Chapter 49
Just days after Seth's last visit to Charlene, Sgt. Stanley as well as several other commanding officers, forced the men out of bed and they marched to the Front closest to no man's land. It was determined they would be staying there from now on to be prepared for a full on attack. But before that, there were a number of offensive actions such as shots fired, gas being thrown and bombs going off. It wasn't quite so bad at first, but that changed when Kevin and Embry saw their first death. Shots were being fired and the men were told they needed to start firing as well. They were standing tall in the trenches aiming for the enemy as best they could through the distance and the barbwire. As they were firing their guns, a man beside Embry was shot in the head and the force of the bullet caused the man to fly backwards. Embry felt the blood splash on his face and he looked at the body and went stiff. Kevin did as well and turned into a vampire almost as an involuntary reaction. It was a good thing he did. He heard the bullet first and realized it was going right for Embry. So Kevin grabbed Embry violently and pushed him down so the bullet narrowly missed. Another bullet flew and his Kevin's ear, causing his currently rock hard skin to crack. He grabbed his ear and fell back so he could put it back and let it heal all within a few seconds.
"What the shit, Kevin!" Embry said.
"There was a bullet going towards you!" Kevin yelled over the gunfire. Then he handed Embry back his gun and pulled him back up so they could continue, pushing his head down a moment so another bullet would miss.
Kevin did the same to Seth, pushing and shoving so any bullet that flew would miss. The worst Embry and Seth suffered were grazes from bullets. Seth was grazed on the shoulder and Embry was grazed on his jaw. Shots continued from the German side and suddenly, there was a loud pop and yellow smoke began to fill the air. The bell rang, but whoever was ringing the bell got shot and the ringing stopped. But everyone got their gasmasks and forced them on so they wouldn't be effected by the mustard gas. They'd heard of the burns and other adverse effects of the chemical, so the next step was to fall to the ground, mud be damned, and hide away from the gas. Just as they all landed, a grenade fell into the trench. Everyone panicked and tried running, but it wouldn't be enough time. Kevin could actually hear the mechanism working and they only had seconds to spare. So Kevin crawled swiftly to the grenade while the others crawled away.
"Black! Get back!" Kevin heard Sgt. Stanley scream, but he ignored the man, grabbed the grenade and threw it as hard as he could out of the trench. It made it back to the German side and went off just above their trenches, undoubtedly causing shrapnel related injuries to the enemy. Another grenade landed just outside of the trench and when it blew up, dirt flew everywhere and buried them under the rubble until they were able to dig their way out.
With their gasmasks on and finally out of the mud, the men were ordered to return to shooting, but the masks made it harder to see. Kevin could barely see the bullets and when he could, it was too late to completely avoid it. He only had time to pushed Embry aside so he only got grazed on the shoulder. He fell back from the pain and started to bleed profusely. Thankfully, with the gasmask on, Kevin couldn't smell it. He pulled Seth down to avoid another bullet and put pressure on Embry's shoulder to make the bleeding stop. Kevin and Embry couldn't talk through the gasmasks, so Kevin pushed his thoughts into Embry's mind.
Are you alright, Embry? It's just the shoulder, right? Since he couldn't speak back, Embry just nodded. The worst of the pain was gone for the most part. Stay down until we can get you to a surgical gurney, okay?
Embry nodded and stayed down while Kevin went back up and returned to shooting as best he could through the cloudy, and now muddy, gasmask. He wiped away the dirt off the eyes of the mask and was eventually able to clear his view. Another sergeant ran to where Kevin, Seth and Embry were and tossed down a container of six grenades, which they were told to start throwing as hard as they could. Kevin took over the task while Seth continued shooting. As he'd been ordered, Kevin removed the pins of the grenades one by one and threw them into the German side. He made a point to aim as well. Most of them landed in the German trenches. He heard them go off one by one and heard screams of fear and pain. As he watched, he saw limbs even fly and, were he in his normal human form, he may very well have thrown up at the sight. Seth, however, did and it was a damn good thing he did. At the site of limbs flying and blood everywhere, Seth kneeled down feeling himself getting sick. After which, a bullet flew past him and hit the ground behind him. After the last of the grenades were thrown, there was a brief period of continued, but diminished, gunshots before the front became quiet. Kevin stared into the distance and eventually removed his mask after a minute of prolonged silence.
"Did we win?" Kevin asked to no one in particular.
"No," someone answered Kevin. "The battle's just paused."
No one relaxed until the silence lasted a full hour. In the meantime, Kevin helped Embry get to the medics that were able to clean his wound and bandage him up without taking him to the hospital. Kevin brought Embry back further in land away from no man's land so he could rest. A few other people returned as well, Seth being among those people. Two days after the assault, Sgt. Stanley pulled Kevin aside for a talk in one of the slightly deeper holes in the ground that acted as an office of sorts.
"That was rather stupid, Black," Sgt. Stanley said.
"What do you mean, sir?" Kevin asked.
"Grabbing a live grenade," he clarified. "Fucking thing could have gone off and blown of your hand." Kevin nodded.
"Well, sir, better my hand that the entire company."
"I couldn't agree more," Sgt. Stanley said. "Better yet, it didn't cost you a hand. The enemy is another matter of course," Sgt. Stanley managed to joke, but the imagery made Kevin go pale, which Sgt. Stanley noticed. "Try not to dwell on it too much, Kevin. It's something you'll see far more of I'm afraid."
"Yes, sir," Kevin answered.
"Anyway, the reason I brought you in here was to congratulate you for your act of bravery and to promote you to the rank of Corporal."
"Thank you, sir," Kevin finally answered after a moment of silence.
"No need to thank me, Corporal," Sgt. Stanley said with a smile. "You earned it. Having said that, feel free to go into town later and relax."
"Thank you, sir, but I'd prefer to wait until Embry is back to usual form before venturing anywhere."
"Whenever you prefer," Sgt. Stanley said. He stepped closer and held out his hand to shake Kevin's. "All the same, congratulations Corporal."
"Thank you, sir," Kevin accepted Sgt. Stanley's hand and they shook before Kevin was permitted to leave and return to Embry to tell him the good news. Lt. McCarthy was just outside the bunker area and Kevin smiled passively before stepping underground to where Embry was relaxing.
"So what did Sgt. Stanley want?" Embry asked.
"He promoted me to Corporal," Kevin answered. Seth, who was writing a letter to Leah on another bed, looked up at Kevin.
"He made you a corporal?" Seth asked.
"Yeah, he said me grabbing that live grenade and throwing it out was both extremely stupid and extremely brave and he promoted me."
"Good for you, Kevin," Embry smiled.
"Corporal, eh?" Lt. McCarthy said, stepping underground having overheard the conversation. "How old are you?"
"I just turned 14," Kevin said.
"Shit," Lt. McCarthy chuckled. "That makes you the youngest Corporal here. Probably the youngest on record I dare say. And all for throwing a grenade."
"You know what, Lieutenant, if you have something you'd like to say to me, I suggest you spit it out now," Kevin bit back in irritation. He simply could never just enjoy his accomplishments it seemed.
"I'm only saying that you'll want to be prepared for some backlash. Undoubtedly, Sgt. Stanley will have some backlash of his own to face when word gets around about this."
"What exactly is it that you find offensive, Lieutenant? The fact that I'm 14 and a Corporal, or the fact that I'm an Indian and a Corporal?"
"A little of both, frankly," Lt. McCarthy said bluntly. "Most of us had to go through years of training before being even considered for a promotion. You? Why, you've only been here a month and already you're a Corporal because you tossed a grenade."
"A live grenade," Kevin corrected. "One that would have killed me and a number of others in the trenches if I hadn't thrown it back." Lt. McCarthy stared at Kevin a moment in silence before pulling out his things to make a cigarette.
"If you say so, Corporal," Lt. McCarthy said with a hint of sarcasm before walking out. He took a moment to make up a cigarette, then walked to the office where Sgt. Stanley still remained. "Permission to enter, Sergeant?"
"Yes, come in," Sgt. Stanley said and Lt. McCarthy entered. "What is it, Lieutenant?"
"I heard about the promotion you gave to Kevin Black."
"And?"
"Permission to speak freely sir?" Lt. McCarthy asked and Sgt. Stanley waved his hand a little giving him permission. "Is this really a good idea? Giving an Indian child a promotion like that? You're putting the man in a position of authority."
"A position that he has earned," Sgt. Stanley defended. "I've already discussed this with the higher ups and I've convinced them of merit of Kevin's accomplishment."
"He threw a grenade, sir."
"A live grenade that could have killed him and others in that trench. Not only did that boy throw it out of the trench, but he managed to hit the enemy with it. Need I also remind you that Corporal Black threw six grenades at the enemy with complete and total accuracy? Black went above and beyond, and I've rewarded him for it, as I would any other soldier that impressed me."
"We all fight our hardest every day, sir," Lt. McCarthy argued. "Are you trying to say that a man isn't worthy of consideration because a grenade didn't land exactly on the enemy?"
"I said no such thing," Sgt. Stanley said with a hint of offense, but remained professional. "Men are rewarded for acts of bravery that is unique to their peers. Perhaps some have the means to be promoted thanks to good ol' daddy, but the rest of us have to work for it and, frankly, I've seen Black work for it and work hard from the very beginning. I seek to encourage that behavior from him and I will continue to reward Corporal Black as I see fit when he's performed a service that exceeds the call of duty."
"With all due respect, sir, throwing a grenade isn't exactly 'above and beyond' the call of duty."
"Saving others at the risk of one's own life is," Sgt. Stanley said. "I trust this is the last we'll be discussing this matter, Alexander James," Sgt. Stanley said sternly. Lt. McCarthy sighed and nodded.
"Yes, Uncle Henry," Lt. McCarthy answered.
"Good," Sgt. Stanley said. "Now go write a letter to your mother. Lord knows the poor thing's worried sick about you and I know for a fact you've not written her since you got here. Dismissed."
Sgt. Stanley and Lt. McCarthy saluted one another and Lt. McCarthy left with a rather tempered look on his face. As Lt. McCarthy predicted, when word got around about Kevin's promotion, there was a bitter air that began to permeate. All the same, Kevin stood up to it when needed and kept each situation as civil as was possible given the situation. Any animosity that might have been arising was only on the part of the American soldiers at least. Kevin was relieved that the French soldiers they fought beside didn't seem to care in the least. Several days passed until it was mid-November before Seth was able to obtain permission to go into town. He made sure he had bread and $2 and, keeping his bread hidden, went into town to find Charlene. She was at her usual spot and, when she saw Seth, she went right to him and took him with her to her little house down the street. They entered the house and Seth placed the bread and $2 on the table while she closed the door.
"How've you been?" Seth asked when they were alone inside.
"Worried about you," she answered and went over to him. She saw the tiny little scratch on his cheek that remained from the gunshot and she reached up to touch it. "I see you got yourself a little battle scar," she said and Seth smiled and took a hold of her hand.
"I suppose you could say that. Thanks to Kevin and his good eyesight, Embry and I got away with just a few scrapes."
"I heard there was another battle," Charlene said. "I've heard a few complain that your little cousin got promoted to Corporal. Kevin Black is your cousin right?"
"Yes, Kevin's my cousin. He lunged for a live grenade that had fallen into our part of the trench and threw it back onto the German side. If it weren't for him, we'd probably all be dead."
"He sounds like quite the hero," Charlene answered with a smile. She closed the distance and wrapped her arms around Seth so she could pull herself up to her tiptoes and give him a kiss. Seth reciprocated and wrapped his arms around her waist, then pulled away after they'd kissed a moment.
"I brought you some bread. It's not much, but I thought you might want to have that."
"No," she said, shaking her head lightly with a smile. "I'll eat after."
It was such a relief when Charlene came back up to kiss him. He'd needed this for a while and feeling her lips seemed to make everything, at least for the moment, melt away. And this time, he planned on making this last. Charlene pulled away and took Seth's hand to lead him with her to the little bedroom in the back of the house. She sat down on the edge of the bed and began to unbutton the jacket of his uniform and pushed it aside. He tugged at the sleeves and pulled it off and pulled off the undershirt as well. When his shirt was off, though, he realized just how chilly it was in the room. He glanced at the window, noticing it was open.
"Can we close the window? It's really drafty in here." Charlene nodded and stood from the bed to close the shutters of the window. As she latched the shudders, Seth went up from behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her hair aside, and kissed her neck.
Charlene turned around and the two began kissing again and went back to the bed. As Seth wanted, it lasted much longer. They removed their clothes one at a time and kissed as they did so. When Seth lifted her so they were on the bed together, it was like lifting a feather. He'd noticed when they first met she was rather thin, but when she was naked, he could see just how thin she really was. The slightest indentation of her ribs poked out of her skin and he'd noticed that slight indentation of her spine. He couldn't believe she still managed to have so much energy. He spent several minutes just looking at her and touching her skin. Her breasts were rather small, but he could tell it was due to a lack of a regular food source. All the same, he touched them with admiration and kept moving when he was inside her. He felt something slightly odd, but it didn't intrude on the pleasure of being inside her. Then she pushed him so he was on his back on the bed and went back on top of him and took over.
She seemed to be enjoying it, at Seth hoped she was. To ensure it, he brought one hand closer to her center and rubbed the sensitive nub as she moved. It caused her to release an audible moan and she stopped moving a moment to enjoy it before she continued. He noticed, as he continued to do that, that Charlene seemed to go into a daze and kept moaning until Seth felt her clench around him and she whimpered. Seth pulled her down and kept moving with his hands on her butt until he released as well and held her tight. When he finished, Charlene gave Seth a kiss and left his side to go to the little bathroom down the hall. She returned moments later and smiled as she lowered back down on him.
"Sorry, I needed to remove my sponge," she said rested her head on his shoulder.
"Oh," Seth said, finally realized what he'd been feeling.. "So that's what that is."
"Yes," she nodded.
"So what is that for?"
"It prevents pregnancy," she said. "It didn't hurt or anything did it?"
"No, I'd just noticed it," Seth said. He started running a finger over her skin and enjoyed the feel of her skin. "It doesn't bother you does it?"
"I'm used to it," Charlene said.
"Where did you say you were from?" Charlene asked suddenly, lifting her head up so that she was looking at Seth.
"Forks, Washington," he said. "It's a tiny little town and it gets really rainy."
"I like rain," Charlene said. "I love the sound of rain against a window or a roof. It's such a relaxing sound. We're in short supply of those."
"I don't mind the rain," he said. "At least, at home, I don't mind. Here, if it rains, we're busy trying to get water out of the trenches."
"Yes, so I've heard," Charlene smiled. "I know I have some socks if you need any clean dry ones."
"Really?" Seth asked.
"Yes," Charlene said. "They were my brother's socks."
"Thanks," Seth said and gave Charlene a kiss. "Where do you keep them?"
"In the drawer," she said and left the bed to go to the single dresser in the room. She opened the top most drawer and pulled out an arm's full of socks and placed them at Seth's feet on the bed. "If you're in a giving mood, I'm sure your cousin and friend might appreciate a few pairs."
"Assuming I'm in a generous mood," Seth joked and sat up to see the socks. They were all a slightly bluish grey color that was off from the uniform color, but that wasn't of any concern. He could hide them with old socks and he doubted the commanding officers would care anyway. "Thank you, Charlene. I appreciate it."
"Well, I appreciate your business," she said and winked. Seth winked right back, chuckled and took one pair and tried them on. They fit well and were thick enough that he knew the cold wouldn't be a problem. Charlene sat down on the bed and took a hold of Seth's toes as if trying to tickle him, it didn't work.
"You can try all you want, Charlene," Seth chuckled. "Leah used to try to do that to me all the time and it never worked."
"Well, you're no fun," Charlene giggled. "It worked on my brother and it worked on my niece. Once when we were little, I started tickling Ashley's feet until he kicked me in the face. I was crying with a bloody nose."
"Leah and I were play fighting once and she elbowed me so hard I lost three teeth," Seth said. "They were my baby teeth, though. So it was okay."
"You're sister was very mean, was she?" Charlene joked.
"She's very mean," Seth chuckled. "It's okay, though. She's never knocked out any of my teeth again. She's bruised me pretty bad more times than I care to admit, but she only knocked out my teeth once."
"Surely your aunt didn't tolerate the behavior?"
"No, she didn't. But then, just because she didn't tolerate it doesn't mean she always saw us doing it. The woman didn't have eyes in the back of her head."
"Every woman has eyes in the back of her head, Seth," Charlene giggled. "They grow in after the first baby." Seth and Charlene laughed a moment. "I think I'll eat that bread you brought. Would you like some water?"
"That would be nice, thank you." Charlene left and went to the kitchen came back to the bedroom with a cup of water and the bread Seth had brought her. She offered him some, but he shook his head. "I'm alright. You need that more than I do."
"Thank you," she smiled and started picking off pieces of bread. Seth drank his water before Charlene laid down in bed again and placed the bread on his chest.
"Am I a table now?" Seth asked.
"For the time being," Charlene giggled and picked off a piece of bread. "You know that bakery down the road, right?"
"I smell it every time I come. Charges a lot for bread, though," Seth said.
"Well, they used to sell cinnamon bread every Sunday morning," she said. "That was my favorite. It was baked with cinnamon swirls and some had raisins."
"That sounds good," Seth said. "Why'd they stop doing that?"
"It's too expensive," Charlene said. "Most of the food is going to the army. We get food sent here from western France, but it's not very much. Food's expensive right now, so most of us can't afford it. Truth be told, I can only afford a loaf of bread and some oats every week. I used up the cinnamon I had in my pantry months ago, so it's just plain oats too. No cinnamon or sugar. It's dreadfully bland."
"No wonder you're so skinny," Seth said. "How is that baker still in business?"
"Because he also runs the rationing for the people. It wasn't so bad at first, but the longer the war's gone on the thinner our recourses have been stretched. And there's no point in trying to grow anything because there's too high a likelihood it might blow up. I just want this to be over."
"It can't last that much longer I would think," Seth said. "Germany's being attacked from two sides and with us joining, that's just a new wave of fresh resources they have to fight against. I doubt this will last much longer."
"I hope not," Charlene said. "I won't be able to remain here, though. I think I'll go to Paris when the war's finally over."
"Why leave?"
"I have no family here anymore. And besides, everyone knows I've resorted to prostitution. It's not exactly looked highly upon. It's good for a desperate situation like this, but once everything returns to normal, no man will want me. I'd prefer to make a fresh start. And what better place to start than Paris?"
"Paris was pleasant enough, I guess. I didn't get to see very much of it."
"I've heard it's beautiful," Charlene said. "Maybe I can become a dancer," she went on. "I hear they have gorgeous bars and theatres where the ladies dance in lovely outfits."
"You're a dancer?" Seth asked.
"No, but I'm sure I could figure it out," Charlene giggled. "What about you? What do you plan to do once the war's over?"
"I haven't really thought about it," Seth said. "I'm more concerned with making it through right now."
"But there must be something," Charlene said. "Surely you'll want to find a good job, marry a nice girl, start a family. Not having dreams makes life so much harder. It's always good to have a goal to look forward to."
"I wish I had your ambition," Seth smiled. "I suppose I can try to find a girl to marry when I get back."
"You don't seem very enthusiastic," Charlene teased and kissed Seth's chin. "Don't suppose you will, know you will." Seth smiled at Charlene and she smiled back before taking another bite of bread.
"Do you happen to know the time?" Seth asked after watching her eat her bread and finally finish.
"I'm sorry, I don't have a clock here," she said.
"I should probably go back all the same. The sergeant gets mad if we're gone longer than an hour and I'm sure I've far exceeded that." Seth sat up from the bed and got dressed while Charlene stayed in bed.
"Must you go?" she said.
"I'm sorry, but I must," Seth said with a smile. "I'll came back as soon as I can get away."
"You know where to find me," Charlene smiled and finally came up from the bed. He'd gotten on his pants and undershirt by then and was getting on his shoes and socks. Charlene grabbed his undershirt and jacket until Seth finished tying his shoes.
"Thank you," he said and took his undershirt, putting that on. Then he took his jacket and put that on. Charlene got closer and buttoned up his jacket for him and smoothed it out.
"These are such ugly uniforms," Charlene said as she smoothed out the jacket.
"I'm sure the army would be happy to change them to something more appropriate once they receive your financial donation," Seth teased and Charlene giggled, very gently slapping Seth's cheek.
"At least the French uniforms are blue. This is just an unpleasant green color."
"Would a different shade of green been more to your liking, Ms. Dubois?"
"Perhaps a hunter's green," she said. "At least that's a strong green. Not this sickly, pale color." She brushed the collar and looked up at Seth. "I'd say they don't go with your eyes, but black goes with everything."
Seth laughed, "Is that so?"
"Yes, that's so," Charlene smiled. "Is it strange to say I don't think I've ever seen black eyes? I've only seen brown and blue."
"My sister's eyes are brown I'm pretty sure," Seth said. "I know dad had brown eyes." Seth looked at Charlene's eyes and smiled a little. "Yours are more like a bluish grey."
"Grey? Well that's not a very pretty color," Charlene said.
"I said bluish grey," Seth smiled. "And I think they're pretty." He bent down and kissed Charlene's nose. "Thanks for seeing me. I really needed it."
"I look forward to your next visit," Charlene said and walked Seth to the door, but he stopped when he realized she was still naked.
"You weren't planning to step outside like that were you?" Seth asked and Charlene giggled.
"Of course not," she said. "I'm just going to stay at home for a little while and relax. You took a lot out of me."
"Do you mean that or are you just trying to flatter me?" Seth asked with a chuckle.
"Both," Charlene answered. "Don't be a stranger, you hear me?"
"Would never think it," Seth said and they shared a kiss before Charlene hid behind the door while she opened it and let him out.
Seth walked out of town feeling rather good about himself. Whether she meant it or not, Charlene certainly had a talent for making him feel special. He returned to the front with a smile still on his face, but then he stopped and cursed out loud. He forgot the socks! He was about to turn back when Sgt. Stanley barked at him to get back in the trenches and that his little 'vacation' was over. He also told Seth he expected the man to be well rested given how long he was gone. Seth delved into the trenches and sat beside Kevin and Embry when he found them.
"What's the matter?" Kevin asked.
"Bad date?" Embry asked.
"No," Seth sighed. "She offered me socks and I forgot to bring them with me. It was a lot of socks too. I think it was 15 pairs." Kevin and Embry stared at Seth a moment, a little dumbfounded.
"You asshole," Embry mumbled.
"Get them next time you go I guess," Kevin said. "I don't suppose you're planning on going back any time soon are you?"
"I would've just gone back when I realized I forgot them, but Sgt. Stanley caught me first. I probably won't be able to go back for a while."
"Maybe I can go," Kevin said. "Her name's Charlene right?"
"Yeah," Seth said. "Charlene Dubois."
"Alright, I'll get permission to go into town. Embry, you can come with me. It'll be easier to sneak in socks if we do it together."
"I wouldn't mind a trip into town," Embry smiled.
They agreed to this plan of action and remained in the trenches the remainder of the day and evening. The next morning, Kevin went to Sgt. Stanley and requested that he and Embry be allowed to go into town for a little while. Sgt. Stanley agreed they could go later that afternoon, so he returned to Seth and Embry letting them know when they'd be leaving. Some shots were fired here and there, but it was nothing out of the ordinary. Shots being fired was almost akin to hearing a bird chirp in the distance, but far more menacing. Around one in the afternoon, Kevin decided it was late enough and he and Embry started leaving the trenches. As they were leaving, they came across a young brown haired woman carrying what appeared to be a wadded up blanket.
"You wouldn't happen to be Charlene Dubois would you?" Kevin asked when they walked up to the woman.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. Seth forgot something at my house."
"Yes, we're aware. We were actually on our way to get it. We'll take those for you."
"I'd prefer to take them to Seth myself. Besides, Lieutenant Daniel asked me to come and 'visit'."
"So do those assholes just send messenger boys your way when they want a roll in the hay?" Embry asked and Charlene giggled.
"Usually, it's one of the private cadets," Charlene said. "Sorry to cut short your errand."
"It's fine, we'll just go into town for a while," Kevin smiled kindly and they continued on towards town while Charlene went to the trenches.
When she arrived, she asked for Lt. Daniel, but once she was in the trenches, she started asking for Seth instead. Eventually, she made her way through until she was directed to a man that was fixing something on his gun. When Seth finally realized she was there, he was stunned to see her. Wanting to make sure she wasn't in immediate danger, he took her hand and led her to one of the bunkers. Thankfully, no one else was there.
"What are you doing here?" Seth asked once they were in the bunkers.
"Well, one of your Lieutenants asked for a little romp with me and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to bring you those socks you forgot." Charlene held out the waded fabric and he accepted it.
"You brought socks all the way to the front just for me?"
"Just for you," she smiled. "Those should help keep your feet clean for a while at the very least." Seth placed the wad on a nearby bed and took a hold of Charlene in a hug. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you for that, Charlene," Seth said. "If you want, I can see if I can convince the sergeant to let me take you home at least. Just come and grab me once you're done."
"You don't have to do that," Charlene smiled and gave Seth a sweet kiss. "But, I'll remember that you offered." They released on another at last and Charlene left the bunker and returning to the other task of finding Lt. Daniels. Seth, in the meantime, brought the socks to his bed and began hiding the socks in several different spots both in his bed and on his person so no one would take them.
Kevin and Embry in the meantime continued on to town. Embry revealed that he had brought a loaf of bread hoping to offer it to one of the streetwalkers. Not wanting to be left out, when they arrived, Kevin snuck around until he was able to take a small loaf of bread from the baker to use as payment. He hoped where the bread came from would not be an issue of concern. Once they had their methods of payment, they went to the group of women that frequently hung around hoping to earn a soldier's eye and, more importantly, his food or money. Embry wasn't picky, so he offered bread to the woman he happened upon first. She'd said her name, but Embry wasn't listening. He just wanted to get to what he was giving her bread for. Kevin was a little more picky. He eventually decided on a brunette woman that said her name was Ashley and she accepted the bread as payment. Kevin and Embry agreed they would meet each other outside town once they were done.
In truth, for both of them, the experience was rather hollow. It was pleasurable for the most part, but it was over in all of ten minutes. When they were both done, Kevin and Embry met outside town like they'd agreed and the inevitable question came up.
"So how was it?" Kevin asked first.
"Empty, hollow and not over nearly fast enough. You?"
"Same," Kevin sighed. "Do you suppose we did something wrong?"
"What is there to get wrong? You get an erection, put it in and keep going until you're done."
"I guess," Kevin said. "I just pictured it would be better."
"I'm sure it's a lot more fun when they actually participate," Embry muttered.
"She didn't participate?" Kevin asked, wondering how that would be possible.
"Not at all," Embry said. "All she did was lie there until I was done."
"Oh," Kevin said. "Yeah, same with the woman I picked."
"Not wasting my bread on it again, that's all I'm saying," Embry said. "I'll just keep going it my damn self and enjoy it more to boot."
"No kidding," Kevin sighed. "Oh well. Let's try not to tell my mom about this though. If she knew I slept with a prostitute, she'd kill me."
"Honestly, Kevin, I'll go out on a limb here and guess she probably assumed you would."
Kevin shrugged and they continued back to the front. By the time Kevin and Embry got back, Charlene had finished with the Lieutenant that had asked for her and she pulled Seth aside to say goodbye to him and asked him to come see her again as soon as he could. She admitted she was starting to miss him a little.
"Do you mean that or are you just trying to flatter me?" he'd asked and Charlene gave him her bright smile.
"Both," she said and gave him a kiss before leaving the front and returning to town. Kevin and Embry passed her as they got further down and when they found Seth again, he was very clearly in a much better mood.
"You plan to share those I hope," Kevin said, referring to the socks.
"Wouldn't have brought them up if I didn't," Seth smiled. "So how was your trip into town?"
"Nothing special," Kevin answered.
"Slept with two of the prostitutes by they weren't really anything worth shaking a stick at," Embry said.
"Oh really?" Seth chuckled. "Did you two have fun?"
"Not enough that it was worth my bread," Embry grumbled. "Frankly, if that's what it's like having sex with Charlene, then I don't know what you see in her."
"You just got two women that don't believe in good customer service, that's all," Seth said.
"Oh, is that what that was?" Kevin teased. "Just 'good customer service'? She nearly snubs a client with more money than you just to bring you socks. That's a hell of a lot of devotion to 'good customer service'."
"I guess I'm just her favorite customer," Seth answered.
"I'll bet you are," Kevin answered.
Later in the year, when it was December, the letters Kevin, Seth and Embry had sent from Paris finally arrived. They were all sent to the General Store and once received, Hailey got on a horse and delivered them to their desired recipients. He went to Leah first, who was working with a group of women on some laundry, and handed her the letter Seth had written. Then he went to Caevia and Embry and handed them their letter, then the Jacob and Renesmee, and finally to Kyle.
"Looks like you got something special, Kyle," Hailey said when he finally got to Kyle. There was a letter, but the letter was attached to a large cube wrapped in brown paper. Everyone waited to see what Kyle received while he opened the packaging. He was stunned when he saw the copy of Les Miserables.
"What is that?" Jacob asked.
"Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. He was the one that wrote Hunchback of Notre Dame."
"Certainly a thick read," Hailey said. "Here's hoping Kevin and Embry are back before you finish that."
"Let's hope," Kyle agreed and started opening the letter to read it.
Kyle,
I'm sure by the time you get this, we'll have left, but we've arrived in Paris! You should see it. It's beautiful. It's everything we've seen in pictures and more. Try to convince grandpa to take us there once this is all over and Embry, Seth and I get back. I got to pray at Notre Dame before we left too. We only got to stay for a day, but I made sure to get you something. I know you enjoyed Hunchback, so when I saw that, I knew it would be something you'd enjoy. I skimmed through it a bit and it sounds good. It's about a man that runs away on his bail and redeems himself by taking care of a little girl. I had assumed it was based on the French Revolution, but it's only the June Rebellion. Still interesting all the same. I'm sure I'll be home before you get a chance to finish it. We'll keep sending letters whenever we can. I'll send another one once I'm at the front. I can't promise a nice souvenir, but I'll see what I can get my hands on. This is already starting to pay off. I got to have a little heart to heart with Sgt. Stanley before we got back to the base and he promised that if I keep doing as well as I am, that I'll always have a place in the military. As always, I miss all of you and can't wait to see you again.
Kevin
"I have to take you to Paris, eh?" Edward said when he glanced at the letter.
"He said it's everything the pictures have said."
"Paris is a beautiful city," Carlisle agreed. "It might be nice to take everyone there."
"Let's worry about having all the grandkids present before we start making plans," Edward sighed.
After they'd all received their letters, they finally had the address to send their replies. They wrote new letters to respond to the most recent ones and provided Hailey with the old letters to send to the boys. Jacob and Embry helped Hailey get all the letters to the post office since there were so many. The young woman at the post office giggled when she saw all the letters they were sending, saying the boys were certain to feel missed and have plenty to read when the letters finally got to them. As far as when the letters would get to them, unfortunately, the young woman wasn't sure. Hailey returned to the General Store while Jacob and Embry returned to the tribe once the letters were dropped off.
That same night, Jacob and Embry went on patrol together and kept their ears and eyes open for stray vampires. But these days, they far more highly concerned themselves with the task of listening for their sons. By their best estimates, Jacob and Embry Sr. changed for the first time when they were 17 or 18. Kevin and Embry Jr. would technically be far too young. But there were extenuating factors that had not applied to Jacob and Embry Sr. The two of them changed under normal circumstances: coming of age, rather normal exposure to vampires (that being little to none), and rather typical stresses in life that pertained mostly to day to day matters. The boys on the other hand: had shifted into a vampire and a bird, had exponentially greater exposure to vampires their whole lives, and were under the stresses of war. Jacob was confident that the two of them would shift for the first time soon. His only concern was whether they'd know it was happening and be able to get somewhere safe. He was sure they knew it was a possibility for them. What he wasn't certain of was whether or not they would know it was coming or how to look out for it. When they returned the following morning, they both went to their respective homes and Jacob jumped through the balcony into the bedroom where Renesmee still slept. He kissed her on the cheek and went to get dressed. The kiss woke Renesmee and she moaned as she woke and turned so she was looking at Jacob.
"Did anything happen while you were out?" Renesmee asked.
"No," Jacob said. "We're still listening for them."
"I'm not sure they should change," Renesmee said. "What happens if they change while they're in the field? They can't explain that, Jacob."
"I don't know," Jacob answered honestly. "There's no guarantee they'll even change while they're there. They're only 14 for shit's sake. They're too young to change."
"Yes, but then you mentioned how things a lot different for them."
"I know," Jacob answered and sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, Renesmee, but there's nothing I can do about it. According to your dad, the boys are 5,000 miles away and 9 hours ahead. Unless they change, I can't hear them. I wrote them about it, but that's all the more I can do."
"I know," Renesmee said and sighed. "I know." She bowed her head and brought her knees to her chest and looked as though she might cry. Jacob came to her side and sat beside her, holding her close to comfort her.
"I'm sorry, Renesmee. I wish there was more I could do."
"It's not your fault," Renesmee said, holding back any tears. "I'm just still so mad. There's no point in being mad anymore but I still am. I'm proud of him, but I'm still mad."
"I know," Jacob held Renesmee tight. "Embry and I will keep listening for them. I promise, we'll keep listening. If we hear them, I promise I'll give them a piece of your mind." Renesmee managed to laugh a little and wrapped her arms around Jacob.
"You'd better," Renesmee smiled.
Once it was closer to Christmas, Edward and the rest of the Cullens, having heard this was something the boys desperately needed at the front, bought numerous pairs of fresh socks and had them sent to the same address as the letters. It would be a very late Christmas present, but it was something to send. The packages didn't arrive until February. Lucky, they arrived at the same time as all their letters. The cold was unrelenting and the men, unless they were fighting, were huddled together in the bunkers half the time trying to keep warm. On the bright side, at least trench foot wasn't as big a problem. Now, the men were more concerned with making sure their feet didn't freeze off.
"I swear Washington never got this cold," Embry said as his teeth chattered.
"Sure as shit never got this cold in Georgia," one soldier, Pvt. Tammy, said. He'd been rather mean to Kevin, Embry and Seth initially, but then they discovered a mutual love of poker. The rest just melted away. "In Georgia, the sun's always shining and the peaches are always sweet."
"I'll bet it is," Kevin said. "There are beaches in Georgia, right?"
"Yup," Pvt. Tammy said. "I've never had a chance to see them though. "I live in Atlanta. Savannah's the place to go if you want beaches."
"We lived on a beach," Seth said. "It was rocky and rainy, but we got shell fish called Geoduck that are long and phallic."
"Phallic?"
"It looks penis-like," Kevin clarified and Pvt. Tammy chuckled.
"You're kidding," he said.
"Nope," Kevin said. "Ask anyone from Washington and they'll tell you all about the penis clam. In our language, it literally translates to water penis, geoduck," Kevin said and Pvt. Tammy laughed some more.
"Well, kid, thanks for the laugh. I think I needed that. I'd ask you for a game of poker, but I'm scared my fingers will freeze off."
"The feeling's mutual I assure you," Embry said and they all laughed and shivered at the same time.
An hour or so later, a mail carrier came to the front with several bags of letters and packages. They were organized based on who the letters were for and all letters that belong to the dead were stamped and placed back so the families would receive notice. Other letters where the men were in the hospital were stamped differently and placed in a different bag to be taken to the hospital. Immediately, they noticed the letter count for a Kevin Black, Embry Call, and Seth Jagger were higher than most. Those were organized accordingly. Once organized, the letters were divided based on who was station where on the front and given to the correct lieutenants and sergeants to give to the right men. Sgt. Stanley handed out the letters to the men in his division and called out their names until he got to Kevin, Embry and Seth.
"The three of you," he said after he called their names. "The three of you have quite the literature to work through. Corporal Black!" Sgt. Stanley held up a stack of letters and a wrapped box. Kevin stepped forward and accepted his letters and package. "Pvt. Embry Call!" he yelled and Embry stepped forward and accepted his own stack of letters and wrapped box. "Pvt. Seth Jagger!" Sgt. Stanley yelled lastly and he came up and accepted his letters and box. Sgt. Stanley finished handing out all the letters and everyone looked at Seth, Embry and Kevin.
"So what's in the boxes?" Pvt. Tammy asked. Kevin unwrapped the paper and opened the box revealing several pairs of socks and another letter. "Lucky bastard," he muttered.
"Here, you can have two of them," Kevin said and handed Pvt. Tammy two pairs of socks.
"Why, that's mighty kind of you Corporal," Pvt. Tammy said and accepted the socks. Embry and Seth had the same gift, though they refused to share. All the letters in the boxes were the same: Merry Christmas.
The other letters were far different. Seth's letters from Leah and Hailey wished him luck, hoped he was alright, and begged he write as soon as he received the letters confirming he's alright. Kevin's and Embry's letters were all dated, so they made sure to read them in order. Kevin read the letters from his parents first, as did Embry. They'd guessed the letters would be scolding, telling them they'd scared everyone half to death and so on. But they weren't. They were encouraging and telling them how much they were missed and hopes that they would all be home soon. The letters from dad were what really caught Kevin's attention. In truth, they made him almost cry. The first one he read was from the year before in October when they'd received their letters from their time at training.
Kevin,
At first, I couldn't understand why you would run away and join the army. When Embry and I tried to get you off the train, then went to the courthouse to personally demand you both be returned, I wracked my brain trying to understand. Kyle explained things to me once he revealed he'd known about all this.
First of all, shame on you for putting Kyle in that situation. I know you'd not intended for him to find out, but you shouldn't have put him in that position. Regardless, he was able to explain why you had done what you did. He explained this was a quest on your part to be more and prove you could do more and to make me proud of you.
On the first points of becoming more and proving you could be more: I understand. Your mother and I knew that, whether we wanted to accept it or not, things would inherently be more difficult for you because of me. Deep down, we both knew you and your brothers would face roadblocks and prejudice that wasn't an obstacle for most. For that, I'm sorry. What you told me about Sgt. Stanley and telling him you had nothing to be ashamed of; I admit that made me chock up a little. Thank you for standing up to him on my behalf, but more importantly for yours.
Which brings me to my next point. I want you to know I have always been proud of you, of all of you. You and your siblings are my pride and joy and always will be. If you felt joining the military was needed for me to be proud of you, than I've failed you in telling you how proud I always am. All the same, you're becoming more and more a man that's proven he will do great things for his tribe. That's all I could ever ask for in a successor and a son. You promise that you will come home. Be aware your mother and I fully expect it.
Stay as safe as you can and keep Embry and Seth safe too.
Love,
Jacob
Kevin rubbed his eyes a little after reading the letter. Then he moved on to Kyle's letter. It was a letter telling him it's alright and he wasn't angry about keeping Kevin leaving a secret. He told him about how, at first, dad was extremely angry and had yelled at him, but then they had a heart to heart and Kyle explained what happened. Eventually, Kevin made it to the letters he'd written when he'd gotten to Paris. Jacob, Renesmee and the rest of the family gave their letters of encouragement and Edward promised he would, someday, take them to Paris when things were back to normal. Kyle thanked Kevin for the book and told about how everyone hoped Kevin would be home before he ever had a change to finish it. Kyle presented it as a challenge of sorts and Kevin laughed. However, Kevin eventually got to one last letter from Jacob. The tone of this one was far more urgent.
Kevin,
It has occurred to me and your mother that, given the circumstances, you may change very soon. Becoming a wolf is not something that is expected until your much older, but we have to accept it will probably be an inevitability far sooner than is usual. If at any point you or Embry begin to raise in body temperature, feel irritable, or begin to get short tempered, you have to be prepared to go somewhere out of site and change where no one can see. I don't know if that will be feasible, but if it happens, you need to try. Keep an eye out for Embry as well and be very aware of how you are feeling. When you change, it is my hope and Embry's that we will be on patrol and can talk to you.
Remain aware at all times.
Love,
Jacob
Kevin stared at the letter a moment and started getting nervous. That had not even occurred to him of being a possibility, and yet there was no way of getting around it. After he finished the letter, he went to Embry's bed and sat down next to him.
"My dad reminded me of something we need to be wary of,"Kevin said in Quileute.
"You mean the wolf thing? I know, I just finished reading dad's letter. He said if we feel hot or irritable we need to run away somewhere to change." Although remaining silent, Seth made a point to listen in.
"I don't think he means we'll feel feverish hot, but that our body temperature will raise naturally. It might be something we'll have to monitor closely by checking our temperatures regularly."
"Even so, how would we get away? Sgt. Stanley won't let us go on a whim and every day. We have to wait until it's our turn."
"I'll talk to Sgt. Stanley,"Kevin said. "I'll let him know that we'll be staying at the front but when either of us start feeling different, I'll ask him if we can go. Until then, we have to stay under control."
"Is this something we even can control?"
"Well, we'd better try,"Kevin said. Finally, Seth came over, took off his gloves, and placed his hands on Kevin and Embry's foreheads. He waited a moment to be sure, then removed his hands.
"What's going on?" a soldier asked when they saw Seth put his hands on their foreheads.
"Nothing, just checking their temperatures. They were saying they weren't feeling quite right."
"Join the club," another soldier muttered and returned to his letter. Seth returned his attention to Embry and Kevin.
"Feels like it'll happen sooner than you think. You're both burning up."
"But how is that possible?" Embry asked nervously. "I'm still freezing. I thought when it was about to happen, then you wouldn't feel the cold."
"Maybe it's only after it's happened?" Kevin suggested, but took a deep breath. He was getting nervous now too. "Do you suppose we could force it and get it over with?"
"Maybe,"Embry said. "We both forced ourselves to turn into a bird and a vampire. Maybe we can hurry this along."
"Let's try to put it off for a while,"Kevin said. "As soon as it's our turn to go into town, we'll go straight to the woods and we'll try. But we can't be away too long. So if it doesn't happen within an hour or so, we have to go back and try another time."
"What if it happens while we're here?" Embry asked.
"The two of you had better make sure it doesn't,"Seth said. "If the two of you change here, who knows what would happen."
"We won't change here,"Kevin said. "I'll make sure of it."
"I hate to say this to the three of you, but your damn Indian speak is giving me a headache. Could you please speak English?" Pvt. Tammy said.
"Sorry, Tammy," Kevin smiled. "We were done talking anyway."
Unfortunately, Kevin and Embry wouldn't be due to go back into town for another few weeks and, now that their dads had even mentioned the possibility, they were on edge about it possibly happening. They all wrote their letters back, Kevin told Jacob about how he was promoted to Corporal and about his throwing a live grenade out of the trench and let him know that he'd tell dad the instant he was a wolf. Or would at least try. Their letters were collected the next day by Sgt. Stanley, who made arrangements to have them sent to the post office to send to back home. Seth was the first to get his time in town again, and that wasn't until March. He was eager to visit Charlene. It had become the routine for him. Every time he could get away, he went straight to Charlene. He saved his bread from the night before and went into town with it hidden in his coat. As always, she was right where he always found her and she took him with her to her house so they could be alone. When they were alone, the first thing she did was give him a kiss.
"I've missed you," she said.
"Do you mean that or are you just trying to flatter me?" Seth asked with a chuckle.
"Both," she said. "Oh, Seth, my oatmeal was delicious this morning! I put plenty of cinnamon and sugar in it. Have I thanked you for those little treats by the way?"
"I believe so, but I don't mind you thanking me again."
"I think I shall," she smiled and kissed him again. Seth reached into his coat and pulled out the bread.
"I have dinner for you too," Seth said.
"Thank you," she said and accepted the bread. Then Seth took out the $2.
"And, of course, your $2," Seth smiled. Charlene accepted the $2.
"You know, Seth, technically, you can pay me in just the bread," Charlene smiled.
"I know, but you need both," he said. "I finally got some letters from my sister and brother-in-law."
"Oh? How are they doing?"
"They're fine," Seth said. "Back home, food's being rationed too. Help feed us and all. And apparently, Kevin's grandpa had bought $600 of war bonds."
"Gracious," Charlene said. "Kevin comes from such a rich family?"
"His mother does," Seth said. "They're the money bags of the operation. They were living in the Alaskan Territory, but after they found out Kevin and Embry ran away to join the army, they came back to Washington to be with Renesmee. That's Kevin's mother by the way."
"Renesmee," she repeated the name. "That's very pretty. I may have to steal that for when I have a daughter one day."
"I would name my daughter Uileila."
"That's lovely too. Was that your mother's name?"
"Yes, it was," Seth nodded. "My father's name was Hugo. I don't know if I'd name my son that, though."
"I like Ashley," Charlene smiled. "I know you think it's a girl's name, but it was my brother's name."
"I know," Seth smiled and took Charlene in a hug. "So has anything else interesting happened besides your amazing oatmeal?"
"Nothing worth talking about," Charlene said. "Would you mind terribly if I ate before we start?"
"Sure," Seth said.
"Would you like some water?"
"That would be nice," Seth said and Charlene brought herself and Seth a cup of water and they sat down at the table together so Charlene could eat.
"You never mention nieces and nephews I notice," Charlene said.
"I don't have any," Seth said. "Hailey hates kids and he never wanted any, so he and Leah aren't having kids. I admit, I find that a little funny since Embry's little brother Jae managed to weasel his way into making that cranky bastard like him."
"They're not having children?" Charlene said. "I can't say I've heard of a couple choosing such a thing. So rather than have their own, they adopted Embry's little brother?"
"Not adopted," Seth chuckled. If Embry Sr. ever heard someone say that, he'd be furious. "More so Jae just likes Hailey and eventually his stubbornness paid off. Now, Hailey's teaching him German."
"Hailey's German then?"
"Yup," Seth nodded. "His grandpa was a war hero or so I hear. Or maybe his great grandpa. Whoever it was, he saved to Kaiser's life and as a reward, he received a watch with the Iron Cross on it."
"And not the actual medal?"
"I'm sure he must have gotten the medal too," Seth said. "The watch is what Hailey has. The man really likes pocket watches for some reason. He gave Jae a pocket watch for Christmas once and told Jae it wasn't a gift, but a 'business arrangement' if I remember his words correctly."
Charlene giggled a little, "He sounds delightful."
"He can be," Seth chuckled. "I'm curious. Do you still talk to your niece's mom?"
"No," Charlene said bluntly. "Truth be told, she didn't even want Katelyn around me once she found out I'd begun sleeping with soldiers for money but Katelyn loved me all the same. Then when she died, her mother and I stopped talking altogether."
"I guess you two were never close?"
"Not in the least," Charlene said. "In all honesty, I found her to be a brat and told my brother he could do better. She didn't much like me for that."
"I imagine so," Seth smiled. "Hailey and I like each other well enough. I don't think he's mad anymore about me punching him."
"Punching him?" Charlene asked.
"Yes," Seth nodded with a smile. "Leah confided in me that she and Hailey were seeing one another, though it was only after our Uncle Sokajili found out about it and threatened to tell Uncle William and Aunt Sara. So the morning after she told me, I went to the General Store where he works for his Uncle and punched him in the face and called him a coward. Then I told him I expected him to make things right."
"Sounds like something my brother might do," Charlene giggled. "I think you would have liked Ashley. He was a lot like you: very kind and generous, but never afraid to tell people when they were wrong."
"Do you mean that or are you just trying to flatter me?" Seth chuckled.
"I mean it," Charlene answered with a kind smile. They looked at each other a moment before Charlene blushed and returned her attention to her bread. "So were your aunt and uncle alright with your sister not having children?"
"Not at first," Seth answered after a moment. "Hailey had actually taken means to ensure he couldn't have kids. Renesmee's Uncle Carlisle is a doctor and he knows of a procedure to ensure a man can't have children. So Hailey decided to do that and my aunt and uncle saw it as a hindrance. But he was able to convince them he loved Leah and Leah loved him, so they finally got married about ten years ago."
"It's good to know he loved her enough to work that hard for her."
"He did," Seth said. "I'll give him that."
"It sounds like you have such an interesting family."
"Just a big one," Seth said. "When you live around that many people, things are bound to get interesting."
"It must make getting away with mischief a nightmare, though," Charlene smiled.
"Does it ever," Seth laughed. "I mean, Leah was able to get away with seeing Hailey in secret for almost a year, but we were all getting suspicious long before our uncle found hickeys on her neck that my aunt mistook for burns." Charlene nearly choked on her bread as she started giggling. She took a moment to breath and took a sip of water. "Are you alright?" Seth asked and leaned closer.
"Oh, I'm alright," she coughed to clear her windpipe. "I've just never heard of a woman mistaking hickeys for burns." Charlene giggled a little more.
"Only Aunt Sara," Seth laughed a little too once he knew she was okay. "But then, I'm sure it was wishful thinking on her part."
"I suppose so," she smiled. "Honestly, I would never get away with that. Why, when I was a girl, my mother caught me hugging a boy in my school house and she about lost her mind. I was 13 if I remember correctly. Poor boy was teased for days. Imagine if I had come home with hickeys on my neck. Mother would have killed me."
"What happened to your parents?" Seth asked.
"Daddy died when I was 16. One day we were eating and then, suddenly, he was grasping his chest and he fell over. We did what we could, but by the time we got help, he was gone. Mother died of pneumonia two years later."
"I'm sorry," Seth said.
"It's alright," Charlene said. "The war certainly didn't help. I suppose I'm just relieved she never knew about me becoming a prostitute. That would have killed her for sure."
"How did you learn English?" Seth asked.
"The teacher I had when I was a girl was an English woman and she was a firm believer in being bilingual. She taught most of us English. If you'll notice, most of the girls on the corner speak English too. We all had the same teacher."
"Is she still here?"
"No," Charlene sighed. "She ran away the moment the war started. Went back to England."
"That's a shame," Seth said.
"It is. She was a very good teacher. I suppose she didn't think enough of us to stay, though," Charlene said sadly. "Was there schooling of any kind at your tribe?"
"Not when I was young," Seth said. "But after Jacob married Renesmee, she and her family brought that form of education to the tribe. Most people my age don't read and write, but the newest generation can read, write and speak English. We have one girl, Claire is her name, that fell in love with the violin when she was a girl and she's a masterful player. She's married with their first child now," Seth smiled. "His name's Henry."
"Oh, Henry's a beautiful name," Charlene smiled. "Obviously you speak English. But do you read and write?"
"My reading and writing skills are rather basic," Seth said. "I know a little German, but Leah speaks it more thanks to Hailey. But thanks to Renesmee and her family, those kids are learning everything from math and science to French."
"Oh, really?" Charlene smiled. "So Kevin and Embry would speak French?"
"Kevin more so than Embry. I know Embry knows a little, but I think he just didn't care for French. Kevin speaks it fluently."
"I wish he'd said something," Charlene said. "But what is the matter with French? French is beautiful."
"It's a flowery language, I'll give it that."
"You only say that because you grew up with German, a brutish language at best," Charlene teased.
"I grew up around Quileute. And frankly, that's pretty."
"Quileute? I simply must hear it now. Tell something in your language."
"Like what?" Seth asked.
"Describe outside for me," she said. "Tell me about the trench in Quileute."
"There may be a few things I can't translate, but I'll try," Seth said. Then he cleared his throat and sat up straight. "The holes in the ground where we are being kept are cold in the winter and wet in the summer. Right now, it is so cold, we are huddling together like bunnies in a storm."
Charlene smiled, "Why that is lovely. What did you say?"
"I said the trenches are cold right now and wet in the summer and right now it's so cold we're all huddling together like bunnies."
"You poor things," Charlene said. "It's far nicer than German."
"I like German," Hailey defended. "To quote my brother-in-law, 'German's a strong language that demands authority'."
"'Demand' being the operative word," Charlene teased and took another bite of bread. "I do love talking to you. You are always so kind."
"I love talking to you too," Seth agreed. "It's nice to talk to someone about anything other than the war. Aside from the letters I got from family, you're the only person I ever get to talk to from the outside world."
"At least you have Kevin and Embry. You have people from home and one's family."
"That's true," Seth sighed. "I hate to admit it, but I'm glad they came. Kevin's saved my ass more times than I care to admit."
"Well, then I'm glad he came too," Charlene smiled. "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you to visit me from time to time."
"I don't know what I'd do if you didn't humor me," Seth said. "Do any of the other girls ever sit down with their clients and just talk?"
"No," Charlene said. "I don't either if I'm being frank. It wastes time and money."
"Oh," Seth said.
"Don't do that, Seth," Charlene smiled. "I make an exception for you because I like you. The bread helps, but I just like you."
"Really?" Seth asked.
"Really," Charlene said. Seth stared at her a moment as she smiled at him. He wasn't sure how to feel at the moment. He'd pretty much resigned himself to the fact that this was, more than likely, for her a business transaction. He hadn't imagined she had any feelings for him. Not real feelings anyway.
Perhaps there was a spark or perhaps she tired of staring at him. But Charlene suddenly put down the remainder of her bread and went to Seth and kissed him. Seth pulled her down so that she was sitting on his lap and he kissed her back with just as much enthusiasm. Charlene pulled away only long enough to remove her clothes and throw them at the other side of the room before returning to his lap and kissing him again. Seth lifted her up from the chair and, while continuing to kiss her, helped her unbutton his jacket. Once unbuttoned, she reached for his belt and tossed it off before undoing his pants for him and shoving them aside so she could grab his quickly growing erection. When she did that, Seth placed her down on the table, pushing aside his empty cup so they had room.
Seconds after she was comfortable on the table, Seth slipped inside her and started to move. He brought his hands up to the end of the small table so it would remain still underneath them. Seth lost himself in what they were doing and Charlene clutched onto him as he moved. Eventually, the table just became troublesome, so he lifted her off the table and walked her to the nearest wall. He kept his hands on her thighs and pressed her against the wall for stability as he moved. She held onto him and kissed his neck and Seth, despite the awkward access, brought one hand near her center and began rubbing. She wrapped her legs around him for security while he touched her and she started to moan the more he did it. Soon, it was too much and she clenched around him as she spiraled into a euphoric state. The feel of her clenching around him made him still a moment before he was able to regain his senses and continue thrusting. Soon, he came to his own release and laid against her as they both breathed heavily trying to regain their senses. Charlene started kissing Seth's neck up to his ear and then around his jaw until she reached his lips and kissed him. Seth returned the kiss and leaned away from the wall so he could wrap his arms around her. When they stopped kissing, she rested her head on his shoulder and sighed.
"You're so attentive," she praised.
"I try," Seth managed and hugged her tight. "I'm sorry I didn't make that last longer. I'd wanted to."
"No, don't be sorry," Charlene said and kissed Seth's neck, then she kissed his ear. "Why don't you give me a minute to finish my bread and cool down and we'll go at it again. Make it last as long as you want this time."
"I didn't bring any more money," Seth said.
"Don't worry. It's on the house," she said as she gently pulled away from Seth. "Just give me a second to clean up a bit."
Charlene walked to the little bathroom to clean up while Seth got himself dressed again. He wasn't certain he'd be able to sneak in another go with her, but he'd make it happen all the same. He just needed a minute to recover. He picked up the cup from the floor and brought it back to where she'd taken it out. By the time he got back to his seat at the table, Charlene pranced out and sat at the table, not bothering to redress. She took her bread and continued to eat it.
"Aren't you cold?" Seth asked.
"You'll warm me up soon enough," Charlene smiled and continued to eat.
Seth remained with Charlene well past the amount of time they were usually allowed to be gone from the front. They talked more while she finished her bread and when she was done, she led him to her room in the back and this time was slower and less beast like. They took their time with one another and even cuddled together after they finished. By the time Seth returned, he tried sneaking past Sgt. Stanley as best he could, but the man could always be trusted not to miss a thing. Although, in all frankness, he knew what the men were doing and why. So he always let it go after a few minutes of scolding them and told them to get back to their post. When Seth returned, he was in a very good mood.
The next day, Kevin and Embry took their chance to request time away from the front and Sgt. Stanley gave them permission to leave. When they did, they started by heading for town, but they continued on, past town looking for some wooded areas where they could have privacy to try and change. Kevin knew they were a few hours ahead of Washington, but he wasn't certain how much. He only hoped that, if this worked, Embry Sr. and Jacob would still be on patrol so they could talk. As they went past town, they saw a lone building that had a large star on the roof. It was made of stone, but it was a different style with rounded globes atop the building and the star was a bright silver. He looked at the sign to find out what it was.
Synagogue de Chateau Thierry, the sign read.
They walked past the building and kept going until they finally came upon some woods and ran in until they were secluded. They both undressed, knowing their clothes would be ruined if they did not remove them, and they sat down on their clothes trying to concentrate and relax. They'd been jittery and nervous about this since their dads' letters put the thought into their minds. All the same, they concentrated as hard as they could. Ten minutes of breathing later, Kevin decided he would try. So he stood up and backed away from Embry. Then he concentrated, picturing his father as a wolf, trying to imagine it being real. Finally, he felt his whole body become just a little hotter and he shook, convulsed more appropriately, until he realized he was on all fours, he was much warmer, and his eyesight had become to the level of when he was in his vampiric form. He tried to speak, but all that came out was the slightest whimper of a bark.
Kevin! Kevin heard Jacob's voice in an instant.
Dad! Dad, it happened! Embry and I had to force it but.. he stopped and looked at Embry, realizing he'd not changed yet, but was instead gawking at Kevin. Well, he will in a second. Embry, Kevin pushed the thought into Embry's head.Embry, try to change. Our dads are still on patrol.
Ask Embry if he's alright! Embry Sr. asked suddenly.
He's fine, uncle, Kevin said. We're all okay. Seth is alright and so are we.
Not sure how,Jacob said when he heard Kevin's thought about the trenches and the battles they'd fought. It sounds miserable.
It could always be worse, Kevin said. Dad, I'm a Corporal! I'm the youngest Corporal in the unit! I caught a live grenade and threw it into the enemy's trenches! Sgt. Stanley promoted me saying it was an act of bravery.
I'm glad to hear it, Kevin, Jacob said. I can't wait to tell your mother. She'll be so proud of you.
You have no idea how nice it is to hear your voice, dad. I knew this would be hard, but knowing just doesn't prepare you for missing family.
We miss you too,Jacob said. Finally, there was a roar uttered and Embry Jr. shifted at last as Kevin had. He was a strange color combination. In fact, his coat was reminiscent of the feathers he had when he was a bird. The whole top half of him was black while his front and back paws, chest, part of his neck, bottom jaw and underbelly were a light brown. Now that Embry was a wolf, Kevin was able to see, through his eyes, and by virtue everyone else's, that his coat, while brown, was more of a reddish color like Renesmee's hair.
Embry! Embry Sr. yelled when Embry Jr. was finally a wolf.
Dad! Embry Jr. replied. Oh my God, we miss you guys!
Your mother will have a few choice words for you when you come home, Embry Sr. laughed.
Have all the choice words you want! I'll take them gladly once we're home, Embry Jr. said.
We'll hold you to that, Jacob chuckled. And don't worry, we won't tell your mothers about-
Yes, please don't tell mom, Kevin said. I don't even remember her name. Isn't that terrible.
I'm shocked you even bothered asking, Embry Jr. said.
It's called being courteous, Embry, Kevin said.
You know what's courteous? Contributing instead of just lying there like a log! That's courteous.
Make sure you adjust that attitude, boy, Embry Sr. said. You'll never get a woman to love you saying things like that. Embry Jr. just grumbled and everyone had a laugh. Also: Tatter?
Shut up, Embry grumbled more and everyone laughed again. Kevin retold the whole story while Embry laid down on the ground lowly growling from irritation.
Unfortunately, they couldn't talk for very long. Embry and Kevin needed to return to the front before they got in trouble. So after talking for about twenty minutes, Kevin and Embry told their fathers goodbye and that they'd come talk to them again as soon as they were able. By the time they all stopped talking, the sun has still only barely peaking onto the horizon. Jacob and Embry went right home to tell Renesmee and Caevia that they'd been able to talk to the boys. Jacob jumped in through the balcony and went right to Renesmee, crawling into bed with her under the covers. Renesmee twitched when she felt Jacob's slightly cold skin from being outside, but he warmed up rather quick.
"Renesmee," Jacob whispered in her ear. "They changed. We were able to talk to the boys." Renesmee's eyes shot open and she looked at Jacob.
"You did? How are they? Are they alright?"
"They're alright," Jacob said. "Kevin's a Corporal now. Apparently he lunged for a live grenade and threw it out of the trenches."
Renesmee sighed, "Uncle Jasper will love that story. "Did they receive the letters and the socks?"
"Yes, they did," Jacob nodded. "They've already written us letters in response."
"When do you think you'll be able to talk to them again?" Renesmee asked.
"They weren't sure, but they promised they would come back to talk as soon as possible."
"Alright," Renesmee said and gave Jacob a kiss. "Did you tell Kevin I love him?"
"Yes, I did," Jacob smiled. "I think they'll be alright, Renesmee."
"I hope so," Renesmee said.