Page 21 of Redemption
Together, we walk into the main living area and take our seats on opposite sides of the large sectional sofa situated in the corner of the room. Sadie comes in a moment later, perching herself on the carpet at her feet, the dog’s nose in the air and tongue lolling out the side of her mouth as Alessandra pets her scruff. She bites her lower lip a few times—a habit of hers when she’s overly stressed that she apparently still hasn’t overcome after all these years—before lifting her gaze to meet mine.
Gone is the manic individual who was convinced I was a figment of her imagination. The woman before me is all business and brass tacks. Brokering absolutely no bullshit.
She leans back on the sofa, folding her arms across her chest. “I only have one question for you.”
I plant my feet and incline my head, knowing this was coming sooner or later. “I’m sure you do.”
There’s a short pause, a reassuring breath, and then...
“Where in the fuck have you been, Darius?”
Part 2: Daring Maneuvers
Today, the devil whispered in my ear,
‘You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm.’
I raised my chin and simply responded,
‘Iamthe storm.’
—Adharanand Finn
British author and journalist
Chapter Nine
Dare
February, one year ago…
Tuesday, 1900 E.S.T. Marine Corps Base, North Carolina
The quad is a bustling center of activity this evening. Normally, everyone would be getting ready to hit the rack—since we have a battalion run scheduled at zero-dark-thirty tomorrow—but plenty are still milling about, working through their earlier transgressions.
Off to the right, four young PFCs grunt under the heavy weight of a cargo trolley perched on each of their shoulders. Their voices ring out into the night, proudly announcing, “This is not a toy!” I smile and shift my gaze directly across the lawn to the poor, unfortunate soul facing the bricked wall of the barracks opposite mine. He just couldn’t keep his hands to himself during the PT run this morning, so his Staff Sergeant told him thatif he wanted to touch somebody so badly, he should go touch himself. His arm is outstretched in front of him, placed atop his own shadow on the rough wall. He’s been chasing it for the past hour and a half singing the lyrics to I Touch Myself by Divinyls while the actual song is being played via Bluetooth in his ear. His voicesqueaks on one of the notes, forcing a chuckle from my lips as I shake my head at the punishment.
Over to the right, there’s a lone Private stomping through the area, frustrated beyond all belief. Poor bastard was late for formation this morning by three hours, hungover and half-dressed on a damn Tuesday of all days. In return for his tardiness and disheveled state, I sent his ass to look for chem-light batteries. Little does he know, they don’t actually exist. The thought brightens the smile on my face, completely pleased with myself and my choice of punishment—or, in my eyes, harmless prank he’ll most definitely learn from. Then, lastly, there’s the handful of others walking the length of the quad separating each of the barracks, picking up everything and anything that isn’t grass or dirt. They’ll learn quickly enough that you don’t toss your cigarette butts on the ground like a filthy animal.
Forty-five minutes later, they finally finish their penance, and I’m able to go home, sit back, and relax.
I talk to a few friends on the phone. Shower. Eat dinner. Catch up on a show that aired earlier in the week. And now I’m in bed.
Alone.
It was another day.
So very similar to yesterday. And the day before.
And nothing like I wish it could’ve been.
I tuck in under the covers and turn my gaze to the empty place next to mine. And just like I do every night, I reach a hand over to where she used to be, searching for what I lost. What I was stupid enough to turn away from. My eyes close as I let my consciousness drift away and allow all the memories to flood in,allowing me to live vicariously through the dreams I wished were a reality.
∞∞∞
Wednesday morning, 0600 E.S.T., Marine Corps Base, North Carolina
“Fall in! Attention!”
