"Y'all HID, KNOWING she was reliving a HORRIBLE experience, TRUSTIN' ME! ME! NOT YOU! AN' YET YOU STAYED AN' LISTENED ANYWAY!" Eugene roared at Bill, George, Joe, Skip, Carwood, and Dick.
The men stood there, in the medic bay, taking the lecture, knowing they deserved it. Eugene paced up and down the room like a drill Sergeant.
Alice had been taken back home, exhausted from her collapse of grief. Once Eugene knew she was safe and tucked into bed, asleep, he was able to leave her. He stormed back to the medical bay, finding the eavesdroppers still there, ready with a story to explain themselves, but he wouldn't have it.
"SHE HAD ENOUGH DEATH IN HER LIFE TO MAKE HER CRUMBLE AT THE MERE THOUGHT OF LOSING TWO OF YOU HERE, AN' YOU HAVE THE BALLS TO COME IN HERE AFTA SHE TELLS ME, SOMEONE SHE TRUSTS ENOUGH NOT TO GOSSIP LIKE A CHURCH WOMAN, AND HOLD HER AS IF SHE TOLD YOU! Y'ALL ARE GROWN ASS MEN, YET Y'ALL LISTENED IN LIKE IT WAS A JACK BENNY PROGRAM. HOW DARE YOU!"
The men looked down at their feet.
Eugene rounded on Dick. "AND YOU, SIR. YOU HAVE ALL TH' RESPECT I CAN HAVE IN A RANKING OFFICER! YET HOW COULD YOU SIT THERE, ON YO' ASS, LISTENING TO THIS GIRL GIVE HER STORY IN CONFIDENCE?"
Dick swallowed. "I have no good explanation, Doc." He responded quietly.
"EXACTLY! Y'all owe Miss Alice an apology." Gene's voice began to grow hoarse.
"Look, Doc-" Bill began but was cut off by a murderous look in Gene's eye.
"No!" Gene barked. "You don't get to speak, Gaurnere. It was because of you she needed to see me today. Yo' actions-"
"We already went over that!" Bill argued.
"I WASN'T DONE!" Gene roared back.
"That's enough!" Nixon startled the rest of the men. "Everyone out! Except you Roe, you and I need to have a chat."
Everyone listened, Dick giving Lewis an expression of gratitude and silent plea to go easy on Gene as he walked out.
Lewis lit a cigarette and offered one to Gene. Gene took it, lighting it himself.
They stood in silence for a minute.
"How long?" Lewis asked, eyeing Gene.
"How long, Sir?" Gene asked.
"How long have you held a torch for Miss Black?" Lewis clarified.
Gene took a long drag from the cigarette.
"Since we met, if that's believable."
"It is."
"If y'don't mind me askin', Sir. What does that have t-"
"To do with the fact that I caught you screaming yourself hoarse at a superior officer, platoon leader, and a few of your comrades?" Lewis interrupted pointedly. "Nothing other than you could be kicked out, court martialed, or shot, or all of the above if you weren't a medic. From what I couldn't help but hear you scream, Miss Black wouldn't take that very well."
Gene inhaled sharply and looked away.
"Doc, I get that you have feelings for this woman. I get you are being protective of her. But you need to remember where you are, who you are, what you are, and what we're getting ready for. Save your energy and use it to help soldiers, not to tear them a new asshole every time they upset your girl."
"She's not my girl, sir."
"Yet. Not your girl yet." Lewis corrected. "I didn't hear what she told you in confidence, but if it's something as major as you made it sound, and she meant for it to be for your ears only, then she will be your girl. Perhaps she's waiting for you to make the move."
Gene looked at Lewis, chewing on the inside of his lip.
It struck Lewis how young the man was. For all he knew, this could be the first time the man, or boy could have developed these kinds of feelings for someone.
"How old are you, son?" Lewis asked casually.
Gene looked down at his feet. "Twenty-one, Sir."
"Twenty-one? When's your birthday?" Lewis fought to keep the casual attitude.
"Five days ago, Sir. So... uh, last week. The seventeenth, Sir." Gene puffed on his cigarette, looking up at Lewis.
"Happy Birthday, then."
"Uh... Thank you, sir."
"Listen, make a move on your girl and please don't yell at anybody unless they fuck up with a wounded soldier. Got it?"
"Yes Sir."
"Good. Here." Lewis reached in his pocket pulled out a package of cigarettes and tossed it to Gene. "Take this, it's a birthday present. Chesterfield's."
Gene caught it with sheepish smile. "Thank you, Sir."
"Don't mention it. I mean it, there's thousands of men in the military, I don't need them expecting a package of cigarettes from me every birthday." Lewis said as he walked out.
"Yes, Sir!" Gene agreed with a solute and a grin.
Lewis stepped out into the evening air, finding Dick standing near the road.
"What did you say to him?" Dick asked.
"I went easy on him. He's just a kid, he only turned twenty-one last week. Older than Gaurnere, but still, just a kid." Lewis took a sip from his flask.
Dick sighed and shook his head.
"I told him how lucky he is that he's a medic, because he would be in a hell of lot of trouble if he wasn't." Lewis said, tossing his cigarette butt. "I don't expect you to tell me what Alice had told him, I'm not sure I want to know. But damn it, Dick! What were you doing eavesdropping?"
Dick hung his head. "I saw Gaurnere, Toye, Luz, And Muck sitting on the steps. I was curious and joined them. I heard Alice speaking and listened. I would have left and tried to get everyone to join me, but the story caught my attention. I'm not saying it was right, I didn't want to reveal myself to her. When she broke, I tried to sneak away with Muck and Lipton, who joined right after me. Well, Doc saw us. He seemed so calm. He was focused on her. When he came back from taking her home, he... well...changed."
"Changed?" Lewis took another swig.
Dick nodded. "It was as if something awoke in him, if he wasn't a medic, he would be an amazing soldier. It was terrifying."
"I could hear it from down the street. Especially when he got to you." Lewis nearly laughed.
"He's usually an angel. So gentle in how he talks and listens." Dick shook his head.
"I guess today he showed the fierce protector side." Lewis shrugged.
The next day was Saturday. Eugene had a weekend pass, so he used it to check on Alice.
He thought about what Lewis had said.
He felt if he made a move today, it would be taking advantage of Alice's vulnerable state. But checking on her as a caring friend seemed innocent enough.
Eugene nervously knocked on her door, flowers in hand.
The door opened and Alice stood before him, wrapped in a blanket, eyes puffy and red. His heart clenched.
"Oh, sweet Alice!" Gene gasped softly, rushing up to Alice and taking her into his arms. "Viens ici, je t'ai."
Alice whimpered into his chest.
"Rentrons à l'intérieur, je vais vous préparer du thé."
Let's get you inside, I'll make you some tea. Gene murmured, walking her back inside.
He sat her on her bed and turned to walk to her kitchenette to make her tea. Alice grabbed his hand, stopping him.
"Can- can ye hold me?" Alice asked, her voice shaking from weeping.
"Oh, Sweetheart, o' course." Gene whispered, sitting on the bed with her.
Alice leaned into him as he wrapped his arms around her. "I want to lie down." She whimpered.
"D'accord." He spoke softly, setting down the flowers.
He adjusted them so that he was cradling her while laying with her.
"Belle Alice, comme j'aimerais pouvoir enlever ta douleur." Gene muttered into her hair.
Beautiful Alice, how I wish I could take your pain away.
Alice sniffed and let out a shaky sigh, nuzzling her face in his chest.
She could hear his heartbeat, comfort like relief washed over her. She was able to relax.
"I shouldn't have expected you to stay last night." She croaked out. "Ye were gone when I awoke and I didn't know what t'do with meself."
Eugene held her tight, tears stinging his own eyes. "Je suis désolé." He whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I would have stayed if I could."
"I understand." Alice sighed.
They lay in silence, hearing nothing but the wind against the walls and the rustling of the leaves. Alice's breathing became more steady and rhythmic, indicating she had fallen asleep. Eugene stroked her back gently letting his mind drift.
He pictured them in a different life. He saw them sitting on a large front porch in rocking chairs drinking sweet iced tea, listening to the sounds of low country nature. The radio playing Louie Armstrong, blonde and brunette, blue-eyed children running around in the distance.
Eugene smiled, he could almost hear Alice yelling at them to stay away from the swamps, warning them to keep an eye out for alligators.
He thought about how much his mama would love Alice.
"C'est une fille si charmante, mon fils." She would say.
She is such a lovely girl, my son.
"C'est la plus belle âme que j'ai jamais rencontrée, maman." He would reply.
She is the most beautiful soul I have ever met, mama.
"Gene..." Alice whispered.
Eugene hummed peacefully at the sound of her voice.
"Gene." Alice whispered again, touching his face.
Eugene realized he must have drifted off. He opened his eyes to see Alice's staring back at him.
"Hi." Gene rasped.
Alice smiled endearingly. "Hi."
Gene checked his watch, he had only been with her for an hour.
"Ye offered t' make me tea earlier?" Alice asked in a quiet voice.
They were at such peace, they felt as if normal volume could disturb it.
Eugene nodded, brushing some of her disheveled hair away from her face. "How do you take it?"
"One teaspoon of sugar and a splash of milk. I've tried saving me sugar rations by not havin' any in my tea, but it's just not right without it. So it's become all I use my sugar for." She explained, biting her lip.
"I'll get righ' on that then." Gene chuckled softly, slowly pulling himself away from her and sitting up. He froze, as if something dawning on him.
"I was speaking French when I offered you tea." Gene said.
"I heard th' word 'tea' but I didn't quite understand anythin' else." Alice explained.
Gene smiled. "One teaspoon of sugah and a splash of milk?"
"Oui merci." Alice nodded.
Gene felt his heart speed up and his face grow hot as he stood and stepped to her kitchenette. He suddenly felt lost as this was only his second time in her flat.
The first time he was here was the evening prior, and his main focus was getting her into bed and sitting with her until she fell asleep.
In the corner opposite of Alice's bed, which doubled as a sofa, a short bookcase worked as a make-shift kitchenette. A hotplate, toaster, and electric kettle lined the top of it while dishes, utensils, and a small pot and small skillet were stored below. The small bench next to it held a scant amount of food, such as a loaf of bread and garden vegetables.
"The tin container with the rose painted on it." Alice guided him. "The electric kettle is next to the hot plate, you will have to unplug a lamp for the kettle."
"Ah..." Gene said, grabbing all he needed to to make her tea.
"Where did you learn to speak French so well?" Alice asked, watching him.
"My mama," Gene answered, setting the kettle to boil. "She's French Cajun."
"Cajun?"
"French settlers on the bayou in Louisiana. I'm from Bayou Chene." Gene explained, looking lost again.
Alice smiled. "Is French your first or second language? The tea cups are across from me."
Gene rushed over and grabbed her a tea cup, raising it in gratitude. "First."
"So you're fluent?"
Gene grinned. "You could say that."
"Speak some for me." Alice commanded with a wry grin.
"In case you didn't notice, Miss Alice, but I have spoken French to you several times today." Gene teased.
"So now that I am able to hear you better and am awake, you refuse?" Alice scoffed.
Gene bit his lip. "And you wouldn't understand me?" He clarified.
"No, I don't speak French. I failed at it in school."
"How much do you know?" Gene studied her as he stirred her tea.
"Only yes and thank you." Alice answered.
Gene kept his eyes on her. Stepping forward with her tea in hand, he placed the cup and saucer on her side table. He crouched in front of her catching her eyes with his.
"J'espère que nous aurons beaucoup plus de conversations comme celle-ci, dans de meilleures circonstances." He confided.
Alice blushed, despite know knowing what he said, she could somehow sense what he was communicating. "I hope we can speak more often as well."
"I thought you said you wouldn't understand me." He said, bewildered yet amused.
"I thought I wouldn't." Alice giggled, tentatively blowing on her tea before sipping it.
"Did I make it right?" Gene asked.
"Perfectly." Alice nodded.
The two sat in silence, listening to the start of a down pour of rain. There was something genuinely peaceful about being together. Alice bit her lip, thinking about the day before. It somehow felt as if it all happened weeks ago. Like a distant memory.
"About yesterday..." she began, suddenly feeling embarrassed at her breakdown.
"Shh... don't." Eugene said, shushing her and taking her hand on his.
Alice gave a pained smile. "Was I imagining things, or did Bill run in with Joe and George? I know I was lost in emotions, but"
She saw Eugene look away and nod.
"They were there?" Alice asked, panic beginning to rise in her chest.
"Yeah." Eugene bit out.
"How much d'you think they heard?" Alice was beginning to truly panic now.
Gene sighed heavily and closed his eyes. "As far I can figure, everything."
"What?" Alice shrilled.
Eugene opened his blue eyes to look into hers. Alice was breathing rapidly, tears threatening to return, a look of utter betrayal and panic written on her face.
Eugene swiftly took the cup and saucer from her other hand and laced his fingers with hers.
"They eavesdropped on us. Why? There's no good explanation. They had come t' see if y'were alright. Bill even brought flowers." Eugene explained softly yet quickly.
Alice sniffed.
"If it helps, I unleashed on 'em 'en I got back t' th' base." Gene said with a slight smirk.
Alice stared at him. "Unleashed?"
Gene nodded.
Alice felt herself smiling at the thought of this usually calm and quiet man yelling at anyone.
"I can't imagine you ever..."
"I ain't proud of it, but that's actually why I was in a hurry to get you home an' settled. I was worried you would see me explode on the men." Eugene explained.
"Nigh I almost hope t'see tha' happen some day." Alice giggled.
Gene shook his head. "Sweetheart, you do not want to see me like that. If Nixon hadn't walked in when he did to stop me..."
Alice's eyes widened. "You weren't... beating on them, were you?"
Gene shook his head. "Jus' yellin' myself hoarse."
Alice snickered. "Explains your voice today."
Gene grinned. "That noticeable?"
Alice nodded. "It's quite adorable, actually."
"Adorable?" Gene quirked a brow.
Alice's face turned pink. "Yes... Adorable."
"You think I'm adorable."
"N-no... I-I mean, yes... the voice." Alice stammered.
Gene grinned, loving how shifty and nervous Alice suddenly had become.
"Ah, jus' my voice?" Gene teased.
"No!" Alice laughed before covering her mouth and blushing hard.
"No?" Gene shuffled closer to her, their hands still laced together.
He was on his knees in front of her, their faces level with each other.
Alice leaned forward and softly placed a kiss on Gene's forehead.
A light flashed in his eyes and he lifted his head, their faces inches from each other's.
Soft breathing was all that could be heard in this moment, their lips inching closer.
Knock knock knock!
"Hey! Alice! Are you in there?" Came the voice of Skip Muck.
Alice and Gene pulled apart, embarrassed and amused.
The two looked away from each other, Gene rubbing the back of his neck, mentally cursing out Skip, and Alice nervously playing with the sleeve of her cardigan.
Knock knock!
"Alice? It's Skip! Your neighbors say you're home. I... uh... Look, I'm sorry about yesterday." Skip called through the door.
"I should probably get that." Alice whispered.
Gene nodded, looking back at her. Alice kissed his cheek.
"You can sneak out my back window, just be wary of the stinging nettles." She whispered in his ear.
Gene smiled. "I'll be seein' yah." He whispered as he rushed out the window.
Alice smiled back. "See you tomorrow, Love."
Gene felt warmth fill his heart. He hoped they could finish what they started soon.