A/N:
Thank you BobtheFrog for the review! I knew you'd enjoy Lieb being in it more lol. I'm glad you think I did him some justice; he's a little difficult to write for at parts. And I'm happy that you really enjoyed that ending! Just writing it made me totally fangirl and melt! :)
Thank you kEs-2717 for another review! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the Marie and Malarkey moment! It was nice to take a break from writing the sad stuff and write something tender and lovey-dovey lol. Thanks for your support!
Thank you Nicole Monroe for the favorite and the follow!
Thank you drovingallday96 for the review! Thanks for your kind words; I'm glad you enjoyed the last bit at the church. I think you'll like what's coming up next!
Thank you Nessa Faelivrin for the story follow and favorite!
Thank you LauRa-ReaDing-XoX for the follow, favorite, and the review! Yes, this is definitely a story that I'm going to see through to the end! Thank you so much for your sweet compliments, it really does inspire me to keep writing. And yes, I highly recommend Malarkey's book, it's a fantastic read!
Thank you CrazyCatLady002 for the reviews! Wow! I really enjoyed going through and reading them they really brightened my day! Thank you for taking the time to read and leave so many reviews!
Okay so there are some conflicting dates between Malarkey's book and the TV series, so I did my best with this one. This chapter follows the TV series a little more. Dialogue from both the book and the TV series. I hope everyone enjoys!
Haguenau, France
February 9th, 1945
From January 20th on Easy Company spent most of their time riding on trucks going from place to place around Belgium in disorganized chaos. Going cold turkey from fighting hit most of them harder than they imagined; it was almost like a combat hangover. The past two weeks flew by in a rapid blur for Marie, she couldn't even keep track of the days or what was happening, which had been occurring regularly for her since arriving in Belgium, only this time it was for a different reason. Malarkey had grasped her full attention, especially after the two of them had finally agreed to being in a relationship. They figured that they could kick the bucket at any moment, so there was no point in denying their feelings for each other any longer. It was a strange adjustment for Marie, but being with him felt so natural and easy though she never had been in an official relationship before. Although this wasn't how she imagined dating to be, they didn't have access to restaurants or cinemas, so spending time together mainly consisted of sitting next to each other in trucks for the time being.
The final truck ride to France had proven a tiring and bumpy one. Haguenau is about 160 miles from Bastogne, and that long in the back of a truck wasn't exactly a pleasant trip. It was far too long, plus the trucks didn't have any overhead covering to shield them from the outdoor conditions. Despite everything, Marie was a little glad to be returning to France.
Easy Company pulled into Haguenau at last, though most of the company was cranky and crippled from Belgium as they gazed upon the battle-ridden town. The day was overcast, making the scenery appear even drearier than it seemed. Everything looked grey and bleak; there wasn't a drop of vibrant color or sunshine anywhere to be seen. The trucks drove in a slow lull, being careful not to hit any of the dozens of replacement soldiers that were walking beside them. Some were trying to hitch rides as the trucks slowly passed them by. They all had stupid grins on their faces with the usual 'wet-behind-the-ears' attitude. Everyone knew that the war would be dying down soon, so many of these rookies wanted one last shot to kill a German and become a "hero" to those waiting back home.
Marie heard Barb chuckle beside her, staring at the replacements as they attempted to start conversations with the seasoned soldiers passing by in the trucks. Apparently the stony faces didn't repel any of the chipper replacements.
"Look at all the fresh meat." Barbara uttered, an amused smile spreading on her face. Marie furrowed her brow, unsettled from Barb's usual morbid behavior.
Marie scanned the faces of 2nd platoon; Liebgott scoffed, Babe appeared sullen, Bain was silent, Jackson looked exhausted, McClung and Grant, whom had joined the platoon, appeared unreadable, and Malarkey was distant. He stood up on the truck, holding the railing on the side, his other hand holding onto Marie's shoulder as she sat on the bench beside him. He stared out into nothing, his eyes hazily focused in concentrated melancholy. Marie reached up and lovingly stroked his fingers as he continued to grasp onto her shoulder. The past few days Malarkey had become withdrawn as if the memories of Bastogne and the heavy losses seemed to hit him again in violent and aching reminders. Marie knew not to push him when he was in this fog. He preferred to work these types of situations out on his own.
Marie looked out back toward the back of the truck, her eyes snagging on a familiar face in the crowd. She squinted at the figure striding in their direction. David Webster came strolling through the mass of replacements and slow moving vehicles, carrying all his gear and footlocker as he jovially made his way toward the back of 2nd platoon's truck. His uniform was freshly pressed and starched, his face clean and shaven. Marie felt her stomach bubble with mild contempt at how peaceful and rapturous he seemed. She remembered what Malarkey had told her back in Holland when Webster had first gotten shot:
'He's going to milk that wound as much as he can.'
It appeared that Malarkey had been right after all.
"Hey guys, some lieutenant told me to report to 2nd." Webster greeted as he drew closer, keeping his strides even with the truck's sluggish speed. Everyone either ignored him or shot him irreproachable glares. Web didn't seem to notice as he turned his attention to Jackson. "Your name's Jackson, right?"
Jackson nodded slowly, not sure why he was talking to him. "That's right."
"Who's leading this platoon."
"Sergeant Malarkey is." Jackson answered, cocking his head in the stoic sergeant's direction.
Marie felt Malarkey's grip on her shoulder tighten slightly, but he never even cast a glance toward Web. Marie could feel the tension start to build as the soldiers kept their heavy glares peeled on Webster, all except for Barbara, whom only stared at him with mild curiosity. She didn't know about him being hit in Holland, and how he conveniently seemed to stay in the hospital during the entire Bastogne campaign.
"What, no officer?" Webster questioned.
"I guess you didn't hear." Liebgott replied, his voice becoming on edge.
"No, what's that?"
"They're making Malarkey a lieutenant. He's on the fast track now." Liebgott answered, keeping his tone as serious as he could. Marie shot him a look, which Lieb replied with a subtle side-glance. She understood then, he was setting Web up.
"Really, that's great." Webster said with a wide smile, obviously taking the bait like a complete sucker.
"Yeah, isn't it?" Lieb replied, an impish grin spreading on his face.
"Yeah, Jackson help me will ya?" Webster asked, throwing his things aboard the truck and climbing up before receiving an answer. Webster sat beside Marie, his face lighting up when he realized it was her. "Hey, Hun! Is that you? I barely recognized you!"
Marie couldn't help but scoff. She knew she must've looked a fright, but Webster's ignorant bliss was becoming ridiculous. She smiled weakly at him, pretending not to be mildly offended that he didn't even realize it was her.
"Private Webster." She answered curtly.
"How are you?"
Marie shrugged. "Pretty shitty, actually." She absentmindedly twirled her cross necklace. She despised small talk. Couldn't he tell by her tattered appearance that she's been to hell and back? Maybe if her black eye hadn't of healed then he'd get the picture.
"You come from the hospital?" Jackson asked Web, sensing Marie's unwillingness to carry on conversation. She gave him a sympathetic look as a thank you for rescuing her from awkwardly conversing.
"Yeah."
"Musta liked that hospital. Uh, we left Holland four months ago." Liebgott jabbed.
"Well I wasn't there the whole time. There was rehabilitation, then the replacement depot-"
"Well, I'm sure you tried to bust out and help us in Bastogne, Web." Liebgott snapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
A confused smile spread on Web's face. "I don't know how I woulda done that."
"That's funny 'cause Popeye found a way, so did Alley, back in Holland, right?" Liebgott glanced at Babe for affirmation, Babe nodded. "And Guarnere-" He added.
"Yeah, where is Guarnere? He still your platoon sergeant?" Webster asked, looking around for the gruff Philly.
Marie felt a sad pang in her heart, followed by anger that Web would even ask that question. He should've known better than to shoot off his mouth. If Guarnere was missing, then what should that tell him? She didn't want to be reminded about the heavy losses they faced in Belgium.
"Nah, he got hit." Jackson answered in a low voice.
Someone in the distance shouted to get going, meaning it was time to un-board the bus and head into Haguenau by foot. 2nd platoon immediately got to their feet as Webster still sat on the truck bench, stunned by the news about Guarnere. He watched their expressionless faces as they hopped off the truck. Malarkey pulled Marie ahead, she could see he was internally fuming. His mouth was in a thin line as the redness on his face made his freckles stick out.
"Freakin' idiot." He mumbled as he walked ahead of his platoon. "The Harvard man was too busy polishing his Bobcat badge to realize that everybody's an Eagle Scout now. Or dead."
Marie delicately placed her hand on his forearm, her touch made him soften a little. "I know, Don. Maybe we were too hard on him? Surely he must've caught on to us giving him the cold shoulder." Marie glanced behind her, seeing Webster fall in behind everyone as Babe filled him in on Guarnere's condition. Marie turned her attention back toward the town, seeing that a snowy haze was blocking some of the view like mist.
Malarkey shook his head. "Shows up with the pep of a kid being dropped off at a birthday party, and he's not smart enough to figure out the rest of us aren't in a partying mood."
"I know, he's like a replacement now, just look at that star-spangled look in his eyes." Marie sighed.
Malarkey worked his jaw in irritation, taking a deep breath. "Okay, spread out. Hold along this line 'til I figure out where we're goin'." He ordered, his voice suddenly becoming sharp and filled with authority as he addressed his platoon.
2nd platoon obeyed, keeping themselves in formation as they entered the town. Marie looked down at her boots, seeing them collect mud from the streets. She saw sandbags meant for cover, scattered on different sides of the streets along with buildings occupied by soldiers and no civilians. This town had seen battle for a long time now, it was clear that Easy Company wasn't the first group of soldiers to call this place a temporary home.
"Sarge? Sarge?" Webster called, running up to Malarkey and Marie as he broke formation. Bombs suddenly erupted from the distance, making both Malarkey and Marie duck slightly. Webster dropped his belongings in an instant and dove to the ground for cover. Marie stifled a laugh, seeing that Webster was the only one who overreacted.
"What's the matter there, Webster? Nervous in the service?" Malarkey joked.
"Uh – no, no, I'm fine sarge." Webster panted, looking a little embarrassed as he gathered himself again.
Malarkey pointed to a building sitting across the street from where they had gathered. "Why don't you go talk to Captain Speirs? I'm sure he wants you with us."
"Captain Speirs? What happened to Captain Winters?" Webster asked.
"He's runnin' the whole battalion now. Go." Malarkey clipped impatiently, growing tired of Web's cluelessness.
"I should probably go with him, I was just about to head over and check on Lipton." Marie interjected. Lipton's cough had manifested itself into a nasty case of pneumonia. He had spent the entire truck ride sick and showed no signs of recovering. Pneumonia was definitely something that shouldn't be left to fester too long, she didn't want Lipton dying of a virus of all things in the middle of this war.
Malarkey nodded. "Find us when you get back." He muttered to her. She nodded, giving him a subtle kiss on the cheek before departing. Malarkey walked off, leading the rest of 2nd platoon to wherever their quarters were going to be.
Marie turned her attention back to the building and to Webster whom was waiting awkwardly for her to lead the way. The building had been a dentist office and someone's home combined, which was common in Europe. The man who ran the office and lived in the home had also been the mayor of Haguenau and a reported Nazi. Easy Company decided to make it CP seeing that the man fled knowing that Americans were coming. Marie entered the building with Web right at her heels; she was instantly greeted by the musty smell of neglect from the housing. The rundown interior and peeling wallpaper confirmed that this dwelling had been abandoned for some time. Lipton's ill figure lying on a couch off to the center, looking absolutely miserable. His skin looked clammy and paled; she could see beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he struggled to keep his sagging eyelids open. Marie was instantly beside the couch, feeling his forehead to see if his fever had broke. She had no medication in her pack to give him, knowing that she'd have to search the deserted dentist office and home for anything usual left behind.
"Hey, look who it is." Luz acknowledged Webster standing by the doorway. Luz made his way over to Lip, holding a blanket in his hands. "Nice digs, huh Web?" He said with a smile while trying to keep the cigarette in his mouth.
"Sergeant Lipton, feeling all right?" Webster asked.
Lipton grunted in reply, his eyes drowsily downcast as he sniffled and coughed. She could hear the dampness and depth of his cough, worrying that the infection in his lungs was worsening. She placed her hand on his chest, feeling his lungs practically rattle as he inhaled.
"There you go." Luz softly said to Lipton, covering him with a blanket. Luz and Marie both straightened out the sheet for him, making sure it was comfortably covering the sick sergeant. "He's got pneumonia." Luz answered Web's question.
"Sorry to hear that." Webster replied.
"Ah, what are you sorry about? He's alive, got a couch, got a Goddamn blanket. Snug as a bug." Luz chimed, walking away to busy himself with another task.
Webster cleared his throat. "Sergeant Malarkey said I should check with the CO if I should be with 2nd platoon." He addressed Lipton.
Lipton held up some papers he had in his lap, pulling them out from the cover of his blanket. He motioned Webster over. "Have a seat, Webster. We'll get you situated." He rasped.
Webster found a seat. "How long have you been sick?"
"Long enough." Lipton deadpanned.
"Have any of the boys checked for any remedies around the house to help you?" Marie asked Lip.
"I don't think they'd even know what to look for."
"Garlic, cayenne pepper, fenugreek and sesame seeds. Depending on what's around here I can whip you up some homemade medicine that'll help fight off the infection and break up the congestion and fever." She explained.
"Garlic and peppers, huh?"
"Yeah. Mix the garlic with milk and water, boil it, and drink it three times a day and you're golden. You can also add honey to it too. The pepper has capsaicin in it, so it'll release the mucous from your respiratory passages. And the seeds also contain mucolytic properties that can also help expel phlegm. I'll write this down for them. I'm hoping there's something around here."
Lipton tiredly took in her words, nodding slowly. "And if none of that is around?"
"Vegetable juice and steam inhalation. If the pluming works around here you need to sit beside a hot bathtub and breathe in the steam."
Right then an unfamiliar face strode into the building. He was tall with black hair slicked to the side, a youthful face, and funny looking ears that stuck out from the side of his head. Marie could see that he was a lieutenant by his bars and he appeared to be as clean and untouched by war as Webster.
"Is this the company CP for Easy?" The lieutenant asked, his deep voice contrasting against his young face. Webster stood up at attention while Vest entered the room, curious by the newcomer as he also stood at attention.
"Yes, sir." Lipton replied.
The lieutenant gave Marie a puzzled look, confused as to why she was present and in standard paratrooper clothes. Marie could tell by his bewildered looks that he was definitely new to joining the ranks if he hadn't heard that women were on the front now. She forced herself not to roll her eyes.
The lieutenant glanced over at Webster and Vest. "As you were." He said, dismissing them to relax. "Lieutenant Jones, looking for Captain Speirs."
"He's on his way, sir. Why don't you sit down?" Lipton offered, shuffling through the papers in his hands. He leaned over to Marie. "Could you get me a coffee?" He whispered politely to her. She nodded and went over to the office counter where Vest was working. There was a functioning coffee machine available, and Vest already had some brewing. "Would you like a coffee, sir?" Lipton asked Jones.
"No thank you." Jones answered, awkwardly sitting down. Marie watched him fidget out of the corner of her eye. He checked over his equipment to pass the time and avoid any strange tension. Marie finished pouring the bitter and steaming cup of coffee for Lipton, hoping the warmth would help him feel more comfortable.
"What platoon are you in?" Jones suddenly asked, trying to make small talk with Webster.
Webster sighed. "We're about to find that out."
Speirs came abruptly through the doors of the office, looking determined and in a hurry as he usually did. He carried what appeared to be looted books as a cigarette lazily hung from his mouth. Marie went over and handed Lipton the mug, he took it delicately, being careful not to burn his fingertips. The two of them watched Speirs, waiting and expecting the CO to give some kind of order.
"Captain Speirs, sir. This is Lieutenant Jones." Lipton finally introduced, his eyes landing on Jones standing on the other side of the room. He duly stood at attention before Speirs.
"Listen for Christ sake, will you go back in the back and sack out? There's some beds there with fresh sheets." Speirs suddenly snapped, irritated to see Lipton out of bed.
Lipton shifted on the couch, feeling uncomfortable from Speirs' heavy glares. "I will, sir. Just trying to make myself useful, sir."
"Can you talk some sense into him, Docherty?" Speirs sighed.
"Trying to, sir." Marie joked mildly.
Winters and Nixon entered then, and Marie suddenly felt out of place. She was standing before so many of the higher ranks of her battalion. She felt like she was going to intrude on private matters and possible strategies for Easy Company's future endeavors.
Winters removed his helmet, scratching his head in anxiousness. "Listen up, regiment wants a patrol for prisoners." He announced.
"This one comes straight from Colonel Sink, so… it's not my idea." Nixon added, giving a wry smile as he tried to enforce some humor.
"Since the river is the main line of resistance we're going to have to cross it to get to them." Winters jumped right into his explanation. His eyes flitted over to Marie for a brief moment, seeing her expression morph into an attentive and worried one.
"What do we need to do?" Speirs questioned.
"There's a three story building on the enemy's side up the Moder River. We know it's occupied. You can have fifteen men. Think very hard who you want to lead the patrol. You'll need a lead scout, a translator, we've got the entire battalion on covering fire."
"When?" Speirs asked briskly.
"Tonight, 0100." Winters replied.
Marie felt her stomach churn with nerves. They'd been off the line traveling for a couple weeks, taking a break from being beaten down to almost nothing. Now Colonel Sink wanted them to go on some risky operation just to pick up some German prisoners. She couldn't bear the thought of her severely battle fatigued friends being selected to go on this mission. She knew they weren't going to like the news.
"Yes, sir." Speirs said curtly, his face hardening slightly from the orders he'd received.
Marie decided not to stick around any longer. She stood up from her squatting position beside Lipton's couch, her eyes focused on the exit. As she attempted to discreetly make her leave, she saw Vest wave her over. She headed toward the desk as he held out some papers to her.
"This is for 2nd platoon, Hun. The brass have already approved it and read it over." He whispered, trying not to speak over the important matters that Speirs, Winters, and Nix were discussing.
"Thanks." She muttered, turning quickly on the ball of her foot and quietly heading out.
Marie found 2nd platoon's dwellings, they were stationed to bunk in OP2 in a rundown building that's only color consisted of a deep, wooden brown. Marie wasn't complaining, though, she'd at least have a sturdy bed to sleep in. She entered, seeing Malarkey stand by a desk, smoking and staring out the nearby window aimlessly at the slowing activity outside. The boys had settled themselves on their selected beds, talking amongst themselves. Barbara stood, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Marie walked over to Malarkey, holding the papers firmly in her hands. He smiled at her, but she could see it waning as he forced the ends his lips to stay curved upward. It broke her heart to see him slipping into such a cynical state of mind, but she probably appeared no different to him. She stood closely beside him, readying herself to pass on what she heard in CP.
"What do you got there?" Barbara asked, pushing herself off the wall. Before Marie could answer, she swiped the papers out of her hand and scanned through them.
"Hey-" Marie started, but Barb moved so she couldn't take the papers back.
"Well, well, well." Barb said, an interested smile spreading on her face.
"What's it say?" Marie asked, not hiding her annoyed tone.
"2nd platoon is being assigned another female member." She stated.
"Really?" Babe asked in almost disbelief.
"What's her name?" McClung piped up.
Barbara chuckled as she read over the new woman's name. "She sounds like a freakin' journalist. I hope she ain't usin' an alias." Barb continued to laugh to herself, staring down at the paper in her hands.
"C'mon, spit it out." Marie snapped.
"Abernathy Harper. She's a translator." Barb finally replied.
Marie felt bothered by the answer Barb gave her. She felt like battalion was trying to replace Emilia with another female, but no one could ever replace her. She didn't want another woman joining the company, especially not one who was going to take over Emilia's old job as if nothing happened. She could already sense that she wasn't going to like this new replacement.
"Hey guys." Webster's voice rang out through the room as he entered with Jones right behind him. The atmosphere instantly turned mute and tense. "This taken?" Web asked, hoisting his gear up onto a mattress.
"Go ahead." Jackson answered with zero pep.
"Sergeant?" Webster called to Malarkey. "This is Lieutenant Jones, just assigned to 2nd platoon."
Jones placed his gear down on the floor before going over to greet Malarkey. Malarkey nodded in acknowledgement, but he didn't shift from his stance as he stood beside Marie.
"Malarkey, platoon sergeant." Malarkey spoke.
Jones stuck out his hand in greeting. "Congratulations on the battlefield commission."
Marie furrowed her brows in confusion, glancing back and forth between Jones and Malarkey. Malarkey appeared to be just as lost as she was, giving Jones a quizzical stare. She could see the mischievous smirks of the guys as they watched from their bunks. Malarkey shook his hand slowly, still not piecing together as to why this new lieutenant thought he'd received a battlefield commission.
"The what?" Malarkey asked.
Jones gave him a funny look. "They're making you an officer, no?"
Marie saw Webster shoot a look at the guys sitting on their bunks, taking amusement in seeing someone fall for their lie. She could see Webster had finally realized how he was being treated and the clear irritation that showed on his face. He didn't like being duped. Marie felt a little guilty for not speaking up and stopping it.
"Me? No. You must be thinkin' of 1st Sergeant Lipton." Malarkey denied.
"My mistake. So you're without a platoon leader?"
"No, not anymore, Lieutenant."
Jones became slightly flustered. "Right… so do you want to introduce me to the men?" His tone sounded a little more commanding then he probably meant it to sound.
Marie could see Malarkey starting to grow visibly annoyed by this newcomer. "Well some are sleeping downstairs, the rest are right here." He replied hesitantly. Jones turned and nodded at them.
"Sergeant, uh, a patrol is being planned for tonight at 0100 hours, across the river." Jones added. Marie felt her insides tighten again at the mention of the mission. She wanted to let Malarkey know in her own way so she could ease him into it, but it was too late now. Marie noticed the men scowl. "Regiment wants POWs for interrogation."
Marie could see Malarkey deflate from the news. He motioned Jones to come closer to the window for some privacy. Marie kept herself slightly distanced, but enough where she was still in earshot.
"I take it this was already an outpost when you arrived." Jones assumed.
Malarkey nodded, leaning down as he lit a cigarette between his lips. "Maybe the 79th Infantry but they left in a hurry." He glanced back out the window.
"What's the report on enemy activity?"
"Expect some flares, mortars at night, scattered 88s, snipers during the day." Malarkey listed.
"Yeah, we dodged some mortars on our way in."
Malarkey gazed at him, his face unimpressed and uncaring. "Mm…" He glanced out the window again. "We're also got some sort of railroad gun back there, shells about the size of a duce and a half. Sounds like a freight train when one comes over."
"They haven't made any attempts to cross the river?"
"No." Malarkey blew out a steady stream of smoke. "They have roofs over their heads, sir just like us. I don't think anyone wants to do anything stupid at this point right?"
Marie turned away from them, she'd heard enough. Knowing that the Germans didn't even want to risk the possibility of being forced out into the cold again was enough to convince her that this patrol was a waste. Barbara approached her, that strange, hazy smile still plastered on her face.
"We're bunking downstairs by the way." She said.
"Figures." Marie shrugged. The Army had always kept the sexes separated while they were sleeping inside, why would they change it now?
"I know you're bummed about that. Too bad for you and Malarkey." Barbara joked, her smile becoming winder.
Marie rolled her eyes, ready to counter her wisecrack when she heard Malarkey coming forward, Jones behind him muttering something. Malarkey's face was drawn with heavy worry and subtle anger. She felt her heart drop, knowing that he was about to deliver some bad news.
"Listen up!" He raised his voice, grasping the attention of all the occupants in the room. "I've got some bad news." He removed the cap Marie gave him which was resting snuggly on his head. "There is a patrol set for tonight, so far Speirs wants McClung-"
"We know." McClung interrupted.
"Yeah, we just fuckin' heard." Babe clipped.
"Webster told us." Liebgott clarified. Webster shot him another menacing look for ratting him out.
The phone on the desk started to ring. Malarkey picked up the receiver with little enthusiasm. "Easy, White. Yeah… uh-huh… all right, out." He hung up the phone. "PX rations just came in, including winter shoe packs." Marie scoffed in disbelief. Now they receive proper winter clothing, while they're indoors and no longer sitting outside in foxholes shivering.
"Beautiful." Liebgott chimed in, sarcastically.
"Yeah finally right?" Malarkey sighed.
"Now that we're in a nice, warm house."
"Also, we got showers." Malarkey added. Before he could go on the rumbling sound of artillery roared overhead, shaking the house. "All right, move! Clear it out!" Everyone rushed out, scrambling down the stairs and outside. "C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, go!"
The guys started laughing, as did Barbara. The barrage was already over and now they were all standing outside their building as if they'd just practiced a fire drill. Marie gazed up at the overcast sky, not seeing any sign of planes or bombs.
"Showers, let's go, c'mon." Malarkey motioned his platoon to proceed as he led the way away from their building. Tarps were set up and makeshift showers stood in the center of the town as soldiers excitedly gathered around. Men started to undress out in the open and pull open the tarp, letting out steam from the hot water.
Just watching the steam waft upward made Marie's skin prickle with anticipation. She hadn't showered in well over a month. She felt beyond filthy, her body smelled horrible, and her legs and armpits were hairier than she liked. The shower was the only thing she craved at this very moment, but she knew she had to wait until all the men were done. She continued to gaze at the shower, her mind lost in the soothing thought of hot water being poured over her.
"Somebody's been hit!" Someone shouted from the distance. 2nd platoon immediately darted in the direction of the voice to see what happened. They rounded a building only to see Roe was already at the scene, crouched over a body, his back facing the platoon. Marie saw the body, recognizing the face. Bill Keene was killed in the street while carrying a sack of potatoes. She lowered her head, feeling numb toward the sudden death. She just couldn't feel when it came to the dying any longer, she didn't have the strength of energy to mourn losses. The men started to clear out, not being able to stomach another death amongst their company. Marie followed, spotting Lipton up and about, whispering something to Malarkey. Marie saw Malarkey's face morph into disappointment, shaking his head slightly. Once again she braced herself for terrible news.
"2nd platoon, on me." Malarkey called. The men gathered around him. "All right, I'm leading this patrol. CO wants Grant, Liebgott, Wynn, Jackson, Shifty from 3rd platoon, and Webster."
"Does he want anyone from 1st?" Cobb questioned, eavesdropping from close by.
"No."
"Is there anyone they don't want from 2nd?" Liebgott asked.
"Sounds like everybody to me." His eyes met Marie's before he turned and headed in the direction of the showers. Marie felt her heart lurch, wanting to follow him but she knew she couldn't. She had to wait until he was done to speak with him. She watched Malarkey from a distance strip down to his underclothes and head behind the shower tarp.
"He's only lost five of his best friends, what does he got to live for?" Babe muttered from behind her.
Sorrow filled her heart. It wasn't fair, it just wasn't fair. Malarkey had been on the line everyday since D-Day without a single break. Why did he have to be sent on some suicide mission now? Marie balled her hands into fists as they dangled at hers sides. She wanted to march over to CP and argue, telling them that they were all mad for wanting Malarkey of all people to lead this stupid patrol. Her pleas and protests would only fall on deaf ears, so she decided not to waste her breath.
Barbara picked the shower behind Marie's, taking her long hair down and running her hands through it to untangle some of the strands. Marie undressed completely, peeling her sweaty clothes and bra and underwear from her body. So much dirt and sweat had accumulated on her skin that it was a struggle just to remove her military issued clothing. She cast them aside and gripped the faucet handle and twisted it as high as it could go. The water began to rain down on Marie; she let a gasp as the warmth made contact with her body. The water pressure was weak, and the water wasn't as warm as a temperature as she'd want, but it felt like the best shower she'd ever had. She took a bar of soap that had been given to her and thoroughly started to scrub her body. Marie watched the dark grime run off her body, being replaced with cleansing suds. She did the same with her hair, roughly running her fingers through it to rid it of grease and dirt, massaging deep into her roots. The Army had supplied the women with razors, and would soon be doing the same for the men so they could shave their beards. Marie thickly layered her legs, armpits, and stomach with soap, readying herself for shaving. She tried to be quick, feeling the water pressure start to grow weaker.
"No, no! Not yet!" She heard Barbara cry in feigned desperation behind her. She was also experiencing the weakening water pressure.
Marie was careful not to give herself any shaving cuts as she finished up, satisfied with her cleanup. What made Marie even happier was knowing that she was also supplied with new BDU's and OD's to change into. Her old clothing was in such bad shape and smelled so foul that it would have to be thrown away. She turned off the faucet and started to dry off with the towel she was given. She dressed herself and started to towel dry her hair as she waited for Barbara. The two of them left and headed by to their housing in OP2.
Marie broke away from her as she started to search for Malarkey. She opened the door to where her, Barbara, and the new girl would be staying in. She found Malarkey sitting on her bed, his hands in his lap as he waited patiently for her. Marie was at his side in an instant, embracing him.
"It's not fair…" She whispered.
"It can't be helped." He replied, his voice thick.
"Yes it can!" She pulled away so she could look at his face. "You shouldn't be the one going out there. This entire patrol idea is so ridiculous! Why can't they-"
He shushed her, pulling her back into another hug. He held her there for a moment, rubbing her back gently. She was so scared for him, so scared about what could happen to him out on that patrol. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him, not after losing Muck and Emilia. Her feelings for him were too strong. She'd shatter if something were to happen to him while he was out on the patrol.
"You and Barbara aren't going on the patrol." Malarkey added.
"I had a feeling." She said sadly, gripping him tighter. "Please make sure you come back to me."
Her face met his, his eyes saddened by her words. He knew he couldn't make any promises about his safety. Malarkey pressed his lips to hers as her weight shifted fully to his lap. Her eyes closed, relishing the yearning and desperation behind the kiss.
"Excuse me, is this the women's dwellings?" A stranger's voice suddenly piped up from behind them.
Marie and Malarkey instantly pulled apart. Marie whirled her head around, seeing a tall and tan woman with curly hair standing in the doorway. She looked mortified from walking into something so tender and private.
"Who are you?" Marie questioned, frustrated by the interruption.
"Private Abernathy Harper." The woman stuttered.