another BoB story... I planned on finishing this one, before writing something new. I hope that's okay :) By the way, I'd be really happy to hear your opinion in the chapters to come. Thanks again! ), Amanda (Actually, I was also a bit sad when I wrote the part with Neve and Jess. But, I promise that things will get better between them in this chapter :) Anyway, thank you very much for your compliment. That was really sweet of you :) ), DeansRightShoe (Hello! I'm happy to hear that you liked the latest chapter (especially the middle) ;) As for Denham, I have to say that he'll appear this time... along with some important and not-so-good news. Thanks again!) and VintageCowgirl101 (It was such a lovely surprise when I saw your reviews! Thank you so much! I hope that you'll enjoy the rest of the story, as well :) ).

Thank you so much for your support! ;)

And now, get ready for the latest installment... :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Band of Brothers. This is purely of entertainment. It is based on the HBO miniseries and no disrespect is meant towards the real men of Easy Company.

Do you know what your fate is?

And are you trying to shake it?

You're doing your best and your best look

You're praying that you make it

One Republic "Say (All I Need)"

Chapter Twenty-Two: Plenty Of Duties

I didn't quite believe that time could fly. However, before I knew it, July had come almost to an end. As August approached, the blazing sun returned, along with clear sky, bird songs... and field exercises.

You are probably wondering why the brass would organize something like this in the hottest week of the year. Well, here is the answer – they wanted to know how the lads from Easy would put up with the newcomers. Since the company had lost a lot of men in France, an entire wave of replacements found their way in the regiment base. And so, here I was, sitting beside my Spitfire and waiting for everyone to arrive.

Well, they should be here any minute now... As I was gazing at my watch, I wiped it with the edge of my shirt. That was when I noticed a strange reflection on the watch – it looked like a human silhouette. And it was slowly approaching.

"Hey, what's an angel like you doin' here?", a voice asked.

I looked up and saw a young man standing in front of me. He had fiery hair, just like me, which was neatly combed to one side. He must have been one of the newcomers.

"Same as you." I smiled and got up. "I'm just waiting for Easy."

The replacement gave me a surprised look. And then he grinned in a boyish way.

"Oh, really? Me, too!"

To tell you the truth, he looked very young. Actually, I could have sworn that he was just a year or two older than me. His eyes darted from me, to the magnificent greenish bird next to us. That was when his brow slightly furrowed.

"You think the pilot will mind you snoopin' around his plane?", he asked.

His plane? Is he serious? I did my best not to snigger. He obviously had no idea who was the pilot of this company. Trying to keep my face straight, I managed to say:

"I think the pilot won't mind at all, private..." I trailed off, searching for his surname on his jacket.

"It's Heffron." To my complete surprise, he took my hand and kissed it. And then he arched one of his auburn eyebrows. "But, you can call me Babe, honey."

What? I bit my lip, trying not to burst into laughter. But, the lad called Babe noticed that something wasn't quite right. He looked at me, slightly bewildered. However, he didn't have the chance to say anything, because a familiar figure appeared next to us.

I couldn't help, but smile. "'Morning, Bill."

"Heya, Jess!" He came closer and wrapped his heavy arm around my shoulders. And then he glanced at a still confused Heffron. "Oh, Babe, I see you met Jess here." Bill patted my shoulder with a wide grin. "This is our air support. And, believe me, she's the best one there is."

In a span of one second, Heffron's confused look turned into complete shock. His jaw dropped, while his eyebrows oddly quivered. I felt a small ping of guilt for not telling him who I really was.

"She took out more goddamn planes than I can count", Bill added in a slightly lower voice. "They all went up in flames. Boom!" He snapped with two fingers. "Just like that. You don't wanna be a Kraut when she's up in the air."

I noticed that Heffron swallowed a bit.

"Bill, you don't need to scare him", I said in a lower voice, "We were just..."

I was cut off when somebody shouted in the distance. Whoever it was, that person was calling for Heffron.

"Well, I'd better go. See ya later!" Sending a short, a bit lopsided smile in my direction, he quickly turned around. And then he dashed towards the voice, leaving Bill and me in the shadow of my plane.

It didn't last long, when Bill looked at me and smiled.

"So, Jess, what's goin' on?", he asked, "I haven't seen ya for a while."

I shrugged. "Well, there's nothing new. Neve still isn't talking to me."

"You serious?" Unexpectedly, Bill's smile became even wider. He took out a pack of cigarettes and grasped one stick. "Well, I know how you're feelin'. My ma went ballistic when I enlisted. She didn't talk to me for two days straight."

"Two days?" I folded my arms over my chest. "Then you must be one lucky lad!"

"Oh, come on, Jessie, how bad could it be? Neve's been quiet for what... three days? Four?"

"Three weeks."

His hand, which was holding the lighter, stopped an inch away from his cigarette.

"Three weeks?" He gawked at me, with his eyes wide in disbelief. "Jesus... haven't you tried talkin' to her?"

"I did. But, the last time I tried, she slammed the door in my face."

This time, he became serious. "That bad, huh?"

Aye, Bill... that bad. I bit my lip again, trying not to recall that moment.

She was like that ever since she'd run out of the Aid station. The optimistic and cheerful Neve I had always known was now more than quiet. To tell you the truth, I couldn't remember the last time she was like this. That worried me more than anything else.

"And all of that because of that bugger Denham", I muttered, pursing my lips into a line, "My life is one bloody mess since he came. Do you know that?" Not giving Bill time to answer, I let out a long sigh. "I almost wish that I'm still in that factory. At least my family wouldn't be flippin' breaking appart."

Bill took a long drag from his cigarette. And then he blew a puff of smoke, which slowly faded away in the air.

"You know, I'm not that good in givin' advice", he said, "Never was. But, I know one thing, that's for certain."

"And that is..."

"Life never sends us things that we can't handle by ourselves."

I couldn't help, but scoff. "Are you sure about that? Let's see what you'll say when Denham sends us to hell next time."

"I mean, just look 'ere." Bill gave me a look which was almost solemn. "We made it through D-Day, Carentan and all the other shit, and we're now back in England. Yeah, it wasn't easy for us, but the point is that we made it." A corner of his lips curved, but just for a moment. "I'm not quite sure... but, I think that, whatever happens, we can overcome it in some way. We just have to find it. Unfortunately, that's the shitty part."

That made my eyebrows arch by themselves. I had expected a lot of things in my near future. However, a wisdom from Bill Guarnere wasn't on that list.

"May I ask you something?"

He glanced at me, with his cigarette still dangling from his mouth. "Sure thing."

"Since when has Wild Bill become Wise Bill?"

All of a sudden, he burst into a hearty laughter. "Keep dreamin', Jessie. That ain't gonna happen so soon."

Now I was the one chuckling. But, I soon went serious, because I'd noticed movement nearby. It didn't last long, when a large group of men appeared behind the nearby building.

The rest of Easy had just arrived. And Eugene was with them, with his shy smile that I loved so much. It didn't last long, when I felt something flickering deep inside me.

But, that wasn't the end of surprises waiting for me. As soon as his gaze caught mine, he blew a kiss in my direction. I raised my hand and pretended that I caught something in the air. Placing my fingers on my lips, I gave him the sign that his kiss landed right where he had planned.

And then I went to my trusty plane.

XXX

Dear Mike,

It has been weeks since you left. And you haven't sent a single letter. Are you all right? Your mum said that you're up to your eyeballs in work and that you can hardly find some spare time. I sincerely hope that's true - and that you're not doing something thoughtless regarding Denham. I know how much you worry about me. But, I don't want to see you getting into trouble because of me.

Speaking of jobs, I've been swamped as well this week, especially with exercising in the field and meeting with all the replacements in the company. That doesn't leave much doubts, Mike. We'll be moving out again, that's certain. The men are already talking about it. Hand on heart, nobody knows where that will be. But, it will be very, very soon.

I miss you so much. Please, write back as soon as you can. At least tell me when you'll be back in Aldbourne. I probably sound a bit desperate right now... but, I really need to see you. I want to talk to you, before my new "mission" takes me away from home again.

Take care. And good luck with your job, Wingman.

Jess

I carefully tucked the letter inside the envelope. And then I took my pen, ready to write down Mike's new address. That was when I heard hurried steps, followed with the rustle of curtains. Neve had probably went to our "room" – without a single word, of course.

I chucked the pen in the empty mug on the table. That's it...

"Neve, you can't go on like this", I said to the drawn curtains.

As you can guess, the only answer I received was silence. I stood up with a screech of my chair and went to her. The moment I moved the curtains out of my way, I saw her on her bed. Actually, she was sitting on its corner, with her skinny arms wrapped around her knees.

"Hey, it's not the end of the world." I slowly came closer. And then I sat beside her. "I'll be back home before you know it. I promise."

"I bet some of the other lads promised, as well", she muttered, not even looking at me, "And there they are, buried in the church yard."

"Oh, don't be like that..."

"Why shouldn't I be?", she asked, sending me a long glare. She then sprung out of her bed, still gazing at me. "Jesus Christ, what's going on with you? Since when have you become so... so eager to get back to the battlefield?"

"I'm not eager! I want to stay here, with you, more than anything!"

She placed her hands on her hips. "Why don't you stay then?"

"Because I can't!" I sighed in frustration. "Because I have orders! I didn't chose this, if you really want to know!"

"You didn't? Oh, that's so helpful!", she said sarcastically, arching her eyebrows, "It will definitely solve all of my problems!"

"You have problems?", I exclaimed, "And what about MY problems? Did you think that I was having fun out there, in France, drinking tea every morning? Well, you're wrong! While you were having a sleepover with Mike's sisters every damn night, I was watching people die getting shot in front of me! I was sleeping in tents and holes in the ground, trying to stay in one bloody piece! So, shut it!"

I expected that she would clench her fists and snarl back at me. But, instead of that, she turned her back and burst into tears.

To tell you the truth, the sheer sound of it made me bite my lip. With every sob she made, my stomach tied itself in another knot.

Jessica, you and your damn mouth...

Getting up to my feet, I came closer and gently pulled into an embrace. She tried to push me away, but, soon after, she wrapped her arms around my waist and kept on crying.

I silently scolded myself again. In the end, she was just a twelve-year-old girl. A girl with her own worries and fears.

"I'm sorry, Nevie", I whispered, "I shouldn't have been like that. I'm so sorry..."

I rubbed her back in small circles, in hope to calm her somehow. But, I knew that wouldn't be possible right now. Although she was angry at me, she was also afraid.

And, to tell you the truth, I got scared, too.

Since I had come back home, I tried not to think of getting back to the line. And it worked. But, as I listened to my sister crying, the thought of leaving her hit me with all its strength.

Damn it... Just imagining myself in some godforsaken place, hoping to make it through the next day, was enough for my breathing to become a bit strained. Swallowing hard, I hugged Neve a bit tighter, while her sobs were becoming more and more rare.

"I don't want you to lose you", she whispered after some time.

"You won't lose me, my flower." I ruffled her hair a bit, just like when we were little. "Never. Do you know why?"

"Why?" She looked at me, pursing her lips. I could see tears making long streaks on her cheeks.

"Because I'm not the type that can get lost easily."

She let out something between a sniff and a chuckle. However, she smiled, although it lasted only for a second. And that was enough for me to feel relieved a bit.

Hand on heart, I wasn't too convinced in my own words. I wasn't sure if I would be as lucky as before. But, for chrissake, I wanted to believe in that so much...

"Besides, when they send me, I won't be the only one out there", I said, trying to comfort both my sister and me. We both sat back on her bed, with our arms still wrapped around each other. "The lads will watch my back, just as I'll watch theirs."

Neve slowly nodded and wiped her nose with her sleeve. I managed to give her an encouraging smile, when somebody knocked on the door behind us.

"Who... who's that?", Neve asked.

"I don't know. Let's find out."

"If it's Bill, don't let him see me like this!", she exclaimed, suddenly blushing, "I'm sure I look horrible!"

I couldn't help, but chuckle. "Don't you worry. I'll tell him to come later."

Straightening my shirt a bit, I went to the door and opened them. But, instead of a familiar face, I spotted a nervous looking runner on the doorstep. He took off his cap as soon as he saw me.

"'Evening, Miss", he said, in a thick Yank accent, "Sorry if I'm interruptin' anything. I'm lookin' for private J. M. Prichard from Easy."

I nodded. "That would be me."

The runner's brow furrowed. But, whatever he was thinking, he decided to keep it to himself.

"They sent me straight from HQ", he said in a serious tone, "Colonel Denham... he wants to see ya."

My small smile faded away in an instant. I could have guessed that Neve's vanished just as fast. In the meantime, the runner gave me an understanding look. Judging by his expression, he loathed Denham as much as I did.

"When?", I asked.

"Now would be nice."

XXX

As soon as I entered his office, Denham raised an eyebrow.

"Family issues, I hear?"

I sent a glare in his direction. "You said you wanted to see me. What do you want?"

"Come here, then. I'll go straight to the point." He gave me a sign to come closer. After a second or two, he quietly chuckled. "Don't you worry. I ain't gonna bite."

Oh, really? Frankly, I wasn't so sure about that. I hesitated for a few more moments, before I approached his desk. That was when Denham opened a drawer beside him. He took out tens... actually dozens of photographs and papers. He quickly arranged them like playing cards, until they covered most of the desk's surface.

I glanced at a few photographs. Some of them had been taken from the air. I noticed roads, towns and even river banks in black and white. But, I didn't quite understand why I was here.

"What is all this?", I asked.

"I have news for you, Prichard." Denham looked at the photographs, and then back at me. "And I suggest you start preparing. In a few weeks time, you and the Easy boys are going on a new trip. It's called Operation Market Garden."

I moved my gaze along the table again. This time, I noticed a small map among the photographs. The name of the operation had been written in its corner. It didn't last long, when I recognized that place. And it was enough to make a corner of my lips quiver.

"You're joking." I sent Denham a bewildered look. "Holland?"

To my surprise, he nodded. He wasn't joking at all.

"For airborne divisions, this one's gonna be bigger than Normandy." The Allied objective is to take this road between Eindhoven and Arnhem..." He showed me two spots on the map. "... so that the two British armored divisions can move up it."

"And my job is what, exactly?"

"It's simple. Protect your men while they liberate Eindhoven. And then stay there and wait for the tanks."

I could feel my heart slowly sinking to my heels. For a moment, I remembered every single thing I'd been through – and it made a drop of sweat slide down my back. I had been captured, beaten up, wounded and almost blown to kingdom come... well, not exactly in that order. Oh, and I also shot two people and watched many of my "colleagues" die.

All of that happened in not-so-far France. What could possibly be waiting for me in occupied Holland?

"Well, you can look on the brighter side." Denham's voice pulled me back from my thoughts. "If that operation proves successful, you'll get home by the end of the year."

"Oh, that's a nice plan", I said, with as much sarcasm I could muster, "I had no idea my boss is actually a bloody genius!"

I could clearly see a crease forming on Denham's forehead. I had definitely made him mad now. But, I had no idea how his voice remained level.

"Listen... private", he said, adding emphasis on my rank, "I dislike doing this as much as you. Actually, I shouldn't involve you in all of this. But, you have a talent that will help us win this damn war." He slapped one hand on the map of Holland. "So, do your duty and we're all gonna be happy."

"Duty?" I did my best not to laugh. "I have plenty of duties here! Especially towards my family, in case you forgot!" I placed my hands on my hips. "Tell me, what happens if I kick the bucket somewhere in Holland? Do you have that in your little plans?"

"I do, actually. You already have the same life insurance as the rest of the men. If somethin' happens to you, your little Neve is gonna receive ten thousand dollars."

My lips parted in surprise.

Ten thousand dollars? Hand on heart, I had never seen so much money in one place. For a lass like Neve, that ammount would be a small fortune. It could even give her a life better than this one. However, there were things that even money couldn't replace.

"But, she'll have no family left", I said, "She'll be all alone, because of you."

Denham shrugged. "Then fight well and make sure that you don't die."

Don't forget to review. It would be really nice to hear what you think of this! :)